Natural herbal & homeopathic help for people suffering from Fibromyalgia Syndrome

Fibromyalgia
HEALTH HERBS & NUTRITION - REMEDIES - FIBROMYALGIA

· General Description · Symptoms · Causes · Herbal & Homeopathic Remedies · Helpful Dietary Habits · Dos and Don'ts

Fibromyalgia syndrome is a common, complex, and chronic disorder with no known cause or cure, characterized by widespread muscle pain, fatigue, and multiple tender points. Its predominant symptom is pain in the fibrous tissues, muscles, tendons, and ligaments, although other symptoms may be experienced. The word fibromyalgia comes from the Latin term for fibrous tissue (fibro) and the Greek ones for muscle (myo) and pain (algia). Tender points are specific places on the body—on the neck, shoulders, back, hips, and upper and lower extremities—where people with fibromyalgia feel pain in response to slight pressure. Although fibromyalgia is often considered an arthritis-related condition, it is not truly a form of arthritis (a disease of the joints) because it does not cause inflammation or damage to the joints, muscles, or other tissues. Like arthritis, however, fibromyalgia can cause significant pain and fatigue, and it can interfere with a person's ability to carry on daily activities. Also like arthritis, fibromyalgia is considered a rheumatic condition. You may wonder what exactly rheumatic means. Even physicians do not always agree on whether a disease is considered rheumatic. In medicine, however, the term rheumatic means a medical condition that impairs the joints and/or soft tissues and causes chronic pain. While no one knows what causes it, there is evidence that people with fibromyalgia may be more sensitive to pain because something is wrong with the body's usual pain perception processes. Research has demonstrated that the axis connecting the three glands primarily responsible for the stress response (hypothalamus, pituitary, adrenals) may be dysfunctional in people with fibromyalgia. Inflammation of the involved structures is generally absent in fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia, while different for everyone who has it, tends to come and go throughout life. Although it can be debilitating for some people, it is not degenerative or life-threatening, and you can manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life with medical treatment and self care.

Who Gets Fibromyalgia? Fibromyalgia affects 3 to 6 million — or as many as 2 percent — Americans. For unknown reasons, more women than men have fibromyalgia (between 80 and 90 percent of those diagnosed with fibromyalgia are women, usually between 25 and 45 years of age). Women who have a family member with fibromyalgia are more likely to have fibromyalgia themselves, but the exact reason for this — whether it is hereditary or caused by environmental factors or both — is unknown. However, men and children also can be affected. People with certain rheumatic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (commonly called lupus), or ankylosing spondylitis (spinal arthritis) may be more likely to have fibromyalgia, too.

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People who have fibromyalgia may experience: Pains in all areas of the body Low-grade fever Swollen lymph nodes Fatigue (Constant tiredness) Joint and muscle stiffness Morning stiffness Frequent abdominal pain Numbness or tingling of the extremities Pain after exertion Headaches Paresthesia (tingling) Sleep disturbances (especially sleeplessness or insomnia) Depression Anxiety Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) Painful menstrual periods Restless legs syndrome (RLS) Cognitive and memory problems (sometimes referred to as “fibro fog”) Temperature sensitivity Skin sensitivity Heightened sensitivity to noises, bright lights, smells Memory lapses or difficulty concentrating Dizziness Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) Bladder problems Trigger-point pain at characteristic locations is the defining symptom of fibromyalgia. The most commonly affected locations are on the occiput (nape of the neck), the neck itself, shoulders, trunk, low back, and thighs. Fibromyalgia is a syndrome rather than a disease. Unlike a disease, which is a medical condition with a specific cause or causes and recognizable signs and symptoms, a syndrome is a collection of signs, symptoms, and medical problems that tend to occur together but are not related to a specific, identifiable cause.
Diagnosis
The location of the nine paired tender points
Research shows that people with fibromyalgia typically see many doctors before receiving the diagnosis. One reason for this may be that pain and fatigue, the main symptoms of fibromyalgia, overlap with many other conditions. Therefore, doctors often have to rule out other potential causes of these symptoms before making a diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Another reason is that there are currently no diagnostic laboratory tests for fibromyalgia; standard laboratory tests fail to reveal a physiologic reason for pain. Because there is no generally accepted, objective test for fibromyalgia, some doctors unfortunately may conclude a patient's pain is not real, or they may tell the patient there is little they can do. A doctor familiar with fibromyalgia, however, can make a diagnosis based on two generally established criteria: a history of widespread pain lasting more than 3 months and the presence of tender points. Pain is considered to be widespread when it affects all four quadrants of the body; that is, you must have pain in both your right and left sides as well as above and below the waist to be diagnosed with fibromyalgia. There are designated 18 sites on the body as possible tender points. For a fibromyalgia diagnosis, a person must have 11 or more tender points. One of these predesignated sites is considered a true tender point only if the person feels pain upon the application of 4 kilograms of pressure to the site. People who have fibromyalgia certainly may feel pain at other sites, too, but those 18 standard possible sites on the body are the criteria used for classification.

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The causes of fibromyalgia are unknown, but there are probably a number of factors involved. Many people associate the development of fibromyalgia with Problems with how the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) processes pain. There are changes in brain chemicals - some people with fibromyalgia have abnormal levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Specifically, they have low levels of serotonin, which affects mood, promotes sleep, and helps reduce the perception of pain. They often have high levels of substance P, which transmits the "pain message" to the brain. Disregulation of the autonomic nervous system - The autonomic nervous system releases hormones that affect how you react to stress. Some doctors think people with fibromyalgia release these hormones differently when they experience stress, and the hormones affect the perception of pain. Sleep problems - The majority of people with fibromyalgia report sleep problems, and especially have trouble with Stage 4 sleep, the most restful stage in which the body repairs itself. Some doctors believe that the lack of restful sleep means that the muscles of people with fibromyalgia are not able to repair the tiny tears and trauma that occur everyday, leading to muscle pain and fatigue. Repetitive injuries and infection - Fibromyalgia can be triggered by an injury, especially to the upper spine or neck, or an infection caused by a virus or bacteria. Genetics - Some scientists speculate that a person's genes may regulate the way his or her body processes painful stimuli. According to this theory, people with fibromyalgia may have a gene or genes that cause them to react strongly to stimuli that most people would not perceive as painful. However, those genes—if they, in fact, exist—have not been identified. Having another rheumatic disease - You may be more likely to get fibromyalgia if you have a disease such as rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases, such as lupus.

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Researchers have discovered that certain neurotransmitters such as serotonin, which controls mood, sleep patterns, and pain, are very low in fibromyalgia patients. Apparently disturbances in brain chemistry are to blame for the changes that occur in muscle structure and metabolism in those suffering from Fibromyalgia. Currently there are no drugs approved by the U.S  Food and Drug Administration to treat Fibromyalgia although there are a few currently being developed. Doctors mainly aim to treat symptoms of Fibromyalgia with the following types of medications:

·     Eat soft foods high in flavonoids (such as fruits and vegetables) to provide antioxidants to decrease joint pain. ·     Avoid saturated fats and fried foods as they increase inflammation. ·     Do not take big bites; rather cut your food into smaller pieces, so you don’t have to overwork your jaw.

Herbs most beneficial in fibromyalgia are:   ·   Harpagophytum procumbens ('Sengaparile,' 'Devil's Claw' or 'Duiwelsklou') is known for the claw-like shape of its fruit. For thousands of years, the Khoisan people of the Kalahari Desert (in Southern Africa) have used Devil's Claw to support healthy joints as well as for a digestive tonic. Clinical studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of Devil's Claw in supporting joint, cartilage and back (especially lower back) health. ·   Passiflora incarnata (Passion Flower) - The active ingredients in this herb include flavonoids, cyanogenic glycosides, alkaloids and saparin. Like St John’s Wort, Passiflora has also stood up well to clinical studies which support its traditional usage as a calming and moderating herb. Passiflora is traditionally regarded as nature's help for frazzled nerves – with the added benefit of being wholly organic and not addictive. ·   Boswellia serrata is an extract of resin from a tall tree found in India. Boswellia has been used for thousands of years in traditional Ayurvedic (Indian) medicine. Modern science has verified its excellent benefits for joint health. With regular use, blood supply to the joints is also maintained, keeping soft tissue nourished and viable. Recent research into Boswellia is at the forefront of developments in the field of natural joint health and studies suggest that this natural substance can help to support the health and integrity of cartilage in the joints. ·   Glucosamine is naturally manufactured in the body and scientists know that this simple substance is found in relatively high concentrations in the joints and connective tissues, where its function is to repair cartilage and maintain joint mobility. Although we know that the body can manufacture small amounts of glucosamine, this is not generally sufficient to sustain joint health, which makes supplementation very important. As a supplement, Glucosamine sulphate is derived from the shells of shellfish, crabs and oysters where it is found in high concentrations. Glucosamine is approved for the support of joint health in more than 70 countries around the world and has been the subject of many clinical studies which attest to its benefits. Because glucosamine is naturally occurring in the body it is generally very safe and well tolerated without side effects. ·   Eleutherococcus senticosis (Siberian Ginseng) - A botanical cousin of Panax Ginseng, this herb has been used in ancient Chinese medicine for thousands of years to enhance the vital energy of the body and to sharpen physical and mental performance and endurance. Recent research has clinically proven that regular use will help to increase physical and mental performance, withstand stress and boost immune functioning. Siberian Ginseng has been approved by medical authorities in Germany as an invigorating tonic for fatigue and to protect against and recover from illness. ·   Centella asiatica - This is a well respected herb in Ayurvedic (Indian) medicine. A favorite food of elephants, Centella asiatica contains chemicals called triterpines (including asiaticoside), which have the effect of enhancing collagen formation in bones,  promoting regrowth of cartilage and connective tissue and promoting healthy blood vessels. ·   Hypericum perforatum (St. John’s Wort) - This herb is often hailed as 'Nature's Prozac' and has been traditionally used for centuries to balance mood and safely support routine calm and mental equilibrium. In recent times, clinical studies have demonstrated that the administration of Hypericum may be more effective than a placebo. Studies have also demonstrated the effectiveness of St John’s Wort as opposed to prescription equivalents. Active ingredients include glycosides, flavonoids, volatile oils, tannins and resins. St. John’s Wort has also been shown to alleviate symptoms of ‘feeling blue’ commonly experienced during PMS.

Eat a healthy diet. Eat fewer carbohydrates and more protein. A vegan diet (includes no animal products) that is also low in salt may help women with fibromyalgia. Primarily fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, and cereals (such as rolled oats) should be consumed. The diet must also contain several fermented foods, including a fermented yogurt-food made from oats, a fermented beverage made from wheat berries (called Rejuvalac), and several types of fermented vegetables, particularly cabbage. With this, you should definitely experience a significant reduction in body weight, pain, morning sickness, use of painkillers, depression, and the number of sore fibromyalgia points, compared with those who continue to eat their regular diet. Due to the liberal use of nuts and seeds, this diet is not low in fat. Consume unsaturated fats in moderation. Rather, go for essential fatty acids such as cold-water fish (salmon, trout, mackerel, herring, and sardines), nuts, seeds, and evening primrose oil. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, and limit foods that are high in sugar, salt, and fat. Avoid foods with additives such as monosodium glutamate (MSG) which is found mostly in food from Chinese restaurants. If your symptoms seem worse after eating specific foods, try an elimination diet: Remove suspected allergens from the diet for 2 weeks. Reintroduce one food every 3 days. Watch for reactions such as gastrointestinal upset, mood changes, flushing, fatigue, and worsening of symptoms. Common allergenic foods are dairy, soy, citrus, peanuts, wheat, fish, eggs, corn, and tomatoes. Chlorella (Chlorella pyrenoidosa), a blue-green algae, may help lessen symptoms. Participants in the study took a specific dose of 10 g of Sun chlorella tablets and 100 ml of the liquid chlorella extract Wasaka Gold and showed significant improvement in symptoms. Coenzyme Q10 may help the body use energy and lessen fatigue. It is also supposed to tremendously help the elderly in their various age related issues. Sources of this useful compound include meat, fish, soya beans, potatoes, spinach and offal. Zinc is essential for proper immune function. Taking zinc may make it harder for your body to absorb magnesium, so talk to your doctor before taking a zinc supplement. Good dietary sources include meat & offal, eggs, milk, oysters, lentils, wheat germ, nuts, crab, chicken. Quercetin, a bioflavonoid found in many plants, may help reduce symptoms of pain and fatigue. Do not take quercetin supplements if you take blood-thinning medication. Red wine and dark berries such as blue berries, dark cherries and blackberries are rich sources of this flavonoid Thiamin or vitamin B1 (1 - 2 mg per day) helps the body use energy. People with fibromyalgia sometimes have low levels of thiamin. Thiamin is found in pork, potatoes, pulses and nuts.