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Nutritional Fibromyalgia Supplements That May Help Improve Your FMS Symptoms
An Article About One of the Many Recommended Fibromyalgia Supplements
CoQ10 - The MIRACLE ANTIOXIDANT ?By Allen S. Josephs, M.D.Board Certified in Internal MedicineBoard Certified in Neurology I am a big advocate for the use of the antioxidant Coenzyme Q10 (otherwise known as CoQ10 or ubiquinone). That's why, as a neurologist, it was a pleasant surprise to open the prestigious journal Neurology and find the lead editorial discussing the potential benefits of CoQ10. The journal reported on two separate studies where CoQ10 was used for neurological disorders. CoQ10 is a critical nutrient involved in the production of energy within our cells and has been widely used in this country for various cardiac conditions, especially congestive heart failure (CHF). Since its discovery, studies of CoQ10's clinical value has led to widespread use and substantiation of its benefits, such as treating heart diseases, increasing energy levels, enhancing the immune system, reversing gum disease, providing antioxidant activity, and preventing certain side effects of common drugs.* Currently, there's even an exciting study underway with CoQ10 in patients with early Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's disease is the second most common neuro-degenerative disorder in this country (after Alzheimer's), affecting about 1% of all people over the age of 50. Parkinson's is caused by the death of brain cells that control movement. It is a double-blinded, prospective, randomized study using doses of CoQ10 of 300 mg, 600 mg and 1200 mg daily. The study will be completed later this year and it may turn out that high dose co-enzyme Q10 may slow the progression of Parkinson's disease. There is strong evidence in the medical literature indicating CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant and may protect the neurons (brain cells) from dying.* Coenzyme Q10 is a miracle nutrient that I take daily and personally recommend to my patients. The best formulation of CoQ10 that I know of is produced by Nutraceutical Sciences Institute (NSI). NSI has introduced a vastly superior delivery technology for CoQ10. Using softgel technology combined with rice bran oil and other synergistic nutrients, NSI's CoQ10 delivers up to 3X higher blood levels (absorption) when compared to the same CoQ10 in other products. To promote overall health and protection, dosages in the 10 - 60 mg range are used. If you have cardiovascular problems, neurological problems or need immune system support, many doctors recommend 300 - 600 mg per day. From my personal experience, proper fibromyalgia supplements can be quite important in helping those of us with fibromyalgia [or many other chronic ailments] manage our illness. As I have stated several times in this Web site, each of us with fibromyalgia is unique, and the results we each experience in taking fibromyalgia supplements, and the type and amount of supplements that we take, can and will vary from person to person. There have been many fibromyalgia supplements recommended over the years by many sources, that can aid us in treating our fibromyalgia symptoms. Some have their popularity wax and wane over time and others maintain their popularity and their use seems to make good common sense. Caution: The purchasing and use of nutritional and fibromyalgia supplements can become a financial burden to many, so use them wisely and only if you see results. Make sure that the supplements are of good quality and come from responsible and known manufacturers and vendors of good reputation. Shop around. Prices and package quantities can vary widely from seller to seller. Before taking any fibromyalgia supplement always check with your physician first. Just as with prescribed medications, there can also be inter-reactions among supplements, and supplements and doctor prescribed medicines.
The following is a partial list names of some common supplements on the market being recommended for those with fibromyalgia:
At a minimum, I would recommend that everyone take a quality, age and gender defined, multi-vitamin on a daily basis. It cannot hurt! *Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat and, cure or prevent disease. Always consult with your professional health care provider before changing any medication.
 
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Another Guest Article About CoQ10
Should You Be Taking CoQ10?
Author: Laura TurnerIn my quest for the "supplemental" truth it seems necessary to explore the qualities of the latest hot supplement topic: Coenzyme Q10. Everywhere I turn these days, I'm reading about the benefits which range the gamut from anti-aging to heart protection. But, is Coenzyme Q10 right for you? Read on!
First: The Claims:
A Rich Source of Anti-oxidants: Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), also known as ubiquinone, has been documented as a rich source of anti-oxidants. In much of the research and articles I've read, CoQ10 is consistently thought to act in much the same way that vitamin E does. In fact, CoQ10 has been found in many studies to be much more effective than vitamin E in lowering cholesterol and creating an optimum environment for the cells to create energy. Other strong anti-oxidant qualities include: the reduction in risk of heart disease and regulation of blood pressure.
Stimulates The Immune System: CoQ10 has also been shown to be an important component in the function of the immune system. It both inhibits bacteria as well as increases immune function. It also increases white blood cell production. In many cases when the body is deficient in CoQ10 (which becomes more common as we age) the immune system becomes compromised. Supplementation can often counteract this.
Anti-aging Qualities: Studies also suggest there is possible anti-aging effects in CoQ10. It has been shown to slow the aging process through its antioxidant qualities. Anti-oxidants, as we know, prevent "free radical" damage - the instability of cells which causes them to mutate unnecessarily creating everything from sun damage to cancer. CoQ10 has also been noted to increase endurance during exercise and is currently being used as a therapy and reversal for Alzheimer's.
Heart Health : CoQ10 depletion has also been linked to hypertension. Therefore supplementation of CoQ10 is currently being used as a natural remedy to decrease blood pressure. It is also recommended in reducing the risk of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and for prevention of the oxidation of LDL cholesterol which causes plaque.
Oral Health: Like green tea, CoQ10 has been thought to promote oral health. CoQ10 is supposed - in many studies - to slow or arrest periodontal disease. CoQ10 also protects the gums and heals damage from gingivitis as well as protects teeth from cavities.
Weight Loss: Obesity can lead to a decrease in the production of CoQ10. Therefore, in many of the studies I found, supplementation of CoQ10 was given to both to patients suffering from obesity and patients looking to manage weight.
The Bad News
What's the bad news? Not much. There doesn't seem to be any documented toxicity from supplementing with CoQ10. However, if you are pregnant or a nursing mom it would be best not to take this supplement as the long terms effects have not been recorded. Some reports suggest CoQ10 will decrease the effectiveness of warfarin - a blood thinner, but there is no evidence to suggest it is decidedly so. Finally, the dosage should not exceed 200 mg per day as this - in some cases - has been shown to cause diarrhea and nausea.
Other FAQ's About CoQ10: How much CoQ10 is enough to reap the benefits? For Best results (in the literature I consulted) 1, 30-60mg capsule up to 3X per day is a safe dosage when taken with meals. When choosing a supplement, it is important to be sure the capsule is in CoQ10's natural form which is dark bright yellow in color.
In Summation: Once again, in this scientist's opinion, I would mark CoQ10 as being well worth your consideration. Do your homework, however. As with any change in your healthcare program, always consult your healthcare practitioner. If you are on any other medications be sure to talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the possibility of interaction. Conduct your own research project. Here are some great resources that will help get you started.
Research for this article has been created through careful consideration of research and articles appearing on WebMD and though several working texts which include:
Balch, Phyllis A., CNC. Prescriptions for Nutritional Healing. New York: Penguin Putnam, 2004.
Khalsa, Dharma Singh, M.D. Food As Medicine. New York: Simon & Schuster, 2003.
Mindell, Earl, R.P.h., Ph.D. The Vitamin Bible. New York: Warner Books, 2004.
Mindell, Earl, R.P.h., Ph.D. Prescription Alternatives. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2003.
About The Author: Laura Turner is a natural health practitioner and author. She hosts http://www.beauty-and-body.com and publishes the New Body News and Wellness Letter, The Online Magazine Healthy People Read. ( http://www.new-body-news.com ) Subscribe for f.r.e.e. and receive her Special Report: "Take Charge of Your Health!" and check out her latest book: Spiritual Fitness!
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