Are There Any Vitamins for
Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a terrible condition to have – one that
causes generalized pain and sensitivity all over a sufferer's body. Worse, it's
not fully understood by doctors, so there are few treatment options available.
If you are suffering from fibromyalgia, you may be
researching potential alternative treatments that can help to alleviate some of
your symptoms. Though there aren't rigorous scientific studies on any of these,
anecdotal and experiential evidence suggests that many sufferers are finding
some relief by taking one or a combination of the following supplements and
vitamins for fibromyalgia:
1.
5-HTP-This
is a chemical synthesized from tryptophan, the substance found in foods such as
turkey and milk. It is thought to help increase the amount of serotonin
produced in the brain, which in turn helps alleviate some of the symptoms of
fibromyalgia.
2.
Capsicum-Many
people know of capsaicin, a chemical found in red chili peppers that makes food
spicy and may promote weight loss, but the fruit of the red pepper plant can
also be used to create capsicum, and may be effective in treating muscle pain and
other fibromyalgia symptoms.
3.
Magnesium-This
is a mineral that everyone's body needs. It's present in large amounts in our
internal systems, and it is vital to hundreds of chemical reactions our bodies
perform every day. If you have normal magnesium levels, you may not find this
particularly effective, but there is some research that suggests fibromyalgia
is worsened by a magnesium deficiency. Magnesium deficiencies are actually
quite common in Americans, especially among the elderly and the
African-American populations.
4.
SAMe-This
is a naturally occurring chemical in the body that is used to treat
osteoarthritis, arthritis, migraines, and more. Around the world, many
countries require a prescription for SAMe, but in the U.S., it is one of the
most commonly purchased vitamins for fibromyalgia, and it is available over the
counter.
5.
Vitamin D-A
recent study in Austria found that people suffering from chronic pain due to
fibromyalgia may get some relief by taking Vitamin D. Researchers found an
association between decreased pain levels and this particular supplementation;
however, they couldn't establish a cause-and-effect link, so more scientific
study is necessary. Vitamin D is one of the most common and inexpensive
vitamins for fibromyalgia, and it's nearly impossible to get too much (so long
as you don't exceed 2,000 IUs per day for adults and 1,000 IU per day for
infants.)
There are many more supplements and vitamins for
fibromyalgia currently undergoing scientific study and review. Those listed
above, in combination with treatments prescribed by your doctor, may help you
find some relief.
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