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.
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.
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 .
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.
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.
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.
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.
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