Fibromyalgia is a musculoskeletal disorder that occurs when pressure is applied to specific locations on your body, such as the back of your head, chest, shoulders, neck, knees, elbows and hips. Symptoms of fibromyalgia can include muscular pain, tenderness and weakness, fatigue, sleep disturbances, mental fogginess and mood swings. The exact cause varies, but genetics, infections, stress, certain medical conditions and physical or emotional trauma appear to contribute to this condition. A variety of vitamins can help manage fibromyalgia and ease symptoms associated with the condition.
Vitamin B-12
Vitamin B-12, also known as cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin that repairs damaged muscle tissues, strengthens weak muscles, improves nervous system function, increases your energy level, regulates your moods, aids in red blood cell production and alleviates muscle pain and tenderness, according to Carolyn Chambers Clark, author of the book "Holistic Nursing Approach to Chronic Disease." Foods rich in vitamin B-12 include plain yogurt, roasted ham, chicken, white tuna, beef, salmon, clams, milk, Swiss cheese and eggs.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that strengthens your immune system and protects your body from harmful free radicals that can trigger or worsen fibromyalgia, according to Lavon Dunne, author of the book "Nutrition Almanac." Dunne says that vitamin C also transports oxygen, nutrients and blood to your muscles and tissues, accelerates the healing process, soothes inflamed muscles, eases muscle pain and tenderness, eliminates fatigue and prevents insomnia, which can aggravate fibromyalgia. Foods rich in vitamin C include raspberries, cranberries, pineapples, grapefruits, oranges, turnip greens, spinach and tomatoes.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that eases sore muscles, promotes sound sleep, reduces muscle inflammation, repairs damaged muscle tissues, aids in the healing process, decreases oxidative stress in your body, improves muscle weakness and reduces the severity of fibromyalgia, according to Charles Vierck, Elizabeth Vierck and Stuart Kassan, authors of the book "Chronic Pain for Dummies." Foods rich in vitamin D include mackerel, mushrooms, sardines, catfish, salmon, cod liver oil, fortified milk and eggs.
Magnesium
Magnesium is a trace mineral that improves fatigue, repairs damaged muscle tissues, alleviates muscle pain, headaches and mental fogginess, boosts your energy level, supports healthy nerves, regulates muscle contractions and prevents frequent fibromyalgia flares, according to Daniel Wallace and Janice Brock Wallace, authors of the book "Fibromyalgia: An Essential Guide for Patients and Their Families." Foods rich in magnesium include peanuts, soy milk, whole-grain cereals, whole-wheat breads, spinach, pumpkin seeds, broccoli, halibut and oysters.
References
- "Fibromyalgia for Dummies"; Roland Staud and Christine Adamec; 2008
- "Fibromyalgia: An Essential Guide for Patients and Their Families"; Daniel J. Wallace and Janice Brock Wallace; 2003
- "Chronic Pain for Dummies"; Charles J. Vierck, Elizabeth Vierck and Stuart S. Kassan; 2008
- "Nutrition Almanac"; Lavon J. Dunne; 2001
- "Holistic Nursing Approach to Chronic Disease"; Carolyn Chambers Clark; 2004
