Health Issues Linked to Fibromyalgia
Description:
Fibromyalgia is the aching, pain, and stiffness of
the soft tissues of the body (muscles, ligaments, and tendons).
Fibromyalgia is not a life-threatening condition, but can be very
disruptive to daily activities and lifestyle. The symptoms of
fibromyalgia may be worsened by physical or mental stress, poor sleep,
injury, or exposure to the cold.
There are three variations of fibromyalgia: primary, secondary, and localized.
Primary fibromyalgia is the most common type of
fibromyalgia and is much more common in women than men (7 times). The
aching, pain, and stiffness usually develop gradually and are
widespread throughout the body. Primary fibromyalgia is not associated
with any other disease or underlying condition. Primary fibromyalgia
symptoms are typically accompanied by other symptoms, including poor
sleep, anxiety, depression, fatigue, and irritable bowel syndrome.
Secondary fibromyalgia occurs in patients in which
the symptoms of fibromyalgia are a result of an underlying condition,
such as hypothyroidism. Secondary fibromyalgia is also widespread in
the body.
Localized fibromyalgia is more common in men and
the symptoms come on more rapidly than in primary or secondary
fibromyalgia. The symptoms of localized fibromyalgia are usually a
result of an occupation or sports, and are generally localized in a
particular area of the body.
-- Causes of Fibromyalgia --
The exact causes of fibromyalgia are not known, but there are several trigger points that precede the onset of this condition. Trigger points
include viral and bacterial infections, the candida albicans fungus,
physical traumas, development of other health problems such as
rheumatoid arthritis, lupus "leaky gut" syndrome, or hypothyroidism,
psychological stress, immune or endoctrine abnormalities, mitochondrial
uncoupling of energy production, or biochemical abnormalities in the
central nervous system.
Studies show that 60 percent of individuals with
gastrointestinal disorders have fibromyalgia, 70 percent of individuals
with fibromyalgia experience symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, and
50 percent complain of symptoms of functional dyspepsia. These
individuals typically have abnormal levels of microbial in the
gastrointestinal tract. These gastrointestinal problems may be combated
with digestive enzymes.
-- The Nutritional Approach --
Foods that have been proven to help with Fibromyalgia:
Soybeans, whole wheat and buckwheat flours, raw almonds and cashews, brown rice, and many legumes.
Avoid meat, dairy and other foods high
in saturated fats, fried and processed foods, white flour products,
shellfish, caffeine, alcohol or sugar (including fructose and honey).
Nutrients that have been proven to help with Fibromyalgia:
Magnesium, Essential Amino Acid Tryptophan, Melatonin, Glutamine
(lactobacillus acidophilus), Vitamin B1, Lecithin, Manganese,
Proteolytic Enzymes, grapeseed extract, Vitamin A, Vitamin C.
Exercises that have been proven to help with Fibromyalgia:
Current research indicates that patients with fibromyalgia who
participate in a specially designed, carefully controlled exercise
program can improve physical function and mood and even decrease pain
and, in many cases, overall quality of life is greatly enhanced. Slow,
strength training exercises along with stretching have been proven to
be the most beneficial. |
