Category: Fibromyalgia

Digestive issues and GI diseases such as leaky gut are on the rise these days. With most of the immune system located within our gut and GI tract, it is no wonder that auto immune illnesses such as celiac disease are so prevalent. However, you don’t have to be celiac to have this problem.

And, as a colon therapist, I have seen and worked with many different illnesses within the GI tract. A leaky gut is not the cause in itself of fibromyalgia, but it can surely exacerbate symptoms and needs to be addressed if symptoms are present.

When the body becomes intolerant to certain foods such as grain and dairy proteins and other allergen foods these can cause microscopic tears within the gut lining. Think of it like a colander, but with smaller holes. These tiny holes are responsible for bacteria, food particles and other body fluids ‘leaking’ out of the GI tract and INTO the bloodstream.

Thyroid and adrenal health can then be compromised when the GI tract is not properly sorting and absorbing key nutrients. Also this leaking of toxins can cause inflammation in the delicate thyroid tissue and lead to everything from low thyroid function to auto immune thyroid or thyroiditis. 

What are the leaky gut culprits?

Toxins, medications and even ongoing stress can also be common culprits in developing a leaky gut. GMO’s, pesticides and herbicides are also suspect in the rise of both leaky gut and bacterial overgrowth in the intestinal tract.

Symptoms of a leaky gut include bloating, fatigue, allergies, skin conditions, liver disease, intolerance to foods and environment, weight gain or loss, and more. These symptoms also correlate with Candidiasis.

With fibromyalgia, it is important that we not create more challenges within the fibro body. We want to support and strengthen our immune system.

If you suspect that you might have a leaky gut, your doctor can test you for this, and as well, your specific food allergens. Eliminating the offending foods and managing stress will then be the first step to attaining a stronger ‘core’ health.

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Healing A Leaky Gut

For almost 20 years, I have used and advocated a high probiotic diet, one that includes healthy bacteria for a heal-thy gut. I use The Body Ecology Diet as a foundation and then modify the plan where needed for each individual. Creating a healthy terrain is essential in every body, but especially for those with any kind of chronic illness. 

Two easy to take supplements for healing a leaky gut include Glutamine amino acid powder and DGL. Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (yes, long word) comes in easy to chew tablets. (Click on “Nutrition Tips” at the end of this page for the best way to get both glutamine and allergen-free protein, Original Plantfusion)

NOTE: When using glutamine, I suggest using the powder, not capsules, which are not high enough in potency. Taking 1 gram of powder 2X a day is generally very safe and even under the recommendation of up to 5 grams per day. (Plantfusion also supplies glutamine so be sure to account for that when taking it with other amino acids.) 

Probiotic Supplements and Cultured Foods

There are many probiotic supplements on the market today. As a colon therapist working with clients for many years in the field of gut health, I have found good success with Flora Udo’s Advanced Adult Probiotic which is a great multi strain formula. I recommend Udo’s Flora brand of probiotics because it is a good quality, multi strain, highly effective probiotic at the best cost we have found as well. (This probiotic also contains a good amount of the strains that I prefer to have included such as plantarum, bifidum, and casei) 

Garden Of Life Primal Defense is also excellent and I have personally used and recommended this product. A probiotic with HSO’s (homeostatic soil organisms) can help to balance gut flora and aid in both absorption and assimilation of nutrients.

Even if you make cultured foods at home, you will benefit from the addition of HSO’s that you cannot get elsewhere. With either product you will reduce bloating/indigestion and increase well-being. 

We all share the need for a stronger inner ecology. One that ‘feeds’ the good guys while eliminating the bad guys. I prepare high probiotic foods at home. These include kefir, cultured vegetables and fermented drinks such as rejuvelac and kombucha. (If you’re unfamiliar with these, you can check online for videos or check in your area for classes on how to make cultured foods at home.) 
However, please know that not everyone will tolerate cultured foods in the beginning. If you feel gassy or bloated after ingesting any kind of cultured or fermented food, avoid them until you have established a healthier terrain with the digestive system. 

Also check out my basic cultured vegetables on the RECIPE page. Probiotic capsules can be helpful but quality is essential and they still do not produce the amounts of beneficial bacteria that cultured foods can. However, it can be a good place to start.

Clarified butter or ghee, is another excellent remedy for a leaky gut, and can simply be taken every morning with or without food. (a tsp. is fine) 

For helpful meal planning, refer to my Fibromyalgia Diet pages and the suggestions for food combining. There is endless variety when planning meals and being creative is essential to success with any food plan.

Also consider histamine intolerance if having reactions to foods and drinks on a more regular basis. 

My plan is merely a guide to show which foods are best eaten at specific times of day and which foods are best combined and rotated. These suggestions will help to aid in reducing fibro symptoms AND help in healing any gut issues.

As a colon therapist, my goal is to not only help you promote a stronger and more resilient core, but to make any plan workable, attainable.  

As a fellow fibro sufferer, I want you to know that you are not alone and that putting these suggestions and my protocol into action when you’re not functioning well may not be easy in the beginning.

I get it, I’ve been there, and still work on my own health and well-being every day.  Yet, I cannot stress enough the empowerment that comes from preparing our own food, from putting love and care into it. That is a priceless gift that we give to ourselves every time we make the choice to ‘Live Smarter’.

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For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

References:

Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

Click here to Contact us Directly on Inbox

Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

Fibromyalgia Stores

Click here to Visit Fibromyalgia Store

We need to avoid malabsorption which depletes precious nutrients from our fibro bodies. This is essential. How exactly are nutrients depleted? Would you believe that adhering to the conventional ‘food groups model’ can be dangerous to your health and proper nutrient absorption? 

It is important to understand that through the process of digesting foods like acid forming grains, grain flours, processed foods and sugars, our system attempts to ‘buffer’ these acids and must ‘draw’ from the body and skeletal system to do this.

Fibromyalgia is complex in that it affects SO MANY systems in the body and all of these (brain, endocrine, nervous, GI tract, musculo-skeletal, etc.) depend on adequate vitamin and mineral uptake. 

Eat More Whole Foods

For example, the musculo-skeletal system is dependent on a proper ratio of calcium, magnesium and vitamin K for healthy muscle contraction and bone health.

The endocrine system depends on the vitamin B family, as well as antioxidants like vitamin C and selenium.

In order to keep and maintain healthy nutrient balance on a daily basis, we want to choose more whole foods in their natural and unadulterated state. Start by avoiding the ‘cereal’ aisle while shopping at the grocery store.

This is one of the most over-rated yet most unhealthy aisles in the grocery store. Remember that grain manufacturers and producers have done a good job advertising in the name of brainwashing and profit. It doesn’t matter how many vitamins they claim to put in their cereal, if the body cannot absorb it properly. The convenience of a cereal bar today, will lead to inconvenience later on when our health is adversely affected.

Nature’s nutrients are properly manufactured and assimilated in the way that the body recognizes and utilizes. Getting the proper ratio and absorption of nutrients through whole foods allows for greater satisfaction as well. The body WILL start to crave more real foods when  given the chance and not swayed by foods that only create cravings and malabsorption.

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Additional Tools To Avoid Malabsorption

Some additional tools to aid in proper digestion and absorption also include digestive enzymes, hydrochloric acid, cider vinegar, proper food combining (avoid combining proteins and sugars especially), avoiding too much fluid intake with meals AND eating foods that are compatible with our individual body type.
NOTE : Digestive enzymes are helpful but should not be relied on long term. Instead focus on eating more RAW and living foods AND if there is any difficulty in digesting raw foods, be sure to combine raw and cooked to ease digestion of raw fibers. 

Giving the fibro body what it needs is the first step to attaining greater levels of well-being. Not a cure, something better. A chance to live better and smarter and positively affect ALL parts of a heal-thy body and mind. See, if it wasn’t fibromyalgia, it would be something else. So, let’s do the best we can to feed and assimilate the very best nutrients into our cells consistently and allow our bodies the best thriving chance at wellness.

The adjacent picture shows a natural pancreatin enzyme made from vegetable source. This also includes broad spectrum enzymes protease, lipase, amylase and cellulase. 
For better digestion and assimilation of protein, carbohydrates and fats. 

Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

References:

Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

Click here to Contact us Directly on Inbox

Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

Fibromyalgia Stores

Click here to Visit Fibromyalgia Store

Reducing toxicity is essential whenever illness manifests in the body, because illness is often a sign of two things: Deficiency and Toxicity. The toxic load becomes too much for the body to handle. The fibro body begins to rebel with increased pain and symptoms.

Although many of us with fibromyalgia symptoms initially had a propensity toward the illness itself, how we live and the amount of toxins we are exposed to on a daily basis through the environment, household products, the workplace and foods can impact us greatly. I advise living as naturally and chemical free as possible. And, utilizing a diet that is low in processed foods and eliminates toxic additives, preservatives and food allergens.

Reduce Toxicity and Increase Well Being

When we consistently choose whole, organic foods in their unadulterated state, we are making a choice to support our wellness without additional toxicity within our bodies. Packaged foods need to be kept to a minimum, but avoid deprivation which can lead to greater stress. 

Especially avoid toxic preservatives that are damaging to the thyroid and entire endocrine system. BHT, MSG, corn starch, corn oils, artificial colors and other additives should never be a part of our diet. When you choose to have packaged foods, always check for preservatives and avoid these at all cost.

Each fibro body might react differently to various toxins, so be aware that it might be easy to detect an initial reaction, yet there could also be a delayed reaction to food additives and this could make it harder to detect. However these delayed reactions could be very debilitating with symptoms such as migraine, muscle pain and brain fog.

For instance, exposure to a toxic environment can exhibit symptoms within the next 24-48 hours. Sometimes these symptoms will come on in the middle of the night. Do you ever wake up in the middle of the night with congested sinuses yet you felt fine when you went to bed. This can be due to an exposure within the previous day that created a delayed reaction. Again, we must not limit our enjoyment of life, but we must limit time with toxic exposures. A shopping mall is one of those “toxic” places that off gasses everything from new clothing formaldehyde to various body products and synthetic fragrances that waft through the entire mall.

And, how is your home and/or work environment ?

Commit To Reducing Toxicity At Home and/or Work 

We must be very diligent about the environment that we reside in. 
Laundry detergents, air fresheners, synthetic fragrances in body products and even the clothing that we wear. 
All of these toxins can increase the TOXIC LOAD on the body and make it harder to attain greater levels of wellness. This creates challenges in both cellular regeneration and damage to the mitochondria (powerhouse of our cells)

‘New car smell’ ….many people relish in this smell because owning and driving a NEW car makes people feel good !!!!
There is even a ‘new car’ scent designed for car air fresheners ..
Yet, what exactly is that new car smell ? Formaldehyde ….A known toxin and carcinogen. New carpet is also full of toxic formaldehyde. Avoid being exposed to new carpet at all cost. 
A new car is a luxury, no doubt ..yet be sure to sufficiently air out OR ozonate your new car before spending extended periods of time there …
NEVER allow a car detaling service to ‘detail’ your car. They use highly toxic cleaners both inside the car and outside as well ..
Yes ..even the tire cleaner used on the tires will permeate inside the car and this is a very potent toxin that we should not be exposed to. 

New clothing is also of concern due to the ‘formaldehyde’ sheeting that is often used in manufacturing. Before wearing new clothes, always wash in unscented non toxic soap and one cup of white vinegar. (Don’t worry, you won’t smell the vinegar) If you have ever felt ill while clothes shopping or perusing the mall, that is why… there is just an enormous amount of toxins in most retail stores. 

So what can we do AFTER a toxic exposure to minimize a potential flare or after effects? Extra fluids, movement to stimulate lymphatic flow (oral glutathione, sweating, deep breathing and early to bed to support adrenal health). 

For more information on how to reduce toxicity, refer to the ‘Environmental Toxins‘ link on the navigation bar.

Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

References:

Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

Click here to Contact us Directly on Inbox

Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

Fibromyalgia Stores

Click here to Visit Fibromyalgia Store

Are you confused about the best diet for fibromyalgia?  

I do believe that the best fibromyalgia diet addresses inflammation, toxicity and nutrient absorption. You see, It is not really about one particular diet. It is more about adhering to some basic dietary principles.

There are many resources about “best diet for fibromyalgia” and yet, as a gut health expert, working in holistic health and nutrition, and as a colon therapist, what I have done is to really narrow in on what works for most people to decrease symptoms and pain levels through effective fibromyalgia nutrition.

Fibromyalgia is complex so it is more about creating a stronger foundation and greater resilience. 

You may read that lectins in grains and some fruits are causing much disease in our world today, and that is true, yet there are ways to salvage many of these suspect foods in ways you have never heard of before.

Adopting a gluten free or lower grain plan is a great place to start for your best diet for fibromyalgia.

Whether one has gluten sensitivity or any digestive disease (not just celiac) removing gluten is helpful but it doesn’t have to be 100% for many. We use fermented grains in some of our recipes. 

Gluten from the wheat protein can be a perpetuating factor in many diseases, from a leaky gut to osteoporosis to fibromyalgia. However, never try to eliminate foods too quickly (unless there is a severe digestive illness) because this can cause undue stress on the fibro body and can even perpetuate symptoms.

There is much drama and controversy out there regarding gluten. I will tell you this, not everyone will need to avoid gluten 100%.

However, if you have celiac or auto immune thyroid disease or any digestive illness such as colitis or diverticulitis, then it will be imperative to avoid not only gluten, but corn starch, rice flour, additives, and other allergens. 

Rice flour is not a better choice as it is higher glycemic and hard to digest.

It is not only the hard to digest grain, but the glyphosate and other chemicals that are added to wheat crops that are contributing to chronic pain, digestive disease, auto immune conditions, and cancer. 

Many people play around with gluten because it is hard to eliminate and very addictive. Part of my point is … do not beat yourself up if you have a difficult time removing gluten. Get additional help if needed. This is a big undertaking for many people who have lived on gluten their entire lives.  

As a colon therapist, I work very closely with people and their digestion, closer than doctors or other health care workers and I also see much controversy and mistruth which can sometimes lead to sabotage and people feeling like they cannot attain a certain diet.

What we have to ask ourselves is “what is our reason for reducing grains in the first place?” It is to retain more nutrients and reduce symptoms like inflammation. So going gluten free is good, but it must be done the right way.  

How can we reduce our exposure to lectins? 

On the journey of going gluten free, and reducing lectins, we can also go another step and address all or most grains. Grains are acid forming and often create more toxicity and deficiency in the body through the very process of digestion. (Although sprouting grains is an exception) 

By working to eliminate more gluten and even more of the packaged gluten free foods, we are supporting our bodies and minds by absorbing MORE nutrients and reducing fibromyalgia symptoms such as brain fog that are often perpetuated by these foods and additives.

By the way, rice flour should be right up there with gluten. Too many gluten free products contain rice flour, this is high glycemic and hard to digest. However, having some whole grain rice once in awhile is fine, soak it, cook it, and that is better than rice flour, just on occasion. 

Osteoporosis has become a great issue these days as the body attempts to steal nutrients from the skeletal system to simply process and digest grain foods. Osteo issues are also a great concern within fibromyalgia. The very best diet for fibromyalgia is a whole foods based diet – nature’s diet.

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Best Diet for Fibromyalgia Relies On Whole Foods

The focus of this page is the best diet for fibromyalgia; however, it works for other health issues as well.  For instance, the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center published an article in May 2012, “Do Nutritional Supplements Help Prevent Cancer?” (Click on the link to read).  

On page 2 under “Nutrients in foods“, the article recommends essentially the same approach to whole foods that I advocate here on my website. Overall, I liked the article; but, like many articles on diet, the focus is quite narrow.  

In this case it’s cancer as you would expect. My focus on this website differs from their’s.  My focus is not only fibromyalgia and whole foods, it’s the whole you.  Let me show you what I mean.

The article states that whole foods are more beneficial than vitamin supplements because whole foods contain many nutrients that work synergistically to protect against cancer. They go on to say that salmon is superior to salmon oil supplements because it provides vitamins D and B, amino acids, calcium, and selenium in addition to the fatty acids.  Now, here’s where we differ.

Although what they say is technically true, it is not realistic if we focus on the Whole You.  No one I know would be willing to eat salmon every day or on any schedule that would provide the fatty acids and other nutrients mentioned in the amounts required.  Also, some folks just can’t tolerate the taste of salmon.   

That is why I take into consideration the whole you in my best diet for fibromyalgia on this page and also provide my recommendations for supplements on my Fibromyalgia Supplements page. Sure, I focus on fibro with my “best diet for fibromyalgia”, but I realize we all differ in our lifestyles in terms of the size of family, pace of life, ability to pay and other factors.  

I try to provide enough flexibility that you can find a path to success.  In reading the article perhaps you can be reassured that my “best diet for fibromyalgia” has synergistic benefits to other health issues as well even though I don’t talk about them here. 

ACID / ALKALINE BALANCE

In seeking the best diet for fibromyalgia we must remember that when we awake in the morning, our bodies are in a more acidic state. With any chronic illness, we are striving for balance. In this case, we are focusing on the balance of acid and alkalinity. We want to avoid extremes to better support digestion and metabolism. A certain amount of acidity is needed to properly digest food as well a good amount of alkalinity will support metabolism and the musculoskeletal system.

In the article called “Nutrition Tips” we talk about the importance of an alkaline breakfast also free of excess sugars and grains. This will help balance that first-morning acidity.

The body is always striving for balance. It is possible to be overly acidic or overly alkaline. Yet it can be confusing as to how to support this balance that we want. Staying close to nature in diet and lifestyle is the best way to attain balance in health and well-being.

When we select the best diet for fibromyalgia it must be abundant in whole foods. Then, we are automatically supporting balance because these foods are in their natural unadulterated state. This is the basis of the best diet for fibromyalgia.

A healthy fibromyalgia diet can be attained whether one is vegetarian or meat eater. When eating vegan, be sure that whole foods, raw fats and oils, and sprouted beans, nuts and seeds and fruits are the primary foods relied upon. Avoid excess eating of grains, gluten-free or otherwise.

Strive for upwards to 80% grain-free. That way, you can have your rice or gluten free pasta on occasion if desired.

By the way, below is an excellent grain free, low calorie option to pasta. Have you tried Palmini? It is a great alternative to pasta. Easy to use. Excellent for keto or paleo plans.  

What about nightshades and proteins?

When eating animal protein, choose smaller portions of meat and balance with greens, raw and/or cooked vegetables. If you are a type “O” like me, then you likely thrive on a meat/vegetable/fruit diet with additions of sprouted beans, nuts and seeds as well.

We are the hunter/gatherer and our bodies are built for optimal digestion of animal protein. Type A will do better as a vegan. Other blood types vary as well.

What about potatoes? Let me say that when we avoid the russet potatoes, we are not just stuck with sweet potatoes, I find that you can also utilize organic red potatoes on occasion and many do fine. 

Organic potatoes not only taste better, but we want to avoid common pesticides and herbicides. I also add some yukon, sweet and purple potatoes on occasion for variety. Note however, that sweet potatoes are not well combined with animal protein. Below we made a delicious organic red potato salad with coconut vinegar and spices. 

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Soaking, Sprouting, Germinating… The process of live nutrition!

Cooked beans are not recommended as they are high in starch and therefore HIGH GLYCEMIC.  Shown are Mung Beans, both in their original state and their “soaked and sprouted” state. 
After soaking, their “jackets” are easily removed. This removes the enzyme inhibitor thereby aiding digestion and assimilation of raw nutrients.

For grains, beans, nuts, and seeds, remember that first soaking and sprouting (at least soaking) removes the enzyme inhibitor, allows for better digestion and retention of minerals, and reduces the acid effects. When grains, nuts, seeds are not soaked, they deplete minerals through the process of digestion.

You can also purchase packaged, sprouted items. I’m including the following link to one such item for your convenience Go Raw’s Organic, Sprouted Watermelon Seeds. You can also find Go Raw’s pumpkin and a seed mix on Amazon.

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For optimal digestion and health benefit, soak raw almonds in pure water about 6-8 hours. Jackets will release easily as well and this effectively removes the enzyme inhibitor. (Even the garbage disposal doesn’t like the almond jackets, so that should tell you something!!) 

• The most alkaline of all raw nuts ..
• Germination is the key to ‘unlocking‘ and retaining precious nutrients.
• ‘Nuttin’ better…

We Need Our Raw Fats – Don’t Dissect Your Eggs

Dairy products are acid forming. Avoid low fat dairy as this contributes to osteo issues, as without the natural dairy fat, we cannot absorb any calcium anyway. Choose organic greens, vegetable juices and blended raw foods for easy to assimilate calcium and minerals.

When eating eggs, always ingest whole eggs, not egg whites alone. Egg whites are VERY acid-forming, and the egg yolk is one of nature’s finest fats, rich in biotin, choline and other minerals. It is comparable to mothers milk. It is the egg white that is hardest to digest.

Yes, for most people with egg allergy, it’s the white, not the yolk. I like to say …”Eat your yolks, folks“.  Again, nature does not want us dissecting our food; this creates imbalance. 

Use the best organic and/or pastured eggs whenever possible.

Many bodybuilders/dieters, etc. go to extremes to reduce fat, only to later on have thyroid/adrenal issues due to extreme dieting and ingestion of proteins that are sometimes foreign to the body.

RAW fats burn fat hence the obesity epidemic from low fat eating. Choose best quality in meats, eggs, etc. Free range is best as well as grass fed when you can obtain it.

Avocadoes

Avocadoes, the healthy raw fat of champions everywhere!!
We use them in blender drinks, raw dishes and even great for breakfast.

Healthy raw fats are a great way to control cravings for sugars and excess carbohydrates . Also, use Avocado Oil for cooking, salad dressing, homemade mayo., etc.

You can substitute Coconut Oil depending on price and taste. It can be used for for food preparation as well as hair and skin care. Although I do see more coconut allergies these days, so be sure it is not an allergen for you. 

Fermented and Cultured Foods and Drinks

Yes, fermented or cultured foods/drinks can be acid-forming. However this again supports balance and when eaten in combination with greens and other alkaline foods they are truly valuable, whether it is cultured vegetables, kefir, kombucha, etc. Also, take better control of cravings with cultured vegetables. 

For over 15 years I have been experimenting with different variations. I use the Body Ecology starter and add extra Plantarum which is a more beneficial healthy bacteria for the large intestine.

We can all benefit from cultured vegetables, especially good for those with any GI issues, IBS, recovery from celiac, etc.

Remember that cabbage is best fermented for thyroid issues. It will cause problems only when eaten raw in some individuals.  In my basic recipe I use organic cabbage, carrot, ginger and garlic, cultures and extra plantarum.

This feeds our beneficial bacteria, controls infections, increases immunity and reduces cravings for sugar.

Organic Winter Squash ..My favorites are spaghetti squash and delicata.
A great alternative to grains and so much variety ..

In order to increase metabolism, reduce overall symptoms and support well-being in chronic illness, we must work to CREATE balance. This is the necessary goal of the best diet for fibromyalgia.

We get out what we put in!  Whatever plan works best for YOUR body and blood type, be sure to make it count. Be consistent. There are many flawed studies on why one food plan is better than another.  Check out my Food Planner And Nutrition Tips by clicking on the link below.

Preparing food at home becomes essential if we are to control what truly goes in our bodies. Creating non allergen recipes may take some time, effort and trial and error yet the rewards are great. Refer to my suggestions and resources at these links: Gluten Free Recipes;  Blending and Juicing;  Fibro Kitchen Tools.

Other related articles in our site/ Dietary principles for Fibromyalgia

So, you see there’s not one best diet for fibromyalgia. It depends on your situation and especially any co-conditions. You can find additional details on specific versions of my Best Diet For Fibromyalgia that have been tailored for several conditions that often accompany fibromyalgia.

Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

References:

Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

Click here to Contact us Directly on Inbox

Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

Fibromyalgia Stores

Click here to Visit Fibromyalgia Store