Fibromyalgia Supplements

Guidelines for Supplements
Recommended on This Site

There are many supplements that I recommend on various pages of this website. You probably think no one could afford to buy all of them every month; and, you’re correct, no one including me. 

Remember that fibromyalgia is a multi- symptom syndrome, and each page generally focuses on different symptoms. Few fibro people encounter all those symptoms at the same time. So, there’s no need to buy all the supplements recommended throughout the website.

I suggest you pick your top three symptoms and choose supplements recommended for those symptoms first. This is key. We do however, start with a safe, additive free multi vitamin to create a good start with overall "synergy" 

Additionally, I use or have used every item that I recommend with myself and/or others over many years. I have used numerous brand name vitamins that had tummy discomfort or other side effects and I will not recommend those even though I realize that they may not affect everyone the same way.

Also, believe it or not, I do worry about the cost effectiveness of these items. Many of the supplements I present to you have 3 to 5-times the bioavailability (absorption) of other cheaper, well known brands. 

This allows you some flexibility in dosing. For example, you might choose to make a 30 capsule bottle last 60 days rather than following the once a day instructions.  I’ve had to do that and found it still worked for me.

I will say it is better to take the recommended dose for 3-months if at all possible. That way you will find out if the particular supplement is going to help you at all.  If it does help, you can try the every other day dose which will probably continue to help, but more slowly and more affordable.  It’s never all or nothing with me; I couldn’t afford it.

Some supplements can interact with medicines in ways that could harm you.  If you are taking prescription medications, you should inform your doctors and pharmacists of any supplements you are taking.  |

I recommend that you list both medications and supplements along with dosage, how often per day, which days of the week for each.  Write or print this list and make copies that you can provide your physicians for your records.  Be sure to update any changes.

Supplements are not controlled by the FDA in the same way that prescription medicines are managed.  FDA looks at supplements as “foods”. Therefore no clinical trials are required of the manufacturers. 

Manufacturers are required to list all active ingredients on their product labels AND to follow FDA manufacturing guidelines. However, supplements do not have to be proven safe or effective. Foods and nutritional supplements cannot be removed from the market by the FDA unless they are proven to be dangerous or to have false label information.

Why do we take so many precautions?

What’s my point of saying all of this? It is very important that we seek out Brands that are trustworthy and go the extra mile in their manufacturing processes.  

More Is Not Better

Whether it’s fibromyalgia supplements or a prescription medication, I believe in the Lowest Effective Dose (LED).  In general I avoid taking drugs for many reasons, but because of the critical nature of sleeping with the body clock, I've occasionally had to take a prescription sleep aid.  

Also, the form of certain vitamins, namely B-vitamins is especially important. The multi-vitamin we recommend now comes with the safer form Folate and Methyl B-12. 

Fibromyalgia supplements support the fibro body, and although they are not cures for 'all that ails us', when we find the right support for our individual bodies, that can make a big difference.
I've been at this for many years and through much trial and error with myself and with clients, I use that experience to support others.

Additive Free Multivitamin 
For Metabolism, Energy Conversion and Healthy Hair utilizing safer Folate and Methyl B-12

Women's Complete Multivitamin

convenient packets of five

Try the 30 packet option first so you can decide if it is right for you. (that is 150 small capsules for 30 packs)

Additive-free multi-vitamin. NO fillers, binders, colors, preservatives, gluten, milk, soy, flowing agents or anything else you find in most other multi-vitamins on the market. Nothing compares. 

AND, it now has the safer forms of B-vitamins (Folate and Methyl B-12).  It is a foundational fibromyalgia supplement. 
Small, easy to swallow capsules that come in purple convenient packets of five capsules that you can take with you or use as you like. Remember what I say about making your nutrients more cost effective? Take the full five capsules or less to make it more cost effective by taking 2-3 each day.  
Manufactured in the worlds only 100% solar powered facility. Available in both women's and men's formulas. 

Fibromyalgia and B12 

The proper form of B12 is so essential for energy, nerve health, and so much more. Most of us need a greater sense of well-being, and B12 in the right form can help us with that. 

For additional folate needs 

The Pure Melt folate lozenges below are great for those of us who feel better with additional folate. This is the superior form of folate (L-5-MTHF)

Concentrace Minerals to create Synergy

When we use anything additional to the safe multi vitamin listed above, we want to be sure we are still creating enough synergy between our minerals. When we go too far above in any dosage, we could lose that synergy. 

Magnesium is a great example. You might truly need additional magnesium, but the dosage, and the form is important. 

I like using this Concentrace Liquid in addition to the multi vitamin because it also contains a good combination of natural minerals. Easy to use and cost effective. You can put 10-15 drops in your water and take with you. 

The Powerhouse of Our Cells

When it comes to strength and energy, it’s all about the mitochondria (the powerhouse of our cells). I can support you in building better mitochondria. That is really what I focus on in the beginning with clients.  However, without strong mitochondria, it’s hard to get going, stay going and strengthen the body. 

Ubiquinol supports energy, the mitochondria, and the heart.
The ubiqiunol shown below from Swanson is pure, at the lowest price point, and it has won awards!! 

Ubiquinol CoQ10
(available at Amazon)

Ubiquinol

Elsewhere on this site , I explain that every muscle cell has thousands of mitochondria.  The mitochondria are like little factories that convert the food we eat into a form our cells can use for energy.

By the time we reach our early thirties, our mitochondrial energy production peaks. After that, age, stress, and environmental toxins combine to reduce our energy capacity about 10% per decade.
This is why most fibromyalgia and all CFS patients find it so difficult to take advantage of The Benefits of Exercise, the proven most successful treatment option for both syndromes.

Amino Acids

Amino acids have been useful in many cases as a supplement for fibromyalgia and metabolic dysfunction; however, when using Amino acids, its best to consult with a doctor or naturopath to discuss the dosages that will be right for you individually.

Some examples I rely on:  Glutamine is great for muscle and gut health, Glycine supports liver, brain and nervous system. Branch Chain Amino Acids (BCAA's) are helpful before exercise.

I have devoted an entire page to Amino Acids which you can read by clicking 

Treatment-For-Fibromyalgia-Amino-Acids.

Glutathione Production

If we are mercury toxic, we want to be aware of high thiol foods and supplements. Glutathione is one of those high thiol supplements that we need to be aware of.

We recommend getting a hair analysis first, and then if your mercury is high, there is an alternative to glutathione supplements. 

That alternative is taking two amino acids, L-Glutamine and L-Glycine. 2:1  (so that is 2 parts glutamine and 1 part glycine) For example, I take 2 grams glutamine and 1 gram glycine, on an empty stomach. 

Note: Check with doctor/naturopath if you have a history of renal issues or stones.

A Great Combination:  Essential Fatty Acids
& Anti-Inflammation Factors (Vitamin D3)

In a 5-year study that is currently on-going several thousand healthy men and women are taking VITAMIN D and/or fish oil supplements.  They are being examined at regular intervals to determine the benefits for preventing cancer and cardiovascular disease.  

The study is also looking at whether these supplements affect diabetes, high blood pressure, cognitive problems, osteoporosis, mood disorders, infections, and autoimmune disorders.

Hopefully, this study will resolve the back-and-forth between the Alternative Medicine community and the scientists who have not yet reached a conclusion regarding the effectiveness of vitamin D or fish oil in preventing and fighting these diseases.  We'll keep you updated.

Update On Vitamin D Studies 

In a cardiovascular study in the '90s blood samples were taken from over 1500 adults 65+ years old. In the follow up 6-years later they evaluated this sample population for health conditions, including Alzheimer's disease.  

At a later time, a nutrition study evaluated the blood samples for Vitamin D. Earlier in 2014, a group of British researchers used the results of both of the previous studies to show the connection, if any, between Vitamin D and dementia (including Alzheimer's).

The results showed that low levels of Vitamin D led to an over 50% increased risk of dementia and an almost 70% increase in the risk for Alzheimer's. Further, where there was severe deficiency of Vitamin D, the risk of Alzheimer's more than doubled.

The obvious next step for researchers is to determine if Vitamin D can prevent the disease.

Also, VITAMIN D has also been shown to ease the symptoms of fibromyalgia. I've devoted an entire page to vitamin D3; you can read it by clicking treatment for fibromyalgia-vitamin D

Vitamin D and Fish Oil

AMAZON

Shown here is my favorite additive free, easy to absorb LIQUID vitamin D emulsion. A few drops is all you need. We have used this one for years to keep our vitamin D levels in the normal range. Especially important during the winter season. Quality fish oil and liquid emulsion D3;
great combination of nutrients for autoimmune disorders.

AMAZON

Both are essential fibromyalgia supplements.
Provides anti inflammation, immune support and bone health .

Cod Liver Oil (CLO)

AMAZON

The health benefits of CLO are many. It is beneficial to the nervous and immune system. 

It improves brain function, reduces arthritis, blood pressure, cortisol and inflammation.
The list goes on.

With naturally occurring vitamin A and vitamin D, Green Pasture fermented cod liver oil is superior as there is absolutely nothing added and its' purity is THE best.

Bio-Available Magnesium

AMAZON

Magnesium (available at Amazon) is an essential fibromyalgia supplement for the Fibro body. Just be sure to get it in an absorbable form, such as this one, to lessen the tendency for GI issues and to increase bio-availability. From the nervous system to muscle health, we need a healthy supply of magnesium.

Another good addition to magnesium is malic acid to also increase ATP and energy within the body.

Hormone Free Thyroid Glandular

AMAZON

Thyroxin-free thyroid glandular, for those who may not be tolerating even the most natural thyroid hormone.

Glandulars can be a safe and effective way to supplement thyroid and adrenals that may be compromised by chronic illness.

GROW BONE SYSTEM

AMAZON

Gluten free Grow Bone system by Garden Of Life, not your average calcium.

This is RAW food Calcium, not rock, chalk, etc. This excellent raw, additive-free supplement contains  756 mg. raw calcium, and 386 mg. raw magnesium with excellent absorption. 

I have been using and promoting this for myself and for anyone, especially those with low bone density and any Osteo issues.
See my page on Raw Calcium and Vitamin K for important information.

Absorption and Cost Effectiveness

Links to Related Topics:

• Magnesium For Fibromyalgia
  
• D-Ribose and Fibromyalgia- Is It Worth Its Weight? 

By the way, if you are considering the guaifenesin protocol, you should read my take on this treatment here.

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