Fibromyalgia, sometimes referred to a Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, is a distressing condition that is characterised by chronic fatigue as well as widespread musculoskeletal pain and weakness, and the symptoms are severe enough to get in the way of normal daily routines.
Not much is known about the possible causes of Fibromyalgia so an effective treatment plan is more a case of trying to figure out what works for any particular individual in order to relieve the symptoms.
Common symptoms associated with Fibromyalgia
- Chronic physical and mental fatigue that isn't relieved by rest or sleep
- Feeling almost flu like after exercise
- Muscle and joint pain that can occur anywhere in the body
- Confusion, lack of concentration and poor memory
- Morning stiffness
- Headaches
- Anxiety and depression
- Mood swings
- Nausea and dizziness
- Increased sensitivity to light, noise, pain and even to touch
- Muscle twitching
- Menstrual problems
- Skin, nail and hair problems
This isn't an exhaustive list of symptoms just some of the more common ones and just because you experience these symptoms it doesn't mean you have Fibromyalgia. A diagnosis of Fibromyalgia is usually made after a full medical examination and analysis of the symptoms has ruled out any other potential causes of these symptoms.
Treatment for Fibromyalgia
Treatment usually consists of plenty of rest, graded exercise sessions, getting into a healthy sleeping pattern, following a healthy diet which is low in animal fat, and avoidance stressful situations as much as possible. Sufferers will often be prescribed pain killing drugs and perhaps anti-depressants too.
The significance of Omega 3
There have been countless research studies conducted into how daily supplementation with fish oil can help a number of conditions. Not much has been done regarding Fibromyalgia itself but research into Omega 3 for an increasing number of conditions continue and we will no doubt be hearing more in the future. However, the assumption is that if fish oil can help alleviate so many symptoms for other conditions, then it may do the same for Fibromyalgia too.
Some professionals even maintain that it is our lack of Omega 3 in our diet that is the main cause of most of the health problems we see today. This is because the essential fatty acids in fish oil are anti inflammatory, anti coagulant and can inhibit tumour growth, lower blood pressure and bad cholesterol and lower triglyceride levels. The following includes just some of the effects a daily dose of fish oil can have on health in general and which may help ease the suffering of Fibromyalgia sufferers.
- It reduces inflammation throughout the body and therefore pain and in some studies involving arthritis, has reduced the need for NSAIDS altogether
- Helps blood flow throughout the body and deliver essential nutrients to wherever they are needed
- Improves quality of sleep
- Significantly improves brain function and has proved helpful in the treatment of many different types of depression and mental health problems
- Aids concentration and focus and boosts brain power
- Is a natural mood booster and helps alleviate mood swings
- Can improve memory
- Soothes inflammatory skin conditions
- improves the condition of the skin, hair and nails - one of the first indications of a lack of Omega 3 in the diet is in fact poor condition of skin, hair and nails
Although Omega 3 fatty acids are fats, they are polyunsaturated fatty acids that the body needs to survive but which cannot make so they have to be derived from food. Unlike saturated fats which can be harmful to health, Omega 3 fats are essential for all round physical and mental health.
If you suffer from Fibromyalgia and want to try fish oil, contact your doctor for advice first just to rule out any specific contraindications that may apply in your case.
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