Fibromyalgia is a disease that is a chronic pain pattern with no discernible cause. This means that the patient hurts all over, or in many places, without any injury or any other cause of pain. Sometimes Fibromyalgia can be a secondary consequence of autoimmunity.
There is no diagnostic test that can determine if a person has fibromyalgia. The doctors rely on the patient’s self reporting of symptoms.
If this is you, what are your options? Several studies have shown that improvement in gut health can alleviate the severity of symptoms. The following nutrients may be helpful:
- Omega 3 Fatty Acids. These nutrients are known for their anti-inflammatory characteristics.
- Vitamin D has been shown to help reduce pain in people who have Fibromyalgia
- Acetyl L-carnitine: Helps with energy production of the cells and can help with depressive symptoms of the disease.
- Magnesium Citrate: important for muscle health and movement. Studies show that 300 mg daily for eight weeks showed an improvement in both pain and anxiety.
- SAMe: Another amino acid. Studies show 800 mg daily to be the suggested dosage.
- CoQ10: In a trial, fibromyalgia patients took 300 mg daily for 40 days, which resulted in reduction of pain points and improvement in antioxidant levels.
- Melatonin: May help with sleep, which is a need of many patients with fibromyalgia.
Herbs are also beneficial for the pain and fatigue of fibromyalgia.
- Ginger –contains properties which are anti-inflammatory
- Panax ginseng: pain reducing properties
- Turmeric: a potent antioxidant
- Capsicum: In one study, a cream or ointment made with 0.075% Capsaicin helped with pain when used three times daily for six weeks.
Additionally, body work through massage, acupuncture, cranial sacral therapy and chiropractic adjustments can be beneficial and help alleviate the pain of fibromyalgia.
Holistically, we have seen that almost every disorder in the body has a root in gut dysfunction. We all have gut issues to a greater or lesser degree. If the gut is severely compromised, then the brain does not receive the correct messaging and the nerves can be affected. Every cell, muscle, and nerve must receive the correct messaging for the body to function without pain or disease (dis-ease).
So what can negatively affect the gut?
- Stress
- Trauma
- Industrial solvents used as sugar substitutes
- Glyphosate used on our grain crops
- Surgery
- Drug and alcohol abuse
- Parasite and fungal infections
These conditions are not rare. If you are suffering from fibromyalgia, it would be a great idea to consult a functional medical professional and get the tests done. Find out what the root cause is, and then work toward resolving it. You may be surprised at how well your body responds.
Until next time,
Dr. Polly
