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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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