Clinical Tips for Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia (FMS) manifests with an array of symptoms that could be related to many causes. The main symptom is pain associated with trigger points, but there are many other symptoms that appear with this pain. The pain can affect many different body parts but is associated with connective tissue for the most part. It is usually described as a deep, aching, throbbing, twitching, shooting, stabbing pain that consumes all actions and thoughts.

In addition, there can be neurological symptoms present as well, such as numbness, tingling and burning. Lack of sleep, cool, wet weather, over-exertion in physical activities, anxiety and stress can intensify the pain levels. Stress, poor food choices, mineral and enzyme deficiencies and heavy metal toxicity all aggravate the pain and other symptoms of FMS.

Changes in diet are a must. Eating a whole foods diet and eliminating processed foods will help to manage symptoms, boost energy levels and strengthen the immune system. Another key is to reduce your intake of bad fats (not good fats) and foods containing a lot of sugar.

It can be difficult to take the time and energy necessary to prepare fresh, wholesome meals when you are dealing with the pain of FMS, so a whole-food based supplement like Ultimate Green Zone can be the answer to this. Artificial sweeteners like aspartame and Sucralose® are extremely detrimental and will aggravate FMS.

Minerals and Mineral Transport

One important underlying factor to consider is minerals. Minerals are needed to calm the nerves and support relaxed muscles. Low levels of minerals can cause the muscles to be fatigued and tense or tight. The body balances ratios of various minerals and transports minerals to the different areas where they are needed.

The problem may not just be a mineral deficiency. If there is something blocking or impairing mineral transport, then the minerals either sit in solutions, get flushed to the kidneys or they deposit in tissues in abnormal ways. When this happens, the uptake of the minerals into the cell for processing does not happen.

If minerals are not properly bound and transported, they will simply congest the system. So, solving mineral problems isn’t as simple as just taking more calcium or magnesium. It is about a balance of minerals and the proper assimilation, delivery and uptake of minerals by the cells. Vitamin B-12 and essential fatty acids are the co-catalysts for this to happen. HSN-W can be helpful for transport mechanisms, too.

When there is a high phosphorus level and a low creatinine in the blood serum (and possibly a low albumin level, too) this is an indication that there may be a problem with leaky gut syndrome. This is where chronic inflammation in the intestinal tract has made the intestinal membrane lose tone and become excessively porous. This is going to interfere with the proper binding and absorption of minerals and other nutrients.

Some beneficial remedies for leaky gut include Kudzu/St. John’s wort, L-glutamine and Uña De Gato Combination. Fiber is also helpful for reducing intestinal irritation.

Oxidative Damage and Tissue Breakdown

Oxidative damage occurs in people with FMS. This leads to further tissue degeneration. Antioxidants to consider are xanthones (the strongest) beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc and selenium. Food sources of antioxidants include darkly colored fruits and vegetables, with blueberries being highest priority due to their overall high antioxidant capacity. All of the berries in the Thai-Go along with the xanthones present in that formula make it a good choice. Omega-3 fatty acids are also effective at reducing oxidation.

Another pattern to look at is high total protein, positive ANA and high inflammatory markers. This can indicate connective tissue breakdown. Symptoms like loose teeth, bleeding gums, weak back and a hiatal hernia can be signs of tissue breakdown. These symptoms should be considered even before a diagnosis of FMS is made as they can be pre-symptoms.

Stress and Sleep

Stress is involved in FMS because of how the adrenal glands manage inflammation via cortisol levels. When stress is high, cortisol levels are high. Inflammation is usually present when this happens. Getting enough rest helps to reduce cortisol levels, which relieves muscle tension, helps repair cellular damage and calms the nerves.

Stress alone can cause symptoms such as back and neck pain, trouble sleeping, hair loss, fatigue or upset stomach, in healthy people. Studies have also shown that stress can weaken the immune system or exacerbate existing conditions. In mice, stress had been shown to make symptoms of FMS worse.

Adaptagens help modulate the output of stress hormones from the adrenals and can balance immune function and reduce levels of inflammation. Two adaptagens to consider are Eleuthero root and Adaptamax. Other adaptagens that seem to make a difference in fatigue are hawthorn, schizandra, and rhodiola.

Melatonin is a hormone secreted in an area of the brain to assist us with sleep. It is primarily released in response to the darkening light, making us feel sleepy. Melatonin has been shown to be deficient in people with FMS. Studies incorporating melatonin as a sleep aid have shown better sleep and decreased need for pharmaceutical sleep aids. I also use 5-HTP not only for helping with sleep patterns, but for any leaky gut association with FMS.

Heavy Metals

Heavy metals get stuck in the connective tissue and can cause pain and inflammation. They contribute to congestion, preventing minerals from getting to the cells. Chemicals and heavy metals are not removed by fasting! And, there is no standard medical treatment for chemical toxicity.

Chelation therapy is a common protocol for heavy metals. Chelation therapy can take a long time depending on the source of the metals and the chelation protocol chosen. Synthetic chelators can have many side effects. Natural oral chelation using Mega Chel is one of the safest, and most effective methods with few if any side effects.

Cellular Energy Production

The fatigue factor in FMS is probably due to a disruption in ATP production. Bringing balance to the energy producing cycle in the mitochondria of the cell can help with low energy stores. Combination Potassium can help with cell detoxification and help the mitochondria work better. Cellular Energy can help with mitochondrial activity as well.

Magnesium contributes to over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body, including the formation of an ATP precursor, metabolism of protein and carbohydrates and movement of muscular electrical potentials. Magnesium has the effect of making tight muscles more relaxed and can help with sleep patterns. A lot of times, insomnia is associated with low magnesium levels. Magnesium is typically deficient in FMS sufferers. Magnesium Complex acts as a very gentle muscle relaxant by blocking the effects of calcium-directed muscle contractions.

Malic acid, when combined with magnesium, has been shown to decrease the pain and tenderness associated with FMS. Malic acid is known to be a critical component of the Krebs cycle production of cellular energy, and is useful due to the possible role that an inherent metabolic imbalance may play in FMS. Both magnesium and malic acid are present in the supplement Fibralgia.

B-6 works with magnesium and malic acid, boosting their effectiveness. Pyridoxine serves to “escort” magnesium into the cells of the body, where it exerts its effects, and by assisting malate in producing ATP. Adrenal Support can also help with energy production.

Hormones

There is also a hormonal link in FMS. A salivary hormone test can help determine which hormones are imbalanced and help determine the proper replacement of natural forms of hormones, DHEA-F helps with this balance and can create a better sense of well being and less pain for people suffering from FMS. Imbalances in other hormones including estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA and cortisol may play roles as well. Maca feeds the endocrine system and may be helpful here.

Iodine plays a major role in helping with muscle metabolism. It also helps to displace halogens like fluoride, chlorine and bromide. FMS suffers seem to have an issue with storing these toxic halogens, which displaces iodine in their body and reduces thyroid function. Iodine supplementation has created less pain in major sites (cervical, thoracic and lumber spine, arm, wrist), better cognition, better tolerance to aerobic exercise and fewer migraine headaches.

Black walnut is a good source of iodine and seems to be the best choice for FMS patients. It contains other helpful minerals, too. Iodoral® is another supplement FMS clients should consider.

Pain Relief

A good topical remedy for relief of muscle pain is Deep Relief oil mixed with massage oil or coconut oil. This is rubbed into the areas where there is muscle pain. The clove oil in this formula is strongly anti-viral and can help with chronic fatigue syndrome.

To further help reduce muscle pain, Fibralgia and Parsley can be taken internally along with sea salt. This will act as a buffer, reducing lactic acid buildup and reduce pain by getting the pH in the muscles to stabilize.

Increasing oxygen supply to muscles with supplements like Cordyceps, Chinese Lung Support and the xanthones found in Thai go and IF Relief will also help. This will reduce inflammation and help to restore normal muscle metabolism.