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The underlying cause of fibromyalgia is not yet clear. The joint and muscle aches, the muscle spasms, the tingling of the skin, the irritable bowel syndrome, the endless nights without sleep, the headaches and the list goes on ' what causes these symptoms and can there be any way to understand, and therefore cure fibromyalgia?

There are a number of theories regarding the cause of fibromyalgia, however none of them are overwhelming in their argument so as to stand out above the others. They range from chemical imbalances in the brain leading to overly sensitive pain receptors, impaired mood regulation that effects sleep and causes fatigue to reduced levels of essential hormones causing tiredness, impaired memory and low pain thresholds or sleep disorders that don't allow the body to achieve the deep sleep it needs for healing.

As with the many potential causes, there are a number of treatment options available. Although it is interesting to note that currently there is no FDA approved medication specifically designed for fibromyalgia. Doctors will currently prescribe medications that tackle one or more of the symptoms.

Keep reading for simple steps you can take to naturally combat fibromyalgia and to sign up for the free Fibromyalgia newsletter.

If you're interested in staying away from medications, then you might want to take note of these tips for naturally relieving the symptoms of fibromyalgia.

' Make some dietary changes. Many fibromyalgia sufferers report a significant reduction in symptoms when avoiding the following foods: dairy products, processed foods, junk or fast foods, chocolate, fried foods, salt and red meat.

Stay away from stimulants such as caffeine, alcohol and sugar, as these can disturb your already disrupted sleep. Avoid diet sodas, as they contain even more caffeine than non-diet ones, for that matter better to give up sodas altogether and go for your favorite mineral water.

Sugar can give you a nice energy boost, but it is short lived and the following slump will drain all that energy and more putting you on a path of major ups and downs. Caffeine, moreover, is a diuretic, and can push water out of your body fast so avoid coffee and tea, try hot water with a slice of lemon instead.

' Drink water. Water is vital to keep the body's processing functions going. Water makes up a vast proportion of our body and without it our body struggles to function, causing fatigue and headaches. Keep yourself well hydrated by drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day. Don't wait until you feel thirsty as by that time your body is already dehydrated.

' Improve sleeping patterns. Instill some new bedtime routines to help your body establish a better sleeping pattern. Have going to bed and getting times and try to stick with these no matter how restless a night you've had.

Keep your bedroom free from distractions, which means removing the TV and not reading in bed. Ensure that the room is dark and quiet. If you are struggling to sleep, get up and try reading a book, make sure you keep yourself warm and head back to bed when you're feeling sleepy.

The idea behind these suggestions is to train your brain into realizing that bed is for sleeping or intimate moments only and that when you're there that's what you do.

' Find ways to relax. Relax by taking up yoga and meditation. Use the breathing exercises taught by these arts to clear your head of worries and stress.

These are only a few of the all-natural tips you can use to help cure fibromyalgia. Before making changes to your diet, check with your doctor on what kinds of foods are good for you to ensure you are receiving sufficient amounts of the right nutrients.