Hello Health Chick! What are the top 3 supplements for someone with fibromyalgia? Any other essential treatments/therapies?
Short Answer:
5-HTP – 100 mg at bedtime, Magnesium – 200 mg 3 x daily, Whole Food Multi-vitamin- 3 x a day
Fibromyalgia is a complex disorder with many physiologic interactions. There is no known single reason or theory explaining why the symptoms occur, but there are many things that can help.
Most sufferers with fibromyalgia have disturbed sleep and do not get enough deep sleep necessary for repair and healing. This can then lead to the symptoms of fatigue, pain, brain fog, and depression. To combat the sleep disturbance, in addition to help with depression, 5-HTP has a good research background (2). 5-HTP is the precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin which is also shown to be low in people suffering from fibromyalgia.
Next, magnesium, is necessary for enzymes that produce energy in the mitochondria and has been shown helpful for decreased fatigue and pain (3).
A Whole food multi-vitamin is necessary to ensure the body has all the proper co-factors, antioxidants and nutrients necessary to carry out the millions of metabolic processes that occur continually. A whole food vitamin comes from food and is not synthesised in a laboratory. Some brand to choose from are Nature’s Way, New Chapter, Garden of Life, Rainbow Lite, there are others.
Other supplements that would be beneficial are: fish oil with high EPA & DHA and an adaptogenic herb or mushroom like Cordyceps, Schisandra, or ashwangandha.
Daily mild physical activity is a must and a detoxification program can never hurt. I would also try acupuncture for pain.
References:
1. Murry, M. & Pizzorno, J. (1999). Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine.
2. Health Notes, PCC Natural Food Markets
3. Magaldi M, Moltoni L, Biasi G, Marcolongo R. Changes in intracellular calcium and magnesium ions in the physiopathology of the fybromyalgia syndrome. Minerva Med.Jul-Aug;91(7-8):137-40.