by Joan Haynes, NMD
Fibromyalgia is characterized by wide-spread pain and chronic fatigue, there is no known single cause. However, investigating and treating contributing factors often brings relief. Here are some ideas we can help you explore:
Hormones
Hormones involving the thyroid, ovaries and adrenal glands are essential in regulating energy, mood, appetite, sleep, behavior, and stress response. Thyroid testing is a blood test which measures TSH, free T3, free T4 and thyroid antibodies. Your sex and adrenal hormones are best done via urine or saliva testing (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, and cortisol). Read more at Testing for Hormone Imbalances.
Neurotransmitter Imbalances
Fibromyalgia patients frequently suffer from depression and anxiety. Research has found that having low levels of the neurotransmitters noradrenaline, serotonin, and dopamine in the brain are common among fibromyalgia sufferers. Low serotonin in particular has been associated with pain sensitivity and sleep disturbances and in conventional medical practices patients are often prescribed antidepressants with some success.
At Boise Natural Health Clinic we help manipulate neurotransmitters using Targeted Amino Acid Therapy, using supplements such as 5-HTP, tryptophan, and L-theanine. Neurotransmitters can be measured – we use urine testing to take the guess work out. READ MORE about neurotransmitter testing.
Inflammation from Food
Widespread body inflammation can be cause by both pro-inflammatory diet and specific food sensitivities. Here’s an article to learn more: Are Foods Causing Your Symptoms.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Studies have been conducted showing that certain nutrients can have significant improvement on pain levels such as D-Ribose, magnesium, vitamin D and others. Vitamin D, for example, helps reduce cytokines which are inflammation-causing chemicals. Omega-3 oils, found in flax seeds and fish, is another researched food shown to reduce inflammation.
Mitochondrial Dysfunction
Mitochondria are little organelles that live inside your cells and are responsible for the generation of energy. If not working properly, fibromyalgia symptoms may appear. Certain nutrients are needed for mitochondria to work. An Organic Acid Test is a way of measuring your mitochondria function. Depending on results, treatment may involve using supplements such as coenzymes Q10, creatine, L-carnitine and folate.
Sleep
Without a doubt sleep plays a huge role in fibromyalgia symptoms. It is during sleep that the body makes growth hormone which rejuvenates our muscles. Poor sleep can be due to hormone imbalances, nutritional deficiencies and lifestyle factors. Solving sleep issues goes a long way toward feeling better.
Come Visit Us
Untreated fibromyalgia can be a life-altering illness but there is help available. At Boise Natural Health Clinic we want to help you uncover the factors that contributed to its onset, not just cover up the symptoms with medication. A free-phone consult may be the way to begin, 208-338-0405.