The 6 Best Supplements for Fibromyalgia

Medication, behavioral modification, and complementary and alternative medicine are all viable options for treating fibromyalgia. The evidence for the efficacy of herbs and supplements is mixed, and most of the available research is outdated, small, and short on long-term effects.

One of the chronic disorders is fibromyalgia. Difficulty concentrating and generalized discomfort may also be present.

Those suffering from this ailment frequently experience localized pain and tenderness in certain body parts. They also suffer from continual discomfort in their tendons, ligaments, and joints. This suffering fluctuates in intensity and duration.

Unfortunately, fibromyalgia's root cause has yet to be identified. There may be a connection to how the brain handles pain. Since a cure has not yet been discovered, efforts to treat the condition have been directed at reducing its symptoms.

The same treatment can help not everyone. Hence, keep reading to learn about possible natural therapies.

Can Fibromyalgia Be Treated With Herbs And Supplements?

While there is minimal evidence, herbs and supplements may be safe and helpful for fibromyalgia.

A protocol proposing a thorough evaluation of the literature on herbs and supplements in fibromyalgia was published in 2020. It's the first research proposal of its kind, and the authors say it's long overdue to see whether herbs and vitamins might aid people with fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia treatment using medicinal plants and related chemicals had mixed effectiveness, according to a 2013 study. Nevertheless, they stress that further research is required to evaluate the safety and efficacy of medicinal plants in treating or alleviating rheumatic illnesses such as chronic fibromyalgia, even though it shows promise in this regard.

In a study published in 2018, scientists looked at whether or not fibromyalgia patients who ate healthier had less pain. While they didn't look at supplements in particular, they did mention that alleviating fibromyalgia symptoms could be possible by eating well and avoiding toxic chemicals like mercury. On the other hand, they insist that further study is required.

It's possible that this means increasing your vitamin intake with dietary supplements might assist, but that's just a guess.

Top 6 Fibromyalgia Supplements

1. Magnesium

Those with the lowest magnesium levels tend to have the greatest pain, as shown in several studies of persons with FMS. Magnesium's capacity to inhibit certain nerve receptors, thought to play a role in FMS discomfort, may account for this. FMS patients have several reasons to include magnesium in their daily routine; low magnesium levels have been linked to decreased exercise tolerance and increased inflammation.

The variety of magnesium supplements on the market might be bewildering. Ionic magnesium is recommended since it is well-tolerated by the digestive system and has many health benefits.

2. B12 Vitamin

Many studies demonstrate that B12 supplements help alleviate FMS symptoms, with a larger percentage of persons perceiving themselves as "much better" after taking the supplements for a longer period and at a higher dosage. Researchers think B12's capacity to degrade the protein homocysteine—connected with FMS discomfort and a higher risk of dementia, heart disease, and stroke—is responsible for this impact.

B12 is a vitamin that can only be obtained via animal products (meat, fish, dairy, and eggs) and is difficult for the body to store. For this reason, supplementation is especially crucial for those who adhere to a vegetarian or vegan diet.

3. Probiotics

More and more disorders are being discovered to be impacted by the presence (or absence) of particular bacteria in the digestive tract. Therefore the connection between the gut and the brain has been a major research subject in contemporary medicine. Recent years have identified a relationship between FMS and change in gut flora, with these alterations seeming more substantial in persons with more severe symptoms.

But research doesn't prove that these alterations cause the disease; many have reported improvement in symptoms after consuming probiotic foods or taking supplements. As anxiety, irritable bowel syndrome, and depression are all typical FMS symptoms, we see this as a promising subject for further study.

4. The Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) has come to the forefront in recent years as researchers have shown that it may help alleviate symptoms of both pain and anxiety in those with FMS. Because of its antioxidant properties, CoQ10 may help the body deal with the impacts of oxidative stress. The heightened sensitivity of the neurological system due to oxidative stress has been linked to the development of chronic pain.

The study on the correlation between CoQ10 and FMS is still in its infancy. However, we will keep an eye on this field of investigation since it shows signs of being fruitful. Nevertheless, there's no reason not to give CoQ10 a try since it's well-recognized as a safe vitamin.

5. Vitamin D

Due largely to the little sunshine that reaches the United Kingdom, vitamin D insufficiency is quite frequent here. According to a few studies, this number is as high as 40% of the population of people with FMS. Body discomfort, melancholy, and anxiety are all symptoms of vitamin D insufficiency prevalent in FMS, so it's easy to understand why supplementing with this important vitamin is helpful.

Naturally, sun exposure is the best method to get vitamin D; thus, making the most of this beneficial phenomenon throughout the summer is highly recommended. Our bodies naturally produce vitamin D, but little sunlight throughout the winter makes supplementation essential. The quantity created by the sun is already low and significantly lower for persons with darker skin tones.

6. Melatonin

The hormone melatonin occurs in the body naturally. The pineal gland, situated deep inside the brain, is responsible for its production.

Melatonin may also be supplemented after being synthesized in a lab. Those with fibromyalgia may benefit from this hormone because it can normalize sleep patterns. Symptoms of this disorder often include a decrease in sleep quality and overall fatigue.

Four papers evaluating melatonin's usage in fibromyalgia were included in a 2020 systematic review. They discovered no negative consequences (side effects) from utilizing melatonin, and all trials revealed good outcomes. They said that further research is required to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the treatment in alleviating symptoms like sleeplessness.

Melatonin has been shown to affect sleep quality and exhaustion positively if you don't know how much of anything to take, see a doctor or read the instructions on the bottle carefully.

Conclusion

Always consult your physician before beginning a regimen of new supplements. It's crucial to be sure the supplements you're taking won't counteract the effects of any drugs you take. A blood test for these essential nutrients might help you determine your body's requirements.