The following is a list of the nutritional supplements I take every day for fibromyalgia, vulvodynia, and other health problems, along with explanations for the use of each supplement.

For mail order sources for these supplements, click here.
For resources for researching supplement use, click here.
For information about my prescription medications click here.

Please read this DISCLAIMER.

Click on the name of the supplement to go to the explanation.

Acidophilus: repopulates the bowel with "friendly bacteria" after use of antibiotics; maintains proper balance of vaginal flora.

B-complex: has a calming effect on the nervous system; aids in synthesis of the neurotransmitter serotonin, thought to be a factor in fibromyalgia; helps metabolize food efficiently; decreases PMS; increases energy.

Calcium citrate: binds and neutralizes oxalate, substance implicated in vulvodynia; reduces muscle pain and spasms; decreases PMS; may treat nocturnal myoclonus (sudden jerking movements that interrupt sleep) when combined with magnesium.

Chromium picolinate: regulates blood sugar, decreases carbohydrate cravings associated with fibromyalgia and polycystic ovary syndrome; helpful for reactive hypoglycemia, a delayed reaction to sugar common in people with fibromyalgia.

(back to top)

Vitamin E: reduces muscle cramps and spasms; may treat nocturnal myoclonus (sudden jerking movements that interrupt sleep).

Evening primrose oil: essential fatty acid; reduces pain and fatigue; protects against cell damage; used to treat PMS and fibrocystic breasts; reduces menstrual cramps.

Folic acid: helps body to repair abnormal cervical cells; aids in energy production; needed for production of red blood cells; also prevents fetal neural tube defects such as spina bifida when taken in early pregnancy.

Magnesium oxide: reduces muscle cramps and spasms; needed for nerve and muscle function; aids in metabolism of calcium; reduces constipation associated with calcium supplements and tricyclic antidepressants; may treat nocturnal myoclonus (sudden jerking movements that interrupt sleep) when combined with calcium; helps convert blood sugar to energy; aids in coping with stress; fights depression; some studies show that people with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome are deficient in magnesium.

(back to top)

Malic acid: involved in energy production in many cells of the body (see article); needed for sugar metabolism.

Melatonin: hormone that triggers sleep; used to treat sleep disorders associated with fibromyalgia.

Multivitamin: all nutrients are needed in balance; there is some evidence that fibromyalgia may involve inefficient absorption of nutrients.

N-acetyl glucosamine (NAG): amino sugar involved in the formation of connective tissues such as tendons and ligaments whose repair is thought to be interrupted in fibromyalgia; increases the gel-like quality of skin which reduces the hypersensitivity evident in vulvodynia. Also thought to be beneficial in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome.

(back to top)

There are many mail order companies that sell supplements for well below the prices found at health food stores:

The Vitamin Shoppe -- The best discount vitamin site on the web. Brand name products, large selection, online ordering and product information is now available. A great way to price shop. Their brand of products is about half the price of retail, brand name products are discounted as well. They also sponsor Dr. Andrew Weil's website.

Vitamin Research Products -- This company's newsletter is an excellent resource of information on the use of supplements, including a page on the use of malic acid to treat fibromyalgia.

Mother Nature's General Store -- Brand name products, huge selection, information on supplement use, online ordering available.

Better Life -- Brand name products, large selection, online ordering available.

Some resources I use in researching holistic treatments:

Books:

The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy
by Valerie Ann Worwood

Essential Aromatherapy: A Pocket Guide to Essential Oils & Aromatherapy
by Susan Worwood

Fibromyalgia: A Comprehensive Approach
by Miryam Williamson

Fibromyalgia and Chronic Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A Survival Manual
by Devin J. Starlanyl M.D.

Healing Wise
by Susun S. Weed

Prescription for Nutritional Healing
by James F. Balch, M.D. and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.

Sick and Tired of Feeling Sick and Tired: Coping with Invisible Chronic Illness
by Paul J. Donoghue, Ph.D. and Mary E. Siegel, Ph.D.

Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom
by Christiane Northrup, M.D.

All of these books are available in the Bookstore on this site.