Fibromyalgia (FMS) can cause severe pain and interfere with deep sleep. It is a stress-related autoimmune disorder with symptoms that are similar to chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and arthritis.

Fibromyalgia symptoms include painful, tender, and recurring aches throughout the body. The structural system (bones and muscles) is in pain, but it is diffused, and it is accompanied by fatigue, headaches, general weakness, irritable bowel, poor sleep patterns, digestive problems, and nervous system problems (depression and anxiety).

The cause of FMS has not been identified by modern medicine, but it is most likely caused by dietary and lifestyle factors, as evidenced by the fact that many people have experienced relief from FMS by making dietary and lifestyle changes. While there is no "magic bullet" formula or secret "recipe" of things to do to cure FMS, focusing on the suspected causes will most likely result in relief, if not complete recovery.

Diet and Nutrients

In order to overcome FMS, a person's first priority should be nutrition. In many FMS patients, a mild food diet consisting primarily of fresh vegetables with some fruits has resulted in a reduction in joint stiffness and pain. Initially, fresh vegetables and fruits should account for approximately 80% of the diet. These are alkalizing foods that aid in the removal of acid waste from the tissues. They also have antioxidants that help to reduce inflammation and tissue damage.

High quality proteins and whole grains can make up the remaining 20% of the diet. Avoid sugar, refined carbohydrates, processed vegetable oils, shortening, margarine, and processed, packaged foods. Furthermore, FMS patients usually benefit from specific supplements, such as magnesium, iodine, omega-3 essential fatty acids, and antioxidants (in that order of importance).

Magnesium is required for the synthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the cell's energy powerhouse. Magnesium deficiency forces cells to use anaerobic pathways to produce energy, resulting in lactic acid formation in muscles and pain. Magnesium ions are also required for muscle relaxation, so deficiencies result in muscle stiffness.

Fibralgia is a magnesium and malic acid supplement. It promotes ATP production in the muscles and alleviates muscle pain and stiffness. It also aids in the reduction of fatigue in people suffering from FMS.

Iodine is a necessary nutrient for the thyroid gland, and many FMS patients also have a malfunctioning thyroid. Iodine supplements, according to Dr. David Brownstein, author of Iodine: Why You Need It, Why You Can't Live Without It, have cured fibromyalgia. This helps to explain why, independently, several natural healers discovered that black walnut was beneficial for FMS. Natural iodine is abundant in black walnut, particularly ATC Concentrated Black Walnut. It's also antimicrobial, antiparasitic, and detoxifying. Another good iodine supplement is Liquid Dulse.

Omega-3 essential fatty acids are critical for nerve fiber health and aid in the production of chemical messengers, resulting in reduced inflammation and pain. Because most modern diets are deficient in omega-3 fatty acids, a supplement such as Super Omega-3 EPA may be beneficial.

FMS patients who are unable to consume as many vegetables and fruits as they should will benefit from supplementing their intake of antioxidant nutrients. Thai-Go is a delicious way to increase antioxidant intake. It has the highest ORAC rating of any liquid antioxidant supplement, as certified by the company that developed the ORAC testing. It contains mangosteen, which contains xanthones, which have been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Digestive Issues

FMS patients typically have low enzyme levels. This is due to the high level of enzyme inhibitors in most modern diets, as well as a lack of raw and enzyme-rich foods. Supplementing enzymes with Proactazyme Plus or Food Enzymes is critical for people suffering from a wide range of chronic health issues. Most of these people have a hiatal hernia that needs to be repaired.

Chronic intestinal inflammation and leaky gut syndrome may be major contributors to FMS and related conditions. Enzyme deficiency, poor digestion, environmental toxins, yeast or bacterial infections, parasites, or drug medications can all cause intestinal inflammation. The inflammation causes the intestines to become overly porous, allowing toxins from the digestive tract to easily enter the bloodstream, causing tissue irritation and inflammation.

A fiber supplement, such as Psyllium Hulls Combination or Everybody's Fiber, can help reduce intestinal inflammation and repair leaky gut. Ua de gato (also known as Cat's Claw) is one of the most effective herbal remedies for strengthening intestinal membranes and reducing gut leakage. Kudzu/St. John's wort is another excellent herbal supplement that can help in this situation.

A yeast or parasite cleanse may be required as well.

Detoxification

Toxins in the environment are very likely to play a role in FMS. However, harsh cleansing is usually not recommended in these cases because it aggravates symptoms. Gentle detoxification is required, beginning with fiber to help bind toxins in the gut.

A small amount of a supplement to help cleanse the liver and aid its detoxification process, in addition to the fiber, is also beneficial. It is sufficient to take one Enviro-Detox capsule or one to two Liver Balance capsules daily. These formulas will stimulate the liver's ability to break down chemicals in the body. The fiber will aid in their binding and removal. You can take more as your body strengthens.

Heavy metal toxicity may contribute to some of the issues associated with FMS. If this is an issue, try taking one Heavy Metal Detox capsule per day along with six to eight capsules of Algin, a mucilaginous fiber derived from kelp that binds heavy metals in the intestines for elimination.

Another factor to consider when detoxifying the body is assisting the cells in removing toxins that may have become lodged within the tissues. Cellular Energy promotes the production of energy within the cell, which aids in the elimination of toxins. It can also help reduce fatigue and weakness while increasing stamina in people with FMS.

Stress Factors

FMS is most common in perfectionists who work hard. According to K. P. Khalsa, RH(AHG), FMS patients are typically high-achieving women who are burning the candle at both ends and in the middle. According to this definition, FMS is a "health collapse" caused by chronic stress.

The adrenal glands are in charge of assisting the body in dealing with stress. In times of crisis, they synthesize cortisol to control inflammation and balance blood sugar. They also produce hormones such as epinephrine (adrenaline), which provide us with the energy we require to face challenges.

Chronic stress depletes the adrenal glands, making the body's ability to control pain and inflammation difficult. Adrenal exhaustion also causes a person's drive and energy to collapse, as well as fatigue and restless and disturbed sleep patterns.

To recover from adrenal exhaustion, avoid refined carbohydrates (especially sugar), alcohol, and caffeinated beverages. Adrenal Support, an adrenal glandular, will help to rebuild the adrenal glands and restore energy and sleep. Restoring the adrenals will also aid in the reduction of pain and inflammation throughout the body. If the thyroid is also low, Thyroid Support will be required to restore energy to the system.

Nervous Fatigue Formula is another option to consider. This Chinese blend relieves mental confusion and muddled thinking ("brain fog"), as well as fatigue and disturbed and restless sleep. It also gently aids liver detoxification.

It also helps to learn how to deal with stress better. FMS patients should learn to pace themselves by setting realistic goals and balancing work, rest, and recreation. It is essential to take breaks when tired, to get a good night's sleep, and to make time in one's life for relaxing activities. Consider stretching, meditation, yoga, tai chi, long walks in nature, or relaxing baths.