Natural Treatment Options for Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a disease that affects the muscles and soft tissues of your body. Its main symptoms are chronic, widespread pain, sensitive trigger points in the body, fatigue, and depression. People with Fibromyalgia can also suffer from other illnesses, such as irritable bowel syndrome. There is no known cure or universally accepted treatment for Fibromyalgia. In researching this article, it seemed that the majority of information provided leaned in the direction of treating the symptoms (fatigue, pain, depression) rather than the disease as a whole. Please note that this article does not constitute or replace medical advice and that if you have or suspect you have Fibromyalgia you should see your health care provider. Below I have noted some dietary adjustments, nutritional supplements and other natural treatment options that may offer some relief to patients suffering from Fibromyalgia.

• Dietary Adjustments

Increase Iron Intake - treats fatigue. Low iron levels can contribute to fatigue, exhaustion, and headaches, all common symptoms of Fibromyalgia. Try incorporating iron rich foods into your diet, including red meat, chicken, eggs and liver. Also avoid certain foods that inhibit the absorption of iron, including excessive intake of tea and coffee. ("Iron Rich Foods and Their Needs") Avoid excessive iron intake, however, as too much iron can build up to a toxic level that can damage the liver, pancreas, and heart. The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of iron, established by the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Academy of Science, is between 10 and 18 milligrams per day for adults. ("Nutrition - Iron")

Decrease Certain Trigger Foods - treats flare ups of other conditions associated with Fibromyalgia. There are certain foods that can cause a flare up of symptoms for sufferers of Fibromyalgia who have other conditions as well. For example, between 50 and 75% of people with Fibromyalgia also suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Limiting the following foods in your diet may help to prevent the flare-up of symptoms of this condition: chocolate, alcohol, caffeine, and very fatty foods. ("Healthy Lifestyle Changes for Fibromyalgia: Diet") And almost all sources on Fibromyalgia recommend a healthy, balanced diet, high in fresh fruit and vegetables and whole grains. Certain foods can also trigger headaches and migraines. Try limiting red wine, aged cheeses, and foods with additives such as hot dogs, pepperoni and bacon. ("Frequently Asked Questions About Food Triggers, Migraines, and Headaches")

Add Omega-3 Fatty Acids - treats pain. Omega-3 fatty acids have been found to ease joint pain. Increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids by eating more salmon, flax seeds, and walnuts (the three highest food sources). Halibut, shrimp and tofu are also good sources. ("What Can High Omega 3 Foods Do For You?")

• Nutritional Supplements

St. John's Wort - treats depression. St. John's Wort has been shown to be effective in treating depression, one of the symptoms of Fibromyalgia. Studies have shown that St. John's Wort can be as effective as some antidepressants in treating depression. ("WebMD. Fibromyalgia Guide. Fibromyalgia Herbs and Supplements") St. John's Wort can also help to improve your sleep quality. ("Fibromyalgia") Check with your doctor before taking St. John's Wort as it has been known to cause drug interactions, especially if you are already taking antidepressants.

Melatonin - treats pain and sleep difficulties. Melatonin is a natural hormone that is available as a supplement over the counter. Preliminary findings show that melatonin may be effective in treating Fibromyalgia pain, as well as sleep problems and fatigue. Melatonin can induce drowsiness and improve sleep patterns ("Fibromyalgia Guide: Fibromyalgia Herbs and Supplements")

• Other Natural Treatment Options.

Meditation - treats pain and sleep difficulties. Studies at Harvard showed that mindfulness meditation (a type of meditation that teaches you to focus on concentrating on the here and now) can reduce the pain of Fibromyalgia. ("Alternative Treatment Options for Fibromyalgia") Meditation has also been shown to be effective in improving sleep patterns and reducing fatigue. ("Fibromyalgia Symptoms - Meditation")

Therapeutic Massage - treats pain. One of the oldest methods of health care in practice, massage involves techniques designed to move your body's muscles and soft tissues, increasing blood circulation to the muscle. ("Fibromyalgia") Massage promotes relaxation, loosens tight muscles, relieves pain and muscle spasms, and reduces trigger points, all benefits which can help the patient deal with various symptoms of this condition. ("Alternative Treatment Options for Fibromyalgia")

List of Sources

Author:

Page Title: "Iron Rich Foods and Their Needs," www.bloodindex.org/iron_rich_food.php

Site Title: www.bloodindex.org.

Author: Jams Krider, MD

Page Title: Nutrition - Iron www.formulamedical.com/topics/nutriton/iron.com

Site Title: www.formulamedical.com

Author: Lynne Matallanao

Page Title: Healthy Lifestyle Changes for Fibromyalgia: Diet www.prohealth.com/library/showarticle.cfm?id=6904&t=CFIDS_FM

Excerpt from "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Fibromyalgia" Chapter 16. "Healthy Lifestyle Changes: Exercise and Diet"

Author: No author iisted

Page Title: Frequently Asked Questions About Food Triggers, Migraines, and Headaches. http://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/guide/triggers-specific-foods

Site Title: www.webmd.com

Author: No author listed

Page Title: "What Can High Omega 3 Foods Do For You?" http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=nutrient&dbid=84

Site Title: www.whfoods.com

Author: No author listed

Page Title: WebMd. Fibromyalgia Guide. Fibromyalgia Herbs and Supplements. www.webmd.com/fibromyalgia/duide/fibromyalgia-herbs-ad-supplements

Site Title: webmd.com

Author:

Page Title: "Fibromyalgia Symptoms" http://www.fibromyalgia-symptoms.org/fibromyalgia_meditation.html

Site Title: www.fibromyalgia-symptoms.org

Author: Dr. Michael Murray

Page Title: "Fibromyalgia" http://www.doctormurray.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=91

Site Title: www.doctormurray.com

Author:

Page Title:" Alternative Treatment Options for Fibromyalgia," National Fibromyalgia Association www.fmaware.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&ID=6135

Site Title: www.fmaware.org.

Author: No author listed

Page Title: Fibromyalgia www.mayoclinic.com/health/fibromyalgia/DS00079

Site Title: www.mayoclinic.com