Last updated 21/01/2020 by The pain clinics - Interdisciplinary Health

D-Ribose treatment of fibromyalgia, ME and chronic fatigue syndrome

Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome (also called ME) are debilitating syndromes that are often associated with decreased cellular metabolism - resulting in less cellular energy. What exactly is D-ribose, you say? Without diving too deep into the chemical world, it is simply an organic, chemical component (a sugar isomer) that is very important for proper cellular energy for both DNA and RNA. Research published in the medical journal Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine has shown that D-ribose can help provide symptom relief to people suffering from fibromyalgia and ME / chronic fatigue syndrome.

Also read: 7 Early Signs of Fibromyalgia

- Want to share this article with English-speaking friends? Here is translation.

DNA definition: A nucleic acid that carries the genetic information in the cell and is capable of self-replication and synthesis of RNA (see below). DNA consists of two long chains of nucleotides twisted into a double helix and together with hydrogen bonds between complementary bases adenine and thymine or cytosine and guanine. This sequence of nucleotides determines individual hereditary characteristics.

RNA definition: A polymeric component of all living cells and many viruses consisting of a long, usually single-stranded chain of alternating phosphate and ribose units with the bases adenine, guanine, cytosine, uracil and bound to ribose. RNA molecules are involved in protein synthesis and sometimes in the transmission of genetic information. Also called ribonucleic acid.

Research on D-Ribose treatment of fibromyalgia, ME and chronic fatigue syndrome:

D-Ribose. Photo: Wikimedia Commons

In a pilot study by Teitelbaum (2006), 41 patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia and / or chronic fatigue syndrome were given D-ribose supplementation. Patients measured their progress in several categories; sleep, mental presence, pain, well-being and a general improvement. Over 65% of patients experienced significant improvement in D-ribose, with almost 50% average increase in reported energy levels and a sense of well-being that was 30% improved.

"Approximately 66% of patients experienced significant improvement while on D-ribose, with an average increase in energy on the VAS of 45% and an average improvement in overall well-being of 30% (p <0.0001)."

Studies concluded that D-ribose had a significant clinical effect in symptom relief for fibromyalgia and ME patients:

"D-ribose significantly reduced clinical symptoms in patients suffering from fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome."

Several studies support that D-ribose can have an effect

Another research study (2004) found that participants in the study experienced marked improvement in the form of minor fibromyalgia pain and symptoms. Participants ingested 5 grams of D-ribose twice a day. Unfortunately, the study also showed that one must continue to take it in order to have a lasting effect - because it turned out that the pain and symptoms returned within a week after they stopped taking d-ribose.

Also read: - 8 Natural Pain Relief Measures for Fibromyalgia

Unity for those with Rheumatic Disorders and Chronic Pain Diagnoses

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What can I do even against pain in muscles, nerves and joints?

1. General exercise, specific exercise, stretching and activity are recommended, but stay within the pain limit. Two walks a day of 20-40 minutes make good for the whole body and sore muscles.

2. Trigger point / massage balls we strongly recommend - they come in different sizes so you can hit well even on all parts of the body. There is no better self help than this! We recommend the following (click the image below) - which is a complete set of 5 trigger point / massage balls in different sizes:

3. Training: Specific training with training tricks of various opponents (such as this complete set of 6 knits of different resistance) can help you train strength and function. Knit training often involves more specific training, which in turn can lead to more effective injury prevention and pain reduction.

4. Pain Relief - Cooling: Biofreeze is a natural product that can relieve pain by cooling the area gently. Cooling is especially recommended when the pain is very severe. When they have calmed down then heat treatment is recommended - it is therefore advisable to have both cooling and heating available.

5. Pain Relief - Heating: Warming up tight muscles can increase blood circulation and reduce pain. We recommend the following reusable hot / cold gasket (click here to read more about it) - which can be used both for cooling (can be frozen) and for heating (can be heated in the microwave).

6. Prevention and healing: Compression noise like that like this can increase blood circulation to the affected area, thereby speeding up the natural healing of injured or worn muscles and tendons.

References: 

Teitelbaum JE, Johnson C, St Cyr J. The use of D-ribose in chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia: a pilot study. J Altern Complement Med. 2006 Nov;12(9):857-62.