According to the University of Washington School of Medicine, fibromyalgia -- a condition characterized by generalized muscle pain and fatigue -- affects 3.4 percent of American women and 0.5 percent of American men. Although fibromyalgia does not damage your body, it is often a chronic, or long-term, condition. Before taking nutritional supplements to help treat your fibromyalgia, review the risks and benefits of these substances with your doctor.
About Fibromyalgia and Health
Although there is no known cause of fibromyalgia, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center, some evidence suggests that dysfunction in your body's usual pain perception processes may be to blame. Fibromyalgia, a condition more common among women than men, may cause numerous signs and symptoms, including generalized pain, morning stiffness, sleeping problems, fatigue, tingling in certain parts of your body, increased sensitivity to light touch, depression, dizziness, anxiety and pain or discomfort following physical exertion.
Useful Nutritional Supplements
There are many nutritional supplements that may be useful in treating your fibromyalgia. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, some of the most commonly used nutritional supplements for this condition include non-herbal supplements such as 5-hydroxytryptophan, magnesium, quercetin and S-adenosylmethionine. Useful herbal supplements, notes the Center, include astragalus, gotu kola and skullcap. Boswellia and kava kava may also be helpful. More scientific research evidence may be required to validate the purported health benefits of these supplements.
Supplement in Focus
Gotu kola is a nutritional supplement that may be frequently prescribed to help treat fibromyalgia. According to expert herbalist Ed Smith, author of "Therapeutic Herb Manual," gotu kola improves the integrity and vascularization of your connective tissues and is used in treating a wide range of health problems, including connective tissue disorders, fatigue, sleep disorders and depression. Various parts of the gotu kola plant, including its nuts, roots and seeds, are used medicinally.
Warning
Fibromyalgia is a common condition that may reduce your quality of life and affect your ability to perform your daily activities. If you suffer from fibromyalgia, meet with your family physician to review all treatment methods, including natural treatment methods such as nutritional supplements. Use great caution when ingesting nutritional supplements, as some supplements may cause undesired health effects, especially if they are used incorrectly. Always follow your health care provider's instructions about when and how to use nutritional supplements.
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