A wise physician and biochemist once noted,
“For every drug that benefits a patient, there is a natural substance that can
achieve the same effect.” For
many ailments, the key to addressing the underlying cause and restoring some
level of peace can be found through natural options like vitamins, minerals or
herbs. The same holds true for chronic pain.
There are natural nutrients that can help
alleviate many of the symptoms of a chronic illness like fibromyalgia. Studies
have shown the potential of these nutrients to help attack the root cause of
chronic pain and lower the frequency and intensity of pain – as well as that of
other symptoms such as fatigue and brain fog. Lets take a look at five of the
most effective natural substances for fighting the symptoms of fibromyalgia:
Magnesium
Magnesium is
involved in over 300 enzyme reactions in the body and is an important mineral
for calming the nerves and relaxing tender muscles and joints. For those
suffering from chronic pain, taking magnesium can help calm an overactive
nervous system and reduce sensitivity to noxious stimuli. It can also help
improve mood and cognitive function through promoting the release of serotonin
– the neurotransmitter that regulates mood.
B Vitamins
B vitamins play
a critical role in energy production and nerve health – both of which are
important for fibromyalgia sufferers. The two most important B vitamins to keep
on your list of daily vitamins are B1 and B12. Studies have shown low levels of
vitamin B1 in some fibromyalgia patients. This important vitamin allows the
body to effectively use carbohydrates to help fuel for our central nervous and
muscular systems – providing us with much needed energy.
Vitamin B12 helps build and maintain the
myelin sheath, a protective coating around the nerves that is essential for
maintaining the integrity of electrical transmissions through the nerves. A
breakdown of the myelin sheath can lead to painful sensations as false
electrical transmissions are triggered. Besides compromising the health of your
nerves, a deficiency in B12 is also associated with symptoms of fatigue and
weakness – both of which are common among fibromyalgia patients.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is an
important vitamin for both strength and mood. According to doctors at the Mayo
Clinic, “adults with severe vitamin D deficiency may experience bone pain and
softness, as well as muscle weakness.” By promoting calcium absorption, it
helps build strong bones and can ease pain in tender bones, joints and muscles.
Researchers have also linked low levels of
vitamin D to symptoms of depression. Vitamin
D plays a vital role in the release of serotonin – a neurotransmitter that
plays a role in the regulation of mood, sleep, appetite, memory, learning and
more. For fibromyalgia sufferers the symptoms of depression, fatigue and
cognitive impairment are often just as prevalent and overwhelming as the pain
the illness causes. Getting sufficient vitamin D is an important part of
reducing some of these symptoms.
Stabilized R-Alpha Lipoic Acid
Stabilized R-ALA
is a powerful antioxidant that has the rare ability to cross the blood/brain
barrier to pass easily into the areas where it is most needed. It has the
ability to self-regenerate and promotes the regeneration of other important
antioxidants and b vitamins. In addition to this, stabilized R-ALA is effective
at reducing pain and inflammation.
It has been used for the treatment of pain
and numbness related to nerve damage from diabetes. It is also used to treat chronic
fatigue and memory loss – both of which are common among fibromyalgia patients.
When choosing an alpha-lipoic acid supplement, we recommend looking for
stabilized R-ALA. Studies have shown stabilized R-ALA to be up to 12 times more
effective than the synthetic S-ALA.
CoQ10
Coenzyme Q10 is
a must have for boosting energy. It is naturally produced in the body and is
responsible for the production of ATP – the primary energy source for cellular
functions in the body. In addition to boosting energy it also helps increase
the body’s tolerance to physical activities.
A variety of factors can impact our bodies’
production of CoQ10. Factors such as aging, illnesses, nutritional
deficiencies, increased metabolic demand and oxidative stress can all lead to a
decline in production. Through supplementation of CoQ10 we can maintain proper
levels and supply our body with the energy it so desperately needs.
These are just a few of the natural
substances that can help fight the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Regardless of
whether you take prescription medications or not, a natural approach should be
a part of your treatment plan. Fueling your body with the natural vitamins and
nutrients it needs may help address some of the underlying deficiencies and
causes of your pain.
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