Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is the name given to chronic, widespread muscular pain that has no obvious cause. The pain—usually described as aching, stiff, burning, or throbbing—may appear in any location of the body, but for a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia to be made, you must have pain in at least eleven of eighteen specific “tender points.” The pain from tender points and elsewhere in the body usually feels most severe upon waking and gradually lessons as the day goes on.

Although the pain of Fibromyalgia alone can be so severe as to render its victims disabled, the disease can be complicated by any of several other problems. Fibromyalgia is closely linked to chronic fatigue syndrome, and many of its sufferers experience symptoms similar to those of CFS. Irritable bowel syndrome, premenstrual syndrome, palpitations, and temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ) may also be present.

As with CFS, there is currently no one agreed-upon cause for this disease. In most cases, many factors combine to produce varied components of Fibromyalgia. Disordered sleep is a very common problem with this condition. The length and the quality of sleep must be improved for long-term success in most cases of fibormyalgia. Also, hormone imbalance is quite common. Particularly, low thyroid function and imbalances in estrogen/progesterone, as well as in the stress hormone DHEA and cortisol. Digestive function and detoxification usually need improvement to help people with Fibromyalgia. Along with this digestive weakness comes leaky gut syndrome and candida overgrowth, as well as general dysbiosis. Chronic infections that include viruses can be a factor. Food allergies are a significant contributor for some people, especially allergies to wheat, sugar, and cow’s milk. As well, nutritional deficiencies, of magnesium, B vitamins, coenzyme Q10, L-carnitine, and several others, are very common. We have also found that many people with Fibromyalgia have a brain chemistry imbalance. Using natural therapies to balance serotonin and other neurotransmitters results not only in a better mood but in less muscular pain. Toxic elements, such as lead, mercury, arsenic, and others, can also be one of the root contributors to Fibromyalgia. These toxic elements interfere with the normal enzyme and cell function in the body. In addition, blood-sugar imbalances worsen pain and inflammation. Many people develop symptoms of Fibromyalgia after a car accident, and thus structural abnormalities must be addressed through physical therapies. Chiropractic, osteopathic, and craniosacral therapy; physiotherapy; and sometimes massage are very helpful in reducing pain.

In essence, all of these potential imbalances lead to a defect in how the cells produce energy. Normally, the “energy-producing” plant of the cells, known as the mitochondria metabolism, produces efficient energy for the cells of the body. When a defect occurs in mitochondrial metabolism, it can lead to a shortage of energy for the muscle cells and other tissues of the body, resulting in fatigue and pain. Mitochondria require organic acids that are intermediaries in metabolic pathways in the body that create energy. Researchers found that people with fibromyalia often have imbalances in these organic acids. To correct this problem, one must address the root causes, as have been described. Fortunately, a comprehensive natural approach to Fibromyalgia is very effective in eliminating the pain or greatly improving it.

** All of these prescriptions below have been proven effective; level of effectiveness depends on the individual. Please consult your doctor when taking any and all supplements.

 

 

Symptoms

For a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia to be made, two factors must be present:

Many other symptoms may exist alongside the pain, including the following:

Root Causes

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TREATMENT

Diet

Recommended Food

Follow a sound diet that is based on whole, unprocessed foods. Emphasize raw or lightly cooked vegetables, especially greens, and other foods that are high in nutrients and fiber.

To keep up a steady supply of energy to your muscles, eat lots of lean protein—beans, raw nuts, soy products, fish, chicken, and turkey are all good sources—and plan on several meals throughout the day, instead of three large ones.

Eat some live unsweetened yogurt or other cultured foods daily to combat Candidiasis.

Omega-3 fatty acids help the body create prostaglandin, a hormone that reduces inflammation. Flaxseeds and flaxseed oil, as well as fatty fish, are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids.

Fibromyalgia has been linked to a magnesium deficiency, so make sure to consume foods that are high in this mineral, including green leafy vegetables, kelp, soybeans, cashews, and almonds. Vitamin A, C, and E together help fight free radicals, whose presence may inhibit cells’ ability to produce energy. For vitamin A, eat plenty of colored vegetables (especially the green, leafy ones) and skim milk. Good sources of vitamin E are soybeans, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, whole grains, and, again, green leafy vegetables.

Drink a glass of clean water every two waking hours. You’ll flush out toxins and reduce pain.

Foods to Avoid

Determine whether a food allergy is causing or contributing to your pain. Mineral deficiencies have been linked to Fibromyalgia, so avoid caffeine, which interferes with their proper absorption. Caffeine also contributes to sleep disturbances.

Reduce or cut out meat, fried and junk foods, high-fat dairy products, and other foods that are high in saturated fats. They contribute to inflammation and pain, as well as to insomnia; in addition, they slow you circulation and deplete your stores of energy.

Avoid sugar. It increases pain, weakens the immune system, disturbs sleep, saps your energy, and encourages the growth of Candida albicans, a fungus that some believe is the cause of Fibromyalgia. The most common sources of sugar are soda and processed food, but you also need to severely restrict your intake of natural sugars like honey and even fruits.

Dramatically reduce your intake of processed food and carbonated drinks. These items are full of food additives that will only aggravate your condition.

General Recommendations

Stress Reduction

General Stress-Reduction Therapies

Consider positive mental imagery, meditation, and prayer a first line of defense against the symptoms of Fibromyalgia. Regular meditation is both refreshing and calming. It improves you concentration and memory and, when used just before bedtime, can help you sleep. Biofeedback helps you learn to improve the way your body responds to stress.

It’s not a bad idea to supplement your daily meditation with a yoga class once or twice a week. Yoga relaxes your body and mind, improves digestion, and can ease both joint and muscle pain.

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