Living with Fibromyalgia :: Healthy Lifestyles and Natural Weight Loss Information

Living with Fibromyalgia
by author Jan Gregor

Eat organic, especially high-quality protein, lots of fresh vegetables and some fruit, sprouted grains, and natural cranberry and lemon juices, which cleanse accumulated wastes.
Include essential fatty acids like flax seed and borage oil, which are unsaturated fat sources of omega-3 and omega-6, necessary for metabolic processes and decreasing inflammation.
Detoxify regularly. I try to detoxify every seasonal change by following phase one of Gittleman’s plan. Cleansing is also an opportunity for self-discovery.

I also keep a health journal, noting severity of symptoms and triggers. Through this process, for example, I have observed that the wet, cold seasons exacerbate my symptoms, while dry weather alleviates them somewhat.

Last summer, I climbed out of the FMS abyss, attempting a rock climb with my partner after a four-year abstinence. The 800-metre multi-pitch climb in Montana was my peak accomplishment.

Prescription for Health

A number of nutrients can help soothe the symptoms of fibromyalgia. This list suggests alternatives that have worked for some FMS patients. Consult with your health care team about whether they might work for you.

Moducare sterols and sterolins
Two capsules three times daily for one week, maintain with one capsule three times daily
Controls inflammation, regulates cortisol, enhances DHEA, and is antiallergenic

Magnesium (citrate, fumarate, glycinate, malate, succinate, or aspartate)
200 mg three times daily
Needed for the body’s 300-plus enzymatic reactions, calms and supports muscle function

Multimune, containing vitamins A, B6, C, and E, selenium, zinc, magnesium, coenzyme Q10, reduced L-glutathione, and lipoic acid
Three capsules daily with food
Contains potent antioxidants, is antiallergenic and anti-inflammatory

5-HTP
100 mg three times daily
Increases serotonin levels, reduces anxiety and muscle pain, improves sleep, early morning stiffness, enhances mood, and controls appetite

St. John’s wort, standardized with 0.3 per cent hypericin
100 to 300 mg three times daily
Increases serotonin levels. Do not take with prescription antidepressants without medical supervision

Valerian
Use as directed
Improves sleep and calms nerves

Malic acid
1,200 to 2,000 mg daily
Detoxifies the body of aluminum, reduces pain of FMS, and works synergistically with magnesium

Melatonin
1 to 3 mg per night
Improves sleep

Women’s Whey protein powder
One scoop daily
Ensures adequate amino acids for cell repair

L-carnitine
500 mg daily
Increases energy and eliminates fatigue

Adapted from Lorna Vanderhaeghe, Healthy Immunity (Macmillan, 2001).

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Jan Gregor was diagnosed with FMS in 1999. She continues to research, write, and educate others about FMS.

Source: alive #256, February 2004

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