Treatment: Herbs and Supplements to Treat Fibromyalgia (FM)
FibromyalgiaSupport.com 12-12-2000 -
Many individuals with Fibromyalgia choose to treat their condition with natural herbs and supplements. The following is a breakdown by category of symptoms. Nutritional supplements targeted toward each symptom follow.
Energy
NADH, also known as Coenzyme 1, triggers energy production, boosts production of dopamine and other neurotransmitters and helps restore normal brain chemistry by increasing cellular energy output.
Co-Q-10 is a potent anti-oxidant that is instrumental in helping the body produce energy at the cellular level. Without it, the body cannot produce energy.
Malic Acid is present in all living cells and is essential for converting sugars and fats into ATP, the body’s energy source. It also is used for stress and to decrease muscle pain.
Magnesium is a vital catalyst in enzyme activity, especially those involved in energy production. Magnesium helps with muscle ache and fatigue.
Muscle/Joint Pain
Chondroitin helps maintain healthy cartilage, the building block of joints. Chondroitin helps fight joint pain by lubricating, thus increasing ease of movement.
Glucosamine is an effective alternative to costly, often dangerous prescription drugs used to treat muscle and joint pain. In a double-blind trial, glucosamine was found to have longer lasting benefits than commonly prescribed painkillers.
MSM is a naturally occurring form of sulver with anti-inflammatory properties said to rival aspirin and NSAIDs. Studies at UCLA found that people using MSM for 6 weeks experienced 80% relief from their pain.
Malic Acid is present in all living cells and is essential for converting sugars and fats into ATP, the body’s energy source. It also is used for stress and to decrease muscle pain.
Magnesium is a vital catalyst in enzyme activity, especially those involved in energy production. Magnesium helps with muscle ache and fatigue.
Sleep
Valerian Rootwas used by ancient Greeks as a sleep aid. It helps relieve insomnia and promotes relaxation. Lemon balm not only helps induce sleep and ease anxiety, it relieves muscle spasms and calms the nervous system.
5-HTPincreases the brain’s serotonin levels. Low serotonin can lead to insomnia, depression and headaches.
Kava Kavais an herb that many consider to be a natural alternative to Valium or Xanax. Containing Kavalactones, Kava Kava is a stress reducer and relaxant.
Melatonin is a compound naturally produced by the pineal gland. It is an important hormone that plays a critical function in the sleep/wake cycle.
Depression
SAM-e has been studied and used extensively in Europe, where it is prescribed to treat depression and has shown to be as effective as certain SSRI’s. SAM-e boasts a low incidence of side effects.
St. John’s Wort is one of the most well researched of all the anti-depressant herbs. It has been used for over a century to alleviate anxiety and is considered a viable alternative for mild depression. (If taking prescription anti-depressants, check with a health care professional before taking St. John’s Wort.)
Basic Nutrition
Daily Multi-Vitamins are important because our diets contain many foods that are process, which removes the natural nutrients. A complete daily multi contains the essential vitamins and minerals our bodies need to maintain optimal health.
Anti-oxidants are present in many fresh fruits and vegetables, but because of the way our food supplies are grown and processed, many of the anti-oxidants are gone by the time we get the food. Anti-oxidants help protect against damaging free radicals, which damage and misshape cells. Important anti-oxidants that should be part of daily health supplementation include: Vitamins A, C, E; L-glutathione; lycopene extract; N-acetyl Cysteine.
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