A LINK TO VEGAN RECIPES: Vegan Recipes (all from Truestar health)
Fibromyalgia
Also indexed as:Fibromyositis, Fibrositis, Myofascial Pain Syndrome, Myofibrositis, Primary Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Fibromyalgia—an unsolved mystery—is a complex syndrome with no known cause or sure cure. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful.
NEED TO KNOW
- Exercise Low-intensity exercise (like walking or swimming) is the best known treatment
- Address your stress Reducing stress and unpleasant emotions may also reduce symptoms
- Try 5-HTP 100 mg of the supplement 5-hydroxytryptophan three times a day may ease symptoms
- Check out SAMe 800 mg of the supplement S-adenosyl-l-methionine a day may help symptoms
ABOUT
Fibromyalgia is a complex syndrome with no known cause or cure. Its predominant symptom is pain in the fibrous tissues, muscles, tendons, and ligaments, although other symptoms may be experienced.
Research has demonstrated that the axis connecting the three glands primarily responsible for the stress response (hypothalamus, pituitary, adrenals) may be dysfunctional in people with fibromyalgia.1 Inflammation of the involved structures is generally absent in fibromyalgia.
Of the estimated three to six million people2 affected by this disorder in the United States, the vast majority are women between 25 and 45 years of age.
Research has demonstrated that the axis connecting the three glands primarily responsible for the stress response (hypothalamus, pituitary, adrenals) may be dysfunctional in people with fibromyalgia.1 Inflammation of the involved structures is generally absent in fibromyalgia.
Of the estimated three to six million people2 affected by this disorder in the United States, the vast majority are women between 25 and 45 years of age.
Symptoms
Trigger-point pain at characteristic locations is the defining symptom of fibromyalgia. The most commonly affected locations are on the occiput (nape of the neck), the neck itself, shoulders, trunk, low back, and thighs. Other symptoms may also be experienced, including fatigue, chest pain, low-grade fever, swollen lymph nodes, insomnia, frequent abdominal pain, irritable bowel syndrome, and depression.3
Healthy Lifestyle Tips
Low-intensity exercise may improve fibromyalgia symptoms. People with fibromyalgia who exercise regularly have been reported to suffer less severe symptoms than those who remain sedentary.4, 5, 6 In a controlled trial, a program consisting of two 25-minute exercise classes plus two educational sessions per week for six weeks resulted in immediate and sustained improvement in walking distance, fatigue, and well-being in a group of people with fibromyalgia;7 however, no reductions in pain, anxiety, or depression were seen. In a more recent controlled trial, a 35-minute exercise program in a warm pool once a week for six months, coupled with counseling sessions, led to improvements in hand-grip strength and endurance, as well as to reductions in pain, distress, depression, and anxiety.8 The results of this trial, and other similar trials, suggest that underwater exercise training, in combination with a counseling intervention, should be considered by people with fibromyalgia.
Holistic Options
Stress is believed by some researchers to be capable of aggravating fibromyalgia symptoms. Stress-reduction techniques, such as meditation, have proven helpful in preliminary research.9
Acupuncture may be useful for short-term relief of fibromyalgia symptoms. In one preliminary trial, acupuncture produced a significant decrease in pain and point tenderness along with related biochemical changes measured in the fibromyalgia patients’ blood.10 Another uncontrolled trial used electroacupuncture (acupuncture with electrical stimulation) treatment in people with fibromyalgia who were unresponsive to conventional medical therapies. After an average of seven treatments per person, 46% claimed that electroacupuncture provided the best relief of symptoms when compared to all other therapies, and 64% reported using less medication for pain relief than prior to electroacupuncture.11 A double-blind trial compared fake acupuncture to electroacupuncture and reported significant differences in improvement in five of eight outcome measurements among people with fibromyalgia.12 Short-term pain reduction in people with fibromyalgia has been reported in other studies, some of which were at least partially controlled; however, long-term benefits have never been investigated in a controlled clinical trial.13 Long-term controlled trials are necessary to conclusively determine whether acupuncture is a useful treatment for fibromyalgia.
Joint manipulation, chiropractic, and related treatments may be helpful for relieving some of the symptoms of fibromyalgia. A preliminary study14 found that almost half of people with fibromyalgia who received chiropractic care had “moderate to good” improvement. A small preliminary trial15 evaluated the effect of four weeks of chiropractic treatment (three to five times per week) consisting of soft tissue massage, stretching, spinal manipulation, and general advice and information. Treatment resulted in a significant decrease in pain and an increase in range of neck movement, but there was no improvement in tender points or in ability to function in daily life. Another preliminary trial16 evaluated a longer treatment period (30 sessions) consisting of spinal manipulation and deep pressure massage to tender points in the muscles. More benefit was reported by this study, as 60% of the patients experienced significant pain reduction, reduced sensed of fatigue, and improved sleep. These benefits persisted one month after the treatment was completed. People who did not feel better after 15 treatments were not likely to benefit from this type of treatment. No controlled research has evaluated manipulation therapies for fibromyalgia.
EATING RIGHT
Supplements that might help.
Acupuncture may be useful for short-term relief of fibromyalgia symptoms. In one preliminary trial, acupuncture produced a significant decrease in pain and point tenderness along with related biochemical changes measured in the fibromyalgia patients’ blood.10 Another uncontrolled trial used electroacupuncture (acupuncture with electrical stimulation) treatment in people with fibromyalgia who were unresponsive to conventional medical therapies. After an average of seven treatments per person, 46% claimed that electroacupuncture provided the best relief of symptoms when compared to all other therapies, and 64% reported using less medication for pain relief than prior to electroacupuncture.11 A double-blind trial compared fake acupuncture to electroacupuncture and reported significant differences in improvement in five of eight outcome measurements among people with fibromyalgia.12 Short-term pain reduction in people with fibromyalgia has been reported in other studies, some of which were at least partially controlled; however, long-term benefits have never been investigated in a controlled clinical trial.13 Long-term controlled trials are necessary to conclusively determine whether acupuncture is a useful treatment for fibromyalgia.
Joint manipulation, chiropractic, and related treatments may be helpful for relieving some of the symptoms of fibromyalgia. A preliminary study14 found that almost half of people with fibromyalgia who received chiropractic care had “moderate to good” improvement. A small preliminary trial15 evaluated the effect of four weeks of chiropractic treatment (three to five times per week) consisting of soft tissue massage, stretching, spinal manipulation, and general advice and information. Treatment resulted in a significant decrease in pain and an increase in range of neck movement, but there was no improvement in tender points or in ability to function in daily life. Another preliminary trial16 evaluated a longer treatment period (30 sessions) consisting of spinal manipulation and deep pressure massage to tender points in the muscles. More benefit was reported by this study, as 60% of the patients experienced significant pain reduction, reduced sensed of fatigue, and improved sleep. These benefits persisted one month after the treatment was completed. People who did not feel better after 15 treatments were not likely to benefit from this type of treatment. No controlled research has evaluated manipulation therapies for fibromyalgia.
EATING RIGHT
A vegan diet (includes no animal products) that is also low in salt may help women with fibromyalgia. In a controlled clinical trial,17 women with fibromyalgia were put on a special diet consisting only of raw foods—primarily fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, and cereals (such as rolled oats). The diet also contained several fermented foods, including a fermented yogurt-food made from oats, a fermented beverage made from wheat berries (called Rejuvalac), and several types of fermented vegetables, particularly cabbage. During the three-month trial, women following the therapeutic diet experienced a significant reduction in body weight, pain, morning sickness, use of painkillers, depression, and the number of sore fibromyalgia points, compared with those who continued to eat their regular diet. Due to the liberal use of nuts and seeds, this diet was not low in fat; for example, 31% of all calories came from fat. Nonetheless, the total number of calories was relatively low (less than 1,900 calories per day), which was probably responsible for the decrease in body weight.
| A vegan diet (includes no animal products) that is also low in salt may help women with fibromyalgia. | ||
| Cut out MSG | In one report, women with fibromyalgia experienced improvement or complete resolution of their symptoms after eliminating MSG or MSG plus aspartame from their diet. |
| A vegan diet (includes no animal products) that is also low in salt may help women with fibromyalgia. | ||
| Cut out MSG | In one report, women with fibromyalgia experienced improvement or complete resolution of their symptoms after eliminating MSG or MSG plus aspartame from their diet. |
| A vegan diet (includes no animal products) that is also low in salt may help women with fibromyalgia. | ||
| Cut out MSG | In one report, women with fibromyalgia experienced improvement or complete resolution of their symptoms after eliminating MSG or MSG plus aspartame from their diet. |
| A vegan diet (includes no animal products) that is also low in salt may help women with fibromyalgia. | ||
Cut out MSG | In one report, women with fibromyalgia experienced improvement or complete resolution of their symptoms after eliminating MSG or MSG plus aspartame from their diet. |
-HTP
| 100 mg three times per day |  [2 stars] Supplementing with 5-HTP may ease symptoms.
|
Acetyl-L-Carnitine
| 1,500 mg daily for ten weeks | [2 stars] Supplementing with acetyl-L-carnitine may improve musculoskeletal pain, depression, and general health in people with fibromyalgia.
|
SAMe
| 800 mg daily | [2 stars] Supplementing with SAMe may increase serotonin levels in the blood and help relieve symptoms.
|
Coenzyme Q10
| Refer to label instructions |  [1 star] In a preliminary trial, headaches and overall symptoms in people with fibromyalgia significantly improved after supplementing with coenzyme Q10.
|
Magnesium
| Refer to label instructions | [1 star] A preliminary trial found that a combination of magnesium and malic acid might lessen muscle pain in people with fibromyalgia.
|
Malic Acid
| Refer to label instructions | [1 star] A preliminary trial found that a combination of magnesium and malic acid might lessen muscle pain in people with fibromyalgia.
|
Melatonin
| Refer to label instructions | [1 star] In one study, supplementing with melatonin reduced tender points and improved sleep in people with fibromyalgia.
|
Tart Cherry
| 80 mg anthocyanins, the equivalent of approximately 100–120 cherries, 16–24 ounces tart cherry juice blend, 1 ounce of liquid concentrate, or 400 mg of concentrate in tablets or capsules | [1 star] Tart cherries contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances that may reduce muscle pain.
|
Vitamin B1
| Refer to label instructions | [1 star] People with fibromyalgia may be deficient in vitamin B1. Supplementing with the vitamin may correct the deficiency and improve symptoms.
|
Vitamin E
| Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Vitamin E was used in one early study with beneficial and sometimes dramatic results.
|
-HTP
| 100 mg three times per day | [2 stars] Supplementing with 5-HTP may ease symptoms.
|
Acetyl-L-Carnitine
| 1,500 mg daily for ten weeks | [2 stars] Supplementing with acetyl-L-carnitine may improve musculoskeletal pain, depression, and general health in people with fibromyalgia.
|
SAMe
| 800 mg daily | [2 stars] Supplementing with SAMe may increase serotonin levels in the blood and help relieve symptoms.
|
Coenzyme Q10
| Refer to label instructions | [1 star] In a preliminary trial, headaches and overall symptoms in people with fibromyalgia significantly improved after supplementing with coenzyme Q10.
|
Magnesium
| Refer to label instructions | [1 star] A preliminary trial found that a combination of magnesium and malic acid might lessen muscle pain in people with fibromyalgia.
|
Malic Acid
| Refer to label instructions | [1 star] A preliminary trial found that a combination of magnesium and malic acid might lessen muscle pain in people with fibromyalgia.
|
Melatonin
| Refer to label instructions | [1 star] In one study, supplementing with melatonin reduced tender points and improved sleep in people with fibromyalgia.
|
Tart Cherry
| 80 mg anthocyanins, the equivalent of approximately 100–120 cherries, 16–24 ounces tart cherry juice blend, 1 ounce of liquid concentrate, or 400 mg of concentrate in tablets or capsules | [1 star] Tart cherries contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances that may reduce muscle pain.
|
Vitamin B1
| Refer to label instructions | [1 star] People with fibromyalgia may be deficient in vitamin B1. Supplementing with the vitamin may correct the deficiency and improve symptoms.
|
Vitamin E
| Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Vitamin E was used in one early study with beneficial and sometimes dramatic results.
|
4 comments:
OMG Christopher! THANK YOU VERY, VERY much for sharing this! Just the info I NEEDED!!! :)
Very informative Chris, thank you for sharing this resourceful list
Thank you Christopher! Between you and Julie you have both shun some serious light on this topic and I am glad that people have a support team. You guys are great!
HI Christopher! This is Great information on Fibromyalgia.. Thanks for sharing. Keep up the good work.. Chery :)
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