Are There Any Vitamins for Fibromyalgia?

Millions of people suffer from fibromyalgia, an enigmatic disease characterized by chronic pain, chronic fatigue, and a host of other symptoms afflicting multiple body systems. There is no known cure for fibromyalgia, but there are some vitamin supplements that may help with some of the symptoms. Helpful vitamins for fibromyalgia include:

 • 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)
• Alpha hydroxy acids
 • Magnesium
• Probiotic supplements

Although taking vitamins for fibromyalgia cannot cure the disease, they may help allay some of the many symptoms of the disorder, including pain, fatigue, digestive problems, and mood irregularities.

5-HTP for Fibromyalgia

5-hydroxytryptophan, (5-HTP) is a molecule that is converted by the body into the neurotransmitter serotonin. Many researchers believe that people with fibromyalgia may have low serotonin levels, which are associated with the fatigue, sleep disturbances, pain issues, and mood problems that are often found in this disorder. The recommended dosage of a 5-HTP supplement is 50-500 mg. It is often recommended to begin with a low dose and then increase the dosage gradually. Individuals who are on an SSRI or other drug that affects serotonin levels should use caution when taking a 5-HTP supplement.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids and Magnesium for Fibromyalgia

Alpha hydroxy acids are found in fruits. One type of acid within this group is malic acid, found in apples. In people with fibromyalgia, malic acid may help to relieve joint pain, especially when taken along with supplemental magnesium. A recommended dosage of malic acid is 1200-2400 mg and is often taken along with 300-600 mg of magnesium. The magnesium is important for the process of transporting the malic acid to the brain, where it plays a role in maintaining optimal serotonin levels.

Probiotics for Fibromyalgia

Gastrointestinal symptoms are common in fibromyalgia. These often take the form of nausea, constipation, or diarrhea. Probiotic supplements contain microflora, which are endosymbiotic microbes essential for digestion. In addition to the benefits of probiotics for digestion, recent studies have indicated that probiotics, especially those involving the bacterium, lactobacillus rhamnosus, may help to improve mood and facilitate better responses to stressful situations.

SAMe for Fibromyalgia

S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) is a naturally occurring compound that helps with many functions in the human body. Supplements of SAMe have been shown to be effective for some pain disorders, such as osteoarthritis. It may also function to elevate depressed mood, although researchers are not quite clear on the mechanisms by which this occurs. Especially in an injectable form, SAMe can help treat the pain, fatigue, morning stiffness, and depressed mood that often occur in fibromyalgia.

Melatonin for Fibromyalgia

There is not yet an adequate amount of research into the use of melatonin to treat sleep-related symptoms of fibromyalgia. Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that is involved in the regulation of the sleep-wake cycle. Melatonin supplements are available over-the-counter as a sleep aid, and could potentially be helpful in normalizing the sleep-wake cycle in the context of fibromyalgia. Vitamins for fibromyalgia cannot cure the disease, but there are some supplements that may be helpful in treating some of the symptoms. 5-HTP and SAMe may help with abnormalities in serotonin level, which cause a depressed mood in people with fibromyalgia. Melatonin may be helpful for regulating the sleep-wake cycle, and magnesium and malic acid may help the chronic pain that is characteristic of the disease.

NEUROFEEDBACK FOR FIBROMYALGIA AND CHRONIC PAIN

Addressing Your Fibromyalgia Prognosis

After being diagnosed, many people seek to address and understand their fibromyalgia prognosis. Fibromyalgia is a complicated, chronic condition that can cause a lot of emotional and physical distress for sufferers. Fortunately, the prognosis is not definite. Patients have shown a range of responses to different fibromyalgia treatments, but there is hope of improving your symptoms – especially if you’re proactive. 

Long-Term Outlook 

When looking at your fibromyalgia prognosis it is important to understand how different people’s experiences with the disorder can be. There is no definitive answer for whether your symptoms will worsen or improve. Each year we get closer to understanding the disorder, but here are some facts we know as of now:

·         Doctors who extensively treat fibromyalgia estimate that around 1/3 of patients will make significant improvements, 1/3 will stay the same, and 1/3 will experience worsening symptoms.

·         Fibromyalgia sufferers experience greater psychological distress and a greater impact on quality of life than those with other chronic pain conditions, and require treatment to address symptoms on a range of levels.

·         Research shows that patients treated with a multidisciplinary approach including medication, physical, and mental therapy showed the most significant response to treatment. 

Finding Relief 

One positive thing about your fibromyalgia prognosis is that every year more research is done to find effective treatment. Over the past decade the medical community has made great strides in better diagnosing and relieving the chronic pain disorder. It is generally recognized that as everyone’s experience with fibromyalgia is different, their response to treatment will be different as well. That means you and your doctor may have to experiment with different combinations of treatment to find a plan that’s effective for you. There is not one clear-cut cure, but studies have shown that many fibromyalgia sufferers find success by combining treatments to address symptoms on all sides. Some of the most effective fibromyalgia treatments include:

·         Medication – There are a number of medications available for fibromyalgia. None of them can cure the disorder on their own, but pairing them with other therapeutic treatments can increase their effect. The three most commonly prescribed medications for fibromyalgia are Lyrica, Cymbalta, and Savella.  Typically only around 35% of patients will respond to medication, and they do come with side effects, so a doctor should be consulted throughout treatment.

·         Exercise – Physical activity has been shown to be incredibly helpful for improving your long-term fibromyalgia prognosis. Studies on patients have shown that vigorous exercise is not necessary, and can actually worsen symptoms. However, some mild stretching and a short walk daily can make a big difference. Doctors suggest that fibromyalgia sufferers who get even five minutes of light exercise each day show much a much better physical prognosis over time.

·         Physical Therapy – This therapy seeks to alleviate the many consequences of fibromyalgia. It is particularly beneficial for treating the postural problems and muscle fatigue and weakness that often accompany the disorder. Physical therapy can be easily combined with other therapies to increase its benefits.

·         Neurofeedback Therapy – This brain training therapy works to redirect patient’s brainwaves to healthy and organized patterns. By correcting off-track brainwaves, neurofeedback creates a more stable and functional brain. This therapy has been shown to have no side effects, and has been effective in treating a variety of neurological conditions like chronic pain, panic attacks, and anxiety. Neurofeedback can be a great therapy option for fibromyalgia sufferers. To learn more about this treatment, Click Here. 

What Works for You? 

It can be scary when you first begin addressing your fibromyalgia prognosis. However, with patience, research, and dedication you stand a great chance of finding relief. Be kind to yourself, and honest about your feelings and response to treatment. If something isn’t working, try something new. Only you can decide what treatment is most effective for your body.

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