9 Ways to Naturally Improve Fibromyalgia Symptoms

by Amanda Coxhead, Gut Health Mentor.

I have been living with chronic pain and Fibromyalgia for the last 20 years.

Every morning I wake up stiff, feeling like I haven’t had a restful night’s sleep. Some days it is worse than others. The pain and stiffness I feel in my muscles and joints tends to move around my body, flaring up and then moving somewhere else. It is hard to explain the feeling to someone who has never lived with a chronic illness. Imagine how you feel after a hard work out session and your muscles are sore or when you have the flu and you feel fatigued and exhausted, this is what it is like for a Fibromyalgia sufferer every day.

There are lots of medications that can help but often come with side effects. In my quest to find alternative natural solutions, I have come across options that have helped me live more easily with Fibromyalgia and I want to share these with you.

First and foremost, it is important to tackle your gut health. The gut is the root of imbalance in the body and is the ringmaster of holistic wellness. Potential allergens such as gluten, cow dairy, refined sugars, additives and soy can all be triggers for sufferers of Fibromyalgia. I recommend following an anti-inflammatory diet to help reduce flare ups and keep a food diary so you can pinpoint any reactions.
Take supplements to support gut health and the body as a whole. At minimum, it is advisable to take a good quality probiotic. Our gut microbiome has an impact on our entire body, and we need the right balance of good versus bad bacteria. 70-90% of our immunity and serotonin stems from the gut, the brain is connected sending signals via the vagus nerve both and forth. Our gut is known as our “second brain” for good reason. In addition, supplementing minerals, nutrients and B vitamins help to support over-stimulated nerves.
Reduce coffee to only one cup per day, preferably decaf, and drink herbal teas. Peppermint, camomile and turmeric are helpful for improving digestion, relaxation and reducing inflammation.
Decrease or eliminate alcohol and smoking. Eliminating unnecessary toxins will help you feel better.
Switch to cleaning living, toxin-free everyday essentials as strong fragrances and additives can trigger headaches, allergies and clog your pores. Toxins can enter the bloodstream causing more inflammation. I have found using natural products helps soothe my itchy skin too. Everything from your body cream, shampoo and toothpaste to laundry detergent.
Consider taking up Pilates which is extremely helpful for my Fibromyalgia along with body weight exercises. It might seem hard at first, so it is best to build up gradually. The strengthening and stretching out of muscles can bring relief. Start with 5 minutes and build up to 30 minutes per day alternating exercises. You will also benefit from cardio when lifting weights whilst helping to build muscle mass.
Practice deep breathing exercises. I have quiet time on my mat every day to detach from the stress of the day. Inhale slowly through your nose to a count of 5, and exhale to a count of 5 out your mouth.
Establish a good sleep routine which isn’t easy for a Fibromyalgia sufferer. Try and go to bed and get up at the same time each day. If you need to take naps, it is best to listen to your body and what it needs. I find a really good healthy snack for the afternoon slump, is green apple with cinnamon.
Last but by no means least, I want to highlight that sugar is definitely not our friend. Overloading the body with sugar causes inflammation which in turn worsens the symptoms of Fibromyalgia. It is advisable to remove sugar entirely from your diet. I notice that I am much more energised, alert and have less flare ups of pain and stiffness if I am mindful of sugar. I am not just talking about sugar in your daily cuppa, but all forms of sugar (including artificial sweeteners) added in your cooking, sauces and condiments, processed foods and even “so called” healthy foods. Always check ingredients label on the products you buy and shop in the outer aisles of the supermarket where you find the healthy produce. Opt for vegetables that grow above ground, root vegetables are starchy which converts to sugar. Avoid fruit high in sugars and always eat the whole fruit rather than drink the juice!

We are all different in terms of what works and what doesn’t, but I hope some of these self-care tips help you. If you would like to know more about the supplements, products and gut health program I follow every day I have put together some details below.

Feel free to contact me with any tips you have that help you or whether you’d like to chat and share stories. Don’t suffer in silence! My contact links are at the bottom of the page.

Supplements and a non-toxic household

These are some of the products I use daily to tackle my Fibromyalgia in the ways I describe above. Links for more information or to purchase can be found below:

I take a good quality probiotic every day recommended by a naturopath. It is important to keep a healthy gut microbiome and this is the one I would suggest.
A “morning drink” which consists of Aloe Vera to support my gut health, Noni which provides vital nutrients that our body needs and Mineral Classic the important B vitamins supporting our over-active nervous system.
Collagen loading is helpful as this protein is depleting from our mid-20s. Collagen is found in our entire body and is the building blocks for muscles and tendons. A combination of Trim and Life for joint pain and vitality benefits I find beneficial in tackling my symptoms.
Toxin and additive free bathroom essentials, skincare range and home essentials.