Should You Take Supplements for Fibromyalgia?
When exploring treatment options, people often question if they should take supplements for Fibromyalgia?
Just to clarify, here is the definition of a supplement as defined by (DSHEA)
Research has shown that people with Fibromyalgia can be deficient in magnesium, B-12, vitamin D and zinc. So, it makes sense that taking supplements would be beneficial in these circumstances. This would ensure that our body is receiving all of the necessary vitamins and minerals needed for optimum health.
However, there is another train of thought, that says we should ideally be obtaining all of the essential nutrients through good nutrition and proper eating habits. Which is all well and good if you are familiar with what foods you should be consuming and in what quantities.
Why you need to take advice!
Before you head out and stock up with a shed load of off the shelf supplements, it’s worth noting that without proper nutritional advice, supplements can prove detrimental. For example taking too much iron can increase toxicity in the body. This would definitely prove counter-productive for those suffering with Fibromyalgia. Each supplement has their own specific benefits. Without advice you could be undoing the benefits of one by combining it with another.
Personally, I try to get everything I need from my diet. Here are some suggestions for foods which address the common deficiencies with Fibromyalgia:
Magnesium – increase your intake of spinach and other green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, wholegrains and legumes.
Vitamin B-12 – essentially B12 vitamins are obtained from fish, such as salmon, sardines and tuna. Dairy products such as cheese and milk. Fortified cereal also contain good sources of vitamin B-12.
Vitamin D – fatty fish, such as salmon, sardines and tuna. Egg yolks, fortified milk, orange juice and cereals.
Zinc – spinach, pumpkin seeds, cashew nuts, lean beef and lamb, chickpeas and mushrooms.
Before deciding on whether you should take additional supplements, I would always suggest speaking to a nutritionist or your health care professional for advise. They will most likely, look at your symptoms and the medical disorders you are dealing with and make recommendations from there.
As I alluded to at the start of this article, getting your nutritional intake from fresh foods has to be the optimum choice. Check here for my articles on Healthy Eating.