Fibromyalgia is a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by multiple tender points, fatigue and pain in the muscles and tendons. Anxiety, depression, sleep disorders and irritable bowel syndrome also tend to co-exist with fibromyalgia. Certain supplements can help reduce inflammation, pain and other fibromyalgia symptoms, but some supplements are toxic in high doses. You should therefore consult with your health-care practitioner before taking any new supplement.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, and it can help protect your muscles from free radical induced damage, reduce inflammation and support your immune system. Phyllis Balch says in her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing" that vitamin C has a powerful anti-viral effect and can help to increase energy levels and reduce fatigue. Balch recommends taking between 5,000 and 10,000mg daily and choosing a supplement that also contains bioflavonoids, which are thought to maximize the absorption of vitamin C in your body.
Fish Oil
Omega-3 essential fatty acids, such as those found in fish oil supplements can help decrease inflammation, improve depressive symptoms and improve immunity. Balch says that they can also protect against cell damage and help to reduce pain and fatigue. For therapeutic purposes, the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition, or CSNN, recommends checking the label for the EPA and DHA content and taking 1 to 2g of combined EPA and DHA daily. Alternatively, consider taking a cod liver oil supplement, which is a type of fish oil that also naturally contains vitamin A and D. Vitamin A is a potent antioxidant that can also help to reduce inflammation, and vitamin D helps to support the immune system and to prevent muscle and skeletal weakness.
Magnesium
Magnesium is a mineral that helps relax the muscles, and a deficiency of it is common in fibromyalgia sufferers. According to the Pro Health website, a magnesium deficiency can worsen fibromyalgia symptoms such as fatigue, muscle spasms and pain. Balch says that magnesium also supports muscle cell function and is needed for the production of energy. It may be especially beneficial for fibromyalgia sufferers who also experience sleep disturbances. CSNN says that it helps relax the nervous system and encourages a restful sleep. UMM recommends taking 200mg of magnesium and combining it with 1,200mg malic acid, three times daily. If you have kidney disease, talk to you doctor before supplementing with magnesium.
Chlorella
Chlorella is a blue-green algae that may be beneficial when taken as a supplement. One clinical study found that participants taking a specific dose of 10g of chlorella tablets and 100 ml of a liquid chlorella extract, showed a significant improvement in fibromyalgia symptoms. Chlorella is antioxidant-ric, and it also contains many beneficial nutrients for fibromyalgia sufferers, including protein, carbohydrates, beta carotene, B vitamins, vitamin C and E, amino acids and trace minerals. It also contains chlorophyll, which helps cleanse the body and blood of toxins. Balch says that chlorophyll helps increase energy and reduce muscle pain. Although a chlorella supplement is unlikely to be harmful, UMM warns that there is not yet enough evidence to support the use of it for the treatment of fibromyalgia.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis Balch; 2003
- "Pathology and Nutrition"; The Canadian School of Natural Nutrition; Lilieana Stradler Mitrea; 2008
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Fibromyalgia
- Pro Health: Fibromyalgia Nutrition Basics: Common Deficiencies, Symptoms, and Supplement Strategies
