“My whole body hurts, all the time”. That’s what fibromyalgia sufferers have to contend with on a daily basis. Which supplements can help in managing this still poorly-understood condition?
Also called ‘fibromyalgia syndrome’, fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder affecting around 3.3% of the global population, predominantly women. It’s characterised by widespread, persistent pain and extreme sensitivity to touch (1). Each sufferer perceives painful stimuli in their own way: some feel as if they’re being steamrollered or constantly held in a vice-like grip, while for others it’s like being pierced by thousands of needles.
While fibromyalgia is primarily characterised by pain, around 100 different symptoms have so far been recorded, including intense fatigue, difficulty sleeping, problems with memory and concentration, anxiety and brain fog (‘fibro-fog’) (2).
Classified as a syndrome by France’s Academy of Medicine in 2007, the latest medical imaging research suggests fibromyalgia is more akin to a neuro-tendon-muscular disease.
Though the cause has yet to be clearly established, fibromyalgia is believed to result from dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, neurotransmission and pain control. One theory is that, in individuals who are probably already genetically-predisposed, exposure to various stressors (environmental, social, psychological, physiological or traumatic) overwhelms the nervous system, producing a physiologically inappropriate response.
The scientific literature also notes abnormal neurotransmitter levels, peripheral damage to small nerve fibres, as well as hormonal and immunological imbalances (3-4).
As fibromyalgia cannot be detected biologically and remains difficult to codify, many sufferers find themselves forced to ‘doctor-hop’ in search of a diagnosis, while all the time their various symptoms continue to significantly impact their daily activities and quality of life.
There is, as yet, no miracle cure. Though certain analgesics, anti-depressants and anti-epileptics can be prescribed, they should only be used as a second-line treatment (5) as they’re likely to cause side-effects and dependency.
Managing fibromyalgia should be based, in the first instance, on a non-drug, multi-disciplinary and personalised approach. As each sufferer ‘lives’ their own particular fibromyalgia, they should be free to experiment with different techniques to find what works best for them.
The most common of these techniques include:
Doctors such as France’s Jean Seignalet consider fibromyalgia to be a ‘cell-clogging’ disease, and recommend a ‘hypotoxic’ diet based on the exclusion of ‘modern’ cereals and gluten, dairy products, sugar and refined oils, as well as foods cooked at high temperatures.
Dietary supplements are not intended to eradicate the disease but they can support the body and provide a useful complement to a comprehensive care approach.
Vitamin D appears to have a direct relationship with fibromyalgia, undoubtedly because it supports healthy immune system and muscle function. Indeed, a 2017 meta-analysis highlighted the fact that the majority of fibromyalgia sufferers have significantly lower serum levels of vitamin D compared with controls (12). It also pointed to a correlation between vitamin D levels and perception of pain.
Similarly, a lack of magnesium may also be more common in those affected by fibromyalgia. This essential mineral contributes to normal nervous system, muscle and psychological function. Several studies indicate a correlation between magnesium deficiency and increased levels of substance P, a neuropeptide involved in pain perception (13). Other theories suggest that a lack of magnesium may affect ATP production in muscles, ATP being necessary for muscle contraction (14).
A number of findings also support the case for supplementation with probiotics, given the highly-probable link between the gut microbiome and chronic pain syndromes (15). Indeed, it’s been noted that 60% of fibromyalgia sufferers are affected by digestive problems, the most frequently-reported being irritable bowel syndrome (16).
There are also plants that can help in fighting the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Used for more than 6000 years in Asia, ginger root supports energy, vitality and immunity and also offers antioxidant properties (17). One study on mice with fibromyalgia measured ginger’s effects on allodynia (pain triggered by stimuli that don't usually cause pain) and hyperalgesia (heightened sensitivity to pain) when combined with paracetamol (18).
Neuroinflammation associated with pain (as a result of activation of non-neuronal cells of the central nervous system) has been observed in people with fibromyalgia (19). Some naturopaths therefore recommend taking extracts of plants with anti-inflammatory properties such as turmeric, blackcurrant leaves and meadowsweet (20-21).
And finally, the ancient Ayurvedic remedy Bacopa monnieri supports the central nervous system by acting as a brain and nerve tonic and by stimulating memory (22). It may thus help to clear fibro-fog.
References
69 Days
A very trustful site. New products for various symptoms.
Larry
69 Days
Great service
ESTES Lk
71 Days
This supplement gives excellent results from injuries. I suffered 30 months from a Fall. Healing from taking BPC 157 was incredible. God bless you for marketing this product! ♥️
Merilee Estes
72 Days
Good quality products and on time delivery
RICHARD
74 Days
Great customer service and fast shipping. The rep I spoke to went the extra mile to get me the correct answer to my question. The product I received is great.
Sharon Stieber
76 Days
This was a recurring order. The discount is a major factor.
Larry
78 Days
Do you like really good companies? Then you'll love supersmart
Brandon West
78 Days
I have been buying BPC=157 from them for months. I have seen huge benefits and they have had the lowest price except it has gone up substantially as of late.
DUNSTON John
82 Days
Great choices with noted benefits.
Larry
86 Days
Great Product BPC157 with always on time service!
Wm Still
87 Days
Supersmart is a reliable company. I know my product will arrive, and I am always charged exactly as ordered. Supersmart carries high-quality supplements. My last package, the Mastic Gum package is badly deformed from the shipment, but I checked inside and the content is preserved in tact.
Diane
88 Days
Fast Shipping ........... TY
SCOTT Mark
89 Days
Fantastic products with quick shipping. I ordered the epitalon and received it promptly. I’ve been using it for a week now and feel like I’m getting better sleep, I would recommend SuperSmart products.
BECK Michael
389 Days
Productos excelentes Entrega a tiempo
VINAS Marta Noemi
389 Days
Productos excelentes Entrega a tiempo
VINAS Marta Noemi