Guest guest Posted February 20, 2005 Report Share Posted February 20, 2005 Posted: Sat Feb 19, 2005 8:12 pm -Post subject: Fibromyalgia - Dr. David Williams www.alternative-medicine-message-boards.info Fibromyalgia Q: Over a year ago, I began to experience pain in my shoulders, upper back, and arms. The diagnosis was fibromyalgia and the only medication recommended was aspirin. Do you have any other suggestions? C.R., WA A: Fibromyalgia refers to muscle pain and inflammation of the fibrous connective tissue of the joints, tendons, and ligaments. Its causes can be various: exposure to dampness or cold, viruses, bacteria, toxemia, trauma, emotional stress, and others. Practically everyone can be diagnosed as having fibromyalgia at some time or another. Most doctors now categorize every unexplainable ache or pain as " fibromyalgia, " and often advise taking over-the-counter analgesics. Some may prescribe either a non-narcotic pain reliever, low doses of serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or benzodiazepines. Rather than following the drug route, you could try a natural " capsaicin " cream for pain. You should also make sure your problem isn't related to a chronic case of constipation or diarrhea—either of which can flood the body with toxins and create aches throughout. If you don't have bowel problems, I would next look to the lymphatic system. Anything you do to promote " lymphatic circulation " will usually help with fibromyalgia. In the November 1985 issue of Alternatives, I described a couple of simple techniques you can use to increase lymphatic circulation— and I reported in the July 1995 issue on how to use " castor oil " packs for this same purpose. With fibromyalgia, you should also consider nutrition. One study found that malic acid and magnesium supplements can be a big help. Another good nutritional supplement is tryptophan. In contrast to a control group, the plasma of 29 fibromyalgia patients was found to have significantly lower tryptophan levels. Now that it's back on the market, tryptophan is a supplement worth having around. You can also get this amino acid by eating almonds, pumpkin and pumpkin seeds, organic eggs, and the dark meat of free range chicken, duck, and turkey. Speaking of food, research in Germany found that many cases of fibromyalgia are caused by being too " acidic " . Due to society's increasing consumption of animal protein, coffee, chocolate, caffeine, sodas, refined sugar and other " acidic " foods (and our decreasing consumption of alkaline-producing vegetables), acid-based health problems are becoming more prevalent. If you're suffering any type of diffused, hard-to-pin-down ache or pain, there's a good chance you're too acidic and should avoid these foods: Alcohol Refined sugar Fried foods Nightshades (such as red and green peppers, eggplants and tomatoes) You should also avoid smoking, antacids, mineral oil, diuretic drugs, and stress—they deplete nutrients and inflame arthritis. Here are some foods you should eat instead: Foods rich in sulfur (organic egg yolks, onions, garlic, horseradish) Cruciferous vegetables (Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage) Fatty, cold-water fish (alaskan salmon, mackerel, sardines in water) Other good foods are oysters, clams, Brazil nuts, chestnuts, watercress, and fresh cranberries. It's also important to switch to pure water. Most water (even some bottled and filtered) contains chemicals, insoluble calcium, and mineral deposits that can settle in your joints. www.polandspring.com www.edenfoods.com Have at least a gallon of pure water a day until you notice an improvement. After that, be sure to drink a minimum of a half gallon a day. --\ ----- Dr. David Williams 7811 Montrose Road Potomac, MD 2085 ============================================ Post subject: Fibromyalgia -Nutrition and Diet Therapy -- http://holisticonline.com/Remedies/CFS/fib_nutrition.htm Dietary Guidelines The daily diet should include organic milled flax seed, 3 or more tbsp., or cold-pressed, unrefined organic flax seed oil. Flax seed and its oil contain the essential fatty acid omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid, which the body converts into hormone-like substances called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins help relieve the inflammation of fibromyalgia. The oils of fatty fish such as sardines, trout, cod, halibut, mackerel and alaskan salmon also contain omega-3 fatty acids and therefore work as anti-inflammatory agents. Alfalfa can be used for pain control. It contains saponins, sterols, flavonoids, coumarins, alkaloids, vitamins, amino acids, minerals and trace elements. Eat a high-fiber organic diet that includes plentiful servings of raw and steamed vegetables. Maximize your intake of dark leafy green greens (i.e. kale, spinach, etc). Include ample servings of clean, lean protein, such as that found in cold water fish, free-range poultry, and fresh raw nuts and seeds in your diet. Eat four to five small meals daily rather than three larger ones. This will ensure that you have a steady supply of nutrients available for proper muscle function. Avoid all processed foods and foods that are high in saturated or hydrogenated fats, such as dairy products, meats, and margarines. Saturated fats interfere with circulation, increasing inflammation and pain. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and sugar. These substances enhance fatigue, increase muscle pain, and can interfere with normal sleep patterns. Drink eight glasses of pure water daily. Fresh squeezed juices and herbal teas are also good choices. A plentiful intake of liquids is important for flushing out toxins. Investigate the possibility that food allergies and/ or sensitivities may be contributing to the problem. Nutritional supplements The most important nutrients that are found to be particularly useful for fibromyalgia are: Potassium, magnesium, malic acid and 5-HTP, a supplement. The combination of magnesium and malic acid helps to increase energy. These nutrients are precursors to the " Krebs " cycle, a series of " enzyme reactions " that are a key part of the " production of energy " on the cellular level. Take 100 to 200 milligrams of magnesium and 400 to 800 milligrams of malic acid three times a day, twenty minutes before each meal. (Some professionals recommend up to 500 milligrams of magnesium and 2,000 milligrams of malic acid.) With the extra malic acid and magnesium, fibromyalgia sufferers can handle exercise and still get out and about the next day. The combination magnesium and malic acid may also be helping the bodies handle physiologic stress better. (Caution: People with kidney problems should check with their doctors before taking supplemental magnesium.) Antioxidants help reduce free-radical damage and fight inflammation. Take a good antioxidant formula that provides daily: 5,000 to 10,000 International Units of vitamin A Up to 10,000 milligrams of buffered vitamin C 400 to 800 international units of natural vitamin E 200 micrograms of selenium. This is called ACES therapy and is a very good combination of vitamins and nutrients. Vitamins A, C and E are called antioxidants. They are useful to combat " free- radical " damage at the cellular level. Vitamin E, in particular, improves circulation and reduces muscle pain. Note: If you are pregnant, or intend to get pregnant, or if you have liver disease, consult your doctor before taking supplemental vitamin A. If you have high blood pressure, limit your intake of supplemental vitamin E to a total of 400 International Units daily, and if you are taking an anticoagulant (blood thinner), consult your physician before taking supplemental vitamin E. S-adenosylmethionine (SAM or SAM-e) is an amino acid derivative that has been shown in clinical trials to reduce the number of trigger points and areas of pain, lessen pain and fatigue, and improve mood. Take 400 milligrams two or three times daily. Be patient. It can take up to six weeks to see results. Evening primrose oil or Borage oil are excellent sources of essential fatty acids (omega-3s), which act as natural " anti-inflammatories " in the body. By dealing with the inflammation, pain is reduced. If emotional or physical stress is a source of problems, taking extra B vitamins will help the nerves and improve energy. If fatigue is a problem, bee pollen or royal jelly supplements are safe and effective sources of energy which will not deplete the adrenal glands, but are building and supporting. Calcium and magnesium are relaxing and improve muscle and nerve function. Intramuscular injections of vitamin B12 and magnesium sulphate have been helpful against pain, insomnia and the low energy of fibromyalgia. Treatment is usually long-term, three to six months or more to stabilize, and often there are relapses. DHEA has been used successfully in the treatment of many autoimmune disorders including multiple sclerosis, lupus and fibromyalgia. DHEA regulates the immune system and maintains the metabolic and structural integrity of the nervous system. DHEA has been shown to be antiviral and has benefited conditions as serious as HIV infection and AIDS. Thymus glandular supports the immune system with grape seed extract and quercetin. Green foods should be added for optimal nutrition. Bromelain helps reduce inflammation. Take 400 milligrams three times daily, between meals. Moderator's Note: Bromelain is a natural component of Pineapple. A daily serving of fresh pineapple also provides similar benefits. Coenzyme Q10 is also an antioxidant and helps deliver " oxygen " to cells. Take 60 milligrams twice daily, between meals. Lipoic acid (ALA) is very useful for enhancing the body's utilization of carbohydrates and enhancing energy. Take 100 milligrams three times daily. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide hydrogen (NADH) is an antioxidant enzyme that occurs in all living cells. It facilitates the production of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and noradrenaline. Low levels of neurotransmitters are often associated with fibromyalgia. Taking 15 milligrams one-half hour before breakfast and dinner often improves concentration, stamina, and energy. Phosphatidylserine, a type of lipid, can be helpful if memory problems accompany fibromyalgia. It often yields rapid and impressive improvement in memory and mental alertness. Unfortunately, it is relatively expensive. Take 75 to 100 milligrams three times daily. (Gingko Biloba is a much cheaper and effective alternative.) Nutrient Recommendations: Essential Coenzyme Q10 Acidophilus Malic acid and magnesium Manganese Proteolytic enzymes Vitamin A (as beta carotene) and natural vitamin E Vitamin C with bioflavonoids Vitamin B complex injections plus extra vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) and vitamin B12 plus raw liver extract or vitamin B complex Dimethylglycine (DMG) Free-form amino acid complex Grape seed extract Garlic (Kyolic) Important Calcium and magnesium plus potassium and selenium and zinc DL-phenylalanine (DLPA) Essential fatty acids (black currant seed oil and primrose oil are good sources) Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) L-Leucine plus L-isoleucine and L -valine L- Tyrosine Multivitamin and mineral complex plus natural carotenoids --\ ---- " Krebs " Magnesium-Potassium Chelates http://www.enzy.com/products/display.asp?id=353 & cpmid=385 --\ ---- (Vegetarian) Supports normal heart muscle function† Dietary Supplement Product Numbers: 07766 Product Quantities: 60 Tablets Potassium and magnesium may be the most important minerals within the heart. They contribute to heart muscle contraction through their role in energy production, and help maintain the electrical charge of the cells.† Krebs Magnesium-Potassium Chelates provides potassium and magnesium chelated to the Krebs cycle intermediates so they are more readily absorbed by the body. Product Nutrient Categories: Mineral Recommendations: One tablet daily. Serving Size: 1 Tablet Amount/Serving %DV -- Magnesium (as chelated (Krebs) with citrate, fumarate, malate, succinate, and alpha ketoglutarate) 250 mg 63 % -- Potassium (as chelated 100 mg 3 % (Krebs) with citrate, fumarate, malate, succinate, and alpha ketoglutarate) -- Other Ingredients: cellulose, stearic acid, modified cellulose gum, modified cellulose, titanium dioxide color, silicon dioxide, and magnesium stearate. Contains No: sugar, salt, yeast, wheat, gluten, corn, soy, dairy products, artificial flavoring and preservatives. All colors used are from natural sources. Notes: The bio-active minerals are chelated to the Krebs cycle intermediates (citrate, fumarate, malate, succinate and alpha ketoglutarate). These organic acids are responsible for energy production within every cell of the body.† Minerals chelated to the Krebs cycle intermediates are better absorbed and utilized.† If pregnant, nursing, or taking prescription drugs, consult your healthcare practitioner prior to use. † This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. _________________ _________________ JoAnn Guest mrsjoguest DietaryTipsForHBP www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Genes AIM Barleygreen " Wisdom of the Past, Food of the Future " http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Diets.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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