Natural Remedies for Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes fatigue, as well as severe, recurring muscle and joint pain. Other fibromyalgia symptoms include tenderness of the soft tissues, gastrointestinal problems, sleep disorders, depression, and poor mental focus.

The standard treatment for fibromyalgia includes painkillers, anti-inflammatory medications, anti-seizure drugs, and antidepressants. However, drugs do not provide the perfect solution for fibromyalgia. Studies show that alternative remedies make an effective treatment for fibromyalgia. If you are suffering from fibromyalgia and you’d like to explore all-natural remedies and therapies, we’ve outlined some of the best drug-free remedies for this condition:

Yoga and Meditation

Research shows that fibromyalgia is often triggered by stress and anxiety. Turning to various relaxing activities help reduce pain signals in the brain. According to Australian rheumatologist Dr. Daniel Lewis, yoga, and meditation make an effective treatment for fibromyalgia because they change the way the brain processes pain signals, alleviating pain. A 2012 analysis of studies also confirmed the effectiveness of meditation and yoga in healing chronic pain caused by fibromyalgia.

Meditation and yoga work by alleviating stress, reducing anxiety. It helps calm the mind, ease body pain, while enhancing the body’s ability to heal itself.

Taking Supplements

There are two types of nutrients that can reduce fibromyalgia symptoms. These are 5-HTP and SAMe. 5-HTP is a type of amino acid that facilitates the production of serotonin. Serotonin is a mood-altering hormone that soothes pain, anxiety, fatigue, and stiff muscles. This neurotransmitter also reduces depressive episodes. By taking 5-HTP supplements, the level of serotonin in the brain rises, balancing abnormal brain function and easing fibromyalgia symptoms.

On the other hand, SAMe or S-Adenosyl-L-methionine is a nutrient used to treat depression, migraine, age-related brain disorders, liver cirrhosis and yes, Fibromyalgia. This nutrient binds with other essential amino acids to promote better brain health. Because SAMe breaks down in high heat, you need to take supplements to optimize this nutrient’s health benefits.

Boost Anti-inflammatory Nutrients

Apart from taking supplements, you can also reduce your risk of developing fibromyalgia by consuming foods that minimize inflammation. Inflammation is the main cause of muscle and joint pain. A German study found that antioxidants like quercetin and omega-3 fatty acid cut down internal inflammation dramatically. We recommend consuming foods high in these nutrients such as green tea, black tea, red onions, green leafy vegetables, and oily fish.

Avoid Gluten

Gluten is a byproduct of wheat that gums up the digestive system, causing gastrointestinal inflammation. Avoiding all types of grains except brown rice and quinoa helps reduce fibromyalgia symptoms.

Chiropractic Care

A study published in the Best Practice and Research Clinical Rheumatology journal noted that neck trauma caused by spinal, joint and muscular injuries might trigger fibromyalgia pains. Chiropractic care helps re-align the spine, correct the posture, and rehabilitate injured spine. It also boosts flexibility and alleviates stress. Studies show that chiropractic care helped fibromyalgia patients manage pain by slowing down a hyperactive sympathetic nervous system. Specifically, cervical spinal adjustments are proven effective in decreasing hyperactivity in the sympathetic nervous system.