5 Natural supplements that can help you ease fibromyalgia symptoms

A wise physician and biochemist once noted, “For every drug that benefits a patient, there is a natural substance that can achieve the same effect.” For many ailments, the key to addressing the underlying cause and restoring some level of peace can be found through natural options like vitamins, minerals or herbs. The same holds true for chronic pain.

There are natural nutrients that can help alleviate many of the symptoms of a chronic illness like fibromyalgia. Studies have shown the potential of these nutrients to help attack the root cause of chronic pain and lower the frequency and intensity of pain – as well as that of other symptoms such as fatigue and brain fog. Lets take a look at five of the most effective natural substances for fighting the symptoms of fibromyalgia:

Magnesium

Magnesium is involved in over 300 enzyme reactions in the body and is an important mineral for calming the nerves and relaxing tender muscles and joints. For those suffering from chronic pain, taking magnesium can help calm an overactive nervous system and reduce sensitivity to noxious stimuli. It can also help improve mood and cognitive function through promoting the release of serotonin – the neurotransmitter that regulates mood.

B Vitamins

B vitamins play a critical role in energy production and nerve health – both of which are important for fibromyalgia sufferers. The two most important B vitamins to keep on your list of daily vitamins are B1 and B12. Studies have shown low levels of vitamin B1 in some fibromyalgia patients. This important vitamin allows the body to effectively use carbohydrates to help fuel for our central nervous and muscular systems – providing us with much needed energy.

Vitamin B12 helps build and maintain the myelin sheath, a protective coating around the nerves that is essential for maintaining the integrity of electrical transmissions through the nerves. A breakdown of the myelin sheath can lead to painful sensations as false electrical transmissions are triggered. Besides compromising the health of your nerves, a deficiency in B12 is also associated with symptoms of fatigue and weakness – both of which are common among fibromyalgia patients. 

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is an important vitamin for both strength and mood. According to doctors at the Mayo Clinic, “adults with severe vitamin D deficiency may experience bone pain and softness, as well as muscle weakness.” By promoting calcium absorption, it helps build strong bones and can ease pain in tender bones, joints and muscles.

Researchers have also linked low levels of vitamin D to symptoms of depression. Vitamin D plays a vital role in the release of serotonin – a neurotransmitter that plays a role in the regulation of mood, sleep, appetite, memory, learning and more. For fibromyalgia sufferers the symptoms of depression, fatigue and cognitive impairment are often just as prevalent and overwhelming as the pain the illness causes. Getting sufficient vitamin D is an important part of reducing some of these symptoms.

Stabilized R-Alpha Lipoic Acid

Stabilized R-ALA is a powerful antioxidant that has the rare ability to cross the blood/brain barrier to pass easily into the areas where it is most needed. It has the ability to self-regenerate and promotes the regeneration of other important antioxidants and b vitamins. In addition to this, stabilized R-ALA is effective at reducing pain and inflammation.

It has been used for the treatment of pain and numbness related to nerve damage from diabetes. It is also used to treat chronic fatigue and memory loss – both of which are common among fibromyalgia patients. When choosing an alpha-lipoic acid supplement, we recommend looking for stabilized R-ALA. Studies have shown stabilized R-ALA to be up to 12 times more effective than the synthetic S-ALA.

CoQ10

Coenzyme Q10 is a must have for boosting energy. It is naturally produced in the body and is responsible for the production of ATP – the primary energy source for cellular functions in the body. In addition to boosting energy it also helps increase the body’s tolerance to physical activities.

A variety of factors can impact our bodies’ production of CoQ10. Factors such as aging, illnesses, nutritional deficiencies, increased metabolic demand and oxidative stress can all lead to a decline in production. Through supplementation of CoQ10 we can maintain proper levels and supply our body with the energy it so desperately needs.

These are just a few of the natural substances that can help fight the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Regardless of whether you take prescription medications or not, a natural approach should be a part of your treatment plan. Fueling your body with the natural vitamins and nutrients it needs may help address some of the underlying deficiencies and causes of your pain.