Fibromyalgia and Vitamin D - What is the connection?
The easiest way to get the vitamin D your body needs is from sunlight. If you are worried about too much sunlight exposure and are trying to stay out of the sun, you may not be getting enough vitamin D. Not only is there a link between fibromyalgia and vitamin D deficiency, there seems to be a link between lack of vitamin D and many forms of cancer. Of course too much sun exposure can increase your risk for skin cancer, but some sun exposure is necessary for good health. The current RDA (recommended daily allowance) of vitamin D is 200 IU for people 50 and younger, 400 IU for people over 50, and 600 IU for people over 70. Many medical doctors and researchers believe these RDA numbers for vitamin D to be far too low. Some doctors recommend up to 10 times that amount, especially if you're vitamin D deficient and are suffering from fibromyalgia symptoms. The relationship of fibromyalgia and vitamin D deficiency is becoming clearer, as research studies are connecting the muscle pain and weakness of fibromyalgia, to low levels of vitamin D in the body. Several studies on both children and adults have found muscle and bone pain in people who have low levels of vitamin D. This means that fibromyalgia symptoms should improve with extra vitamin D added to the diet. Doctors who regularly check the vitamin D levels of their patients with fibromyalgia, are finding the majority of them are deficient in Vitamin D. This is true even in parts of the world that have sunshine over 300 days a year. More Connection between Fibromyalgia and Vitamin D DeficiencyStudies are showing a direct relationship between chronic pain, poor immune function, anxiety, depression, and fatigue, with fibromyalgia and vitamin D deficiency.I have seen a noticeable improvement in my patients who had fibromyalgia, after they started taking Vitamin D supplements. Your body needs vitamin D to maintain strong muscle and bone health. Vitamin D deficiency causes widespread inflammation in your body. This inflammation can be corrected with vitamin D supplementation. Higher amounts of vitamin d than the current RDA of 400 IU may be needed for preservation of muscle strength and physical function, as well as relief from fibromyalgia pain and fatigue. Many researchers and scientists are now recommending 2,000 IU of vitamin D each day rather than the currently recommended 400 IU. Sunlight, Fibromyalgia and Vitamin D DeficiencyThe amount of sun exposure you need to get vitamin D depends on where you live. How strong is the sun where you live and how long are you in it? In winter climates it would be very hard to get enough vitamin D through sun exposure.Even if you live in a sunny area and could get enough vitamin D through sun exposure, it may leave you at greater risk for skin cancer. Therefore, getting Vitamin D through diet and supplements may make the most sense.
Dietary Sources of Vitamin DVery few foods contain Vitamin D naturally. The best sources are:• Tuna • Sardines • Salmon • Mackerel • Cod Liver Oil • A small amount of Vitamin D is found in beef liver, cheese, and egg yolks In the United States many foods have been fortified (had vitamin D added to them) including: • Milk • Orange juice • Yogurt • Margarine • Fruit juices • Ready-to-eat-breakfast cereals If you suspect that your fibromyalgia symptoms may be caused by a Vitamin D deficiency you should consider taking a whole food natural Vitamin D supplement. Multivitamin supplements commonly provide 200-400 IU of vitamin D daily. One of the few supplement companies I have absolute confidence in is Standard Process. Their Cataplex D is a complex containing Vitamin A, Vitamin D, and Calcium. It can be ordered at Amazon.com. To Your Best Health, Dr. Cliff
Best Diet for Fibromyalgia Fibromyalgia Supplements Herbal Remedies for Fibromyalgia Best Exercises for Fibromyalgia Return from fibromyalgia and vitamin d to fibromyalgia and back pain Return to back-pain-treatment-and-relief.com
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