More than 6 million people are suffering with the symptoms of fibromyalgia (FM) in America. The majority of those sufferers are women. FM includes such symptoms as chronic pain, fatigue, depression, anxiety, headaches, and can occur in tandem with other disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome and sleep apnea. Treatment for FM includes medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antidepressants, pain relievers and anti-seizure medications. According to this study, the best treatment for a FM patient is actually to have a “multidisciplinary approach with a combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment modalities.”
Diet Changes
For FM patients, diet and nutrition can play an important part of their reduction in symptoms. Limiting or eliminating gluten, caffeine and artificial sweeteners and increasing nutrient-dense foods like fruits and vegtables are a great way to start. Eating foods high in magnesium, melatonin and tryptophan are idea, and making sure to add in coconut oil, fermented foods and drinks, tumeric, ginger, and wild fish.
Supplements
Some patients have found improvement in symptoms when taking the following supplements. When considering supplements, make sure you talk to your doctor about whether they believe these are right for you:
-Acetyl L-carnitine, which may act as a natural anti-depressant
-Magnesium
-Fish Oil
-Tumeric and black pepper
-Vitamin D3
-5-HTP
Lifestyle Changes
For a FM patient who is currently having a flare, exercise may sound like the last thing they want to do, however exercise such as walking, yoga, swimming and Pilates can help ease pain and stress associated with FM.
Alternative Therapies
Acupuncture, massage, lymph drainage therapy and using heating pad can help with FM pain as well. Try different therapy options to see what works for you and your symptoms.
Sources:
http://draxe.com/fibromyalgia-symptoms/
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25786048
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25160886
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25786053
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24438771