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Almost 16 million North Americans suffer from fibromyalgia (FM), a multi-system disorder and common rheumatic syndrome that has also been referred to as the “invisible illness” because of the difficulty in diagnosing it. The name fibromyalgia is rooted in Latin: fibro, meaning supportive tissue; myo, for muscle; and algia, for pain. The hallmark of fibromyalgia is widespread pain throughout the muscles, stiffness and chronic aching. It affects women more than men, and usually strikes between the ages of 30 and 60 years. It accounts for 15 to 30 percent of all visits to rheumatologists.
The pain of FM is thought to be caused by a tightening and thickening of the thin film of tissue that holds muscles together. A diagnosis of FM will be confirmed if your doctor finds pain or tenderness in 11 out of 18 trigger points located in the knees, hips, rib cage, shoulder and neck.
Many of the symptoms of FM overlap with those of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). The main symptom difference between the two is profound fatigue in CFS and muscle pain in FM. Treatments for chronic fatigue syndrome focus on the elimination of viruses that may be causing the fatigue whereas FM treatments look at reducing the inflammatory factors that cause the pain and swelling of joints and muscles. Due to the many symptoms of FM and CFS, a combination of therapies may be required to get the conditions under control.
The symptoms of FM are varied and no two sufferers are the same. Symptoms can include: allergies; anxiety; mental confusion; fatigue; dysmenorrhea; ridged fingernails; stiffness; inability to exercise; gastrointestinal problems; depression; mood swings; headaches; irritation by light, sound or odors; dizziness; heart palpitations; sleep disturbances; carpal tunnel syndrome; skin is tender to the touch; swollen joints; total body aches; and pain. Non-restorative sleep is a major symptom; those who are affected sleep but never feel rested.
When people describe their muscle fatigue, they liken it to shoveling snow or gardening for days without a break, or say that it feels like the muscles are being stretched and torn.
The unique nature of each person’s collection of symptoms makes FM difficult to diagnose. Many tests, including urine, blood, CAT scan, magnetic resonance imaging, X-ray and more, may be conducted without any clear indication of what is wrong with the person, and often sufferers are referred to psychiatrists. Life becomes unbearable for those living with FM. It can also be difficult for family and friends to understand this shadowy disease.
No one cause can be pinpointed, but it is believed that multiple stressors, a traumatic emotional or physical event and depressive episodes that upset the functioning of the immune system contribute to the disorder. It is suspected that there is a connection between FM and CFS as those with FM usually have a history of extreme, relentless fatigue. Viruses may have a hand in it, such as Epstein-Barr virus or fungus like Candida albicans. New research is showing that undetected Lyme disease may be the root cause. Heavy metal and chemical toxicity, as well as nutritional deficiencies, are major players in the progression of FM. Allergies are also thought to play a role in FM, and they must be diagnosed and addressed to allow healing. Low serotonin levels and low DHEA are also seen in those with FM. Physicians must peel away the causal layers of each symptom and treat each symptom individually in order to eliminate this disorder.
The Inflammation Factor: The immune cytokine interleukin-6 is one factor responsible for causing pain and inflammation. High levels of the stress hormone cortisol cause the immune system to secrete inflammatory factors and high cortisol also causes DHEA levels to drop. FM sufferers generally have very low DHEA levels. DHEA is an important anti-inflammatory hormone, reducing pain symptoms effectively. Many FM sufferers have found that none of the supplements they try work. There is a good reason for this. FM is made worse by the release of interleukin-6, and, unless we turn off this powerful inflammatory immune factor, we are not getting to the root of the problem.
Nutrient | Dosage | Benefit |
---|---|---|
MAGsmart | 2 scoops daily, containing 560 mg of elemental magnesium (bisglycinate) and 3126 mg of malic acid | Calms muscles; reduces pain of FM; detoxifies body of aluminum |
JOINTsmart | 1 capsule daily with food | Relieves pain and stiffness in 7 days; helps rebuild cartilage |
SkinSmart | Apply twice daily, morning and night or throughout the day as needed | Anti-inflammatory, reduces pain and swelling of joints |
SMILE 5-HTP | 100-200 mg three times daily, taken at breakfast, supper and bedtime for best effect | Reduces muscle pain, improves sleep and early morning stiffness; enhances mood; controls appetite |
Omega 3 + CoQ10 |
4 capsules daily |
Improves energy production and eliminates fatigue |
Nutrient | Dosage | Benefit |
---|---|---|
MAGsmart | 2 scoops daily, containing 560 mg of elemental magnesium (bisglycinate) and 3126 mg of malic acid | Calms muscles; reduces pain of FM; detoxifies body of aluminum |
JOINTsmart | 1 capsule daily with food | Relieves pain and stiffness in 7 days; helps rebuild cartilage |
SkinSmart | Apply twice daily, morning and night or throughout the day as needed | Anti-inflammatory, reduces pain and swelling of joints |
SMILE 5-HTP | 100-200 mg three times daily, taken at breakfast, supper and bedtime for best effect | Reduces muscle pain, improves sleep and early morning stiffness; enhances mood; controls appetite |
Omega 3 + CoQ10 |
4 capsules daily |
Improves energy production and eliminates fatigue |