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What Is Fibromylagia?

Fibromyalgia is a soft tissue, non-articular rheumatic syndrome with symptoms of chronic aches, pains and stiffness, with trigger points or specific sites of exaggerated tenderness. With as much as 4 percent of the population suffering from this disease, modern medical science has yet to find a cure or even to treat this problem effectively.

Fibromyalgia bears a striking resemblance to chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and mainly affects women aged 25 to 50, with the female-to-male ratio being approximately 5:1. Fibromyalgia symptoms may be triggered by a number of factors, including overexertion, stress, lack of exercise, anxiety, depression, lack of sleep, trauma, extreme temperature and/or humidity changes and infectious diseases. Fibromyalgia diagnosis is based on specific site tenderness points, which are assessed by a variety of techniques. These tender points are located on positions on the body that have been most frequently reported to cause problems in fibromyalgia patients.

The American College of Rheumatology has developed several criteria for assessment of fibromyalgia patients:

* Diffused musculoskeletal pain for at least three months.

* Stiffness that worsens in the morning.

* Tenderness to palpation of at least 11 of the 18 tender points.

* Sleep disturbances.

* Fatigue and/or anxiety.

* Depression.

* Gastroentestinal disturbances.

* Subjective soft tissue disturbances.

* Cardiovascular complaints (dizziness, palpitations.

Possible causes Studies have shown that victims of fibromyalgia appear to have microcirculatory problems, along with mitochondrial damage and abnormally low phosphate levels, suggesting an energy-deficient state of the muscular [tissue.sup.(1)(2)]. Muscle hypoxia may develop, leading to fatigue and other symptoms, such as pain. Glucose has the primary function of providing fuel for the body. It does this in two ways. First, through glycolysis or the breakdown of glucose into pyruvic acid and at times lactic acid (anaerobically produced). The second pathway is the conversion of pyruvic acid, in the presence of oxygen, to carbon dioxide and water. A by-product of this conversion is the production of ATP in the Krebs cycle. Under various stresses, the amount of ATP production may not be able to keep up with the demand, thereby causing fatigue, muscular aches and other problems. Because the Krebs cycle is relatively slow in production, the glycolytic pathway is utilized by the body in many situations to produce energy; however, this leads to a production of dlactic acid, which diffuses and accumulates into the muscular tissue. Fatigue usually is correlated with the depletion of glycogen stores and an increase in lactic acid buildup. These are hallmark traits in individuals suffering from symptoms of fibromyalgia. Recent evidence suggests that magnesium deficiency may be crucial in development of symptoms of [fibromyalgia.sup.3].

Magnesium is necessary in most biochemical processes, including ATP synthesis and subsequent cellular energy production. Mitochondrial uptake and accumulation of magnesium are directly related to the uptake of phosphate required for ADP phosphorylation. Of particular interest is that magnesium is necessary in aluminum detoxification in the body, and aluminum inhibits glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation, resulting in decreased intramitochondrial ATP production. Additionally, due to its high affinity for phosphate groups, aluminum blocks the absorption and utilization of phosphates vital to the synthesis of ATP. Aluminum toxicity is known to cause metabolic disturbances and has been implicated in Alzheimer's disease, and detoxification is critical to keep the body and mind healthy. Researchers have found that in addition to adequate amounts of magnesium supplemented in the diet, malic acid supplementation may also be beneficial in improving the symptoms of aluminum toxicity and fibromyalgia [specifically.sup.(3)(4)].

Also, irritable bowel syndrome, which is a smooth muscle dysfunction specifically in the gut causing diarrhea, cramps or dry constipation, has been implicated in fibromyalgia. IBS individuals report bloating and a feeling of fullness or stretching. Fibromyalgia patients frequently complain of GI disturbances, commonly caused by IBS. Proper nutrition and dietary supplementation is imperative in improving symptoms of IBS and fibromyalgia. Leaky gut syndrome is a condition that may cause IBS, and also needs to be addressed in the fibromyalgia patient. This syndrome is the erosion of the microvilli of the mucosal lining, allowing larger than normal molecules, such as proteins, to enter the bloodstream, causing fatigue and resulting muscular pain among other problems. Candida overgrowth is common in leaky gut syndrome, caused by various factors, including antibiotic use. The use of NSAIDs, aspirin and other acidic medications may also contribute to leaky gut syndrome. Correction of these problems is essential in treating the fibromyalgia patient.

Improvement of the underlying metabolic and physiological imbalances, including leaky gut syndrome, IBS and magnesium deficiency, is essential.

The following protocol may be effective in relieving the symptoms of fibromyalgia.

* Beta-Glucan, preferably yeast derived, between 100 and 400mg daily depending upon severity of symptoms.

* A quality multivitamin daily.

* Acidophilus/bifidus: Adults: one-half teaspoonful mixed in juice or water.

* Magnesium malate: 1,200-2,400 mg daily in divided doses.

* Adrenal complex tablet (with B complex): 1 tablet 2-3 times daily.

* Antioxidants (use at least two of the following): Green tea, 100-300 mg bid, standardized to 50 percent or more polyphenols and 40-65 percent catechin fraction per dose. Coenzyme Q1O, 50-100 mg daily.

* Alpha-lipoic acid, 100 mg daily.

* Vitamin E, 4001U daily.

* Curcumin (Turmeric), 300 mg bid-tid, standardized to 90 percent curcuminoids/dose.

* Bilberry, 80-240 mg daily in divided doses, standardized to 25 percent anthocyanidins/dose.

Be sure that an appropriate diet of plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables (organically grown, if possible) and limited refined foods and sugars is followed. Good sources of dietary magnesium include: * Soybean products. * Whole wheat flour (not in hypersensitive individuals). * Buckwheat flour. * Almonds. * Cashews. * Rice. * Most legumes.

Many prescription medications may aggravate the symptoms of fibromyalgia, and appropriate counseling and alerting the physician is necessary in patients presenting symptoms of fibromyalgia. Medications include: * Antibiotics--causes imbalance in normal microflora, leading to leaky gut syndrome. * NSAIDs/ASA--causes gut erosion and irritable bowel syndrome. * Anticholinergic agents--dry secretions, increasing constipation. * Oral contraceptives. * Diuretics.

If properly diagnosed, and with appropriate diet and dietary supplementation, fibromyalgia can be effectively controlled, allowing millions of suffering individuals to live pain-free, productive and fulfilling lives.

References: 1. G. Ferracopoili, et al., "Neuroendocrinologic Findings in Primary Fibromyalgia (Soft Tissue Chronic Pain Syndrome) and in Other Chronic Rheumatic Conditions," J Rheumatology 17(1990): 1241-54. 2. A.T. Masi, et al.

"Concepts of Illness m Populations as Applied to Fibromyalgia Syndrome," Am J Med 51(1986): 19-25. 3. G. E. Abraham, et al.,

"Management of Fibromyalgia: Rationale for the Use of Magnesium and Malic Acid," J Nutri Med 3 (1992): 49-50. 4. J. L. Domingo, et al.,

"Citric, Malic, and Succinic Acids as Possible Alternatives to Deferoxamine in Aluminum Toxicity," Clin Tox 26 (1,2) (1988): 67-79.

**Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult with your professional health care provider before changing any medication.**

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