Many adults are deficient in vitamin D to begin with, but this vitamin can be vital to fibromyalgia sufferers. Vitamin D deficiency can mimic some of the symptoms of fibromyalgia. All fibromyalgia patients should be screened for deficiency.
Studies show that vitamin D deficiencies can cause bone and muscle pain, and increasing your levels of Vitamin D may help. A 2008 study found that pain patients with low levels of vitamin D required almost double the dose of painkillers as those with adequate levels. Dr. Mosley recommends taking a Vitamin D3 supplement year round, as adequate levels also help to reduce the risks of colon, breast and prostate cancers, as well as reduces heart attack risk in men.
Common food additives, like monosodium glutamate (MSG) and aspartame, can act as excitotoxin molecules, a chemical group that has the ability to activate neurons that increase sensitivity to pain. Anecdotally, easing off these additives can help, and one very small study found that eliminating MSG and aspartame resulted in a reduction of fibromyalgia symptoms.
Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish, like salmon (ONLY EAT WILD CAUGHT), walnuts, and flaxseed, are known to reduce inflammation and pain, and help prevent cardiovascular diseases. A 2007 study found that after just 3 months of supplementing omega-3 fatty acids, symptoms such as morning stiffness and painful, tender joints decreased. This study did not include fibromyalgia patients, but it did look at rheumatoid arthritis (RA), irritable bowel syndrome (IBD), and patients with painful menstruation.
Fibromyalgia patients often suffer with IBD and other GI problems as well as RA. In my experience Omega-3 supplementation benefits fibromyalgia patients well. Try adding salmon or walnuts to your diet, or, if you don’t like those foods, try adding flaxseeds to your oatmeal or smoothies.
Often fibromyalgia patients have difficulty sleeping due to pain. Many patients opt to use caffeine to compensate for not sleeping well, which can lead to a problem where the ‘solution’ of drinking coffee, sodas or energy drinks to stay awake is actually worsening the problem of not sleeping at night. High levels of caffeine and sugar can set you up for a crash, and if consumed later in the day, may disrupt sleep schedules. Dr. Mosley recommends drinking ‘Passion’, a fruit and antioxidant-packed supplement with green tea and no added sugar, for a healthy boost of energy.
Research indicates that oxidative stress may be a major contributor to fibromyalgia symptoms. Oxidative stress occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough antioxidants to battle damaging free radicals in the body, which are naturally created each day. Fruits and vegetables are packed with life enhancing antioxidants, like vitamins A, C, and E, which fight free radicals to keep your body normalized. Certain studies also show a raw, vegan diet can improve symptoms, but that can be difficult for most people to follow.
When consuming meats, it is important to choose hormone free, steroid free and antibiotic free selections. Grass-fed beef is an excellent source of iron and vitamin B12, which are essential for maintaining a healthy, pain-free nervous system.
Summary
1. Check your Vitamin D level and Supplement with adequate Vitamin D3
2. Avoid artificial food additives
3. Increase Omega 3 intake
4. Avoid excessive caffeine and sugar
5. Massively increase your intake of fruits and vegetables