Nine out of 10 people with Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FS) are women. Women are naturally more receptive and hold their emotions to their hearts (and inside their cells). Studies show that God-loving women seem to be the hardest hit. It could be that the burdens placed upon them by the modern world are too heavy for their old-world hearts. Either way, God-believing or not, emotions play a role. From here out, for the sake of simplicity, I'll be referring to Fibromyalgia Syndrome as FS. 

FS is often misdiagnosed. Although most sufferers are between 30-50 years of age, even children have FS, which implies it is not age-related. Some say Chronic Fatigue Syndrome often precedes FS and that if you've never had Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, you don't have FS but another form of myalgia.

FS is associated with Central Nervous System (CNS) sensitization, a heightened sensitivity to general pain, and Allodynia, which is pain from things that don't usually cause sensitivity, such as light and noise.

Previous to 2012, there were no available tests to determine whether an individual had FS. However, things have changed since then. "The FM/a^® Test analyzes your immune system’s white blood cells for their chemokine and cytokine protein patterns (https://thefibromyalgiatest.com)."

Also, William Pridgen has hypothesized that FS may be caused by genital herpes caused by HSV-1 (the virus that causes cold sores). He treats FS with IMC-1 (an antiviral protocol comprised of Famvir (Famciclovir) and Celecoxib, a drug that reduces pain, fever, and inflammation. I thought you'd find that interesting.

There are specific symptoms commonly experienced by those with FS that other conditions may cause. These symptoms include numbness or tingling in limbs, especially in the hands or feet, and chronic joint or muscle tissue pain, which tends to settle in different areas of the body and can stay up to a few weeks and then disappear only to reappear in another place, with no inflammation.

Symptoms of Fibromyalgia Syndrome

• Dizziness, loss of balance or equilibrium, ringing in the ears, and blurry vision (primarily upon waking) are major complaints. Dizziness may be experienced in episodes or can be constant over time and isn't usually associated with either stomach upset or fluid in the inner ear when experiencing it. 
• Difficulty getting enough deep sleep, waking during the night, insomnia, and feeling as though you never went to sleep can be a part of FS. 
• Low energy and fatigue don't go away even after eight hours of sleep, which is hard to achieve in the first place. 
• Morning stiffness 
• It takes a long time to wake up or feel panic before rising about having to face the day.
• Neurological symptoms include muscle cramps, twitches, and jerks, impaired coordination (legs feel awkward, uneven gait, slow muscle response), muscles trembling, twitching, or jerking while trying to fall to sleep, and Restless Leg Syndrome.
• Light to moderate exercise can create extreme muscle fatigue or suddenly worsen symptoms 2-3 days after exercising or doing something slightly strenuous. 
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Irritable Bladder Syndrome
• Symptoms of FS often include anxiety, panic attacks, mood swings, apathy, trouble with memory or concentration, confusion, being easily overwhelmed, hypersensitive, quickly moved to emotion, and jumpiness (startling easily). 
• Those with FS are sensitive to temperature changes (extreme hot and cold), experience rashes, and, sometimes, Raynaud's Phenomenon(pale hands and fingers, especially when cold).
• FS is often associated with Sicca Syndrome (dry mouth or eyes), which is associated with Sjogren's Disease, and Autoimmune Inner Ear Disease (AIED), which causes Meniere's Disease and Tinnitus Syndrome). Sjogren's Disease is an autoimmune disease thought to be caused by a virus or strain of bacteria, which attacks secretory glands, such as the glands that make tears and saliva. They say there is no cure. I'm not inclined to believe that. Sjogren's also causes fatigue, muscular and skeletal pain, dry skin, nose, and throat, and vaginal dryness.
• Migraines and muscular headaches
• Temporomandibular Disorder (TMJ), which can cause jaw and face pain
• Candida 
• Vaginitis and Vulvodynia

Possible Causes of Fibromyalgia Syndrome

• An alteration in chemistry has affected the Central Nervous System (CNS), which consists of the brain and spinal cord. The alteration could be caused by things, such as hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, acidosis (poor pH), or toxins. 

• Iron deficiency (Anemia, not necessarily revealed in blood tests)

• The amino acid, histidine, produces the histamine molecule. Histamine is necessary to fight allergies, aid digestion, regulate sexual function and sleep patterns, and stabilize blood pressure. Histamine is released bymast cells in the body. When histidine enters your body through your food, the small intestine is supposed to release an enzyme called diamine oxidase (DAO) to break it down and prevent you from being overrun with histamine molecules. When DAO is insufficient, histamine molecules build up in the system. This causes a condition called Histamine Intolerance, which may be a cause of FS. For example, the release of too much histamine can cause bladder irritation and pain (Interstitial Cystitis). Taking a DAO supplement or an antihistamine may help both of these conditions, if it's the cause. 

• Herpes Simplex Virus (including Shingles)

• Mitochondrial Dysfunction (not enough energy in your cells)

• So that you know, Synthroid is a thyroid medication that has been known to relieve all symptoms of FS in some people, which implies thyroid problems are a cause of FS. However, like many drugs, it has adverse side effects and may cause Interstitial Cystitis.

Proposed Causes of a Change in Body Chemistry Related to Fibromyalgia Syndrome

• Skeletal and postural injuries or imbalances due to accident, damage, or surgery from hyperextension of the neck during incubation
• Lack of oxygen due to heart problems or sleep apnea
• Low Blood Pressure
• High amounts of substance P in the spinal fluid
• Acidosis (pH imbalance, which leads to oxygen deprivation in body tissues)
• Every person with FS also has food and chemical sensitivities. Food sensitivities often coincide with an unhealthy diet. People can also have sensitivities to healthy foods, such as strawberries or nuts. Food sensitivities often result from additives, gluten, and high sugar content foods, which further causes acidosis.
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Immune problems related to bacteria, parasites, candida (yeast infection, Epstein Barr Virus (EBV), or Lyme Disease
• Ongoing emotional stress (negative emotions, and inadequate or exaggerated stress response (perceiving threat even when there isn't one), lack of connectivity to the supreme being or of meaning or purpose, poor relationships, and depression or anxiety)
• There seems to be a prevalence of traumatic abuse among those with Fibromyalgia.
• Multiple Chemical Sensitivities Syndrome (MCS) 
• Multiple Sclerosis(MS)
• Metabolic disorder and insulin resistance
• Post-surgical stress
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Adrenal Burnout Syndrome
• Toxicity (heavy metal or chemicals)
• Hormonal changes or fluctuations (but not just menopausal)
• Electromagnetic Energy Fields (EMFs)
• Lack of sleep and sleep disorders cause a lack of oxygen and muscle tension.
• Insufficient levels of Human Growth Hormone (HGH), due to lack of refreshing sleep and Somatomedin C levels
• Low serotonin levels
• Bowel diseases such as Crohn's Disease, or Ulcerative Colitis
• Leaky Gut Syndrome
• Vitamin and mineral deficiencies (particularly vitamin D and magnesium)

The Spiritual/Psychological Cause of Fibromyalgia Syndrome: The subconscious is saying, "Don't touch me. I don't want to be touched. I hurt. Go away." And yet, we do want to be touched. We all need affection and physical reassurance. Thus, conflict and pain.

Associated Chakra: The 3rd Chakra/The Yellow Aura Color Personality

Associated Temperament: Sanguine

Associated Energy Meridian: Liver Meridian

Survivors of abuse often have this internal conflict, and many suffer from pain syndromes. Sometimes it is just something in our lives that we wish would go away, such as a relationship, a job, or a situation that causes us pain and pressure. We need not be touched by it any longer. Many people with FS have suffered past trauma associated with emotional, physical, and sexual abuse.

Fibromyalgia as it Relates to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome & Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

As previously mentioned, FS is considered a result of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome with heightened pain sensitivity. However, both of these syndromes could, in some cases, actually be Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), which is known as Post-Viral Fatigue Syndrome. Another name for ME is Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS).

Those with ME are usually women, 20-30 years of age, who have had some type of viral illness previous to developing ME, but not always. Some older folks seem to slip into ME. Those with this condition suffer from swollen glands and sore throats, which may be the only deciding factor between those with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, FS, and ME.

Fibromyalgia & Depression

Those with FS can be understandably depressed. Depression leads to changes in the brain's chemistry, which may cause the sensitivity to pain found in those diagnosed with FS. If you were to look up the symptoms of depression, you would find many of the same symptoms found under the umbrella of FS and vice versa.

Fibromyalgia & Faulty Brain Loop

If you were a home office system, your brain would be your computer modem, which acts to organize every message and response in your entire body through what is called a brain loop. When this loop, this chain of command in the brain, is not followed, you may develop uncomfortable symptoms like FS. Stress, disease, trauma, poor diet, and toxins are some causes of faulty brain loops.

A Definitive Explanation of Why Muscles Normally Hurt

The build-up of acid waste in your body causes a lack of oxygen in bodily tissues, which causes pain. Hypoxia (low oxygen), related to FS, is having too little oxygen in your muscles' cells, which may be more accurately a case of Tension Myositis Syndrome. If oxygen cannot penetrate the walls of your cells, then adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy inside each cell of your body, will not exist. And, it's not just a matter of breathing deeply to supply more oxygen.

Another cause of muscle and skeletal pain is the build-up of lactic acid in your muscles caused by stress, a diet too high in sugar, or a lifestyle of too little exercise. It is essential to understand FS is not a muscle problem even though you feel pain in your muscles.

Additionally, when your cells are not functioning correctly, it can also imply your cells are nutrient deficient or unable to absorb certain vital nutrients necessary for healthy function. People who have FS usually have magnesium deficiency. However, taking just any kind of magnesium may not be helpful. You might see more positive results by supplementing specifically with magnesium malate, which is highly absorbable.

Fibromyalgia Syndrome: Trigger Points and Tender Points

There's no such thing as FS trigger points. Hear me out. Trigger points are typically 18 points on the body where your pain is amplified when applying light pressure. What is wrong with diagnosing FS with trigger points is that trigger points are more accurately associated with Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS). The person who responds painfully to having their trigger points pressed may not have FS but MPS. Or they may have FS along with MPS.

Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) is pain related to your fascia (connective tissue much like the translucent material covering chicken breasts), which causes tight, ropey muscles that refer pain elsewhere. Or they may have Tension Myositis Syndrome (TMS), which is pain related to oxygen-deprived muscles resulting from blocked emotional energy. FS, TMS, and MPS may coexist at the same time.

FS pain may be localized in a specific area, such as the neck, spine, upper shoulders, or hips. However, pain can also be more generalized, so it is unfair to base the validity of someone having FS solely on tender point reactions.

Autoimmune disorders cause inflammation. FS is not an autoimmune disorder or disease because it doesn't cause inflammation. It doesn't progress, whereas autoimmune disorders, Myofascial Pain Syndrome  and Tension Myositis Syndrome, can and often do.

Fibromyalgia Syndrome, Central Nervous System & Substance P

FS often causes sleep disturbances (due to being aroused continuously with stages of "awake" brain activity and abnormal levels of dopamine and cortisol), creating a vicious circle of pain and fatigue. This difference in brain activity, apparent in those with FS, is considered a Central Nervous System Disorder (an issue between the brain and the spine). Signals are getting jumbled.

Those with FS almost always have more Substance P in their spinal fluid. This chemical sends pain messages to the brain. Substance P release is increased and released even when there is no reason for pain, meaning no stimulus. The down signals that turn off pain in the body are weakened, so the individual is in constant pain. Not only that, but the nerve synapses may multiply. The body stays in pain until something happens to stop it. The trouble is we often don't know what that something is to be able to do so.

My thought is that there is a insufficient amount of ATP (energy) in the body's mitochondria (cells) making it impossible for the body and brain to communicate efficiently. I discuss the mitochondria and how to restore mitochondrial health through nutrition and lifestyle choices here.

Fibromyalgia & FND

Fibromyalgia can be a symptom of Functional Neurologic Disorder (FND), which is a condition that affects movement or senses without brain damage or disease being present. It can cause symptoms, such as limb weakness, jerky movements, tremors, muscle spasms, numbness in parts of the body, vision problems, stroke-like symptoms, cognitive impairment (problems with memory) and overall fatigue. Symptoms may come and go or persist and vary in location and severity. Symptoms of FND can be as debilitating as MS or Parkinson's. Significant life changes, abuse, traumas, and major stressors lend toward FND. Before being diagnosed with FND, brain injuries, neurological abnormalities, Myasthenia Gravis, Guillain-Barre Syndrome, Lupus, Epilepsy, HIV or AIDS, and drug use need to be ruled out. 

Fibromyalgia Syndrome & Dizziness

A study conducted on children with FS who complained of dizziness found that inner ear and brainstem problems were not the cause of their dizziness. They could spin in chairs, perform certain eye tricks, and not become dizzy. It's thought the dizziness was caused by "...musculoskeletal abnormalities of Fibromyalgia Syndrome that affected proprioceptive orientation, giving them a sense of imbalance." However, FS is a pain disorder and not a tension disorder. Tension is related to muscles, not nerves. FS relates to the body's nervous system.

Dizziness is often related to the cerebellum, a part of the brain responsible for coordinating and regulating body posture, movement, and posture. Tense, inflamed, and painful muscles, bones, joints, and nerves along the spinal cord can cause nerves to send incorrect messages about posture and position to the brain. The eyes, ears, and the spine (and a few other places in the body) all work to tell us whether we are right side up or upside down. Place a few strained muscles and taxed nerves here and there, and dizziness may occur.

How Doctors Are Treating Fibromyalgia Syndrome

Medical doctors treat FS with Lyrica, Cymbalta, and Savella with mixed success, prescription drugs meant to treat diabetic nerve pain. Side effects include weight gain, dizziness, swelling, and drowsiness. They do not cure FS and often lead to other health problems.

Some doctors suggest treating FS with an antihistamine called Guaifenesin. Be cautious about taking over-the-counter antihistamines, such as Guaifenesin, to reduce histamine levels in the body long-term, which can have nasty side-effects. Instead, use natural ingredients, such as quercetin, which is a natural antihistamine.

Holistic Alternatives for Fibromyalgia Syndrome

• Neurostructural Integration Technique (NST) is a massage technique that is very, very gentle. During therapy, your body is gently touched (you can leave your clothes on) in areas to free up blocked energy paths that cause pain and fatigue. As this energy is released, so are the traumas and emotional associations causing the blockages.

• Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is an acupressure method using your fingers to tap along your body's energy meridians to relieve pressure. It is the same theory applied in acupuncture but without the needles, which is a do-it-yourself method for reducing emotional barriers causing blockages and pain. EFT has not been scientifically proven. It may be easiest to visit an EFT practitioner to gain first-hand experience applying the process before deciding it doesn't work for you prematurely.

• Finding a massage therapist that understands FS, Tension Myositis Syndrome, and Myofascial Pain Syndrome can be a considerable part of your cure of tight muscles. Apply Trigger Point Therapy. This therapy is used to treat Myofascial Pain Syndrome. If you are willing to use this technique, you may heal yourself from pain forever or eliminate nearly all of it no matter how long you have been in pain and relatively quickly. For a Trigger Point Massage Therapistin the Pacific Northwest nearest you, visit http://www.massageenvy.com. A hand-held massager, PureWave, seems to be promising for massaging away trigger points. PureWave can be found at Amazon.com.

• Oxygen Therapy is fast becoming a more popular treatment for Fibromyalgia Syndrome. It is agreed that lack of oxygen can cause the brain to send wrong pain signals to the body. In the Northwest, you may call or visit Dr. Justin McCormick, D.C., in Mill Creek, WA (Seattle area). He treats FS and other pain-related conditions with oxygen therapy and other all-natural therapies.

• Some people benefit from using infrared heat lamps. 

• If you are having trouble sleeping or think you may have Sleep Apnea(you quit breathing in your sleep), see your doctor. Insufficient sleep causes FS and vice versa.  

• Have your hormones checked for imbalances, including your thyroid hormones. Hormonal imbalances can cause fatigue, irritability, sadness, and hypersensitivity, which I refer to as FISH. Hypersensitivity includes pain, by the way. I provide a few resources for private testing here. 

• Find ways to manage stress. There is nearly always an underlying emotional component related to FS, including ongoing tension from poor relationships. Fix it, change it, adapt (accept it), or leave it.

• Give up Tobacco.Tobacco contains a poison called Solanine (an insecticide) that causes muscle pain. There are tobacco-free cigarettes that contain passionflower (an herb that relaxes muscles). You could try smoking this herb until you can give up the physical action of smoking. Nicotine, although a stimulant, isn't dangerous unless you take in too much of it. People have been told for a very long time that nicotine is the problem in tobacco. It isn't. It's the chemicals placed in tobacco that are toxic. Signs of too much nicotine, say from using a nicotine patch, can be dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Nicotine can be helpful in preventing and easing COVID-19.

• For TMJ, temporomandibular joint pain of the jaw, keep a little paper Dixie cup in the freezer (with water in it). Use it as a mini-ice pack for your jaw.

• Acupuncture or chiropracticmanipulations may be of help.

• Hypnosis andCognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) can help with depression or cyclic negative thinking. However, Highly Sensitive People often feel more positive and less depressed when engaged in sense-based activities.

• Posture improvementis significant for those with FS. Because of the constant stress of pain and fatigue, those with FS tend to slump over rather than stand up straight, which increases muscle weakness and pain. Imagine you are a puppet, and your creator is pulling the string that runs from the top of your head. Pull your head and shoulders up and back during the day, especially when sitting, as often as you remember. Use a back pillow against the seat of your office chair and your vehicle.

• Exercise to relax. You can improve your symptoms by improving muscle tone. Exercise also helps to relieve emotional stress. It is true that, at first, you may feel a bit more pain, but this won't last. Within just a couple of weeks, you'll begin to feel so much better and have more energy. Get involved in some simple exercises. The only exception to this will be if you have Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS). If so, you will want to relieve some of those tight, knotted muscles before starting an exercise plan. Exercise will only serve to pull those muscles tighter, causing more pain.

• Do you like to write letters or read books but end up with a sore shoulder, a headache, or eyestrain? Writing for too long a period creates tension in your neck and shoulders. Take a 10-minute break once every hour by getting up and walking around or stretching while standing. If you have access to a typewriter or computer, type or email letters. Save the handwriting for cards and notes. To keep from hunching over or holding your book up, place a pillow on your lap when you read to bring the book closer to you. Better yet, listen to audiobooks.

• Keep a trigger journal. Keep a journal of how you feel every day, what you've eaten, how well you slept, if you exercised or not, what stress you might have dealt with, and anything else you find relative. You can keep it as brief or as detailed as you like. Eventually, you will find clues as to what makes your FS worse or better. Follow the tips in the last paragragh and, perhaps, keep a typed or electronic diary. 

• Ask for help. If you live alone, organize your things to keep from reaching or lifting heavy items as often.

• Say no to prevent over-taxing yourself. Keep a calendar, and when you see your days getting too hectic, say no or reschedule.

• Be on the alert for food allergies and sensitivities. An elimination diet can help rule out food sensitivities.

• Do your best to eliminate toxins in and around you. FS may result from a build-up of acid waste in your blood and body tissues, which causes pain. Getting plenty of sleep, eating raw fruits and vegetables, exercising, breathing fresh air, and drinking pure water help reduce toxicity, improve pH, and ease symptoms.

• Alcoholmay seem to relax you, but it is actually a stimulant and promotes pain.

• Drink warm to hot water. Hot water relaxes muscles. Those with FS often experience tension in their stomach muscles due to emotional stress.

Diet & Nutrition Suggestions for Fibromyalgia

Given that so many symptoms fall under the umbrella of FS, vitamin and supplement suggestions need to be chosen by specific symptoms, and the remedy needs to be personal.

• To nourish your immune system, at least 50-80% of your diet should be whole foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables.

• Ensure you are getting enough protein so your body has what it needs to repair its cells. Protein is the only form of nutrition that builds muscle. Toned muscles increase ATP (mitochondrial energy), which helps to prevent pain. Eat plenty of lean meat, only organic dairy, and wild salmon.

• Avoid refined sugar. Sugar causes FS pain to worsen immediately, including sugar in fruit. Why? FS is a nerve disorder. Sugar weakens the myelin sheath around nerves leaving them exposed and sensitive, causing pain. All fruit is fine, except for citrus. The following are the names of sugar. Barley malt, brown sugar, date sugar, dextrose, fructose, galactose, glucose, glycogen, granulated, lactose (milk sugar), maltose, mannitol, monosaccharides, polysaccharides, sorbitol, sucrose, honey, maple syrup, molasses, maple sugar, corn syrup, and turbinado sugar.

• Eliminate gluten (found in grain-based products), dairy (and dietary items made with it), citrus, soy, nuts (peanuts, pistachios, and walnuts), and refined sugar from the diet for two weeks. Then, add one food item back every 2-3 days to see if you react, such as a headache, bloating, stomach distress, mood swings, muscle ache or pain, tiredness, or other symptoms. It can take 72 hours for some sensitivities to surface.

• Eliminate all preservatives and dyes, which means not eating any prepackaged foods. Altogether avoid monosodium glutamate (MSG), which is a food preservative. Some individuals say that when they cut these substances out of their diets, all FS symptoms subsided.

• Certain naturally occurring plant chemicals, such as oxalates and salicylates, can cause adverse reactions in some individuals, including widespread pain. I provide a list of foods and substances containing these natural chemicals in my guide, The Oxalates & Salicylates Foods & Substances Lists.

• Caffeine is a stimulant. When you have FS, you can't afford to consume It stimulates the nerves and causes pain, which means no coffee, tea, colas, or chocolate (well, maybe a little dark chocolate). Drink caffeine-free green or herbal tea. If you are currently a caffeine addict, you might begin drinking decaf coffee, which still has a 3% caffeine content. Oolong tea has less caffeine than coffee. Then, switch to Sencha green tea, which has less caffeine than Oolong. Eventually, you'll be able to switch to caffeine-free tea. Or, you can stick with Sencha, which has a little less caffeine than a cup of decaf coffee.

• Make sure you're drinking fresh water. Tap water is harmful to the body. Even though tap water is regulated, it is still full of chemicals and contaminants. Even pure water, available over-the-counter, may not be pure. Distilled water is touted to be the best source of drinking water. I understand hydrogenated water is very healing. 

• Avoid foods that encourage the release of histamines, such as alcohol, aged cheese, smoked meats, lunch meats, fermented foods, including kombucha, shellfish, beans and legumes, and chocolate. Other foods that can trigger a histamine reaction are additives, citrus, egg whites, papaya, peanuts, pork, spinach, strawberries, and tomatoes.

Supplement Suggestions for Fibromyalgia Syndrome

A few supplements seem to help everyone with FS to some degree, such as calcium, magnesium, essential fatty acids, digestive enzymes, and antioxidants. Here are a few others.

• Digestive enzymes are helpful for proper digestion and nutrient absorption.

• Taking antioxidants (or drinking 3-5 cups of green tea daily), such as Co-Q10, vitamin E  (tocopherol), and grapeseed extract, works wonders at keeping cells from becoming oxidized and diseased. Pycnogenol (pine bark) is an antioxidant that helps to relieve pain. It is derived from pine bark and has anti-inflammatory properties.

• B-complex with folic acid to keep nerves healthy, which, in turn, helps to keep muscles working correctly. However, if you have the MTHFR Gene Mutation you'll want to take methyl folate instead.

• Vitamin C is an immune booster and collagen builder. It also helps prevent excessive histamine release, associated with allergies and Irritable Bladder Syndrome. Take 500-5000 mg divided into doses with meals. Many people do not realize that you can take too much vitamin C. Take vitamin C only as directed on the label or as your care provider specifies. Additionally, if you are living with Herpes Simplex Virus, don't take typical vitamin C supplements containing only ascorbic acid. It can negatively effect your pH. Poor pH triggers herpes breakouts. Instead, take a supplement high in vitamin C (rosehips  or camu camu come to mind), one containing bioflavonoids, or eat foods containing vitamin C.

• Take calcium, magnesium malate, and zinc with vitamin D3. Coral calcium is touted to be the best in helping those with FS. However, calcium citrate works quite well and is easily tolerated and absorbed. Take 1000-1500 mg with magnesium daily in divided doses (morning and night). Taking calcium without also taking magnesium can cause excess calcium to become toxic, and you won't be able to relax your muscles. As already mentioned, magnesium is probably one of the greatest mineral allies against FS. Magnesium is required for over 100 enzyme reactions in the body. Wimpy muscles are usually a sign of deficiency in magnesium. Magnesium also helps with muscle aches, jerks, twitches, spasms, and constipation. Many living with FS and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome are magnesium deficient inside their cells, but blood tests will not show this. Magnesium malate or citrate works well. However, if you also have Irritable Bowel Syndrome, the best type of magnesium to use is magnesium lactate, which is super absorbable in the gut. Magnesium also aids calcium absorption. Take 500-750 mg per day. More than 500 mg may cause loose stool or diarrhea. If so, cut back. Foods high in magnesium are cashews, tofu, bananas, dried figs, avocado, and blackstrap molasses.

• If you live in an area that lacks exposure to sunlight, you may have a vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D3 helps with depression, muscle pain, and weak bones. If this is the case, be sure to supplement with Vitamin D3. D3 and K2 go very well together. However, if you have a blood disorder or are taking blood-thinning medication, do not take K-2. 

• Gelatin is a source ofcollagen and is a reliable building block for collagen regeneration.

• Lecithin helps the nervous system and is involved with neurotransmitters.

• Manganese (heals cartilage) 2-5 mg manganese gluconate daily, separate from calcium.

• Essential fatty acids (good fats), such as omega-3 fish or krill oil (or eating fish 2-3 times each week), help with muscle ache, joint pain, inflammation, and chronic pain by raising serotonin levels. It's better to eat at least 4 ounces of fish twice each week, but supplements are the next best thing if you dislike eating fish. Krill oil might be a better choice than fish oil. It is full of antioxidants that fish oil lacks but has no fishy after-taste. Take as directed on the label. Do not take omega-3 fish oil supplements without a doctor's permission if you have heart disease or Diabetes. 

• Probiotics and prebiotics maintain friendly bacteria in the gut and aid in the ability to digest your nutrients, so your body has the tools to repair itself. What's the difference between probiotics and prebiotics? Probiotics are a quick fix and replace friendly gut bacteria but die off when you quit taking them. On the other hand, prebiotics stick around and promote the production of friendly gut bacteria even after you stop taking them. What does the gut have to do with FS? Serotonin (a "feel-good" neurotransmitter in the brain) is manufactured in the stomach. Serotonin helps to reduce pain in the body. Leaky Gut Syndrome and poor gut bacteria equals poor serotonin uptake and, as a result, more pain. 

Special Supplements for Fibromyalgia Syndrome

Specialized supplements include 5-HTP, MSM, SAM-E, GABA, and DHEA.

• Acetyl L-Carnitine is an amino acid (protein) that helps to boost muscle repair and energy. This amino acid can be supplemented when you have issues with muscle recovery, but again, ask your doctor before beginning any new supplement regimen.

• Bromelain- 400 mg twice per day helps with body aches and pain. Food interferes with the active ingredient, so take on an empty stomach.

• Sublingual melatonin can help establish a healthy sleep cycle, and the herbs, chamomile, passionflower, and valerian (capsules or tea) can help nerves to relax.

Be Cautious With These Products

• Malic Acid forms ATP (cellular energy) and allows the body to make it even under low oxygen or hypoxic conditions. Malic acidis found in high concentrations in apples. Those with FS have high levels of lactic acid build-up in their muscles. Malic acid helps flush out lactic acid (and uric acid, which attacks collagen) and helps to reduce pain. It also detoxifies aluminum toxicity in the body. Malic acid reduces chronic muscle soreness and muscle tiredness and increases exercise tolerance. Most people report feeling a significant difference within 48 hours and reduced fatigue within two weeks of taking malic acid supplements. Malic acid supplements and other brain-chemical-altering supplements, such as GABA, MSM, and SAM-e, may interfere with medications and cause adverse reactions. They may also cause stomach upset. Don't take these supplements without a doctor's permission. Eating foods that contain these substances or encourage them to be converted into these substances in the body is a more holistic approach. Malic acid foods are lemons, apples, coconuts, omega 3s fish oils, avocado, flaxseeds, black cherry juice, olive oil, and apple cider vinegar.

• Apple Cider Vinegar contains malic acid (see the previous paragraph), which is why it is a popular recommendation for FS. Apple cider vinegar (the unprocessed form) helps reduce the body's acidity and restore pH balance. It specifically breaks down acid crystals and flushes out lactic acid. It also helps the body produce ATP (cellular energy). You can begin ACV therapy by adding two teaspoons of ACV to 8 ounces of warm or cold water and drinking it a couple of times per day. Add a little raw honey. Raw honey is alkaline as well. If you experience acid indigestion with this technique, discontinue and use the foods listed in the previous paragraph. Apple cider vinegar can also be used topically to dry up herpes lesions. 

• Most individuals with FS don't get adequate sleep due to the inability to stay asleep or get into a deep sleep due to constant bursts of brain activity. Up to 75% of all sufferers have a sleep disorder due to muscle spasms and pain. Some folks are trying 5-HTP to help with sleep and anxiety issues. 5-HTP is five times stronger than the amino acid tryptophan, the precursor to serotonin (a feel-good neurotransmitter). All protein-containing foods contain tryptophan but in smaller amounts than other amino acids. These supplements are available over the counter, but it is better to incorporate foods that are natural serotonin boosters that naturally contain tryptophan instead. NOTE: 5-HTP should not be taken without a doctor's permission, especially if you're on medication.

• Also, be cautious about taking over-the-counter antihistamines, such as Guaifenesin, to reduce histamine levels in the body. Instead, use natural ingredients, such as quercetin, which is a natural antihistamine.