The Connection Between Low Vitamin D and Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia Diet – The Importance of Vitamin D

The soda pop guzzling generation has come of age and now they are raising the next generation to follow in their footsteps. What am I talking about? The American Academy of Pediatrics today has doubled its vitamin D recommendation to 400 units per day for children from newborns to teens. Most commercially available milk is fortified with vitamin D, but most children and teens don’t drink enough milk to get the amount needed. Add to that the fear of over-exposure to sunlight (the best source of natural vitamin D) and prevalence of video games and other indoor activities and you have a growing population of children lacking in vitamin D.

Why is vitamin D so important to fibromyalgia sufferers?

Researchers have discovered that vitamin D can reduce the risk of several medical conditions, including osteoporosis, gum disease, diabetes, arthritis, multiple sclerosis and even certain types of cancer. Studies have also indicated vitamin D deficiency as being a major cause of unexplained muscle and bone pain. Gregory A. Plotnikoff, MD, of the University of Minnesota Medical School is quoted as saying "unexplained pain may very well be linked to a vitamin D deficiency". If you are suffering from unexplained pain it is your best interest to see your doctor and have your vitamin D level checked.

Individuals who are dealing with fibromyalgia symptoms should focus on getting more vitamin D into their diets. Here are some suggestions:

1. Eat more vitamin D-rich foods
   • Salmon
   • Mackerel
   • Tuna
   • Cod liver oil
   • Sardines
   • Shrimp
   • Skim and 1% low-fat milk
   • Shittake mushrooms
   • Fortified low fat yogurts
   • Fortified cereals
   • Egg yolk
   • Swiss cheese
2. Sun exposure
   • UV rays from the sun trigger vitamin D production in your skin
   • Ten to fifteen minutes of sun exposure at least two times per week to the face, arms, hands, or back without sunscreen is usually sufficient to provide adequate vitamin D.
3. Vitamin Supplements
   • For women taking extra calcium, buy a brand that also provides vitamin D3, not regular vitamin D.
   • For men who would like to take additional vitamin D, look for a supplement that provides 400-1000 IUs of D3, also called cholcalciferol.
   • Men should not take supplemental calcium due to possible risks for prostate concerns.

Patients with fibromyalgia are deficient of vitamin D. The more severe the fibromyalgia, the lower the Vitamin D levels. Follow the suggestions above and keep a pain journal and food diary to track your progress.

Author: Scott W. Smith

Please visit Fibromyalgia Diet Info – Exploring Natural and Dietary Ways to Fight Fibromyalgia Symptoms for more information.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Scott_W_Smith

Information on Fibromyalgia Cures and Fibromyalgia Elderly Treatment.

Vitamin D Deficiency and Fibromyalgia? | Nutritional Health Vitamins

The connection between fibromyalgia and vitamin D deficiency is gradually coming to a better understanding as more research studies are linking the muscular pain and weakness…

Learn how low Vitamin D levels can mimic Fibromyalgia back pain

A low level of Vitamin D can cause back pain that can be confused with the pain from Fibromyalgia…

Fibromyalgia and Low Vitamin D

Fibromyalgia is a very painful ailment that causes the body to ache all over. It can happen to anyone and at anytime…

Technorati Tags: fibromyalgia physical trama pain worse, the connection between low vitamin d and fibromyalgia