Supplement Treatments for Specific Fibromyalgia Symptoms

The last couple of days, I worked on a mini-series of information by Dr. Mark Pellegrino on common Fibromyalgia nutrient deficiencies and treatments.  To further expand on that topic, I also wanted to include some information by Dr. Pellegrino that specifically targets Fibromyalgia symptoms and what supplements to use for those.  Dr. Pellegrino has seen more than 20,000 Fibromyalgia patients at the Ohio Rehab Center and he is also a Fibromyalgia patient.  He understands what this illness does to us. 

This is what he recommends to treat:

Pain:

• Magnesium/malic acid combination
• Natural anti-inflammatories:  glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM and flaxseed oil
• Headaches – Flaxseed oil
• Guaifenesin

Fatigue:

• Magnesium/malic acid combination
• CoQ10
• Colostrum
• Vitamin B-12
• Ginkgo biloba
• Vinpocetine

Poor Sleep:

• 5-HTP
• Melatonin
• Valerian root

Cognitive Difficulties:

• Colostrum
• Ginkgo biloba
• Vinpocetine
• Acetyl-L-carnitine
• Phosphatidyl serine

IBS:

• Fiber supplements
• Acidophilus
• Valerian root
• Peppermint oil (enteric coated)
• Olive leaf extract

Depression (mild):

• 5-HTP
• St. John’s Wort
• SAME-e
• Flaxseed oil

We need to make sure we get our basic balanced minerals and vitamins. Supplements are important to replace deficiencies, but we mustn’t forget that we still have to get all of our daily vitamins and minerals… A complete vitamin and mineral supplement… [can replace]… 30-40 pills a day at a fraction of the cost.

Numerous nutritional products are available, and I work with my patients in an open-minded and responsible manner about trying them.

Educate yourself by reading up on various products.

Ask your doctor and basically make these decisions based on your knowledge and expertise and not on the product’s good marketing strategy.

Try one supplement at a time for one or two months and see if you think the product is helping. If you think it might be helping but you’re not sure, try it for another month and reevaluate its effect.

Remember to work together with your doctor, and first check with your treating physician regarding any supplements because of the potential for supplements to interact with prescribed medicines.

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