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Hello,

I've been suffering with fibromyalgia for about 8 yrs but I was only diagnosed by my doctor 3 yrs ago, I have good days and bad days but every day I have pain somewhere in my body, I take Dosulepin and painkillers usually cocodomol, I was wondering if there are any supplements that I could take to help ease my fibro or help my low moods.

Hi Chimpey,

I think it's a great idea for you to try taking some supplements to help ease your pain and boost your mood. Make sure too that you are eating a balanced diet consisting of oily fish, low-fat protein foods, low-fat dairy foods, whole grains, fruit and vegetables and nuts and seeds, to boost your general wellbeing.

When taking a supplement I suggest you rate your each of your symptoms from 0 to 10 before taking it and then again after 3 months to see if there is any improvement and to help you decide whether or not to continue taking it.

A lack of vitamin D in particular has been linked to chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia. We have a tendency to go short of vitamin D in this country because the main source is sunlight on the skin. The recommended daily dose is around 30mcg (1,200IU).

Another supplement worth trying is 5-HTP, which is thought to boost mood by increasing serotonin levels, it's also thought to ease pain, and clear 'fibro-fog'. Low levels of serotonin have been linked to fibromyalgia.

There's also evidence that 200mg of magnesium twice a day and 1,200mg of malic acid once a day can help to ease pain, tenderness and fatigue. BioCare Magnesium Malate would be a suitable supplement to try. You can buy them here http://www.biocare.co.uk/default.aspx?G ... Guid=26190

Red Montmorency cherries, grown in North America have also been shown to help ease fibromyalgia pain and improve sleep patterns. They are rich in antioxidants which have an anti-inflammatory effect and in the 'sleep hormone' melatonin. You can buy CherryActive Concentrate (juice) at most large supermarkets; CherryActive Capsules and CherryActive Dried Montmorency Cherries are also available.
For more details go to http://www.cherryactive.co.uk

You may also want to try taking a vitamin B complex, as this has been shown to reduce homocysteine levels - high levels of which have been linked to fibromyalgia. Vitamin B complex is thought to help ease pain, fatigue, depression and insomnia.

I hope you find that taking one or more of these supplements helps to ease your symptoms. Good luck!

Thank you Wendy for your information and suggestions they are most helpful.......

Kim

You're welcome!

can you post the evidence base for the supplements you suggest that help please?

I would just like to add that you should let your doctor know what you are going to be taking and to try only one new one at a time or you will not know which one or combination is working for you.