People living with Fibromyalgia can find relief from several natural remedies. They include exercise – especially a regimen that includes water-based exercises, acupuncture, and mindfulness meditation.
A low-fat diet is important because fibromyalgia pain is often triggered by inflammation. Foods high in omega-3, like salmon and chia seeds, may also help.
Ginseng
Ginseng is a plant used for centuries in Asia and North America to help improve stress resistance, increase energy levels, and promote well-being. Research is mixed, but some studies show that it may relieve fatigue in people with Fibromyalgia.
A randomized, double-blind trial showed that panax ginseng worked as well as the prescription pain medication amitriptyline to reduce fatigue in fibromyalgia patients. The study used a special ginseng preparation called HRG80 that contains 27% ginsenosides.
It is important to note that ginseng can interact negatively with certain medications, including antidepressants and birth control pills. If you take any medications, check with your doctor before starting a new supplement. Several supplements can benefit fibromyalgia symptoms, but limited long-term research shows their safety and effectiveness.
Willow Bark
Willow bark has been a natural pain reliever for over 3500 years. It contains salicin, which converts to salicylic acid when ingested and works similarly to aspirin.
Studies suggest that WWB has anti-inflammatory properties, which help alleviate the pain and tenderness associated with Fibromyalgia. It also appears to inhibit the production of inflammatory mediators, such as prostaglandins.
It can be taken as a tea or as a supplement. You can find it in many health food stores or online. It can take a while to work, so be patient. You should avoid taking WWB with medications that slow blood clotting, such as aspirin, beta-blockers, and diuretics. Also, it should not be taken with choline magnesium. This combination can cause stomach ulcers.
Low-Fat Diet
People with Fibromyalgia often notice that their food intake is linked to their symptoms. They may keep a food journal to help detect which foods trigger a flare-up of their condition. An elimination diet may also help, but this should be undertaken under a healthcare provider’s and registered dietitian’s guidance.
People living with Fibromyalgia should avoid food additives such as MSG and nitrates, which can increase pain by interfering with the NMDA receptors in the brain. The diet should also be gluten-free since this can trigger many issues.
The more vegetables eaten, the better, but a group of veggies called nightshade veggies (such as eggplant, tomatoes, and potatoes) seems to irritate many people with Fibromyalgia. A diet with these vegetables should be balanced with other non-nightshade veggies.
Magnesium
Several of the symptoms of Fibromyalgia, such as fatigue and sleep problems, have been associated with magnesium deficiency. Magnesium is needed to regulate nerve function, affecting how the brain responds to pain and other stimuli. It also helps to control stress responses.
Studies suggest that spirulina, an algae-based supplement, may help reduce fibromyalgia symptoms by supporting the body’s natural ability to fight inflammation. Other supplements that can benefit Fibromyalgia include turmeric, omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and acupuncture.
Although there is no cure for Fibromyalgia, many remedies can help ease pain and improve quality of life. Natural approaches, such as following a nutritious diet and reducing stress, can be combined with prescription medications to maximize treatment effectiveness. Medications can be harmful when used for too long, so it is important to use them only after diet and lifestyle changes have been tried.
Fish Oil
People with Fibromyalgia may experience pain at tender points throughout the body. The condition also causes fatigue, sleep problems (insomnia or hypersomnia), and cognitive difficulties (difficulty thinking).
Natural treatments can help relieve fibromyalgia symptoms, including pain, fatigue, muscle spasms, and sleep disturbances. These include exercise, dietary changes, and supplements.
Pain relief: Over-the-counter analgesics, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen and naproxen sodium, may help reduce pain. Prescription analgesics such as tramadol, cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril), and lidocaine/procaine injections can reduce painful muscle spasms.
Stress management: Mind-body techniques like meditation and deep breathing exercises can decrease stress levels and relieve pain. Aim for at least 20 minutes of daily relaxation time. In one study, mindfulness meditation was found to reduce fibromyalgia-related fatigue and pain in participants.
