In order to treat for fibromyalgia, I recommend that you investigate and try a number of things that have been linked to chronic fibromyalgia and may be the cause:
1. Eliminate Food sensitivity and allergens including gluten and dairy. That is why I recommend a comprehensive elimination diet such as The UltraSimple Diet for 2-3 weeks, which will help to alkalinize you and improve detoxification and reduce inflammation. It eliminates most of the common food allergens, which include gluten, dairy, eggs, corn, nightshades and citrus.
2. Treat Intestinal Bacterial and Yeast Overgrowth. I also recommend looking at the potential for bacterial and yeast overgrowth in gut. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth has been linked to fibromyalgia and has been successfully treated with antibiotics such as Xifaxin. I encourage you to see a functional medicine practitioner to assess this and treat it. Also other intestinal microbes such as yeast, parasites and worms may also create inflammation systemically and lead to fibromyalgia and should be treated and assessed.
3. Address Heavy Metal Toxicity. I recommend assessing and treating for heavy metal toxicity, especially mercury and lead, which have been linked to fibromyalgia and chronic pain.
4. Check your Thyroid. Also, I encourage people to check their thyroid effectively for proper testing and treatment. I have documented this in my The UltraThyroid Solution. I encourage you to review that for further information on how to successfully treat thyroid problems, which can mimic fibromyalgia.
I recommend getting a TSH, free T3, free T4, as well as thyroid antibodies and treating with a bioidentical thyroid hormone such as Armour Thyroid or Nature-Throid.
5. Treat Nutritional Deficiencies. Remember that nutritional deficiencies may be linked to fibromyalgia, including vitamin D, magnesium, low omega-3 fats. That is why I recommend good supplementation with the following:
- A good multivitamin.
- Fish oil (EPA, DHA) at a ratio of 3:2 at least 2-4 grams a day.
- Vitamin D3, 5000 units a day. Keep your blood level between 45 and 65 ng/dl.
- I also recommend magnesium such as magnesium glycinate or citrate 200 to 400 mg twice a day. Many other supplements can be helpful including mitochondrial support, such as D-ribose, carnitine, alpha lipoic acid, and coenzyme Q10
I encourage you to have hope and realize that there is a pathway out of chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia that is through the world of functional medicine and I encourage you to find a good experienced functional medical practitioner. Go to my website DrHyman.com and click the 'Find a Doctor' tab, and hopefully you will find someone.
I encourage you to read The UltraMind Solution, which gives you a background into this whole topic and many avenues for finding your way back to health.