Supplement Treats For Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that affects about 2 percent of Americans, according to MayoClinic.com. This condition produces widespread pain in your muscles and joints, as well as lethargy, lack of mental focus and muscle tenderness. Symptoms may be affected by stress, weather conditions and diet. There is no known cure for fibromyalgia; however, supplements may help you manage symptoms.

Check with your doctor if you plan to take supplements to treat fibromyalgia.

Multi-Vitamin Supplements

Multi-vitamin supplements may help reduce symptoms of fibromyalgia, including stiffness, muscle pain and fatigue. These supplements typically contain antioxidants, such as vitamins A, E and C and D, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. These antioxidants may inhibit the activity of free radical molecules, preventing them from damaging the cells of your muscles and connective tissues. Vitamin E may also enhance circulation, increasing the availability of nutrients to your joints and muscles. They also typically contain B-vitamins, which may improve brain and nervous system function.

Coenzyme Q-10

Coenzyme Q-10, also known as ubiquinone, may improve the flow of blood through your circulatory system, providing vitamins, minerals and oxygen to your muscle cells, according to Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." It may also enhance your immune system, warding off viruses and bacteria that may damage muscle tissues and increase pain and inflammation. Coenzyme Q-10 may also enhance brain function, easing mental confusion known as "fibro-fog."

Cayenne

Cayenne pepper is a hot pepper that contains capsaicin, a chemical compound that produces heat. Capsaicin may help relieve joint and muscle pain associated with fibromyalgia, according to Balch. Pain reduction may be caused by the inhibition of neurotransmitters that relay pain sensations to your brain. Check with your physician before treating fibromyalgia pain with cayenne supplements -- they may cause stomach upset.

Skullcap

Skullcap is an herb first used by early Chinese physicians as a sedative and tranquilizer. It grows throughout temperate areas of the United States and southern Canada. Skullcap supplements may reduce fibromyalgia-related sleep disturbances, allowing you to enjoy deep sleep, according to Balch. This may enhance your body's ability to heal muscle tissues, reducing pain and stiffness. Talk to your doctor before using skullcap supplements to treat sleep problems related to fibromyalgia. Although side effects are uncommon, this herb may cause diarrhea or stomach pains.