8 Natural Treatments for Fibromyalgia

In conventional medicine, fibromyalgia only has a symptomatic treatment with medications that are not free of side effects.

Natural medicine has other objectives. The main ones are regulate altered sensitivity of the nervous system and decrease the perception of pain. In many cases it is also necessary to address secondary imbalances that appear as a consequence of fibromyalgia.

Actually, the natural medicine only favors the body regain balance by yourself. To achieve this, natural and complementary therapists use three basic strategies.

1. Vitamin D

In case of any health problem, it is necessary make sure the body is getting all the essential nutrients through an expert review of food.

In the case of fibromyalgia, many people affected have been found to be deficient in vitamin D.

It is estimated that 15-20 minutes of sun exposure It can generate (depending on the season, latitude, skin type and exposed surface) from 10,000 to 20,000 IU of vitamin D, a sufficient dose.

Indoor lifestyles cause vitamin D levels to drop dramatically. The solution in most cases is to supplement with vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol).

To reach the optimal level of 40-60 ng/mL of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D in the blood, according to the recommendations of the Vitamin D Council, a daily intake of 70-80 IU/kg of weight is needed. A 70 kg adult would require a dose of 5,200 IU/day.

2. Magnesium malate

People with fibromyalgia often benefit from a dose of magnesium, in the form of magnesium malate, which helps detoxify the body and have more energy.

This mineral acts as a regulator of the nervous system and brain chemistry. Along with other minerals and vitamins, it is essential for the formation of serotonin and melatonin.

In addition, it helps maintain optimal levels of GABA, a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation and rest.

3. Calcium, iron and other minerals

Other minerals such as calcium, iron, and manganese often They are not at sufficient levels either. in people who suffer from fibromyalgia, so their supply must also be taken care of.

He calcium It is found, in addition to yogurt, in vegetables, nuts and legumes. He iron It is found in abundance in legumes, sesame seeds, spinach, brewer’s yeast, pistachios and millet. He manganese It is found mainly in hazelnuts, chickpeas, rolled oats, whole spelled flour, almonds, cocoa powder and blueberries.

4. Vitamin B12

B vitamins and especially vitamin B12 also deserve attention in fibromyalgia.

The B vitamins are involved in the functioning of the nervous system, so it is not surprising that a deficiency is often reflected in a easy to get stressed or depressed.

Take a vitamin B complex is a good idea in fibromyalgia. This complex must include vitamin B12, since its supplementation has been related to an improvement in patients.

If you follow a diet based solely on plants, it is necessary to take a vitamin B12 supplement (a weekly dose of 2,000 mcg of cyanocobalamin is recommended).

5. Eating healthy is very useful

In addition to providing the mentioned nutrients, the diet in fibromyalgia patients must be free of added sugars, which often make symptoms worse.

However, every fibromyalgic is different. Some people feel better by eating as little fructose as possible, others by cutting back on whole grains, and others by avoiding wheat.

You must follow the basic guidelines of a healthy diet, such as: avoiding ultra-processed foods, choosing quality natural foods, with plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits, and cooking without fat, preferably steamed.

6. Gluten-free diet

Gluten can cause symptoms that resemble fibromyalgia in some people. So it may be worth Try going gluten-free for a period of one to three months.

This often leads to improvement, if only because gluten can inflame the gut, which is often affected in fibromyalgia patients.

7. Avoid glutamate and aspartame

The two food additives glutamate and aspartame are by no means harmless in fibromyalgia.

A study conducted by the Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, USA, involved 65 fibromyalgia patients who had irritable bowel symptoms at the same time. They avoided glutamate and aspartame for four weeks and of the 37 participants who consistently followed this diet, 84% reported that more than 30% of their symptoms had disappeared.

Glutamate is found in many potato chip snacks and in ultra-processed ready meals. You can recognize them in the ingredients list because the E number starts with a 6, like 621 for monosodium glutamate.

8. Lower the stimulus threshold

People with fibromyalgia can consciously work with their sensitivity, trying to gradually adapt to things that irritate them.

For this they can experiment with cold, warm and hot water and with massages of different intensity, for example.

In addition, they should learn to relax. They can greatly benefit from techniques such as progressive relaxation, which consists of relaxing each muscle from head to toe.