Using Probiotics For Treating Fibromyalgia Pain And Symptoms

By Author: Webster Campbell
Total Articles: 147
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Today there are approximately 2% of Americans who have fibromyalgia. Most of those who are afflicted are women who have undergone either a physical or an emotional trauma. However, there is usually not any event that has actually triggered it. Recent studies are actually focusing on the idea of the nervous system becoming centrally sensitized.

Fibromyalgia has no known cause and no known cure. According to the Mayo Clinic, fibromyalgia is "a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain in your muscles, ligaments and tendons, as well as fatigue and multiple tender points--places on your body where slight pressure causes pain."

Most people who have fibromyalgia also have Intestinal Bowel Syndrome, which is a chronic, long-term disorder of your gastrointestinal system.
This is another condition with no known cause and no known cure but researchers theorize that it is caused by having too much "bad" bacteria in your small intestines due to the malabsorption of food. Probiotics have been shown to help relieve its symptoms, which include:
* Diarrhea
* Stomach pain
* Bloating
* Gas

Treating Fibromyalgia

There are a lot of different types of treatments used for fibromyalgia including:
* Medication for pain and depression
* Epilepsy medications
* Physical therapy
* Exercise
* Counseling
* IV vitamins and minerals

The National Fibromyalgia Association also recommends eliminating sugar, caffeine, alcohol, fried foods, red meat and processed foods.

Probiotics

The Mayo Clinic also believes that probiotics will help fibromyalgia patients. This is because they are the "good" bacteria that can be found in your stomach. They help with digestion and protect you from "bad" bacteria's destructive properties. These can be taken as a supplement and are also found in yogurt, miso, some juices and soy drinks. You will know that they are there because the label will read "live and active cultures."

Some of the conditions that probiotics are known to treat include:
* Diarrhea
* IBS
* Intestinal problems
* Lessen the severity of colds and flu
* IBS

Probiotics and Fibromyalgia

Probiotics are useful in relieving IBS symptoms, which are something that a lot of fibromyalgia patients are also afflicted with. The National Fibromyalgia Association states that Glutamine plus probiotics are also among the supplements often used for fibromyalgia. These are intended to promote an optimal environment for absorption of nutrients and are based on the theory that fibromyalgia symptoms may be caused by gut malabsorption of nutrients.

Fibromyalgia symptoms can be treated with the use of probiotics. It does not mean every person will experience success, but it is a treatment option.

Fibromyalgia Diet and Treatment provides great resources to all patients who are suffering from this disease. You can find out more great information about Fibromyalgia Diagnosis and Fibromyalgia Symptoms In Women!