Fibromyalgia – Some Natural Approaches
What is Fibromylagia?
Also known as: fibrositis, myofascial pain syndrome, fibromyositis
The name fibromyalgia means pain in fibrous tissues, muscles, tendons, ligaments and other sites on the body. The neck, shoulders, chest, low back, and thighs are the most commonly affected areas.
Fibromylagia occurs primarily in women between the ages of 30 to 50 Some clinicians believe that fibromyalgia May be induced or intensified by physical or mental stress, poor sleep, trauma, exposure to wet or cold, and occasionally by a systemic and usually rheumatic disease.
People often report a traumatic event that the first symptoms, such as serious infectious disease such as Lyme disease, emotional or physical stress, an accident or a history of childhood physical abuse.
Symptoms
Sleep is often disrupted, and people often wake up at night with a feeling of stiffness, fatigue and pain. People with fibromyalgia seem to have abnormal brain waves in stage 4 sleep, which is the deepest stage of sleep. Stage 4 sleep important for tissue repair, antibody production, the formation of growth hormone, and muscle and bone health. People with fibromyalgia wake during this phase, and consequently do not feel they have a restful sleep.
People with fibromyalgia have been determined by the researchers to have increased amounts of neurotransmitters, the reactions to pain, such as substance P, and depressed levels of natural painkillers, such as serotonin and growth hormone. Lower serotonin are also low.
The American College of Rheumatologists Fibromyalgia is defined as the presence of widespread chronic pain and the presence of pain in at least 11 of the 18 specific points on the body when pressure is applied.
Other symptoms include intolerance to cold or heat, frequent urination, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety, headaches, numbness and tingling. Conventional laboratory tests and physical examination is often normal, which can be frustrating for the patient.
Natural therapies for fibromyalgia
Use of a single supplement May bring some relief, but the overall program is usually necessary to have a real cure for people with fibromyalgia. A naturopathic doctor or other qualified medical practitioner can assess the symptoms and the development of a customized health plan.
Nutrition
Research has found that the transition to a vegetarian diet can be the symptoms of pain, joint stiffness and sleep disturbance in patients with fibromyalgia. Sugar should be avoided. An elimination and challenge diet can help to make food that may have a worsening of symptoms.
Food supplements, vitamins, herbs and
SAME – short for S-adenosylmethionine, the same is a chemical from a combination of the amino acid methionine and the most important molecules for the energy in the body, adenosine triphosphate (ATP). In a preliminary study, people took 800 mg of the same or placebo for 6 weeks. In comparison to the group, the placebo, those who are of the same disease activity, pain at rest, fatigue and morning stiffness. The amount of tender points was the same as placebo. People with bipolar illness (manic depression), the antidepressants, or those that might arise from the use of this product levidopa (general for Parkinson’s disease) should not equal.
5-HTP – An acronym for 5-hydroxytryptophan, 5-HTP is normally used for low level because they are believed to increase serotonin in the brain. People with fibromyalgia were found to have lower tryptophan. Tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin, a messenger substance that helps with sleep disorders and prevent low levels. A typical dose of 5-HTP is 100 to 200 mg three times daily. After 5-HTP starts to work, the dose can be reduced while still maintaining much of the results. Persons who are prescribed antidepressants, Parkinson’s medication carbidopa, or medications that the serotonin levels, such as tramadol (Ultram Tramel), sumatriptan, and zolipidem (Ambien) should not affect the 5-HTP, unless under the supervision of a qualified health practitioner.
Magnesium – people with fibromyalgia have been found to be deficient in magnesium. Although the conventional test for serum magnesium May normal magnesium levels are often low, if the red blood cell magnesium is activated.
Increase magnesium rich foods such as legumes, tofu, seeds, nuts, Whole Foods, and green leafy vegetables. Magnesium supplements can also be used to improve energy levels and emotional states, while decreasing pain. A typical dose of magnesium is 150 to 250 mg three times per day of magnesium citrate or magnesium malate.
Malic acid – malic acid is an important feedstock for the production of energy at the cellular level. Apples are a source of malic acid. Clinically, malic acid was found to fatigue and pain of fibromyalgia. A typical dosage for fibromyalgia is from 1200 to 2000 mg per day, in divided doses.
Herbs and nutrients for the support of the adrenals – People with fibromyalgia have low cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal gland. When there is chronic stress, high levels of cortisol are released. Prolonged stress can exhaust the adrenal glands, a functional condition commonly known as adrenal fatigue.
Low cortisol secretion is linked to low energy, muscle weakness and pain, thyroid dysfunction, immune system depression, difficulty sleeping, poor regeneration of the skin, and decreased growth hormone shot.
Adrenal glandulars, Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), vitamin C, licorice, Rhodiola Rosea, and oatstraw are just some of the allowances which tonify the adrenal glands.
Antioxidants – vitamins C and E, selenium, CoQ10, Cysteine and N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) are antioxidant nutrients may benefit that people with fibromyalgia.
Herbs – herbal formulas should be adjusted for a person’s unique symptoms and condition. A typical formula used to treat the symptoms, ease pain, and strengthens the immune system uses the same parts of the following herbs:
Echinacea – an immune tonic
Devils Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) – an anti-inflammatory
Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) – an anti-inflammatory
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) – an adrenal tonic and anti-inflammatory
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) – a liver purifier
Burdock (Arctium lappa) – Blood Purifier
A typical dose is 1 teaspoon, three times per day.
Bodywork
Massage therapy, osteopathic medicine, therapeutic touch, Feldenkrais Method, and acupuncture are just some of the therapies can benefit people with fibromyalgia.
Exercise
Exercise can help serotonin levels which can help decrease pain and improve energy. In general, an exercise program is recommended by people with fibromyalgia have some strength in a vitamin and herbal program.