Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a disorder affecting over 5% of the patients in a general medical practice and an estimated 2-4% of the general, women more often than men. I will not see the same causes or symptoms in any 2 people. Therefore it is essential for someone to have a supportive naturopathic doctor or other holistically oriented health care practitioner supervise his or her individual care. There is a cure for FMS!

What about the magic bullet? There isn’t one.
By definition fibromyalgia does not have inflammation with the pain, so anti-inflammatory medications are generally unhelpful, this includes steroids, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and natural products such as bromelain.

#1 Assure optimal overall macronutrient intake
First, avoid foods that precipitate symptoms (in a retrospective study most patients did sig. better if they gave up coffee entirely). People with FMS do NOT tolerate alcohol well.
Second, eat to avoid hypoglycemia and supply every cell with the essential building blocks every moment of every day. (Nutritional Resources: The Schwarzbein Principle, our handouts for protein at every meal, Nourishing Traditions cookbook SEE LINKS )

#2 Comprehensive nutrient intake including…
• A broad spectrum Multiple Vitamin Mineral such as MultiNutrients (MUL27) or Maxxum #3 (MAXX3)
• Additional Mineral support including about 400-600 mg of chelated Magnesium – To reduce muscle spasm and improve sleep. (Use Magnesium Citrate (MAG36) 150 mg. 1-2 hs
• Essential Fatty Acids: consider additional EPA from Cod Liver Oil (CODL3)
• Additional antioxidants. A complete balanced formula such as Advanced Anti-oxidant (ANTI3) that contains a balanced combination of A, C, E, Zn, and sel-.
• Protein should be from dietary sources, although occasionally, high quality whey protein might be used to complement one’s diet. Use hydrolyzed lactalbumin (HYDR7). We recommend avoiding processed soy protein.

#3 Improve Sleep with Calmicin (CALM2)
this is a European OTC herbal preparation that promotes a deeper sleep. Magnesium can be added if there is restless leg syndrome.

#4 Gentle daily exercise
Occasionally if the cause of fibromyalgia is overuse, a period of rest may be required during acute phases. Once the acute phase is over, aerobic exercise and some light resistance exercise are important. This may begin at 3-5 minutes a day depending upon the stage one is in.

#6 Soft Tissue Manipulation
Non-traumatic effective treatment is effective at re-aligning the patterns that have resulted in a pain syndrome. Bowen manipulation is effective through nerve conduction and reflex changes that occur with a treatment.