Fibromyalgia: Symptoms & Supplements
Updated Jun. 29th, 2026 | Read Time: 3 Minutes | What You Will Learn:
- What is Fibromyalgia?
- Common Fibromyalgia Symptoms
- Fibromyalgia Treatment Options
- Conventional Therapies
- Dietary Support
- Fibromyalgia Supporting Supplements & Nutrients
- Important Information
- Nutritional Information
- Reader Comments (7)
Living with ongoing pain, fatigue, and sensitivity can make everyday life feel overwhelming, especially when symptoms are unpredictable and difficult to manage. Therefore, finding the right combination of lifestyle support and targeted nutrtion plays an important role in improving comfort and overall well-being. As a result, many individuals are turning to fibromyalgia supplements to help support energy levels, reduce discomfort, and promote a greater sense of balance.
In this article, we'll explore natural strategies to support your body and help you feel your best.
What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia causes pain in the muscles, tendons, ligaments and fibrous tissue of the body. The areas most affected by fibromyalgia are:
- Neck
- Shoulders
- Lower back
- Chest
- Thighs
It is difficult to diagnose and can have a similar presentation to chronic fatigue syndrome, hypothyroidism and inflammatory arthritis.
Common Fibromyalgia Symptoms
Symptoms of fibromyalgia begin with muscle stiffness, aching and spasms that are worse after activity.
Eventually, these symptoms will lead to generalized fatigue. Some other symptoms associated with fibromyalgia include depression, anxiety, sleeping disorders and bowel issues. Those who report symptoms of fibromyalgia and receive a blood test show red blood cell clusters that take on an abnormal shape and are referred to as rouleau formations. The common theme with fibromyalgia sufferers is a stressful lifestyle. Some other potential causes include food allergies, toxin accumulation and viral infection.
Fibromyalgia Treatment Options
Conventional Therapies
Typically conventional treatment for fibromyalgia includes antidepressants, which may help by affecting the central nervous system. The antidepressants target the pain and disturbed sleep symptoms of sufferers.
Dietary Support
Dietary approaches to fibromyalgia have several components. Most people’s diets cause their tissues to be acidic. In order to buffer the acid, essential minerals are stripped from the body. The first step is to cleanse the body of accumulated acids and toxins.
An alkaline diet will help to prevent worsening of symptoms and maintain a proper mineral balance. A digestive enzymeshould be supplemented to ensure that food is broken down properly.
Avoid consuming coffee and black tea, both of which deplete minerals.
Avoid consuming any food that you are sensitive to. Do not eat from the nightshade family (green peppers, eggplant, potatoes and tomatoes). They contain solanine that interferes with the muscle’s enzyme system, causing pain.
Fibromyalgia Supporting Supplements & Nutrients
In addition, an alkaline diet should include more pineapple, ginger, turmeric, alfalfa, fibre-rich foods like flax seeds, and ocean-going fish for essential fatty acids.
Furthermore, stress reduction techniques, such as deep breathing exercises and moderate physical activity, can help reduce fibromyalgia symptoms. Copper bracelets can be worn around the wrist to produce a whole-body anti-inflammatory effect. Topically, juniper or St. John’s wort oil can be rubbed into the painful area. Hydrotherapy with warm compresses or baths can provide relief.
Other nutrients that can help alleviate symptoms of fibromyalgia include:
- Magnesium: for muscle relaxation and nervous system calming.
- Vitamin D: for pain modulation and immune support.
- B Vitamins: for energy production and nervous system support.
- CoQ10: for mitochondrial function and fatigue support.
- 5-HTP: supports mood, sleep and serotonin levels.
- Adaptogenic Herbs: for stress support and cortisol balance.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: act as an anti-inflammatory and support joints and nerves.
Important Information
Finally, if you take medication or have underlying health conditions, consult your healthcare provider before starting new supplements or herbs.




As a long time fibromyalgia pain sufferer, I have tried it all. What works for one person doesn't always work for the next. But I have noticed over the years that getting enough sleep, decreasing sugar, and keeping active seems to keep the pain at bay. Melatonin helps with sleep, and various other supplements help with cravings and energy. Take a look at all the options available and give it a try.
Hello, Denise,
Thank you for sharing your experience. Fibromyalgia can be very uncomfortable, we are happy to hear you've found natural remedies that help with the pain. If you'd like to find new healthy recipes that use less sugar, check out our recipe section too:
https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/healthy-recipes/
Stay healthy & well!
Thank you for this well researched well thought out articles. As a fibromyalgia sufferer I find that this particular health condition is very misunderstood. It took me 15 years (you read that right) of suffering with fibro before I was finally diagnosed. It solved a lot of health mysteries for me and gave me peace of mind at last. CoQ10 has been very beneficial. Though valerian had the very opposite effect on me. I tried many different brands, with the same results. It leaves me restless, agitated and unable to sleep. I recently read a book on herbalism that clarified that a small percentage of the population has this very same "reversed" effect when taking valerian. Instead I have begun taking passion flower with good results. Most people with fibro are also very low in vitamin d.
Hello, Shelley,
Thank you for sharing and sorry you suffered for so long without knowing what was going on. Glad our article was helpful for you, we enjoy working with natural health practitioners to provide you with up-to-date information. We just added new articles on CoQ10 you may enjoy, check them out here:
https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/research/coq10-supplement/
Stay healthy & well!
Combatting the literal pain of fibromyalgia with malic acid coq10 and other supplements meant to improve mood is a thoughtful approach-I can only imagine how difficult it is to suffer from fibromyalgia, and how difficult seeming mysterious pains can be emotionally taxing as well (it could feel like being gaslit, people not believing a seeming healthy and fine person is actually suffering from terrible pains). Anyway, thank you for another interesting and informative article, NN; keep them coming, please! :)
Hello Rachel,
Indeed, we agree, this is a horrific ailment to live with. Thank you for enjoying our articles. You can also learn more about the suggested remedies here: https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/supplements/malic-acid/
Magnesium citrate has been very helpful with my RLS and ability to relax enough to fall asleep. Unfortunately, the combo of vitamins/minerals I have been on for 2 years don't seem to be making me better, but I haven't gotten worse! I'll be adding coenzyme q10, as I've seem it recommended in several places. Off to my Naturopath to get her advice on it! Thanks for the article. I learned a few items I didn't know could help! Like Evening Primrose Oil and licorice root. I do have an Egyptian licorice root tea, perhaps I shall have a cup in the evenings!