The symptoms of fibromyalgia are widespread ranging from chronic pain, multiple tender points in joints and muscles, sleep disturbances, extreme fatigue, stress, anxiety and interference in basic daily activities. Some 90 per cent of sufferers are female and a high percentage of these may also have irritable bowel syndrome suggesting a food allergy component may be implicated.

Since joint and muscular pain impair basic daily activities, it is vital to address these at the outset.

I have found that a supplement traditionally aimed at arthritic symptoms has also been found to be of value for the alleviation of some of the symptoms of fibromyalgia. The supplement is called Superior Joints and it contains Natural Eggshell Membrane (NEM). NEM is the thin layer between the eggshell and the inner contents. Small studies indicate that it has very powerful natural anti-inflammatory properties that help to alleviate pain rapidly and often within a week. NEM also contains two rarer amino acids which are known for the joint and muscle repairing properties.

Superior Joints also contains turmeric and ginger both of which possess anti-inflammatory properties however as far as fibromyalgia is concerned, they are excellent circulatory herbs helping to enhance the oxygenation of all the tissues within the body including the muscle tissues. Additionally, cherry extracts within the formulation help to provide antioxidant support and remove acidic compounds that cause us pain such as lactic acid and uric acid.

It is has also been found that those suffering from fibromyalgia do tend to have deficiency of magnesium. Magnesium is needed for the relaxation phase of muscular function and for its ability to influence the chemicals at the nerve endings which signal pain. Magnesium is also absolutely vital for the production of energy and helps to counter fatigue which is often an associated symptom.

I normally recommend the use of a topical magnesium spray called Pure Magnesium Oil Spray, spray four or five sprays twice a day. This topical spray works locally to relax muscles and nerves as well as alleviate pain and at the same time the magnesium is absorbed transdermally into the bloodstream restoring any deficiency. Transdermal absorption has two benefits in that it avoids the use of high strength magnesium supplements which can often cause diarrhoea and secondly magnesium is absorbed more efficiently in this manner into the bloodstream than through the oral route.

If stress and anxiety are concerns that affect you, then I would highly recommend the use of Magnolia Rhodiola Complex, a supplement that helps to reduce levels of the inflammatory stress hormone cortisol, as well as helping to elevate mood and relax the mind without causing drowsiness. In several small studies, the use of Magnolia Rhodiola Complex also helped people in restoring sleep quality.

Finally, since many sufferers have gastrointestinal disturbances, it would be prudent to use a good probiotic supplement such as Mega Probiotic ND. This particular supplement delivers eight strains of beneficial bacteria into the intestines where they can colonise and perform their role of neutralising the inflammatory compounds that may be responsible for the disturbances whilst maintaining a healthy immune system. Probiotics are useful for diarrhoea because they prevent the pathogenic bacteria from flourishing and they are also useful for constipation because they break down food more efficiently preventing its stagnation in the gut.

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