Fibromyalgia is another mystery affliction that seems
to have appeared recently with a mostly female sufferer profile.
Between 2 and 6 million Americans develop Fibromyalgia, 10 times
as many women as men, and a startling number of them are contracting
the disease as early as the 25 to 35 age group. Sometimes, however,
it takes years for a diagnosis to be made. Like Chronic Fatigue
Syndrome and Rheumatoid Arthritis, it is a devastating and often
life-altering condition.
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As
with CFS, it is often hard for the sufferer
to receive the comfort and sympathy they deserve from others in
their life, because the symptomology is so subjective.
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However, there are measurable parameters:
- There are low levels of serotonin in the brain.
- There are
low levels of Human Growth Hormone (HGH).
- There are high levels of
substance P, which causes one to feel pain, and low levels of the
endorphins that control it. In fact, in their 2001 annual meeting,
researchers at the American College of Rheumatology reported that
brain scans have revealed that women with fibromyalgia differ from
depressed women in their sensitivity to pain.
- There is also a low
level of oxygen in the affected tissues (hypoxia), and my experience
with clients has shown highly acidic pH measurements in urine and
saliva.
- I have also encountered a correlation between low DHEA, low
Cortisol levels, and Fibromyalgia—i.e., stress.
| The May 2002 issue of
Arthritis & Rheumatism
features two studies that have finally convinced doubters in the
medical profession that Fibromyalgia patients are actually experiencing
different reactions to pain and exercise. In the first study,
precisely applied pressure to a pain point was measured, and it was
determined that Fibromyalgia sufferers reacted to pain at about half the level
experienced by healthy controls. Differences were measured in the
brain, where 12 areas were activated in Fibromyalgiaers, and only 2 in
controls. Increased blood flow was also shown in areas of the
brain. Different areas were activated by the pain in the control
group from Fibromyalgiaers, and the researchers speculated that this was
because of the "persistent excitatory input associated with ongoing
and spontaneous pain" Fibromyalgiaers suffer. ** |
Sometimes, (in a lucky few) Fibromyalgia symptoms may turn
out to be hypersensitivity to either MSG or Aspartame ( or both)
since studies in 2002 found that in some sufferers
eliminating the offending substances from the diet brought about
immediate improvement. Usually, a person who will benefit from this
approach has other symptoms of problems with allergies to food,
sinus and the like. . Certainly, where this is the cause,
inflammation and fatigue would be logical symptoms - if you see
yourself in this description, give it a try.
Perhaps the most light I have ever seen shed on a
possible root cause of Fibromyalgia was in a monograph written by Dr. Jeffrey
Bland, in which he pointed out (in reference to the use of magnesium malate, as I recall ) that often the problem is not so much a
deficiency of magnesium, as an inability on the part of the patient
to absorb it into the cell. He postulated that most Fibromyalgia/CFS patients
are so loaded with toxins, and the pathways which usually take care
of this are so inefficient, that they are able neither to take in
the nutrients they need for help, nor discharge the toxins that are
aggravating their condition. He published a study in the Journal
of Applied Nutrition, vol.44:1992, in which patients with CFS
were placed on a Detox program and supported with anti-oxidants:
the results showed conclusively the toxin/malabsorption
connection. I quote from an article in Maximum Wellness,
Winter 1997: " ... more than a third of the chronic fatigue
participants in this study had altered magnesium levels, which
normalized after the dietary management program (Vitamin Lady:
i.e., the detox) without the necessity to administer heroic
doses of magnesium. This result seemed to support our hypothesis
that the low levels of magnesium inside the cells of chronic fatigue
patients was a result of poor transport of magnesium into the cells
due to the the poisoning of the magnesium-potassium ATPase pump".
| For this reason, there are two first steps I urge
on my clients: one, an extensive detox preferably combined with a
liquid fast, and two, daily monitoring and adjustment of
their pH
levels. When pH levels are too acidic, cells do not perform
their prescribed functions. |
The detoxification pathways of the body need to be
reinforced also, and MSM is definitely the choice there, since it
supports both methylation and sulfation. DMG could beneficially be
added, partly because of its role in oxygen utilization. The liver
is nearly always compromised in this condition, and supporting its
function is a must: choose alpha lipoic acid and milk thistle, or
also recommended is a high quality Ayurvedic hepatic support
combination.
When one considers the link between magnesium and
heart function, it is also interesting to read new research showing
a connection between inefficient heart function and CFS.
Researchers observed the following:
- The two groups (control and CFS) had similar
resting ejection fraction (EF).
- During maximal exercise, EF increased in
controls, but declined in CFS patients.
- The decreases in EF tended to be greater in
patients with more severe symptoms.
- Using a decline in EF as a criterion, 13 CFS
patients (81 percent) and 0 control subjects had positive tests.
- There were no group differences in levels of
exertion, as indicated by similar cumulative work output, maximal
heart rate, and increases in lactate levels.
- A similar patter of changes in EF (i.e.,
increases in controls and declines in CFS patients) was observed
in response to postural stress.
Conclusions
This study provides a
preliminary indication of reduced cardiac function in some patients
with CFS. It raises the possibility that some CFS patients may have
cardiac disorders that are subtle enough to escape the current net
of clinical cardiological diagnoses, but may be significant enough
in some patients -- perhaps in conjunction with other factors -- to
lead to the clinical syndrome of CFS. The researchers note that
their findings may also be explained by abnormalities other than
those with the heart, including problems with the distribution of
cardiac output, reduced blood volume, and neurogenic and
endocrinologic abnormalities. Accordingly, further studies capable
of defining more precisely the causes of altered cardiac stress
responses are required.
One simple thing Fibromyalgia patients can do immediately is
to start avoiding fluoride, which is present in toothpastes, tap
water, and even incredibly, Prozac (as well as some other
medications). Fluoride has two major deleterious effects: it
causes calcium to be deposited in joints and soft tissues, and
depletes some important enzyme systems. Watch out also for some
juices, which are diluted with fluoridated water! A heavy metal
detox would be a good choice at this point. Opponents of
universal fluoridation will also point out that besides damaging the teeth,
fluoride can cause chronic depression, headaches, and is a known
cancer-initiating compound.
Because of the blocked cellular uptake, it is
likely that most Fibromyalgia patients need to think first of replacing the
many basic nutrients their bodies are crying out for. There is no
doubt that an excellent all-round multi is necessary, and I would
suggest extra B-Complex and antioxidants such as C, E, and
Glutathione.
Very helpful is a supplement called Co-enzyme
A, which is a blend of Pantethine, Cystine, and Calcium Pyruvate.
Not only is it essential for ATP production (the basic energy source
of the body) but it is also instrumental in the manufacture of the
adrenal hormones and acetyl-choline, part of the pathway by which
the brain communicates with the muscles. I would put that on the
list, and perhaps extra Thiamine. A number of similarities between B
1 deficiency symptoms and Fibromyalgia were pointed out by Barbara Monroe (in
J. Am. Coll. Nutr.,1998;17:300-303) to include fatigue,
irritability, headache, muscle tenderness, muscle soreness and sleep
disturbances. There is a highly absorbable form of thiamin made by
Tyson called Thiamilate, which I recommend .
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This is not the result of any scientific study,
but I have observed that a very high proportion of Fibromyalgia
patients have O blood type.
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I know there are some things about Dr. d'Adamo's
"blood type/diet" theory which seem far out, but the connection
between type O, inflammation and pancreatic enzymes is one which I
see time and again. Not only do I suggest using a high quality (Vitalzym, Megazyme, Jarrozyme) pancreatic enzyme WITH meals,
as a digestive aid, but also BETWEEN meals as an anti-inflammatory.
The results of this alone can be amazing!
I cannot mention inflammation without pointing out
the importance of balancing Omega 6 fatty acids with Omega 3s
- too much of the former will inevitably lead to inflammation. For
more information see my article on Essential Fatty Acids in
RESOURCES at right.
Another very successful approach is attempting
moderate the serotonin balance of the brain, and for this we
have 5HTP. An Italian study showed that administering 100 mg of 5HTP
3 times a day resulted in a 50% reduction in symptoms! These were
two studies, one of them double blind, 50 patients in each, and the
results were the same each time - significant improvement. (J.
Int. Med. Res. 1990; 18:201-9 and J. Int. Med. Res. 1992;20:182-9).
For some older patients the addition of small amounts of Melatonin
can also be helpful. Because St. John's Wort affects serotonin
levels, many sufferers have found it a constructive addition..
| I always recommend even to my casual customers
(and insist with counselees) that they have their Stress levels
checked and their production of Cortisol and DHEA measured before
they implement supplementation to correct a possible
problem. |
Nearly always there are discrepancies. as determined in the second
of the 2 studies mentioned above. **
For low adrenal function, I recommend a liquid sublingual called
Sub-Adrene, which is extremely effective. It is made by American
Biologics. There are also many combinations of herbs which support
adrenal function, and these can be helpful. Enzymatic Therapy makes
one called Adren-Comp, with (among other herbs) Licorice (avoid if
high blood pressure is a problem) and Eleuterococcus. Make sure,
if you have poor adrenal function, that you are not cutting back too
strictly on your carbohydrate intake: adrenals need a good steady
supply of complex carbs. (That's code for "not Hostess Twinkies"! )
I also recommend a specific Stress Formula to mitigate the effects
of stress on the system. One I have had great success with is an
Ayurvedic formula containing (again, among other things)
Ashwaganda.
Consistently low adrenal function is, among other
things, connected to inefficient thyroid function. If this has been
addressed, and you are on medication, ignore this - otherwise, I
have found it helpful to supplement with L-Tyrosine: somewhere from
1 to 3.5 grams daily. If you have kidney problems of any sort, do
not supplement with amino acids!
If DHEA levels are confirmed as being low, I
recommend a good sublingual spray source of it, such as the one made
by Nature’s Plus . Be sure also to remeasure your levels within
about 6 weeks to make sure you have not over-compensated.
**Fibromyalgia
patients also appear to have a failure to raise growth hormone
production when they exercise, together with raised levels of
cortisol, according to research reported in
the May 2002 issue of
Arthritis & Rheumatism: this may
again be a result of extreme reaction to stress, and of course,
perpetuates the low energy cycle. The same study comments that Gh
deficiencies may be more common in those suffering from Fibromyalgia than was
previously suspected. I would suggest adding the homeopathic hGh
spray to your regimen and evaluating your results.
There are many anecdotal reports of Magnesium with
Malate ( Malic Acid) being helpful in Fibromyalgia: but as far as I can
ascertain no published studies. Try it! It may help you. Source
Natural makes a combination formula called Fibro-Myalgin which many
of my customers say is the most helpful formula they have ever
tried, and it has a goodly amount of Magnesium as malate in it.
Incidentally, low levels of Magnesium have been found in the red
blood cells of Fibromyalgia patients, linked to abnormal Thiamine metabolism.
Last but not least of the major supplementary
interventions is Essential Fatty Acids, or EFAs. These are
absolutely essential to the proper functioning of our bodies, and
yet one of the commonest deficiencies we see these days. There is
much to be said about EFAs, but here suffice it to note that NOT
having the proper EFAs is a sure ticket to inflammatory response,
and to faulty mentation. I suggest Fish liver Oil, and either
Evening Primrose or Borage Oil. I have many experts telling me that
the two are identical, but this doesn't change the fact that
objectively I have people tell me that one works for them and the
other doesn't. You will have to find out which is better for you.
There are other supplements which have their
supporters - CoQ-10, CMO, high amounts of Vitamin E, SAM-e, NADH,
to name a few. It may well be that they help and I would not
discourage you from trying them. However, the ones I list in this
article are the ones which I feel EVERY sufferer from Fibromyalgia should make
part of their regimen until they find relief.
| Other strategies I recommend are: stress control
through meditation and exercise, massage, magnets, but above all,
DIET! |
Guidelines for diet. My thanks to Marcia
Zimmerman, CN, for this list.
EAT: barley, buckwheat, canola, flaxseed
and walnut oils, fish, fruit (except Citrus) legumes, millet, oats,
vegetables.
AVOID: alcohol, aspartame, butter,
caffeine, carbonated beverages, citrus, coffee, dairy, meat, MSG,
nuts, sugar, tea, white flour.
Keep an eye each day on your urine pH levels, and
adjust your diet accordingly. Diet determines whether we tend
towards the acid or alkaline, and the average U.S. diet might almost
be designed to cause us to err!
- Proteins (pork, beef ,chicken, ham,
turkey etc.) coffee and tea, eggs, beer, wine and pops, most breads,
spaghettis and pastas, refined rice (grains) and chocolate. all
promote an acid state in our body fluids.
- Dairy foods (*for those who can
tolerate them), potatoes and
onions are mostly neutral,
- and fruits, vegetables, beans and soy are
on the alkaline side.
Some "superfoods" that act as natural
"buffers" I use and recommend frequently. A natural buffer is a
substance that counteracts the acid state of the body, and chief
among them are
- concentrated green foods like barley grass, spirulina
and other algae, and some wonderful combinations of dried
vegetables, sea vegetables and cereal grasses.
The other buffers I
use and recommend because they are healthful in many other ways
also, are Brewers Yeast ( a natural source of B vitamins, selenium
and chromium, among other things), Lecithin (a concentrate of the Phosphatides in soy),
Calcium, Bee Pollen and Kelp.
Vitamin C as Ascorbate is an option that can have other benefits for those whose
faulty pH accompanies a severe disease state where low immunity is a
factor. Use the Vitamin C to bowel tolerance, and when that is
established, I recommend using it in the morning and last thing at
night to help regulate the body's acid balance.
There is no doubt at all that., as is the case
with other of the “mystery” diseases, overcoming Fibromyalgia can sometimes
seem like an impossible task, and in fact some people are never free
of it. But I can tell you that taking responsibility for your own
health and feeling the strength that can grow from knowing you are
in control can make a big difference. I would never use the word
“cure” but I have a wonderful substitute -“amelioration”. The word
alone is worth the price of admission.
Exercise: interestingly, a recent Canadian study
found the following: Patients with fibromyalgia find that exercise
is more effective in alleviating their symptoms than medication or
alternative treatments, according to results of a prospective
Canadian study. Over time, patients tended to reduce their use of
medications, which included acetaminophen, nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory agents, antidepressants, and tranquilizers.
Alternative treatments were used increasingly at the second and
third years. Physical exercise was identified most often as the
intervention perceived to be most helpful.
Checklist:
Detox your system. Avoid sources of fluoride.
Improve your diet - identify and eliminate
intolerances.
Regulate your pH—we have the pH strips available,
by the way.
Measure stress levels
Consider yoga and meditation
Balance your fatty acid intake
Supplement as required with:
| Multivitamin and antioxidants
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| 5 HTP |
| Thiamine |
| CoEnzyme A |
| Omega 3 Fatty Acids |
| Magnesium Malate |
| Pancreatic enzymes |
| Adrenal help |
| Tyrosine |
| MSM & DMG |
Any questions, please e-mail
vitaminlady@vitaminlady.com
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