Can Supplements Treat Fibromyalgia? Vitamin D, SAM-e, Turmeric, and More

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If you’ve got pain, tiredness, and sleep trouble that go along with medications or bipolar disorder because it may worsen symptoms of mania.

Turmeric. For centuries, this spice has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to relieve arthritis pain and other conditions. Modern-day science shows that the active compound in it, called curcumin, may help fight inflammation.

Although there’s little research on turmeric for fibromyalgia, it may be worth a try since curcumin works like a pain reliever in the body.

Capsaicin. You might be able to reduce the amount of pain signals your nerves fire off if you spread a cream with this chemical onto your skin.

Research shows it may ease fibromyalgia in the short term. In one study, people who used it on the skin three times a day had less pain.

“Capsaicin may be helpful, but it’s limited to the area where you apply the cream,” Fleming says. “So if you’re experiencing pain throughout your entire body, it may not be the best treatment.”

Melatonin. It’s a natural hormone made by your body that affects your sleep cycle. Because fibromyalgia can disrupt your shut-eye, you may get a better night’s rest if you take melatonin supplements.

“Not getting enough quality sleep can worsen your pain over time,” Fleming says. One small study found that fibromyalgia patients who took 3 milligrams of melatonin at bedtime had better sleep and less pain after 1 month, although the researchers say more study is needed.

What’s the Best Way to Start Taking a Supplement?

Once you get the go-ahead from your doctor, try one new supplement at a time.

“If you take a bunch all at once and experience a side effect, you won’t be able to tell which one is to blame,” Fleming says.

He recommends you try out a supplement for at least 2 to 3 weeks to make sure you don’t have any reactions before you add another one.