Vitamin D and Melatonin

vitamin D and melatonin can ease fibromyalgia pain The amount of Vitamin D in your body seems to be related to the amount of pain a person experiences with fibromyalgia. Some studies show a correlation between Vitamin D and symptoms of fibromyalgia, claiming that the vitamin may be able to reduce the painful symptoms: "Fibromyalgia patients and those with chronic pain should certainly have their vitamin D blood levels checked and, if low, consider supplementation under the guidance of a physician" (2). In the United Kingdom, 43% of females with fibromyalgia had very low Vitamin D levels compared to 19% without fibromyalgia. In Belfast, Northern Ireland, people with fibromyalgia frequently had low Vitamin D levels. The study also linked anxiety and depression to low Vitamin D levels (3,4). Other research has shown that Vitamin D may lower the amount of inflammation because it reduces cytokine production. Cytokine is a protein that causes inflammation and is found in many of the foods we eat but is often times unavoidable. Since consuming cytokines is so unavoidable, Vitamin D is a beneficial addition to our daily regimen because it aids in removing this excess cytokine. Melatonin also has the same effect in reducing inflammation in the body, as well as acting as a natural sleep inducer. Melatonin relieves stress and promotes a good night’s rest for the body, and a simple amount of adequate rest can do wonders in fighting fatigue and relieving other symptoms of fibromyalgia. Other types of supplements for treating fibromyalgia include: alpha hydroxy acids, capsicum and magnesium. These relatively inexpensive types of supplements can be found in most grocery or health stores, as well as online. Sometimes a small investment can provide huge rewards in the treatment of your fibromyalgia.