I’m often asked about which supplements I think would help with CFS/ME and Fibromyalgia, so I thought I’d round up a few of them for you today. Some of these featured prominently in my recovery and I still take a few of them today. Some are just for general maintenance and I’m not so rigid about.

Obviously, I’m not a doctor or don’t have any medical training, so pleased consult with your physician or a pharmacist before starting anything or if you want to check if these bits and pieces will interfere with anything else. Just making sure, you know!

1) Flaxseed Oil

This was the first supplement I ever took while I was experimenting during my recovery and I have to say, the most effective. I really noticed the difference when I wasn’t taking it and just had to sing its praises in this MindBodyGreen article. I took about 1000-2000mg a day in vegan capsules. Flaxseed oil is great for replacing fish oil capsules if you’re vegetarian/vegan and really helps with your body’s levels of omega-3 fatty acids. It has been claimed that omega-3s reduce inflammation in the body and can help prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease (source).

However, I’ve recently been reading a few bits and pieces about the toxicity of flaxseed oil if consumed to high quantities. I haven’t as yet read anything which proves this completely (please feel free to let me know if I’m wrong!), but click here for additional information.

2) Magnesium

Whenever I’m feeling a bit stressed, angsty and all-over-the-place, I make sure I’m taking magnesium supplements. Magnesium helps me sleep better, feel a bit calmer and can also help with horrible Restless Leg Syndrome, which I used to get when I was ill. If you’re taking everything under the sun and you’re not sure what’s missing, this might be it.

3) A Good B-Vitamin Supplement

B-Vitamins help to release the energy we get from food, so we can have sustained energy throughout the day. It’s always worth asking at a health food store or pharmacy to see which supplements they would recommend. Some tablets seem to be more effective than others, and unfortunately, a lot of it comes down to price. With this and magnesium, you’ll have all ‘energy bases’ covered.

4) Coenzyme Q10

When I last lived in the UK, there was a bit of a Coenzyme Q10 craze- it was in anti-wrinkle creams, face wipes, you name it. I decided to buy them to see what all the fuss was about, and I have to say I was pretty impressed. If I missed a day of taking Q10, I really noticed the difference- my Mum still takes them and swears by them. I’d love to know if any of you have tried it.

5) Evening Primrose Oil

Our hormones often get forgotten about in times of stress, but ironically, they’re probably the things we should be looking after the most. Since I’ve started taking Evening Primrose Oil, I’ve noticed a big difference in my skin, especially around that time of the month, and in my overall moods. If you’ve been feeling a little bit moody and get those annoying hormonal spots once a month, I’d definitely give it a go.

Other Supplements I Love

• Spirulina, or any other ‘greens’ supplements- the amount of iron and protein in spirulina is nothing short of staggering.
• Maca- great for hormonal balance, but should be taken in moderation. I love adding the powder to my smoothies.

I would absolutely love to hear from you all on this one. Which CFS supplements have you tried and which have you found effective? Let me know in the comments below and let’s share with each other!

Love, Katie    xxx