Fibromyalgia is a condition characterized by tenderness and sensitivity to touch in multiple points of your body, according to Dr. James Balch and Mark Stengler, authors of "Prescription for Natural Cures." This condition also produces symptoms such as fatigue, muscle aches, depression, digestive distress and cognitive impairment. There is no known cause of fibromyalgia, although toxins and frequent viral infections may contribute to the development of this condition. Fibromyalgia has no known cure, but certain natural vitamins may help relieve pain and other symptoms. Talk to your doctor before treating fibromyalgia symptoms with vitamins.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is essential for maintaining a healthy immune system, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. It is also an antioxidant, which may help prevent muscle and tissue damage caused by toxins and free radicals. Vitamin C stimulates the production of serotonin and anti-stress hormones, which may help alleviate anxiety and depression associated with fibromyalgia. Because your body cannot produce vitamin C, you must obtain it from supplements or food sources. You can boost your vitamin C intake by consuming spinach, broccoli, blackberries, bell peppers and citrus fruits.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12, also called cobalamin, promotes the proper digestion and absorption of vitamins and nutrients from foods, which enhances brain and muscle function, according to Dr. James Balch and Phyllis Balch, authors of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." This vitamin may also prevent nerve damage by enhancing the production of fats that coat nerve endings -- this may help reduce the pain of fibromyalgia. Although you can obtain this vitamin from B complex supplements, it is available naturally in red meats, poultry, fish, dairy products and eggs.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is an essential vitamin for preventing muscle weakness, according to the Balches. this may help prevent loss of coordination, muscle pain and other symptoms of fibromyalgia. Vitamin D also enhances your body's ability to use calcium, which is necessary for strong bones. This vitamin is an immune-system enhancer and may help your body ward off infections and toxins that can exacerbate fibromyalgia symptoms. You can obtain natural vitamin D from eggs, fish liver oil, dandelion greens, dairy products and tuna.
References
- "Prescription for Natural Cures"; James F. Balch, M.D. and Mark Stengler, N.D.; 2004
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Fibromyalgia
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; James F. Balch, M.D. and Phyllis A Balch, C.N.C.; 1997
