large amounts of antioxidant-rich vegetables and fruits and reduced intake of potentially cell-damaging animal proteins, a plant-based diet can promote weight loss and reduce oxidative damage to cells. The immune-enhancing candida diet, with its focus on eliminating energy-zapping sugar and other foods that feed a yeast-like fungus, has proven able to combat the chronic fatigue that many FMS patients experience. Helpful therapies include:
• physical therapy (massage, craniosacral therapy, myofascial release)
• gentle exercise to increase blood flow and range of motion (swimming in a heated pool, yoga, tai chi, Pilates)
• acupuncture • hot baths • nutrition counseling Nutritional and Other Holistic Therapies
There are multiple non-traditional approaches to addressing FMS, both those that are somewhat controversial and those that are more widely known and accepted among holistic healers. Dorothy Martin-Neville, PhD, who received an NIH Frontier Medicine Grant to research the psychological and spiritual causes or correlates of fi- bromyalgia, maintains that this debilitating condition is curable, “[b] ut only if you are willing to change your beliefs, understand how you do relationships, and see a whole new way of doing your life with all of who are meant to be in it.” R. Paul St. Amand, MD, devel- oped the Guaifenesin Protocol (
fibromyalgiatreatment.com) to treat and manage FMS. Unfortunately, by his own admission, “tightly controlled and credible research is required for full acceptance” of his approach, though his Fibromyalgia Treatment Center has ample clinical evidence and testimonials proving its success.
Following are some of the more frequently recommended
targeted therapies for FMS symptoms. A comprehensive nutritional approach should ideally address: (1) reduction of pain and inflam- mation; (2) adrenal fatigue; (3) immunity; and (4) depression.
• 5-HTP: The body uses this metabolite of the amino acid L-tryptophan to make serotonin, the hormone associated with healthy sleep and mood elevation. Clinical studies have indicated that supplementation with 5-HTP in FMS patients
may relieve insomnia, fatigue, pain intensity, anxiety, and tender point count (TPC).
• Acetyl-L-Carnitine: This well-absorbed amino acid, found in mitochondrial membranes, supports energy production and protects cells against oxidative damage. In a 2007 study of 102 subjects, researchers noted that FMS may be associated with a carnitine deficit and found that supplementation significantly improved pain and mental health compared to placebo.
• Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinol): An essential nutrient for proper mitochondrial function, this antioxidant has been found lacking in the blood cells of many FMS patients.
• D-Ribose: The body requires this sugar to make ATP. Small studies have shown that the correct dose taken multiple times during the day can improve energy and exercise ca- pacity, sleep, mental clarity and outlook, and vitality.
• Magnesium: This macromineral is involved in over 300 metabolic processes in the body, and its deficiency is widespread. Some research has implicated low blood levels in the development of FMS in certain patients. In explor- ing natural FMS remedies, a red blood cell magnesium test is recommended, and supplementation with magnesium malate or citrate may prove most effective.
• Melatonin: The body uses serotonin from the pineal gland to make this sleep hormone, which is frequently deficient in FMS patients.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids (ideally from fish oil) combat inflammation, and supplementation has proven to improve FMS pain, TPC, fatigue, and depression. They should be balanced with appropriate intake of omega-6 fatty acids.
• SAMe (S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine): Studies have proven that supplementation with this natural compound, made from the amino acid L-methionine and ATP, can improve morning stiffness, fatigue, sleep quality, and depression in some FMS patients.
• Vitamin D3: FMS patients are frequently deficient in this hormone, and a blood level greater than 30–50 ng/ mL could greatly relieve pain and depression. However, clinical results are mixed; researchers generally call for ad- ditional studies on the impact of vitamin D3 on symptoms and treatment should be based on an individual’s regularly checked blood level.
Many disorders can cause FMS symptoms. If you suffer
chronic muscular pain for a prolonged period, a holistic health- care professional can provide you with a diagnosis and nutritional treatment regimen.
The statements in this article have not been evalu- ated by the Food and Drug Administration, are for educational purposes only, and are not intended to take the place of a physician’s advice. Submitted by Erika Dworkin, Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition®, owner of the Manchester Parkade Health Shoppe
(860.646.8178), 378 Middle Turnpike West, Manchester, CT,
www.cthealthshop.com), nutrition specialists trusted since 1956. Erika is available for consultation and to speak to groups, includ- ing on Zoom. All statements in this article are practice- or scientific evidence-based and references are available upon request. See ad on page 3.
24 Natural Nutmeg May/June 2021
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