Creatine Treatment for Fibromyalgia

People with fibromyalgia get caught up in a vicious cycle of symptoms from which they cannot escape. Chronic muscle pain and fatigue results in the inability to sleep. These sleep disturbances generally lead to some form of depression or anxiety, and two of the most common symptoms of depression are muscle pain and chronic fatigue. But one nutritional supplement, creatine, may reduce the muscle pain and fatigue of fibromyalgia, thereby allowing the patient to sleep better and breaking the cycle of fibromyalgia symptoms.

What is Creatine?

• Produced in your liver, creatine is a naturally occurring compound, composed of various amino acids, that produces energy. The muscles of your skeletal system store almost all your body's creatine (about 95 percent). The small amounts of creatine found in fish and red meat are mostly destroyed when you cook the meats; you'd have to eat them in mass quantities to provide adequate supplementation. For these reasons, powdered or liquid creatine is the preferred method of taking this supplement.

Who Uses Creatine, and Why?

• Bodybuilders primarily use creatine, because of its ability to increase muscle mass and improve strength. It also reduces the amount of lactic acid your body produces, which means you will be less sore after working out.

  Recent small double blind studies have shown promising results, however, in the use of creatine to treat diseases such as muscular dystrophy, as well as to protect your brain against neurological brain injury. Studies on rats have shown the potential for creatine to be used to treat Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease. It also may be effective in treating the most important muscle of all--your heart--in cases of chronic heart failure.

Why Does Creatine Work for Fibromyalgia?

• The chronic muscle pain of fibromyalgia eventually leads to severe shortening of the muscles involved, as they tighten in pain. As it strengthens muscles, the muscle supplement creatine also seems to lessen the muscle weakness that comes with such chronic pain. In addition, creatine draws fluids into your muscles, which lessens the pain of fibromyalgia and assists in removing toxins from affected muscles. However, this side effect also can be potentially dangerous for the rest of your body, if someone you do not increase your water intake while taking creatine.

Potential Dangers and Side Effects of Taking Creatine

• One side effect, mentioned above--the drawing of fluids into your muscles--will result in weight gain while you take creatine. It is very important while taking this supplement to be well hydrated, in order to assure that the rest of your body is receiving adequate fluids. Dehydration quickly can lead to vomiting and seizures. If you have kidney disease, you should not take creatine.

Tips for Taking Creatine

• You will see fewer positive effects from taking creatine if you are a "junk food junkie," than if you eat a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, proteins and whole grains. You should not take creatine at night, as it may disturb your sleep. If you are taking it to improve your exercise or bodybuilding capabilities, it is best to take it about a half-hour before you begin working out. Take at least a one-week break from taking creatine every six to eight weeks. Pay close attention to your body while taking creatine, and stop if you notice any uncomfortable side effects.