We usually do not understand people who consistently complain of aches and pains. We may sympathize at first, but after their whining for some time, we tend to dismiss their complaints and shrug them off. Because of our little understanding of their pain and anguish, we rush to mercilessly brand them “hypochondriacs.” Why is that? Well, we are not familiar with the disease. Fibromyalgia is an ailment that is often misdiagnosed or taken for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), chemical sensitivities, or rheumatoid arthritis. Unfortunately, it is also inadequately medicated. We shall explore together some of its symptoms, causes, and different healing therapies.
Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic rheumatic disease triggered by an impaired and depleted immune system, leaving the individual aching and debilitated. Sharp pounding, stinging pains, and stiffness typically attack the muscular structure around the neck, shoulders, the base of skull, upper and mid back, buttocks, and in between the rib bones, making it painful and difficult to wake up in the morning, to climb stairs, and do simple physical chores.
FMS patients may experience headaches, dizziness, jaw pains and stiffness, tingling in the skin, sleep disorder, irritable bowels or bladder, palpitation, anxiety, weakened memory and coordination, deteriorating vision, recurrent infections, allergies, painful periods, and fatigue.
FMS is sometimes confused with CFS. FMS’s main symptom is muscle ache, whereas CFS is fatigue-dominated. Fibromyalgia, strangely enough, attacks more women than men. It is usually provoked by stress like physical or emotional exhaustion, anxiety, insomnia, traumatic experiences, sedentary lifestyle, depression, infectious, viral, or fungal disease, mercury poisoning, hypoglycemia, or hypothyroidism. A background of rape, sexual abuse, domestic violence, and alcoholism can cause fibromyalgia to flare up. The disease can come and go on its own. With some, it can linger for a long time; with others, it can come in bouts and then clear.
Allopathic doctors prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve pain; antidepressants to pacify anxiety, and muscle relaxants for tense muscles. Such medications relieve by suppressing the symptoms, but do not address the disease the result is drowsiness, lethargy, and depression. With long-term use, drugs cease to be effective while irritating the stomach lining and provoking hyperacidity or ulcers.
On the other hand, alternative healing recommends nutrient supplementation, a nutrient-dense diet, therapeutic exercises, deep breathing, stretching muscles, gentle massage and heat therapies, detoxification, stress reducing techniques, and certain food and chemical restrictions.
The healing process starts with a balanced nutrition, consisting of whole organic foods such as fruits (pomegranates, berries), vegetables, and their freshly squeezed juices generally raw. Wheat and barley grasses added to juice enhance the immune defenses. Meals should include organic whole grains, legumes, raw nuts and seeds, garlic, onions, seaweed, mercury-free fatty fish, and free-range skinned chicken and turkey to boost immunity and energy.
Purified water and herbal infusions of Echinacea, burdock, dandelion, Boswellia gum (luban shihri), ginger, chamomile, dosh (in Arabic) leaves, ginko biloba, and valerian root are recommended to detoxify and improve sleep and blood circulation.
Acid-forming foods should be eliminated in order to regain the body’s pH balance and fight yeast infections. These include red meat, dairy products, fatty, fried and processed foods, refined carbohydrates, additives (coloring, taste enhancers, artificial sweeteners), sugars, caffeine, and alcohol. They increase inflammation, pain, and fatigue, resulting in disturbed sleep.
Exercise and gentle stretching are essential factors in maintaining muscle and joint flexibility. Activity should not be exhaustive lest it aggravates symptoms. Immobility increases pain and stiffness.
Rest, sleep, and relaxation are of paramount importance to recover energy, enhance immunity, and speed up healing. Massage and heat therapies, therapeutic exercises (yoga, Tai chi), and relaxation techniques relieve muscle and joint pains and stiffness, enhance sleep, and reduce stress. Physical, mental, or emotional stress is fibromyalgia’s main enemy.
Supplements are critical to fibromyalgia cure. Vitamins A, Bs, C, D, and E plus the minerals magnesium, manganese, zinc, potassium, copper, chromium, and calcium should be taken in appropriate doses. Essential fatty acids, omega 3, prevent cell damage, reduce fatigue, and relieve joint pain. While proteolytic enzymes decrease inflammation and enhance protein uptake, coenzyme Q10 increases cell and muscle oxygenation and energy. Probiotic and garlic supplements promote “friendly bacteria” growth and destroy yeast infections (Candida). Grape seed extract is a potent antioxidant for protecting muscles and boosting immunity to fight free radicals. Kelp (seaweed) supports thyroid functions. Melatonin improves quality of sleep and relaxes muscles, but avoid long-term use.
Supplements should be taken in accordance with your physician’s advice; some should not be taken along with antidepressants. When fibromyalgia becomes chronic and difficult to treat with diet and supplements due to nutrient malabsorption, some integrative doctors recommend treatment with intravenous micronutrient therapy (IVMT). IVMT delivers almost immediate energy, improves sleep, and improves fatigue, pain, and stiffness due to its high concentration of vitamins and minerals, which are otherwise not well absorbed by FMS and CFS sufferers. IVMT (eight weekly treatments) should be administered by a medical practitioner who practices the therapy. FMS patients with blood disorders, heart problems, or kidney diseases are not good candidates for IVMT.
The causes of fibromyalgia are still an enigma to doctors who also wonder why it afflicts women more than men. In studies, aspartame (artificial sweetener added to diet drinks and concealed in prepared foods and bakery goods) and monosodium glutamate (MSG) are implicated in bringing about the disease. It is also hypothesized that stress, sedentary lifestyles, nutrient malabsorption, circulatory problems, and poor blood and oxygen circulation are possible underlying triggers. Healthy lifestyles should prevent, relieve symptoms, and reverse the illness. They are worth trying!
NB: Individuals with medical conditions or on medication should consult their physicians when they decide to introduce anything new in their diet even if it is natural.
