Research Brief
Oxidative stress is more common in people with fibromyalgia and tension headaches than in health people, according to data presented recently at the 4th World Congress on Controversies in Neurology.
Researchers looked at markers of oxidative stress and found many to be abnormal in both fibromyalgia and tension headache. However, Total Oxidant Status was high only in the fibromyalgia group.
This research adds to a growing body of research suggesting that nitric oxide plays a role in fibromyalgia.
What is Nitric Oxide?
Nitric oxide is all over your body and plays important roles such as transporting oxygen to your tissues and transmitting nerve impulses. While it's necessary, it can also be dangerous and even toxic. Nitric oxide plays a significant role in aging.
"Antioxidant" has been a buzz word for the past few years because scientists have discovered that certain substances slow or stop oxidation and clear your system of free radicals. (Free radicals result from exposure to oxygen and other environmental factors, and they damage your cells.)
Some doctors and researchers advocate antioxidants for patients with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and other similar disorders.
Examples of antioxidants are:
- Acai berries
- Dark green vegetables
- Orange-yellow vegetables
- Vitamins A, C & E
- Blueberries
- CoQ10
- Curcumin
- Green tea
- Melatonin
- Zinc
- Rhodiola rosea
I take several antioxidants every day, and I consider them an important part of my treatment regimen. I can definitely tell when I haven't taken them!
Do you take antioxidants? Have they helped you? What differences have you noticed? Leave your comments below!
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