Fibromyalgia Supplement

Fibromyalgia is characterized by chronic and widespread pain in various body structures, including muscles, tendons and other tissues. The cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, but it is associated with sleep difficulties, depression and fatigue. Certain dietary supplements have been used as adjunct therapy in treating this condition. Review supplement-related topics with your doctor before using supplements to help treat your fibromyalgia.

Background

Fibromyalgia, notes the Arthritis Research U.K. website, may affect about one person in every 50. Some of the most commonly experienced symptoms include diffuse or focal pain, fatigue, poor circulation, numbness and tingling in the extremities, headache, irritability, mild depression, reduced ability to concentrate and changes in bowel habits. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and your experience of this health problem may be quite different from somebody else's.

Helpful Supplements

Dietary supplements, including both herbal and nonherbal supplements, may relieve fibromyalgia-related symptoms and improve your quality of life, although scientific research may not support the use of all supplements historically used for this health purpose. The University of Maryland Medical Center lists several herbs that may be helpful in treating fibromyalgia, including skullcap, astragalus, 5-hydroxytryptophan, magnesium, quercetin, gotu kola and S-adenosylmethionine, or SAMe. Acidophilus, lecithin and coenzyme Q10 may also be helpful.

Highlighted Supplement

Skullcap, notes master herbalist Ed Smith, author of "Therapeutic Herb Manual," has historically been used in treating numerous fibromyalgia-related symptoms, including insomnia, anxiety, depression and nervous system irritation. Skullcap may be a helpful adjunct therapy in treating rheumatic disorders, fatigue and muscle cramps, pain and spasms. Both the leaves and the shoots of this plant are used in making herbal supplements.

Warning

Not all dietary supplements may be appropriate for you or your health condition. If you have fibromyalgia and are interested in using herbs to control your symptoms, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of conservative health measures, such as herbal and nonherbal supplementation. Supplements may cause significant changes within your body and trigger allergic reactions, and they should always be used with the utmost caution and care.