Fibromyalgia: General Recommendations by Nicholas Gonzalez, M.D.
For most patients with fibromyalgia, I prescribe an intensive program of diet, supplements and detoxification. There is no simple magic. However, studies in the conventional medical literature show that vitamin D in moderate doses significantly helps the problem. I find this to be the case of my practice.
Even orthodox physicians now believe that vitamin D deficiency may be epidemic. As many know, we can synthesize vitamin D in our own bodies by the action of sunlight on our skin- the rays convert cholesterol into a vitamin D precursor, that our kidney’s and liver subsequently modify into active vitamin D. Everyone is so afraid of sun damage, no one gets exposure anymore. In any event, for fibromyalgia, take vitamin D, along with glucosamine and chondroitin.
Bromelain, an enzyme derived from pineapple, has a very powerful anti-inflammatory effect and helps with the pain from fibromyalgia. I use it routinely for my patients with fibromyalgia, and it certainly helps them get through the rough patches.
In terms of diet, I typically place my fibromyalgia patients on a diet with a variety of plant and animal foods, including fruits, grains (cereals, breads, pasta, rice), nuts, seeds, sprouts, and vegetables, as well as animal protein chosen from cheese, eggs, fish, poultry, and red meat. On this diet, I encourage patients to only consume organically grown produce as well as organic and grass-fed sources of animal protein. I find these patients will do best if 50% of their food is uncooked. Uncooked foods such as raw fruits, raw vegetables (including juices and salads), sprouted grains and sprouted beans contain enzymes and nutrients such as vitamin C that are very heat-sensitive, and will be destroyed even with mild cooking.
By Nicholas Gonzalez, M.D.
