5) Vitamin B12
A Swedish study demonstrated low levels of vitamin B12 in the cerebrospinal fluid of people with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.Twelve women who met the criteria for both fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome were studied, along with a control group of 18 healthy women.
Levels of homocysteine in cerebrospinal fluid were over three times higher in the women who had fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome compared to the control group. Cerebrospinal fluid vitamin B12 levels were also low in 7 out of 12 people with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.
6) Capsaicin Cream
Capsaicin (pronounced cap-SAY-sin) is the active ingredient in chili peppers. It is thought to temporarily relieve pain.When applied to the skin, capsaicin cream has been found to deplete substance P, a neurochemical that transmits pain, which desensitizes a person to pain. People with fibromyalgia have been found to have higher levels of substance P.
One study examined the effectiveness of capsaicin in fibromyalgia. Participants in the study applied 0.025% capsaicin cream four times a day to tender points. After 4 weeks, they had a reduction in pain. For more information including side effects and safety concerns, read the Capsaicin Cream Fact Sheet.
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