Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread pain and tenderness in the muscles and bones, accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues.
Research shows gut dysbiosis, particularly SIBO, accounts for the symptoms seen in fibromyalgia. Here's a functional nutrition approach to fibromyalgia.
CBD-infused skin care products are popping up everywhere, and the major benefit is its ability to support a normal inflammatory response.
Researchers out of Austria have found vitamin D supplementation may lessen pain in patients with fibromyalgia.
What is Fibromyalgia syndrome?
Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a disease characterized mainly by widespread pain throughout the body. Additionally those with FMS experience fatigue, memory and mood issues. Researchers aren’t sure yet what causes FMS, but some think it is due to increased sensitivity to pain signals by the brain.
What's the Link Between Fibromyalgia and Vitamin D?
Few studies have looked at vitamin D and FMS. So far, the main link found is that those suffering from FMS often have low vitamin D levels. Additionally, studies have shown vitamin D can be beneficial to different types of pain in general, not specific to FMS.
“Low blood levels of calcifediol [25(OH)D] are especially common in patients with severe pain and fibromyalgia. But although the role of calcifediol in the perception of chronic pain is a widely discussed subject, we lack clear evidence of the role of vitamin D supplementation in fibromyalgia patients,” stated lead researcher Dr. Florian Wepner.
Can Vitamin D Supplementation Help With Pain In Those Suffering From FMS?
To answer this question, the research team looked at a group of 30 women with FMS who all had vitamin D levels below 32 ng/ml. They randomized the women to either receive vitamin D supplementation or a placebo. Their goal for the vitamin D group was to raise their levels to between 32 and 48 ng/ml over the course of 20 weeks.
Twenty-four weeks after vitamin D supplementation stopped, the researchers found a marked reduction in perceived pain among the treatment group. Compared to the placebo group, the treatment group significantly improved on physical role functioning and on morning fatigue. There were, however, no alterations in depression or anxiety symptoms.
“We believe that the data presented in the present study are promising. FMS is a very extensive symptom complex that cannot be explained by a vitamin D deficiency alone. However, vitamin D supplementation may be regarded as a relatively safe and economical treatment for FMS patients and an extremely cost-effective alternative or adjunct to expensive pharmacological treatment as well as physical, behavioral, and multimodal therapies,” said Dr. Wepner.
Bottom Line: Vitamin D levels should be monitored regularly in FMS patients, especially in the winter season, and raised appropriately.
Health and Happiness,
Kelly Harrington, MS, RDN
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist for Healthy Goods
Reference:
Joints are amazing. Right now, no matter what you are doing, your joints are helping you to move, bend, or flex. Sitting down? Your knee joints are most likely bent. Typing at a computer? Your elbow, wrist, and finger joints are all at work. Striding down the street? Your hips, spine, knees, and ankles are all in play. There are over 400 joints in your body!
For those with joint conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, joints can also be a source of pain, inflammation, swelling, and stiffness. An estimated 27 million adults in the US are living with osteoarthritis. This common type of arthritis occurs when cartilage breaks, usually later in life, affecting weight bearing joints like the knees.
Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are two very commonly used supplements for people with joint pain and osteoarthritis. Both of these natural substances are found in and around the cells of cartilage. But what other options are out there for joint pain sufferers?
Green tea is the most widely consumed beverage in the world, and is a rich source of antioxidant polyphenols that have anti-inflammatory properties. Green tea is the leaves of the camilla sinensis plant. While legends differ regarding the discovery of this popular drink, experts agree that it has been enjoyed as a health promoting beverage for over 5,000 years.
A study done at the University of Maryland and Rutgers University examined the effects of green tea polyphenols on rheumatoid arthritis in an animal study. The researchers found that green tea significantly reduced the severity of arthritis compared to a control group that only received water.
Researchers suggest that the positive affects of green tea on rheumatoid arthritis may be caused by changes to arthritis-related immune responses; green tea suppresses an inflammatory substance known as cytokine IL-17, and antibodies to a disease-related antigen known as Bhsp65. Green tea also increases levels of an anti-inflammatory substance known as cytokine IL-10.
Their final recommendation? That green tea be further explored as a dietary therapy along with conventional treatment for rheumatoid arthritis.
Stinging Nettle, Urtica dioica, was used as far back as medieval Europe as a remedy for joint pain, and as a diuretic. It is still used as a remedy for painful muscles and joints today. For this purpose, it is the leaves and stems of nettle that are typically found in a joint or muscle formula.
Studies on the affect of Stinging Nettle on joint pain have suggested that some people suffering from osteoarthritis experience pain relief from topical application to painful areas. Other studies demonstrated that an oral extract of stinging nettle allowed people to reduce their usage of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Turmeric, curcuma longa, has been used for over 4,000 years in both Indian Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine practices as an anti-inflammatory, to heal wonds, digestive problems, and more. Turmeric is a spice widely used today in currys, and in the bright yellow mustard found in most homes. Turmeric has made multiple appearances this month on our blog as we discuss joint health and inflammation, and for good reason!
It is turmeric's possible anti-inflammatory properties, and not its legendary use in the kitchen, that might inspire you to keep some on hand. In a randomized placebo-controlled trial, 120 patients with knee osteoarthritis received either 500mg of turmeric extract twice daily, a placebo, or a combination of glucosamine and turmeric extract.
The results showed that the patients who received turmeric showed a significant decrease in severity of pain, a significant decrease in the use of rescue medication, and experienced clinical and subjective improvement compared to the placebo group. The study concluded that turmeric was a safe and effective treatment option for patients with primary, painful knee osteoarthritis.
Pomegranates, Punica granatum, have been cultivated since ancient times throughout the Mediterranean regions of Asia, Africa, and Europe. Pomegranate juice was used as a folk remedy for dispepsia and even leprosy. It was also used dysentary, bronchitis, and to relieve sore throats. Pomegranates had an almost magical, mythical reputation in various cultures, and were known as "the Fruit of Life".
A recent study on the affect of pomegranate extract in mice with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) demonstrated that pomegranate extract significantly reduced the incidence and severity of CIA. The arthritic joints in these subjects had less inflammation, and alleviated destruction of bone and cartilage after receiving pomegranate extract. The researchers concluded that the pomegranate extract selectively inhibited inflammatory cytokines critical to the development of inflammation.
While more research needs to be done, pomegranate shows promise as an effective and natural option for the prevention of arthritic joints.
A good diet full of whole foods with anti-inflammatory properties may help to prevent joint problems later in life. Be sure to include the following:
• Foods high in vitamin D, like eggs, oysters, and cod liver oil, are important for people with osteoarthritis, as research shows that low levels of vitamin D can lead to more joint pain.
Get moving! Keeping muscles strong and the body limber may help prevent future joint problems later in life. Eating right and getting daily exercise can also keep extra, unwanted pounds off the body that could lead to further stress on joints.
It's never too late to start exercising for joint relief. In one study, osteoarthritis patients with an average age of 65 who practiced tai chi twice a week improved in scores of pain, physcial function, and physical quality of life.
References
University of Maryland Medical Center; Turmeric; May 2013; http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/turmeric
PubMed; Safety and efficacy of Curcuma longa extract in the treatment of painful knee osteoarthritis; April 2013; http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23242572
University of Maryland Medical Center; Stinging Nettle; May 2013; http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/stinging-nettle
WebMD; Supplements for Arthritis and Joint Pain; May 2012; http://www.webmd.com/diet/arthritis-guide
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine; Arthritis; http://nccam.nih.gov/health/arthritis
National Center for complementary and Alternative Medicine; Green Tea May Help to Protect Against Rheumatoid Arthritis; http://nccam.nih.gov/research/results/spotlight/120808.htm
National Center for complementary and Alternative Medicine; Pomegranate Extract May Be Helpful for Rheumatoid Arthritis; http://nccam.nih.gov/research/results/spotlight/120508.htm?nav=gsa
WebMD; Osteoarthritis Health Center; Oct 2008; http://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/news/20081024/tai-chi-may-ease-knee-pain
