Top Ten Supplements for CFS and Fibro

Many Fibromyalgia Syndrome (Fibro) patients try nutritional supplements in order to try and control their symptoms, but it can be confusing as to where to start when so many supplements are available. Dr Jacob Teitelbaum wrote an article for his newsletter last year, answering a common question - "Could you list the top ten supplements you would consider a priority?" - and he has kindly given us permission to reprint this.

The notes in italics are FibroAction's notes, not Dr Teitelbaum's.

Dr Teitelbaum's Top Ten Supplements for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and Fibro (note that not all of these supplements are suitable for all Fibro patients):

Nutritional Treatments

1. Energy Revitalization System - vitamin powder - - ½-1 scoop a day (as feels best) blended with milk, water or yogurt with 1 capsule of the included Daily Energy B-Complex (also available separately). If gas or stomach upset occurs, mix the powder with milk and/or start with a lower dose and work your way up to the dose that feels best or divide the daily dose into smaller doses and take 2-3 times a day. These products are made by Enzymatic Therapies and are available from our web site at www.Vitality101.com and most health food stores (in the USA). One drink and 1 capsule replaces over 35 tablets worth of supplements. They include, among others: vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, D and E; Magnesium; Zinc; Manganese; Malic Acid; Inulin (a fibre supplement sometimes used for IBS); Folic Acid; and 19 different Amino Acids..

2. D-Ribose (Corvalen) - 1 scoop of powder 3x day for 3 weeks, then 2x day. If too energizing, take with milk or food or lower the dose. Effects are usually seen within 2-3 weeks. D-ribose is a "simple sugar" supplement that can be used to combat fatigue. Dr Teitelbaum recommends the Corvalen brand as some of the D-Ribose supplements on the market are inferior quality.

Sleep

3. Revitalizing Sleep Formula (Enzymatic Therapies & Integrative Therapeutics) - Valerian 200 mg, Passion Flower 90 mg, L-Theanine 50 mg, Hops 30 mg, Piscidia 12 mg and Wild Lettuce 28 mg. Take 2-4 capsules each night 30 to 90 minutes before bedtime. It can also be used during the day for anxiety. If Valerian energizes you (occurs in 5-10% of people) use the other components. It is also excellent for anxiety. Do not take more than 8 capsules a day. These components are also available in a number of other supplements - ask at your pharmacy or health food store.

Anti-Yeast Treatments

4. Acidophilus Milk Bacteria - Acidophilus 'Pearls' form (by Enzymatic Therapy/ Phyto Pharmica). Take 2 twice a day for 5 months. Then consider 1 a day to help maintain a healthy bowel. Do not take within 6 hours of taking an antibiotic (e.g., take it midday, if you take the antibiotic morning and night). The Enzymatic Therapy/Integrative Therapeutics Acidophilus or Probiotic Pearls form contains approximately 2.8 billion units per pearl - even though box says only 1 billion. I use only this brand, as in many other brands the bacteria are not viable. Similar supplements are also available at good healthfood stores - check the number of bacteria listed and ask about viability.

5. Anti-Yeast (Ultraceuticals) - An excellent natural antifungal mix. Take 2 twice a day for 3-5 months. This product contains a number of supplements used to combat yeast infections, including, among others: Coconut Oil (50% Capryllic Acid); Oregano Powder Extract; Garlic Powder (deodorized); Grapefruit Seed Extract; Milk Thistle Extract; and Olive Leaf Extract.

Hormonal Support

6. Adrenal Stress End (Enzymatic Therapies or Integrative Therapeutics) - Take 1-2 capsules each morning (or 1-2 in the morning and 1 at noon). Take less or take with food if it upsets your stomach. This product contains a number of vitamins and amino acids, as well as hormonal supplements.

7. BMR Complex (Standard Process) - 1 tablet is the approximate equivalent of 15 mg Armour Thyroid (a prescription hormonal supplement). Take 1 tablet 3 times a day. If natural prescription Armour Thyroid is available I would use that instead.

For Pain

8. End Pain by Enzymatic Therapy or EndFatigue Pain Formula by ITI- Developed by Dr Teitelbaum. Contains Willow Bark, Boswellia, and Cherry. Take 2-4 tabs 3x day. It takes 2-6 weeks to see the full effect. At that time, you can often lower the dose to 1 tab 3x day or 2 twice a day. This product is designed to have an anti-inflammatory effect, that may be more suitable if you have widespread myofascial pain (or another condition) on top of the Fibro itself.

For Chronic Sinusitis/Nasal Congestion (If Present)

9. Silver Nose Spray - 5-10 sprays in each nostril three times a day for 7-14 days until the sinusitis resolves. If your doctor will prescribe it, I strongly recommend the "Sinusitis Nose Spray."

10. The above 9 are helpful for most people with CFS or Fibromyalgia. The items below are only if you have the specific problem listed.

10.1 For Osteoporosis or Osteopenia (loss of bone density).

Bone Health (Ultraceuticals). Take 3 capsules 1-2 times per day as directed by a physician. Do not take calcium products within 2 hours of thyroid medications. Bone Health contains Strontium, which is much more effective than Fosamax for building strong bones, but safe. This product also contains vitamins D and K, Calcium, magnesium, and manganese for maximum benefit. It is outstanding for building bone density.

10.2 For High Cholesterol

Statin drugs like Mevacor can severely flare Fibromyalgia, and Co-enzyme Q10 200-400 mg a day should always be taken with it. Better yet, I substitute the natural formula below (which can also be taken with cholesterol lowering meds if needed).

Chol-Less (Ultraceuticals) - This natural mix of cholesterol lowering herbs is excellent to optimize cholesterol levels. Give it 6 weeks to see the effects. Take 3 capsules a day.

10.3 For Heartburn, Indigestion or Reflux

For detailed information on getting off acid blockers, read my article "Getting off of acid blockers naturally". Chronic acid blockers (e.g., Prilosec) are a poor long-term solution for these problems, as it worsens digestion and your defense against bowel infections. Use the treatment(s) checked off below. After 1 month you can stop your prescription acid blocker and switch to Tagamet (cimetidine - over-the-counter), up to 400 mg 3 times a day as needed, then taper off the Tagamet as able. Use Complete Gest Digestive Enzymes as well and sip warm liquids with meals instead of cold water (digestive enzymes work poorly at cold temperatures). Taking a minute to relax before eating and chewing your food will also help digestion. Coffee (including decaf), colas, Aspirin and/or alcohol can markedly worsen indigestion and reflux.

1. Complete GEST Enzymes (Enzymatic Therapies)/Similase (Integrative Therapeutics) - 2 capsules with each meal to help digest your food properly. If you have ulcers or they irritate your stomach begin with GS Similase.
2. Mastic Gum - 500 mg 2 capsules twice a day for 2 months, then as needed.
3. Heartburn Free - by Enzymatic Therapies. 1 every other day for 20 days (may initially aggravate reflux).
4. Rhizinate (DGL Licorice) (Enzymatic Therapies/Integrative Therapeutics) - 380 mg (not the sugar free one). Chew 2 tablets 20 minutes before meals.

10.4 For Anxiety.

Calming Balance (Health Freedom Nutrition) or Tranquility (Ultraceuticals) - Vitamin B1 500 mg, passion flower, theanine, magnolia, B vitamins, and magnesium. 1-3 caps 1-3x day is outstanding for anxiety (the effect increases with 1-4 weeks of use).

Please note that these recommendations are Dr Teitelbaum's opinion and that they are not intended to all apply to every Fibro patient. Before taking any new supplement, check with your healthcare team to make sure that it is safe for you personally to do so.

Please note that Dr Teitelbaum also recommends the use of medications where needed for the treatment of Fibro and CFS.

For more information on Dr Teitelbaum, see his website endfatigue.com.