The Link Between Fibromyalgia and Gut Health
Fibromyalgia is a complex chronic pain disorder that affects roughly 2-8% of the population. The hallmark symptom is widespread muscular pain and tenderness, but fibromyalgia also often coincides with sleep disturbances, fatigue, memory and mood issues, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
The exact causes of fibromyalgia still elude researchers, but more and more evidence points to the influential role of gut health. An estimated 32-70% of those with fibromyalgia also have IBS, far higher than the general population. This strong link between gastrointestinal issues like IBS and fibromyalgia suggests an underlying connection.
How the Gut-Brain Axis May Contribute to Fibromyalgia
The communication network between the brain and the gastrointestinal system is known as the gut-brain axis. This connection works in both directions through neural, immunological, and hormonal signaling. An imbalance in gut microbiome, intestinal permeability, inflammation, or brain hormones may transmit signals along the axis that lead to fibromyalgia pain and symptoms.
For example, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is prevalent in 40-78% of fibromyalgia sufferers. When excessive or unusual bacteria populate the small intestine, they produce gases and other neurochemicals that can generate symptoms. Studies indicate that treating SIBO with antibiotics or probiotics can reduce musculoskeletal discomfort in some fibromyalgia patients.
Using Probiotics to Treat Fibromyalgia
Supplementing with probiotics has emerged as an especially promising gut-based therapy for alleviating fibromyalgia. Probiotics are beneficial strains of live bacteria that can restore microbial balance in the digestive system. They competitively inhibit pathogens, reduce inflammation, enhance gut barrier integrity, produce vitamins and neurotransmitters, and modulate pain perception through the gut-brain connection.
In a 2021 double-blind placebo controlled study, a multi-strain probiotic significantly improved overall symptom severity, pain intensity, sleep disturbances, and quality of life in fibromyalgia patients after 8 weeks. Multiple other studies have reported similar reductions in fibromyalgia pain or fibromyalgia impact scores following probiotic interventions. The beneficial effects may stem from immunomodulation, anti-inflammatory effects, improved intestinal permeability, optimized serotonin availability, or other mechanisms.
My Personal Experience Taking Probiotics for Fibromyalgia
I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia 5 years ago after struggling with progressively worsening muscle soreness, tender points across my shoulders and hips, nerve pain in my hands and feet, chronic fatigue no matter how much I rested, and difficulty sleeping. Routine tasks became painful chores and I had to cut down my work hours due to low energy and stamina.
The Road to My Fibromyalgia Diagnosis
My doctor ran blood tests that came back normal so fibromyalgia seemed likely, but they wanted to rule out autoimmune disorders, vitamin deficiencies, thyroid dysfunction, and other potential causes first. However, test after test showed nothing noteworthy besides low vitamin D, which I started supplementing right away.
To meet the diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia, I had to have widespread pain for over 3 months plus tenderness/pain when pressure was applied to at least 11 out of 18 specific trigger points on my body. I met these criteria easily, cementing my unfortunate fibromyalgia diagnosis.
Trying Prescription Medications Without Success
My rheumatologist prescribed duloxetine, an SNRI antidepressant also used for fibromyalgia and nerve pain. The medication helped slightly with my mood and fatigue but did little for the muscular discomfort while causing unpleasant side effects. We tried a few other drugs like gabapentin and cyclobenzaprine with similar lackluster results and intolerable drowsiness or dizziness.
Developing IBS Symptoms
To add insult to injury, I soon started battling digestive issues as well. I frequently felt uncomfortably bloated and gassy no matter what I ate. I alternated between constipation and loose stools unpredictably. Stomach pain and general abdominal discomfort became part of my daily routine.
My doctor diagnosed me with post-infectious IBS triggered by a bout of food poisoning shortly before my fibromyalgia appeared. Though just a coincidence probably, the dual diagnoses emphasized the close tie between fibromyalgia and IBS.
Trying Probiotics on My Doctor's Recommendation
During a check-up I updated my rheumatologist about my discouraging lack of improvement and expanding list of symptoms. She suggested considering probiotics to help with my gastrointestinal and potentially fibromyalgia issues by balancing my gut flora.
I researched the best probiotics for IBS, fibromyalgia, and overall digestive health. After reading glowing reviews and results from clinical studies, I decided to give the highly rated HyperBiotix Probioitcs supplement a try. Their patented bacteria strains boasted well-researched benefits that applied to my health concerns.
Gradually Improving Once I Started Taking Probiotics
For the first couple weeks I didn't notice any obvious changes from taking the probiotics. But after 5 or 6 weeks I realized I felt generally less fatigued and awoke feeling more well rested. My stomach was notably less noisy and prone to discomfort. BM frequency and consistency became more predictable and pleasant.
Most importantly, the intensity of muscle soreness and pain diminished significantly. Tender points that once made me flinch when touched could now tolerate firm pressure without reactive suffering. I still had some bad days, but the uptick in more bearable days encouraged me to continue my probiotics regimen.
Probiotics Gave Me My Life Back
As the weeks turned into months of sticking to my daily probiotic routine, my condition improved more and more. After 5 months my fibromyalgia symptoms decreased substantially - I'd estimate my widespread pain reduced about 80 percent overall!
I now enjoy abundant energy to easily get through each workday and have a social life again. Stiffness and tender trigger points have all but disappeared unless I really overexert myself physically. The nerve pain in my extremities has completely resolved. My bowel habits are still far from perfect but much more moderate and manageable. Sleep comes easier and feels more restorative.
In essence, probiotics gave me my life back after fibromyalgia had disrupted everything. I'm convinced that optimizing my gut health through high quality probiotics attacking the root of inflammation and dysfunction provided immense benefits both gastrointestinal and fibromyalgia related.
The Bottom Line: Probiotics Can Help Fibromyalgia Symptoms
An imbalance of healthy and harmful bacteria in the intestines may contribute to activating fibromyalgia's neurological pain pathways and associated symptoms. Correcting microbial imbalance and gut inflammation with probiotic supplements holds promise for mitigating the dysfunction of fibromyalgia for some patients.
Though individual responses vary, probiotics as a supplemental treatment represent an attractive option. They facilitate healing the gut naturally to dampen pain peripherally and centrally along the gut-brain connection. For many with fibromyalgia like myself, probiotics have been life changing. Talk to your doctor to
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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