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Have you ever suffered from unexplained aches, pains, and tenderness? Do you experience these symptoms primarily in specific areas of your body like the neck, shoulders, hips, arms, and legs? If so, you might have fibromyalgia. But what exactly does that mean? Fibromyalgia has been a mystery to the medical community for many years, but we’re starting to understand more about it. Let’s delve deeper to learn what fibromyalgia is all about and learn about naturopathic treatments for fibromyalgia What Is Fibromyalgia? Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes tenderness, aches, and pains in specific parts of the body. Over 6 million Americans have fibromyalgia and 90% of them are women. While anyone can get fibromyalgia, it appears to be more common among women during middle age and people with a history of rheumatoid arthritis or other autoimmune diseases. Symptoms of Fibromyalgia Fibromyalgia has a range of symptoms and they may vary from person to person. For most people, fibromyalgia causes long-term and widespread pain in muscles and connective tissues, without any obvious causes. Some doctors believe that fibromyalgia might also affect how the brain processes pain signals. Here are some other common fibromyalgia symptoms: Fatigue Chronic fatigue is a common problem amongst fibromyalgia sufferers and can be both crippling and exhausting. Headaches Nearly 70% of people with fibromyalgia report having recurring migraine or tension type headaches. Memory Issues Overall memory loss and short-term memory problems can be the result of fibromyalgia. Sleep Disorders Many people with fibromyalgia suffer from a variety of sleep disorders such as restless leg syndrome, insomnia, less deep sleep, and sleep apnea. This results in getting a less restful sleep. Cramping In The Lower Abdomen Nearly half of fibromyalgia patients also suffer from abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, gas, and bloating. Depression Due to dealing with constant fatigue and muscle weakness, many patients find themselves socially isolated, which contributes to feelings of depression. Anxiety Dealing with chronic pain leads to higher stress which in turn leads to higher instances of anxiety and can make everyday life more difficult to handle. Fibro Fog This is the feeling many fibromyalgia patients experience, as though they are walking around in a fog, due to the combination of exhaustion, muscle fatigue, and memory issues. In addition to these main symptoms, people with fibromyalgia can also be susceptible to experiencing morning stiffness, numbness or tingling in the extremities, and a heightened sensitivity to bright light, loud noises, and temperature. What Causes Fibromyalgia? Fibromyalgia can be difficult to diagnose because there is no clear test for it. With that being said, some doctors may order certain tests to rule out other conditions before reaching a diagnosis of fibromyalgia. While the causes of fibromyalgia aren’t entirely clear, it has been linked to the following factors: genetics allergies to chemicals food sensitivities or allergies hormonal imbalances poor digestion candida overgrowth spinal misalignments stress neurotransmitter deficiencies Naturopathic Solutions for Fibromyalgia While there is no cure for fibromyalgia, it’s possible to manage your symptoms with naturopathic solutions for fibromyalgia. Here are a few strategies that I can help you with. 1. Improve Your Sleep Quality As we mentioned earlier, fibromyalgia has a negative impact on sleep. Between sleep quality and pain intensity, if you’re suffering from a fibromyalgia flare-up, you may not be sleeping very well lately. By addressing your pain symptoms, we can work together to help you get your sleep back, get out of the fibro fog feeling, and feel better overall. As well, it’s a good idea to reduce the other elements which may be holding you back from getting your best night’s sleep, including: Avoiding screen time before bed Using a blue light filter on any screens you do need to use Going to bed and wake up at the same time each day Avoiding food for at least two hours before bed Avoiding coffee and alcohol before bed 2. Supplement with Vitamin D Some studies have shown that the amount of vitamin D you have in your body can influence pain pathways and that many patients with fibromyalgia are lacking vitamin D1. By increasing your intake of vitamin D, you can help to manage your pain and other symptoms of fibromyalgia. 3. Eat Foods Rich in Selenium and Magnesium You may have already heard that a lack of selenium and magnesium in the body is related to muscle pain. Since muscle pain is the primary symptom of fibromyalgia, it comes as no surprise that people with fibromyalgia are often lacking in magnesium and selenium. Eating mineral-rich foods like avocados, Brazil nuts, seeds, tofu, leafy greens, and fish may have a positive effect on your fibromyalgia symptoms. 4. Acupuncture Acupuncture is a millennia-old Chinese tradition which may help you to manage the pain of fibromyalgia. A 2016 study found that people with fibromyalgia had great success in treating their pain symptoms with acupuncture and had little to no side effects2. 5. Supplement With Acetyl L-Carnitine Acetyl L-carnitine, also known as ALCAR, is an amino acid that is naturally produced by your liver and kidneys but is also available as a supplement. This study on ALCAR found that taking it not only helped to improve pain symptoms, but also had a positive effect on depression, anxiety, and the overall well-being of fibromyalgia patients3. 6. Reduce Your Stress Fibromyalgia isn’t easy to handle. Between physical symptoms and emotional symptoms it can be hard to free yourself from the fibro fog. Here at Nardini Naturopathic, I also offer lifestyle counseling which can help you manage the stress you’re facing. 1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4924184/ 2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26879181 3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25786048 Book An Appointment With Nardini Naturopathic Remember, health is both physical and mental. If you are suffering with fibromyalgia and want to make a change in your life, call me, Dr. Pat Nardini, for a consultation. Together we can figure out the best plan to get your symptoms under control and help you to live without pain. As a naturopathic doctor in Toronto, I offer natural solutions for fibromyalgia and other pain-related disorders. Book an appointment today.