Bryce Wylde explains what fibromyalgia (FM or FMS) is, and shares his best advice for how to treat it naturally.
What is fibromyalgia?
The main symptom of fibromyalgia is chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain for which no other cause, such as tissue inflammation or damage, can be identified. The experience is generally pain and stiffness throughout the body. The cause of fibromyalgia is unclear but believed to be the result of central nervous system malfunction, resulting in amplification of pain transmission and detection. Common additional symptoms can include: fatigue, sleep disturbances, headaches, facial pain, as well as depression, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating.
How common is it?
Scientists at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) estimate that fibromyalgia affects five million Americans aged 18 years or older. The vast majority of fibromyalgia cases are women in their mid-30s to late-50s. However, men and children can also have the disorder. An estimate of the prevalence of fibromyalgia is as high as 3-5% of the population in North America.
How can you treat it?
Certain treatments are very effective in reducing symptoms, including certain medications and natural medicines, behavioral interventions, support groups, patient education, and exercise. In mild cases, a reduction in stress and certain lifestyle changes may be enough to manage the disease. These changes may include participation in counselling, regular exercise, physical therapy, healthy sleep habits, and stress reduction.
Natural health products can play a significant role in the treatment of fibromyalgia by providing relief of symptoms. Hydroxy-tryptophan (5-HTP) is the precursor of the neurotransmitter serotonin. It is obtained commercially from the seeds of the Griffonia plant and may reduce the number of tender points, anxiety, intensity of pain, and may improve sleep, fatigue, and morning stiffness. Also, a randomized controlled trial indicated that chlorella — a green algae supplement — may reduce the tenderness associated with fibromyalgia’s tender points.
Years ago, researchers showed that the muscles of fibromyalgia patients had a substantial drop in the number of mitochondria, the part of the cell known for its energy-producing abilities. Other supplements like CoQ10, L-Carnitine, and D-Ribose also to act as antioxidants that sweep up the mess left behind from inflammation, as well as fuelling cell mitochondria for the energy they often lack.
Breakdown of natural treatments Bryce suggests:
Griffonia seed extract (5-HTP): Works to increase serotonin to ease most symptoms of FMS
Chlorella: May reduce the tenderness associated with fibromyalgia’s tender points
SAM-e: May increase serotonin, ease pain, and improve mood and people with FMS
Omega-3 from Fish Oil: May reduce inflammation and ease general symptoms in people with FMS
Magnesium Bisglycinate: May lessen muscle pain and tender pressure points and people with FMS
Ubiquinol (coQ10): May improve headaches and overall health in individuals with FMS
D-Ribose: May improve energy and combat fatigue and individuals with FMS
Acetyl-L-Carnitine: May improve pain, depression, energy, and overall health in individuals with FMS
Courtesy of Bryce Wylde