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Some patients who have been diagnosed with fibro find relief using natural supplements for fibromyalgia. In addition to the treatment prescribed by your doctor, you may find that one or more of the following fibromyalgia natural supplements complements or enhances prescribed treatment regimens. Remember that natural supplements have real and often potent results, so be sure to consult with your doctor before using any.
Using Natural Supplements for Fibromyalgia
There are many brands of natural supplements on the market. It can be difficult to choose among different brands, especially when you have a choice of forms and dosages. Forms of natural supplements for fibromyalgia include:
- Capsules
- Tablets
- Dried herbs
- Tea sachets
- Powders
It will be up to you and your physician to determine how you take your natural supplement. Be assured though, that whatever form you take will be just as effective as the next, providing that you choose a quality brand or source.
Resources for Locating Natural Supplements for Fibromyalgia
Your local health food market is the first best place to search for natural supplements for fibromyalgia. Most health food stores do their own vetting to ensure that they sell only quality brands. You can also speak to one of the store representatives about the differences among brands. Be sure to mention that you have fibromyalgia, as the clerk may have special recommendations they can offer you. If you don’t have a health food store nearby or you’re unable to travel due to your fibromyalgia, you can also shop online from that store’s website. Barring that, you can always contact your local shop the old fashioned way – with a telephone – and ask if they can deliver or mail your products to your house. You may be pleasantly surprised at how willing they are to make a special delivery for someone who lives locally.
Another possible source for natural supplements is online. Bear in mind that anyone can sell natural supplements. Shop at sites of well-known brands like GNC, Nature Made and NOW. When possible, purchase organic products, and ones that are labeled non-GMO.
Natural Supplements for Fibromyalgia Matched to Symptoms
Fibromyalgia patients suffer from a multitude of symptoms. You may have one or many symptoms at any one time, so it helps to be able to match the natural supplement to whichever symptom is currently troubling you.
Which Natural Supplements to Use for Fibromyalgia
The following natural supplements and herbs have been shown to have benefits that can help alleviate the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Before instituting a regimen of natural supplements for fibromyalgia, though, be sure to let your doctor know what you plan to take, and how often. The doctor will then be able to advise you as to whether it’s safe for you to take them. Use all supplements according to package instructions or your doctor’s orders.
Vitamin C
Yes, good old vitamin C is recommended for people with fibromyalgia. Vitamin C supports a healthy immune function, which may be lacking in those with fibro. Excellent (and little known) food sources of vitamin C include tomatoes and potatoes. An over the counter vitamin C tablet or chewable is also sufficient.
Probiotic
Probiotics help your digestive system to work more effectively. Regular use may lessen the uncomfortable and sometimes painful symptoms of indigestion that fibro patients suffer from. A commonly used probiotic that seems to work well with fibro patients is acidophilus. This particular probiotic needs to be refrigerated. Check your package labeling for special storage or dosage instructions. It’s worth noting that while certain yogurts have added probiotics, they may also contain added sugar, which can lead to bloating or unwanted weight gain.
Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint essential oil can help ease the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, as well as headache. For irritable bowel syndrome, you can take an enteric-coated peppermint oil tablet. You can also place a tiny dot of peppermint essential oil on the tip of the tongue for relief. Mix the essential oil with a carrier oil like coconut oil first, to ensure that it doesn’t irritate the tongue. For headaches, heat a wash cloth with warm water. Add a few drops of peppermint essential oil and rub into the cloth. Apply the cloth to the forehead and lie down for several minutes or as needed until the headache subsides.
5-HTP
This is a chemical that can induce sleep and relieve depression. It’s available over the counter, but can have side effects when taken in conjunction with prescription antidepressants, so use with caution and always consult with your doctor before taking your first dose.
Ginseng
Ginseng has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years. It’s safety and efficacy is widely accepted for use as a mental stimulant for energy and motivation. However, it can be too stimulating and can lead to high blood pressure and an inability to get to sleep. Use sparingly, only increasing your dose as needed. Ginseng is available in tea form as well as in tablets.
Ginger
If you have brain fog, a common symptom of fibromyalgia, you might want to add more ginger to your diet. Ginger has been shown to increase mental clarity. You can drink ginger in tea, add powdered ginger to your dishes as you cook, or take it alone as a supplement in capsule form. Pickled ginger is effective for stomach upset. Just a few pieces of pickled ginger eaten by itself has been known to help almost instantly.
Bay Leaves
If you have irritable bowel syndrome, you know that after you eat you often feel uncomfortable. Drinking bay leaf tea can help with those symptoms. Just heat up some hot water as you would to make a regular cup of tea. Add five or six bay leaves and allow them to steep as the tea cools. Discard the bay leaves. By the time you finish the cup of tea, you should be feeling at least a little better.
Natural supplements can be added to your daily diet as long as you clear it first with your doctor. Usually your doctor will approve any natural supplement that doesn’t interfere with your prescription medication or any other health conditions you may have.
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