| Subject: Fibromyalgia / Chronic Fatigue |
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Nena Wirth
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Date Posted: 07:13:35 09/12/03 Fri
OVERCOMING FIBROMYALGIA IS POSSIBLE
By: Nena Wirth, BSFN,BASc,MASc
Registered dietitan and Holistic Nutrition Consultant
Fibromyalgia is a world-wide epidemic that triggers other health problems. Studies have shown that fibromyalgia affects an estimated five percent of Americans, mostly women, and is often mistaken as a side effect of arthritis. People with fibromyalgia felt restless and experienced excruciating or stabbing muscle pain early in the day, which often improves as the day progresses. Unfortunately incidence increases with age.
According to experts, fibromyalgia is a term used to describe severe muscle pain and inflammation. Many folks used to call it rheumatism and today, the modernized term is fibromyalgia. According to studies, fibromyalgia is regarded as a common cause of chronic musculoskeletal pain and fatigue. Experts believe that there is a very close relationship between fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Common symptoms of chronic fatigue (CFS) are: recurrent sore throat, painful lymph nodes, muscle weakness, muscle pain, prolonged fatigue after exercise, recurrent headaches, joint pains, depression, panic attack,and sleep disturbance.
Joint swelling, musculo-skeletal pains, anxiety disorder, pains affected by stress and weather, irritable bowel syndrome ( bowel disturbance ), sleep disturbance, chronic fatigue, chronic headaches, numbing or tingling sensations, uncontrolled bladder problems were signs of fibromyalgia.
According to studies, many people suffer with those symptoms, for many years and yet remained undiagnosed.
Because symptoms of fibromyalia are related to many other health problems, the illness adds to the difficulty for doctors to diagnose. However, some doctors often apply pressure to specific areas of the body called “ tender points,” the pressure causes enough pain to make you scream. According to experts, one who may be suffering from fibromyalgia experienced agonizing and acute pain in 11 of 18 specific points up and down the spine and in the shoulder, at the base of the skull and in the neck, ribs, upper chest ( near the collarbone ), elbows, knees, lower back and buttocks. I had all these symptoms.
From my personal research, and many years of studies, and many years suffering from this disease, I discovered that food & environmental allergies / food sensitivities impacted by poor digestion were very important factors in the development of fibromyalgia and many related conditions.
The following are major contributing factors in the development of fibromyalgia.
· Stress/adrenal exhaustion: Studies have shown that during stressful time, food allergies tend to develop or even become worse. The association between stress and digestion is well known, therefore mealtime should be spent in a relaxed atmosphere. Digestion is a process largely controlled by the parasympathetic nervous system. It is well documented that food allergy weakens the adrenal gland and the immune system.
Friends, family and co-workers do not seem to understand the pain of fibromyalgia because there is no visible signs of fibromyalgia only excruciating pain and emotional disturbance. People often think one is pretending or making excuses not to work or participate in any activities because there are times we feel good and we take that moment to enjoy and do some work. This can cause emotional stress and more pain. For this reason, fibromyalgia victims usually requires psychotherapy for support and encouragement that love ones or friends fail to give. It is difficult to imagine the devastation that fibromyalgia can inflict on the human body unless one has personal experience of their cause and effect relationship. I certainly did and I can also attest the impact of dietary modification, sensible nutritional supplementation, improving colon & liver function and digestive support can bring complete and lasting relief from long term debilitating condition and its related conditions.
· Food allergy: Dairy including whey, wheat, rye, oats, barley, and corn are common offenders. ( A very strong craving for these foods may indicate that one is intolerant to these foods, not a normal component of PMS or MPS, as most health professional call it.
Partially digested protein ( animal and plant protein) enters the bloodstream and may stimulate allergic responses through out the body and cause more health problems. Allergy cause protein deficiency, a source of serotonin that controls mood. According to studies, the central cause of the pain of fibromyalgia is a low level of serotonin.
Some common signs of protein deficiency according to experts are: Catch infections easily such as flu and cold, edema in hands and feet ( fluid retention), nausea or dizziness, premature aging, cuticles tear easily, hair dull, dry, loose and falling out.
Allergy weakens the immune system and the adrenalin gland and make the body vulnerable to any attack.
· The nightshade family food contains solanum- these are alkaloids that restrain or inhibit normal collagen repair in the joints or promote the inflammatory degeneration of the joint and muscular pains. These are: Tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, cayenne peppers and tobacco.
· Cumulative load of environmental toxins( heavy metals ) and metabolic wastes.
A study have shown that when toxins and wastes by-product accumulates and exceeds the body’s ability to remove them, the first place they likely to build up is in the spaces between the cells. In this case-the extra cellular space. wastes pushed out of the cell may accumulate in the space which constitutes an extensive drainage system that takes up what the cells give up, and sends it away through the lymph tracts or holds it in temporary storage, when that is not possible. When this happens, the systemic waste can load the fluids in this space and saturates the connective tissue that runs through it.. There are mechanisms that condensed the molecules of this wastes into more compact form to save space and to keep them less destructive to the process around them, however, even with this, the extracellular connective tissue has limited storage capacity. When it becomes overloaded, build-up of substances which are deposited in this extracellular space may cause one to experience stiffness and , excruciating pain, as a result of irritation caused from them. These aches and pains are similar symptoms indicative of fibromyalgia or rheumatism.
Example of metabolic waste: Undigested protein caused by lack of hydrochloric acid and enzymes or poor intestinal absorption of protein breakdown products can result in elevated levels of amino acids and polypeptides in the bowels and these are metabolised by bowel bacteria into several toxic compounds. This explains stiffness and pain after consumption of protein foods, in my case dairy and wheat products caused bloating, stomach distension, irritability followed by pain and stiffness.
· Trauma: As a result of car accident ( eg. Injury of collarbone), death of a love one, family breakdown, loss of a job etc. The initial onset of fibromyalgia is sometimes associated as a result of car accident. In my case a broken collar bone.
· Even bacterial, viral, fungal / yeast and parasitic. Where there is a leaky gut, irritable bowels, food allergies, there is bacterial, fungal / bacterial and parasitic infestation. If hydrochloric acid is deficient, the survival of ingested bacteria may be increased leading to intestinal bacterial overgrowth.
LEAKY GUT AND FIBROMYALGIA CONNECTION
Studies have shown that fibromyalgia is a condition that is labeled as autoimmune , this means the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues. This attack result in inflammation and brings about symptoms. Most conditions that are autoimmune may involve a “ leaky gut,” meaning large spaces develop between the cells of the gut wall, and when the gut is inflamed, these spaces open up and allows large protein molecules, bacteria, toxins and food to leak in, such as undigested protein foods, toxins, bacteria and other antigens to pass from the gut lumen or cavity, into the circulation and may cause allergic reaction anywhere in the body. The rest of the body cannot be healthy if the gut is not in good condition. A “ leaky gut” absorbs what it should not and does not absorb what it should. Therefore, if healing is at a standstill situation, it is time to look at the condition of the gut if this is the block. Leaky gut greatly impairs its ability to absorb essential fatty acids and certain vitamins and minerals. (E.g. vitamins A, D, E, B-12, folic acid; minerals copper, iron, magnesium, selenium, zinc). Supplementing with generous amounts of these factors can compensate for their poor absorption and speed total recovery. A leaky gut can cause protein malababsorption causing the body to be deficient in protein. Protein is an important component of serotonin. According to studies, chemical sensitivity, fibromyalgia and multi- food allergies are among the many problems caused by leaky gut.
What are the possible cause of poor digestion?
1. Lack of hydrochloric acid (HCl) or hypochlorhydria
Besides food sensitivities / intolerance is deficiency of hydrochloric acid ( HCl), the main stomach acid. An inadequate HCl may reduce the ability of the gut to absorb nutrients and may result to many deficiencies such as malnutrition despite eating the best diet in the world. This may explain prevalence of malnutrition in a country where there is abundant food.
Partially digested protein enters the bloodstream and cause allergic reactions through out the body and weakens the immune system. Poteolytic enzyme pepsin that breaks down protein cannot do the job with out adequate hydrochloric acid and without hydrochloric acid, pepsin is inactive. Unfortunately, our ability to produce hydrochloric acid is diminished at age over 30. As a result, we experience indigestion problems such as abdominal bloating and distension, excessive gas, burp, severe constipation after a heavy meal. Protein deficiency may also be related to depression, a component of fibromyalgia because of the role of serotonin, a neurotransmitter in regulating our moods. The body can make these substances from the foods in our diet especially protein foods. By increasing our consumption of protein will make it possible for us to increase the levels of neurotransmitters that are too low. However, if hydrochloric acid is low, absorption will not be possible even eating large portions of protein. Tryptophan, an essential amino acid is what serotonin is made from.
According to many studies, people suffering from depression have low levels of tryptophan. This may explain the importance of adequate HCl to enhance absorption of protein to keep depression under control to improve quality of life in fibromyalgia sufferers. Depression prolongs pain enhances drug use and abuse to many sufferers, so to speak!
2. Deterioration of the intestinal lining as in: gluten and lactose intolerance. Many people are suffering from these conditions and don’t know it.
A.A. Gluten intolerance:
When undigested gliadin, a component of gluten, the main protein from wheat, rye, oats and barley are allowed to be in contact with the intestinal lining, it damage its ability to produce lactase enzyme therefore, people who are intolerant to gluten may also lack enzyme lactase which result to lactose intolerance and increased intestinal permeability that usually results in multiple food allergies. Gluten intolerance may arise from deficiency of enzymes that break down gliadin or factors involved in protein digestion. Such as lack of stomach acid HCl. Undigested gliadin enters the bloodstream and may affect immune system and may change brain chemistry causing psychological disturbances, poor memory, irritability and schizophrenia. Buckwheat and millet contain prolamines, which have similar antigenic activity to the alpha-gliadin of wheat and may cause same problem to people who are sensitive.
People who may be sensitive to gluten may produce symptoms such as stool tends to be bulky, soft, pale, frothy, foul smelling stool, and often greasy and frequent, even consuming a small amount. It is important to keep in mind that the process of digestion is highly dependent on the condition of the small intestinal lining.
B.B. Lactose intolerance: Lack of lactase enzyme to break down lactose, milk sugar to glucose and galactose. Many adult population world-wide are deficient in lactase enzyme. In America, white children are expected to have normal lactase activity until at least five years of age and black children until only three years of age. Consuming even a small amount of dairy products may result in cramps, abdominal bloating and diarrhoea by those people who are sensitiveMy personal alternative approach to overcoming fibromyalgia include the following:
GOAL:
Improve digestion by:
· Improving digestion of protein with emphasis on repairing the leaky gut to prevent allergic reactions and improve immune function.
· Improving digestion of protein by taking digestive supplementation to raise serotonin levels
· Improving digestion of protein and prevent accumulation of metabolic waste.
· Improving liver and colon function to enhance excretion of all wastes.
· Dietary modification: Elimination of all food offenders by providing sensible alternative.
· Sensible nutritional supplements due to severe malabsorption of nutrients caused by leaky gut and other digestive weaknesses.
1. .Improve digestion by using broadspectrum digestive formula that contains the following:
Betaine hydrochloride
Pepsin
Pancreatin
Bile:
( People whose gallbladder has been removed may benefit from taking a digestive supplements that contain bile).
· The above digestive enzyme is available from CNC by calling 1 800-841 2288 ref. 2843
NOTE: ( A person with ulcer however, is advised not to take digestive enzyme that contains Hydrochloric acid until the ulcer is healed. Seek professional advice for alternative).
2. Adhere to correct food combining: Protein and fats remain in the stomach a long time from 3- 6 hours. Sugars and fruits will pass through the stomach at least 20-30 minutes when consumed alone. Digestive problem happens when all these foods are consumed at the same time.. Older people especially those over 30 will experience abdominal distension, burping, gas etc. from such food combinations. It is wise therefore to eat fruits/concentrated sugars at least 20-30 minutes before a meal or three hours after. However, the best approach is to take The best is to take a digestive enzyme supplement as I mentioned earlier especially for people over 30.
3. Avoid all foods that cause problems. Virtually, any food can annoy people who are sensitive, however, most common offenders: are dairy, gluten, corn and some may be sensitive to soy. Read labels when shopping for foods.
3. Eliminate foods in the nightshade family. Nightshade family food group contain solanum alkaloids and are known to restrain or inhibit normal collagen repair in the joints or promote the inflammatory degeneration of the joint. These includes: Tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, peppers and tobacco.
4. Include Essential Fatty Acids (EFA). EFA are often deficient in those with fibromyalgia. Arachidonic fatty acids are non-essential fatty acids that are derived from animal ( meat, dairy products, etc) and contributes greatly in the inflammatory process through its conversion to prostaglandins and leukotrine production.
An important way to reduce inflammatory process is the consumption of cold water fish such as mackerel, herring, sardines and salmon. These fish are rich source of eicosapentaenoic (EPA) which competes with arachidonic acid for prostaglandin and leaukotrines formation. The effects of these fatty acids reduced inflammatory/allergic response. Another excellent source of EFA is flaxseed especially when taken in dark capsule form.
5. Because fibromyalgia affect the muscles, it has been known that people who suffer from this condition are deficient in magnesium and manganese. Chocolate and coffee are enemies of magnesium.
6. Liver detoxification: Because fibromyalgia is provoked by food allergy, the liver is a very important organ to remove foreign proteins and therefore, liver detoxification is very important. This can usually be done with homeopathic or herbal formula. ( Seek professional guidance).
7. Because allergy can cause malabsorption of nutrients, people with fibromyalgia can benefit from improving digestion especially protein, a source of serotonin, to guarantee absorption of all nutrients required by the body to reduce inflammatory process, prevent mood swings, depression, and improve sleep. Refer to Digest #1.
8. Improve colon function. No one is truly healthy with a stagnant colon. Colon cleansing can be done by herbal supplement. One that is very effective is called Suoer Colon Cleanse (SPR/CLNS) can be obtained from CNC as above. Seek professional guidance.
9. Candidacies / yeast infection is often involved, therefore sugar, wheat, dairy products, fermented foods and yeast must be eliminated
10. Include multivitamin/mineral supplement. Chronic disease can leave the body deficient in all nutrients due to severe malabsorption problems associated with the disease. The most effective and safest nutritional supplement is to give your body a broad spectrum vitamin/mineral supplements that support all of the links in the nutritional chain, leaving nothing to chance and not over doing any single factor. Like a smorgasbord, the body pick and choose the nutrients it needs at any given time.
11. Herbal remedies such Una de Gato is a very excellent support for immune system, stress and to reduce inflammatory process.
12.Exercise: Exercise alone can improve digestion as a result of improved mood and the ability to handle stress. Another benefit of exercise is improved sleep and pain according to experts. Light to moderate exercise has also been shown to stimulates the immune system while intense exercise can have the opposite effects. Seek professional guidance.
13. Drink at least 8 glasses of pure water daily. Water plays a vital role in digestion, elimination, detoxification and cleansing.
To help plan menus, I have developed painstakingly delicious recipes made without wheat, rye, oats, barley, corn, dairy products, baking powder or yeast. With these recipes I offer to you, you can enjoy eating cakes, bread, pizzas, casseroles without fear of gaining weight or suffer from allergies. They are delicious, nutritious and health rejuvenating. I have published my first book the “Gutty Muffins”, contains delicious muffin recipes. These recipes can be made into waffles for breakfast alternate or for sandwiches. For people who may be on strict vegetarian, waffles and muffins can be baked without eggs.
Increasing number of conditions that responded to improving digestion and dietary modification has opened many eyes and has increased awareness of the harmful effect of poor digestion in health and longevity. For this reason, I have published my second book: The “ Root and Rice Connection “. Although this book is made to help diabetic and hypoglycemia individuals in particular who may be sensitive, the information has broad application. Because fibromyalgia is closely associated with Chronic fatigue and according to studies, pre-existing diabetes is a causative factor in chronic fatigue and chronic fatigue syndrome is closely related, these recipes is an added benefit.
Recipes can benefit people with autism, epilepsy, depression, behavioral problems including suicidal and criminal behavior, hypoglycemia, polymyalgia, all skin conditions, MS, Crohn’s disease, schizophrenia, stagnant hypertension, diabetes mellitus, ulcer, colon and breast cancer. Several studies have shown the implications of food allergy in the development of these conditions.
All prices are in Canadian dollars
· Root and Rice Connection:
To Canada:
1 book $13.85 + $2.35 postage = $16.20
6 books $51 + $8 postage = $59
To USA:
1 book $13.85 + $6 postage = $19.85
6 books $51 + $18 postage = $69
To Europe:
1 book $13.85 + $7 postage = $20.85
6 books $51 + $39 postage = $90
· Gutty Muffins:
To Canada:
1 book $8.50 + $2.50 postage = $11.00
6 books $30.60 + $8 postage = $38.60
To USA:
1 book $8.50 + $6 postage = $14.50
6 books $30.60 + $15 postage = $45.60
To Europe:
1 book $8.50 + $7 postage = $15.50
6 books $30.60 + $39 postage = $69.60
To order Nena's books:
Please send cheque or money order in Canadian dollars to:
Nena Wirth,
276 Normandy Avenue,
Waterloo,
Ontario,
N2K 1X7
CANADA
Also available from: Chapters,Waterloo, Canada
519 886 4015
My books are also sold at the following Health Food Stores and Bookshops in British Columbia, and the Grand Bahamas Island
Sav-Mor Drug (Ronnie)
Rnd plaza, East Mall
P.O.Box F-40402
Savmor2002@MSN.com
BRITISH COLUMBIA
Jeanie’s Vitamin Centre
Comox Centre Mall, Comox, B.C.V9M 3M9
Jeannie Bruneu/James Howard
Tel. 250 890-0037: Fax 250 890-9474
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