Fybromyalgia, The Mysterious Chronic Disease

Taking a Look at Mysterious Fibromyalgia
By Steven Whiting, PhD

For roughly 10 million people, starting the day is an enormous chore. Every morning they have to crawl out of bed with excruciating pain. Some of these people suffer with identifiable rheumatoid inflammatory conditions, but many of them suffer equal debilitating pain with no inflammation. This elusive condition has been labeled fibromyalgia and is identified as fatigue, stiffness, and widespread musculoskeletal pain that comes and goes, traveling around the body.

To be properly identified as fibromyalgia, adjunct symptoms must also be present such as sleep disturbances, headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, and frequently, lowered cortisol & neurotransmitter imbalances.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disease affecting 2 to 4 percent of the population. Female patients outnumber males 10 to 1. The women affected are between the ages of 20 and 60, with the greatest concentration being between 45 and 55.

There are presently, two types of fibromyalgia, primary, coming from what is still labeled ‘an uncertain origin’, and post-traumatic, resulting from a physical injury such as an accident.

Because of the relative difficulty in diagnosing this condition, many physicians have come to believe that the condition may be psychological as opposed to physical. This is not the case however.

Possible Causes of Fybromyalgia

While there is still much we don’t know about this condition, there are two theories. Firstly, some researches believe that, like chronic fatigue and epstein barr, fibromyalgia may be viral in origin. Others feel that it is related to an overload of the internal
biochemistry with toxins, leading to chemical changes, which lead to irritation and pain. Based upon the current knowledge available, we tend to lean toward the latter explanation.

The most important discovery regarding fibromyalgia to date is its relationship to sleep disorders. In fact, virtually all sufferers also experience altered or disturbed sleep. It is now thought that it is the sleep disorder, which causes the fibromyalgia and not the other way around. Fibromyalgia patients lack delta way sleep, the deepest, most relaxing sleep.

Lacking this restorative sleep, these people experience disturbances in their biological rhythms, which in turn negatively affect all bodily systems.

Researchers have discovered that the neurotransmitter serotonin, which affects mood, sleep levels, and pain, is very low in fibromyalgia patients. It appears that this alteration of brain chemistry is responsible for the changes in muscle structure and even metabolism to some extent.

In two separate clinical studies, researchers gave 100 mg of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) three times daily, which rapidly resulted in a 50 percent reduction in all their symptoms! More importantly, these patients were still getting benefit from the treatment up to 90 days after it was discontinued. What does this mean? Oral 5-HTP is rapidly absorbed into the brain where it is quickly converted into serotonin, the brain hormone missing in persons with fibromyalgia!

Allergies have also been linked to producing fibromyalgia in much the same way they can exacerbate rheumatoid arthritis. Since food allergies are far more involved in this process than airborne irritants, sufferers should consider taking a RAST test for food sensitivities. If specific allergies are detected, patients should consider the rotation diet to reduce the level of irritants. Foods most likely involved include fish, meats, milk, citrus fruits, peas, pineapple, shellfish, tomatoes, wheat and corn.

In France, scientists have found a link between low magnesium levels and thiamine metabolism in fibromyalgia patients. Magnesium is essential in providing energy within muscle cells, which is responsible for normal contraction and relaxation.

Malic acid, a natural companion of magnesium in the energy cycle of muscles, is very helpful for fibromyalgia. When given at the rate of 200 mg together with 50 mg of magnesium, researchers found a significant reduction in pain, but not until several weeks after the study.

As mentioned at the outset, fibromyalgia is a relatively new condition and our understanding of this painful condition is limited at best. Based upon what we do know from the limited research that has been conducted around the world, we have compiled the following dietary and dietary supplement recommendations for persons suffering from this disease.

Other articles on fibromyalgia FIBROMYALGIA 1.

Dietary Considerations:

Helpful Foods

Barley
Buckwheat
Canola oil
Olive oil
All types of fish
Fruit (except citrus)
Legumes
Millet
Oats
Fresh vegetables

Foods To Avoid

Alcohol
Aspartame
Butter in high amounts
Caffeine
Carbonated beverages
Citrus fruits
Coffee
Dairy
Meat (if allergic)
Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
Nuts
Sugar
Tea

Dietary Supplement Program for Fibromyalgia

Once again, there is no product, medication, or health care professional that can heal or cure you of this or any other health problem. Only the body can do this when given the raw materials to work with. However, it has been well documented the necessary nutrientgs needed by the body so that it can rebalnce itself. when the body is in balance, you feel great! If you would like to know the suggested nutritional protocol please call 888-615-5778 and we can help you to determine the appropriate balance needed for your body.

Other Articles on Fibromyalgia:

FIBROMYALGIA 1.

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