Fw: [] Supplement Recommendations for Fibromyalgia

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> http://www.americanwholehealth.com/library/fibromyalgia/fmsalt.htm

>

> Supplement Recommendations for Fibromyalgia

>

> From Edelberg, M.D. at WholeHealthMD:

>

> As you may have discovered, heat from a hot bath or shower provides almost

> immediate (though temporary) relief. To achieve long-lasting effects,

you'll

> need to relieve stress, and work on lifestyle issues. Supplements will

help

> to restore the integrity of your muscles, build up the serotonin levels in

> your brain, and help reduce stress.

>

> How to Take the Supplements

>

> Everyone should start with magnesium/malic acid, the herb St. 's wort,

> and the amino acid 5-HTP. When used together, these last two seem very

> effective at raising serotonin levels (and pain tolerance). However, if

> you're already taking a prescription antidepressant, don't use these

> supplements without the approval of your doctor.

>

> If low energy is a significant issue for you, add coenzyme Q10 and NADH (a

> relative of the B vitamin niacin), which help provide energy to muscle

> cells. Start the NADH at the lower dose for a couple of weeks; some people

> experience mild overstimulation if they begin at a higher level.

>

> If your muscles feel especially tense, or if you emotional stress

aggravates

> your condition, include the herb kava, which acts as both a nonsedating

> tranquilizer and a muscle relaxant. Most nutritionally oriented physicians

> also suggest a potent antioxidant; grape seed extract will take care of

this

> nicely.

>

> If you have low levels of the adrenal hormone DHEA, (and your doctor can

do

> a blood test to measure it), getting those levels back to normal might

> improve your energy. Taking our recommended dose of DHEA for two months

will

> bring most depleted levels back to normal. Then continue the same dose

twice

> a week to maintain levels. (You can take DHEA along with all of the other

> supplements recommended here.)

>

> If you are having trouble with poor concentration or short-term memory,

the

> so-called " fibro fog, " then add the amino acid-like substance

> phosphatidylserine (PS). And finally, since the highly publicized

> antidepressant SAMe is rather expensive, I would hold off on taking it

until

> after you've given the St. 's wort adequate time to take effect. The

St.

> 's wort/5-HTP combination is so effective that I'd wait at least six

> weeks before adding SAMe to this.

>

> Of special interest:

>

>

> If getting a good night's sleep is often difficult for you, try taking the

> some melatonin (1-3 mg) about a half hour before you go to bed.

>

> If you have symptoms of irritable bowel along with your fibromyalgia, you

> definitely might benefit from using peppermint oil (1 or 2 capsules three

> times a day between meals).

>

> If your fibromyalgia seems to get worse just before your menstrual period,

a

> PMS herbal combination (2 capsules twice a day when not menstruating) may

> help you lessen your symptoms.

> Important:

>

>

> We at WholeHealthMD strongly recommend that everyone take a high-potency

> multivitamin/mineral and well-balanced antioxidant complex every day. It

may

> be necessary to adjust the dosages outlined below to account for your own

> daily vitamin regimen. All of our supplement recommendations also assume

you

> are eating a healthful diet.

>

> Be aware that certain cautions are associated with taking individual

> supplements, especially if you have other medical conditions and/or you're

> taking medications. Key cautions are given in the listing below, but you

> need to see the WholeHealthMD Reference Library for a comprehensive

> discussion of each supplement's cautions and drug/nutrient interactions.

> The Healing Path for Fibromyalgia provides more extensive therapeutic

> information about this condition.