Contents
- 0.1 Section A
- 0.2 Fibromyalgia’s Specificity and Basic Facts: More of a General Break-down Condition than a Specific Disease
- 0.3 Section B
- 0.4 Symptomatology
- 0.5 Female Specific Symptomatology
- 0.6 Section C
- 0.7 Fibromyalgia’s Difficult Diagnosis (Differential Diagosis)
- 0.8 Pain Points
- 0.9 Test under construction
- 0.10 1 hr hier 2 heure aujourd’hui ok.
- 0.11 Section D
- 0.12 Pathogenesis (Causation)
- 0.13 Microbiota Dysbiosis
- 0.14 Chemical Disequilabrium and Signaling Molecules out of whack
- 0.15 Risks factors from other conditions and diseases
- 0.16 Fr 1 cause
- 0.17 Section E
- 0.18 Treatment Plans
- 0.19 Limitations and Toxic Effects of Conventional Medicine
- 0.20 Holistic Solutions for Fibromyalgia
- 0.21 Discussion
- 0.22 Conclusion
- 0.23 Reference and Precision Notes
- 1 6 Primary Categories of System Disruptors
- 2 Did You Know?
- 3 Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
- 4 Common Characteristics of Stealth Microbes
- 5 Related Microbial Conditions
- 6 The Conventional Solution
- 7 A Natural Approach to Fibromyalgia
- 8 Did You Know
- 9 Why Herbs Work
Fibromyalgia is another one of those conditions characterized by muscle annoying pain with concomitant signs of depression. In this Disease Report, I will first examine the Nature of this disease (Section A), then look its symptomatology (Section B), its Diagnosis ambiguities (Section C), Pathogenesis (Causation) (Section D) and conclude with an analysis of Treatment plans, both conventional and holistic, the latter of which is clinically superior. (Section E)
Section A
Fibromyalgia’s Specificity and Basic Facts: More of a General Break-down Condition than a Specific Disease
Categorized as either a musculoskeleton or neurological disease by conventional medicine’s experts, from the view point of holistic and happiness medicine, I find that Fibromyalgia, (1) which appears to be more of a condition than a specific disease, is a systemic physical, emotiiotaonal and microbiota breakdown that affects most of the body’s biological process, even though widespread musculoskeletal pain and tenderness, as well as depression, tiredness, sleep, memory and mood are the symptoms that the National Health services and Mayo Clinic identify first and foremost. (2) (Source) & (Source B)
Although Fibromyalgia also occurs in patients with autoimmune diseases, it appears to also not be derived from autoimmunity, a biological process characterized bythe body’s police forces attacking its own citizens. In fact, when we dig deep, the best experts hypothesize that Fibromyalgia is less a disease than chronic pain condition. If a root cause were to be singled out, it would be the body’s abnormal response to stress. (3) (Source)
Consistent with the general breakdown of post-industrial countries, in the United States, more than 5 million Americans aged 18 years old and older suffer from fibromyalgia, (4) 80 to 90 percent of whom are females, (5) one of the more vulnerable groups in predatory-driven capitalist cultures. (6) Hence, the Institute’s specificity characterizations appears to be reflective of the general and systemic breakdown of American Society, which starts with the most vulnerable groups.
Section B
Symptomatology
As alluded to, the central symptomatic characterisation of fibromyalgia is chronic and widespread inflammtory-driven pain like stiffness, annoyance, numbness or even burning pain. This can be felt all over the body, although in some individuals, the pain occurs in only one area.
Known as pain or tender points, (Source) the pain aches can radiate and spread to any weak area of the body, it can also modulate in terms of intensity. “radiates” or spreads to other areas and may flare up and change in intensity, increasing or decreasing. (7) Patients usually describe the pain caused by fibromyalgia as tiring, energy depleting. Hence fatigue appears to be the second most common identifying factor of this condition and cognitive problems called “fibro fog” the third most prevalent symptom.(8) (Source)
There are also some unusual, less common symptoms that may come with fibromyalgia, including, but not limited to the following: Allodynia. A heightened sensitivity to touch. Simply rubbing an affected person’s shoulder or patting him or her on the back can cause intense pain. Paresthesia. An unexplained tingling and numbness that’s often related to anxiety or nervousness over the disorder. Paresthesia is accompanied by rapid, deep breathing, and may lead to acroparesthesia, a tingling in the hands and feet caused by lack of carbon dioxide. Lipomas. These lumps, which can appear in various parts of the body, are actually fatty benign tumors, and may cause you more discomfort. Sensitivity to fragrance, light, and even sounds. Excessive sweating and a feverish feeling. (Source)
Female Specific Symptomatology
Fibromyalgia symptoms in men and women are generally similar, although women may have a host of other symptoms. One example is having painful menstrual periods. Women diagnosed with fibromyalgia may also have endometriosis, a condition caused by tissue growing in other parts of the pelvis. They may feel pain during sexual gymnastics (Source) Which makes total sense in terms of the Happiness Medicine paradigm (See below).
Section C
Fibromyalgia’s Difficult Diagnosis (Differential Diagosis)
Like with SIBO and other illness conditions, Fibromyalgia is difficult to diagnose, mainly because the pain and other symptoms it causes can also be attributed to other illnesses and break-down patterns. It can take as long as five years for an average person with this condition to get a clear diagnosis, and as many as 3 out of 4 people remain undiagnosed. (Source) Fibromyalgia is often diagnosed during middle age, and while it can occur by itself, people with certain diseases, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and other types of arthritis, may be at risk of contracting this break-down condition. (Source)
To make the dignosis even more difficult, there is no standardized Lab Test for this condition and all the more so that symptoms can vary from one individual to another and can be shared with other conditions. Thus, the normal work-up in terms of diagnosis is to first rule out other possible diseases. This is called Differential Diagnosis. (9) Once that is done, the clinician will normally proceed to checking out the patient’s sensitive zones.
Pain Points
Fibromyalgia textbooks and clinical practicians speak about “tender points”, “pressure points” or “pain points”. 18 areas in the body have been identified where these points can be the most sensitive upon firm pressure. (10) (Source)
In the recent past, the standard of care in terms of diagnosis was to determine the existence of at least 11 of these 18 pressure points. But because the pain location can vary, the guidelines were modified. Thus, today, instead of identifying pain only in these pressure points, physicians will also look for widespread pain that lasts for at least three months, as well as the presence of other symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms of fibromyalgia include, but are not limited to the following : muscle stiffness, spasm, fatigue and waking up exhausted. This can also be attributed to insomnia disorders, which is yet another fibromyalgia symptom. Numbness in the hands and feet Sensitivity to cold and heat Restless leg syndrome or RLS, which is an uncomfortable, creepy-crawly feeling in your legs that often disturbs your sleep. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Headaches. “Fibro fog” (or brain fog), a condition that impairs your ability to focus on mental tasks. Some common signs of fibro fog include difficulty with finding a word, short-term memory loss, and disorientation that lasts for 30 to 60 seconds. Depression and anxiety
Test under construction
1 hr hier 2 heure aujourd’hui ok.
Section D
Pathogenesis (Causation)
One of the potential causes of fibromyalgia is how your body processes pain The exact cause of fibromyalgia is still undetermined; however, research suggests that a combination of physical, neurological and psychological factors can lead to the onset of this illness
A combination of inherited genetic mutations may play a role in developing fibromyalgia, which is why people who have a close relative (a sibling or a parent) who had this illness are at a higher risk of acquiring it
The exact cause of fibromyalgia is still undetermined; however, research suggests that a combination of physical, neurological and psychological factors can lead to the onset of this illness. Your emotions and moods can affect the pain you feel, and being depressed or anxious can further compound it. Here are some factors1 that may lead to fibromyalgia:
Microbiota Dysbiosis
Chemical Disequilabrium and Signaling Molecules out of whack
One of the potential causes of fibromyalgia is how your body processes pain. People with fibromyalgia process pain differently, as their levels of substance P, a chemical found in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that is responsible for transmitting pain impulses to the brain, are significantly higher — at least three times more compared to people without fibromyalgia.
Having higher levels of substance P makes the pain more intense.2 Research also found that having low levels of the hormones noradrenaline, serotonin and dopamine in the brain is common among fibromyalgia sufferers. These hormones are essential in regulating mood, appetite, sleep, behavior and stress response. Changes in the levels of stress hormones like cortisol may contribute to fibromyalgia, too.
Sleep Problems
Having disturbed sleep patterns or lacking deep sleep may be a cause of fibromyalgia, and not just a symptom. It is in stage 4 sleep when the body refreshes itself, allowing the muscles to recover from the day’s activity. According to studies, people with fibromyalgia become more aroused when they enter stage 4 sleep, resulting in a lighter form of sleep. When researchers took volunteers and stopped them from entering stage 4 sleep, symptoms similar to fibromyalgia manifested as well.3
Other Possible Triggers
Some physical conditions may exacerbate your risk of fibromyalgia. These include getting an injury (or repetitive injuries), a viral infection, surgery or giving birth. Emotional or stressful events, such as losing a loved one, being in an accident or being physically abused (leading to post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD) and relationship problems (breaking up with your significant other) may also put you in danger of fibromyalgia.
Genetics
A combination of inherited genetic mutations may play a role in developing fibromyalgia, which is why people who have a close relative (a sibling or a parent) who had this illness are at a higher risk of acquiring it, compared to people who have no relatives diagnosed with this disease.
Risks factors from other conditions and diseases
Health Ailments
Painful rheumatic conditions that affect the muscles, joints or bones can put you in danger of fibromyalgia. These include: Rheumatoid arthritis Osteoarthritis Lupus Ankylosing spondylitis Temporomandibular disorder (TMD)
1 NHS Choices, Fibromyalgia Causes, January 3, 2016
2 EmedicineHealth.com September 3, 2015
Fr 1 cause
“radiates” or spreads to other areas and may change in intensity, increasing or decreasing. Fibromyalgia amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way your brain processes pain signals. Many people describe the pain caused by fibromyalgia as “exhausting,” which is why fatigue is the second most common identifying factor of this condition. The pain can also lead to cognitive issues, which is called “fibro fog.”7
Premiere section
Section E
Treatment Plans
Limitations and Toxic Effects of Conventional Medicine
Take note that there is no known cure for fibromyalgia, and the only course of action is to treat the pain and relieve the symptoms. Once a person is diagnosed with it, most conventional physicians will likely prescribe pain relief medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antidepressants, muscle relaxants and even anticonvulsants. Some doctors will also recommend sleeping pills.
However, be aware that these drugs usually come with a plethora of side effects. For example, antidepressants may increase your risk of developing mania and bipolar disorder, and pregnant women who take these medications may put their babies at risk of autism.
Meanwhile, anticonvulsants like pregabalin and gabapentin may cause drowsiness, dizziness, weight gain and swelling in the hands and feet.1 Sleeping pills, on the other hand, are found to put people at a higher risk of certain cancers, as well as make them four times more likely to die than people who don’t take them.
Holistic Solutions for Fibromyalgia
The best way to alleviate fibromyalgia pain and its other symptoms is through safe holistic methods. Fibromyalgia natural treatment options include:2
Getting enough vitamin D. Your fibromyalgia symptoms may decrease if you optimize your vitamin D levels, as this nutrient can help hinder the production of cytokine, an inflammation-causing protein. A study published in the journal Pain, conducted by researchers in Vienna, Austria, found that fibromyalgia patients that had higher levels of vitamin D had less pain and fatigue than those with lower levels.8
The best way to get vitamin D is through sun exposure, but if this is not possible, taking a vitamin D3 supplement is the ideal alternative.
Acupuncture. This Chinese medical system is based on the idea of restoring normal balance of life forces by inserting very fine needles through the skin. Western theories claim that acupuncture needles cause changes in blood flow and levels of neurotransmitters in the brain and spinal cord, which may help relieve pain.
Another technique you can try is the Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT). This acupuncture-like practice uses a combination of finger tapping and saying affirmations to help banish pain and other physical and mental ailments.
Massage therapy. By moving and stimulating your body’s muscles and soft tissues, a gentle massage can relax your muscles, reduce your heart rate, help stimulate the production of your body’s natural painkillers and improve your joints’ range of motion. Getting a massage can also relieve stress and anxiety.
Yoga and Tai chi. Combining meditation, slow movements, deep breathing and relaxation, these two have been both found to be helpful in managing fibromyalgia symptoms. Researchers fromg Oregon Health and Science University found that people with fibromyalgia who took yoga classes had less pain, reduced fatigue, and improved mood.3
Use of essential oils. Because of their stress-relieving and relaxing properties, certain fragrant herbal oils may be beneficial in treating fibromyalgia pain. These oils are best diluted in a carrier oil (like coconut oil or argan oil), and then added to bath and body oils, diffused in the air or simply inhaled. Some of the best essential oils for fibromyalgia relief include:4
Lavender, chamomile, lemongrass, ginger and black pepper (for alleviating pain) Clary sage, frankincense, sweet orange, grapefruit, ylang ylang and jasmine (for stress relief) Neroli and Roman chamomile (for peaceful sleep) Peppermint and marjoram (for headaches)
Taking supplements. Taking certain supplements to complement a healthy diet may help relieve fibromyalgia. Magnesium deficiency, for example, has been found to contribute to the muscle pain associated with fibromyalgia, so taking supplemental magnesium may be helpful. Another supplement you should consider is krill oil, as it has anti-inflammatory properties.
For those dealing with impaired sleep, a melatonin supplement may be helpful. Melatonin is a natural supplement that helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle.
K-Laser Therapy. This treatment enhances microstimulation, and by stimulating red blood cell flow to the affected areas, it reduces pain and inflammation, while promoting tissue healing. It also enhances venous and lymphatic return, as a result of oxygenating tissues (Read more about the benefits of K-Laser Therapy). One study published in the Journal of Lasers in Medical Science states:
“… Laser therapy is effective on pain, muscle spasm, morning stiffness, and total tender point number in fibromyalgia and suggests that this therapy method is a safe and effective way of treatment in the cases with fibromyalgia.”5
Lasers Med Sci. 2002;17(1):57-61.
Efficacy of low power laser therapy in fibromyalgia: a single-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
Gür A1, Karakoç M, Nas K, Cevik R, Saraç J, Demir E.
Author information
Abstract
Low energy lasers are widely used to treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions including fibromyalgia, despite the lack of scientific evidence to support its efficacy. A randomised, single-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of low-energy laser therapy in 40 female patients with fibromyalgia. Patients with fibromyalgia were randomly allocated to active (Ga-As) laser or placebo laser treatment daily for two weeks except weekends. Both the laser and placebo laser groups were evaluated for the improvement in pain, number of tender points, skinfold tenderness, stiffness, sleep disturbance, fatigue, and muscular spasm. In both groups, significant improvements were achieved in all parameters (p<0.05) except sleep disturbance, fatigue and skinfold tenderness in the placebo laser group (p>0.05). It was found that there was no significant difference between the two groups with respect to all parameters before therapy whereas a significant difference was observed in parameters as pain, muscle spasm, morning stiffness and tender point numbers in favour of laser group after therapy (p<0.05). None of the participants reported any side effects. Our study suggests that laser therapy is effective on pain, muscle spasm, morning stiffness, and total tender point number in fibromyalgia and suggests that this therapy method is a safe and effective way of treatment in the cases with fibromyalgia.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11845369
Helio therapy
Check Hamer and EMOTIONS
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT). There’s evidence that CBT may help fibromyalgia patients deal with chronic pain and stressful situations. You need to consult a health practitioner who is knowledgeable in this type of therapy, which focuses on defining and setting limits. The effects of CBT for fibromyalgia are not always long-term, but they are certainly useful for those who are struggling with high levels of psychological stress.6
Mild exercise. Getting some movement into your daily routine may help you deal with fibromyalgia pain. Walking is a low-impact aerobic activity that can bring oxygen in your joints and decrease your pain and stiffness. Stretching is another great activity, but be sure to never stretch to the point of pain. Weight lifting significantly decreases pain as well, as long as the weights are light and the intensity is increased lightly.
Aquatic exercises can also be beneficial. A 2007 study published in Arthritis Research and Therapy found that women who did aquatic exercises in a heated pool, for an hour three times a week, had less fibromyalgia symptoms than those who did not.
1 NHS Choices, January 3, 2016
2 Mayo Clinic, Fibromyalgia — Alternative Medicine, October 1, 2015
3 Pain Journal, November 2010;151(2):530-9
4 Massage Today, March 2006, Vol. 06, Issue 03
5 Lasers in Medical Science, 2002;17(1):57-61
6 University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC)
7 Arthritis Research & Therapy February 22, 2008
8 Pain Journal, 2014 Feb;155(2):261-8
Nutrition
There’s no particular food, or group of foods that may help heal fibromyalgia or relieve its symptoms. Nevertheless, your diet can impact your well-being at some level, and some people claim that eating certain foods — and avoiding others — makes them feel better.
However, you must remember that foods that can help reduce someone else’s symptoms may have no effects on another person. Dr. Michael McNett, says this is because fibromyalgia is not a specific illness.
“Fibromyalgia is more like a symptom complex, and different people appear to have different reasons why they get this symptom complex. So what works for one person very frequently does not work for another,” he explains.1
Diet Tips for Fibromyalgia Patients
The best thing to do is to keep a food diary. Write down everything you eat, and take note of when your symptoms disappear and when they flare up. This will help you differentiate foods that help alleviate your pain from those that exacerbate it. Here are some general tips to help you get started:
Recommendation cardio see
. According to a 2007 study, patients who are diagnosed with pain-related conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) had reduced soreness and morning stiffness, as well as less painful joints, after supplementing with omega-3s.2 Even though the study did not specifically involve fibromyalgia patients, the results show promise for this illness, too.
• Avoid artificial sweeteners, especially aspartame. These could exacerbate your symptoms, as they can stimulate the NMDA pain receptor in your nervous system, making you feel more pain. Having increased NMDA pain receptor is a hallmark characteristic among fibromyalgia patients, according to a 2006 study.3
• Steer clear of processed foods, as they contain monosodium glutamate (MSG). This is an excitotoxin that may trigger or worsen your pain symptoms. It works in the same way as aspartame. Aside from chips and other processed snacks, MSG is also used in frozen foods and Asian cuisines (abundantly).4
• Minimize your yeast and gluten intake. These two substances often appear together, especially in bread and other baked goods. However, be careful as yeast can foster the overgrowth of yeast fungus in your body, and may exacerbate joint and muscle pain. Meanwhile, gluten can lead to gluten intolerance, leading to stomach ailments and digestive problems.
• Be wary of nightshade plants. These include eggplants, tomatoes, chili and bell peppers. They may trigger flare-ups of fibromyalgia and other types of arthritis. However, these are nutritious foods, so if you can consume them without triggering any symptom, then keep them in your diet.
• Avoid caffeine. Many fibromyalgia patients make the mistake of combating fatigue with caffeine, but this may only exacerbate the problem. Caffeine can trigger headaches, interfere with sleep, and cause further fatigue.5
A Healthy Diet Can Also Help You Manage Your Weight
A well-balanced and healthy diet is essential not only for treating fibromyalgia — it’s useful for helping keep your weight under control as well. Excessive body fat can strain and put added pressure on your joints, which may worsen the symptoms. A study published in the journal Clinical Rheumatology confirms this, and states that obese fibromyalgia patients actually felt better after they lost weight, experiencing less pain, fewer tender points and better sleep. They were also less prone to depression.6
– Sources and References
1, 4 Medicine.Net, Fibromyalgia: The Diet Connection
2 University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC)
3 Arthritis Research and Therapy April 24, 2006; 8(3): 208.
5 Everyday Health, March 2, 2011
6 Health Line, October 21, 2013
Discussion
that reflects’s modern Society’s derailment, notably in terms of stress and toxemia, the consequence of which is diffuse pain and fatigue all over the body, just like in our Society.
Fibromyalgia may not have any apparent physical signs, but this doesn’t mean it should be taken lightly. In fact, fibromyalgia can be very debilitating and frustrating. Patients often feel isolated and helpless, as it can interfere with their ability to function at home or in the workplace. This is why controlling this illness through natural modalities is absolutely necessary.
Not only is fibromyalgia a painful disorder, but it’s also an expensive one. In 2012, the CDC estimated that the average annual cost of fibromyalgia amounts to almost $6,000. In the U.S., people who suffer from this illness can apply for disability, but proper medical diagnosis is required. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will evaluate your fibromyalgia disability application, and will determine if you qualify based on the duration, severity and frequency of your fibromyalgia attacks.11àno
Conclusion
Reference and Precision Notes
(1). http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Fibromyalgia/Pages/Symptoms.aspx
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fibromyalgia/basics/definition/con-20019243
(2). The term “fibromyalgia” actually comes from a combination of the Greek words myos or “muscle” and algos or “pain,” and the New Latin word fibro, which means “fibrous tissue.” (Source)
(3). http://chronicfatigue.about.com/od/whatisfibromyalgia/f/fibroautoimmune.htm
(4). http://www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/fibromyalgia-disability
(5). http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Fibromyalgia/fibromyalgia_ff.asp However, men and children are still at risk of this ailment. The specific cause is still not determined, yet experts believe it manifests after certain events, such as physical trauma, surgery, infection or significant psychological stress. (Source)
(6). By attaching the adjective predatory to capitalism does not mean that all capitalistic mode of production and distribution (of good and services) are predatory. With holistic regulation and ethic Governance, some capitalist systems can be even compassionate, notwithstanding the evolutionary “predatory-prey” engine that characterizes part of Nature and mercantile-militarist civilizations.
(7). Fibromyalgia pain is characterized as a continuous dull ache that starts in the muscle, but it can also feel like a burning sensation or a sharp and stabbing pain on both sides of your body and above and below your waist. (Cf http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Fibromyalgia/Pages/Symptoms.aspx)
(8). http://www.health.com/health/condition-article/0,,20326433,00.html
(9) Before you can be confirmed to have fibromyalgia, your physician will test and rule out other illnesses, like multiple sclerosis (MS), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and chronic fatigue syndrome.
(10). http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20345635,00.html
If you drop a ball, it hits the floor and bounces. Action and reaction; everything that happens in the universe is the result of cause and effect. Diseases like fibromyalgia and other chronic conditions are no exception. There are specific underlying causes for these complex disorders and once you understand and address those causes, wellness is possible.
Medical science, however, defines fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue as idiopathic—cause unknown. In fact, medical science defines most chronic diseases as “cause unknown”. This is not an oversight. Because drug therapy is focused on reducing symptoms and artificially interrupting the processes of disease, knowing about underlying causes is irrelevant.
Without addressing underlying causes, however, the best possible outcome is artificial management of the illness… not restoration of normal health.
Once beyond the limitations of conventional medicine, it becomes possible to see these illnesses from a more progressive perspective. When the focus of therapy is directed toward creating a healing environment in the body, instead of simply addressing symptoms, wellness becomes possible. This is done by actively identifying and reducing the underlying causes of the illness.
Identifying underlying causes is not that difficult. You can probably list a few things right off the top of your head. Processed food, chronic stress, too much alcohol, smoking, air pollution, free radicals in your bloodstream, physical stress or trauma, are all examples of factors that cause direct tissue damage and disrupt the healing systems of the body. “System disruptors” is a useful term to describe these factors.
Everyone on the planet is continually exposed to system disruptors; they are a fact of life. Aging of the body and most diseases are the inevitable consequence of the accumulated damage caused by system disruptors. What type of illness occurs is dependent on how different system disruptors come together in a person’s life and that person’s genetic makeup.
Chronic illnesses such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, Lyme disease, autoimmune diseases, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis result from exposure to similar system disruptors. It should not be a surprise to find that these chronic illnesses share many common symptoms.
6 Primary Categories of System Disruptors
- Poor nutrition We live in a world saturated with artificially manipulated foods. Regular consumption of these foods disrupts all systems of the body.
- Emotional stress Continually running from the tiger inhibits digestion, suppresses immune function, disrupts sleep, and sets the stage for chronic disease.
- Environmental toxins The modern world is saturated with artificial toxins. Toxins disrupt all healing systems of the body.
- Physical stress Cumulative trauma, excessive heat or cold causes damage to the body.
- Free radicals Every cell in the body is continually generating free radicals as a byproduct of energy production. Free radicals damage internal components of cells. Inflammation is also a type of free radical damage.
- Radiation Normal background radiation from the sun, solar system, and the earth itself, are now amplified sources of radiation that saturate the modern world.
- Stealth Microbes The effects from this system disrupter sets the stage for fibromyalgia more than anything else.
System disruptors disrupt immune function, and disruption of immune function leaves the door wide open for chronic hidden infections with specific types of microbes. Commonly referred to as “stealth microbes” or “stealth pathogens”, these types of microbes are ever present and just waiting for an opportunity. They are commonly spread by ticks and other biting insects, but are also spread by airborne droplets or intimate contact with other people. Everyone is exposed. And anyone not having a healthy immune system is vulnerable.
Stealth microbes must be differentiated from microbes that cause acute life-threatening infections, such as pneumonia. Microbes that cause life-threatening infections are highly virulent. In other words, they have a very high ability to infect and cause visible disease (highly virulent). They succeed by overwhelming the host with infection and are present in high concentrations in tissues and the bloodstream. Damage to tissues caused by these microbe results in localized symptoms.
Because highly virulent microbes have a very high growth rate, infections typically respond very well to conventional antibiotic therapy. Highly virulent microbes also respond well to vaccines. Once the infection is controlled and the immune system gains the upper hand, the microbes are eradicated from the body. Fortunately, encounters with these types of microbes are less common.
Stealth microbes follow a completely different strategy for success. After gaining access to the body, which generally causes few symptoms or a mild flu-like symptoms, the microbes clear the bloodstream and penetrate into deeper tissues. These microbes do not cause overwhelming infection and exist in low concentrations in the body. They blend in with all the other microbes in the body. Problems only occur if immune function is compromised.
Most stealth microbes have the ability to live inside cells, thus gaining protection from antibiotics and the immune system. Because they change genetic signature continually, vaccines are worthless (assuming you could even find them in the first place).
Stealth microbes manipulate the immune system to break down tissues and gain vital nutrients. Symptoms tend to be vague and nonspecific (in other words, just like the symptoms found with fibromyalgia).
Did You Know?
Symptoms are mostly caused by the tug-of-war that occurs between the immune system and the microbe, not from direct damage caused by the microbe.
Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
- Sharp pain, throbbing, or tightness in the muscles
- Muscle spasms
- Trouble sleeping
- Feeling tired or fatigued
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering (Fibro fog)
- Sensitivity to touch, cold, or pain
- Tender or sore muscles
- Tingling in hands or feet, feeling of swelling
- Bloating, constipation
- Anxiety, depression
- Nausea
- Flu-like symptoms
There are many different stealth microbes; some of which have been identified… but who knows how many are waiting to be discovered. The list includes bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and fungi.
Everyone harbors stealth microbes that have potential to become pathogens (disease-causing); they typically comprise about 1% of the microbes that make up the microbiome (sum of all the microbes in the body).
Common Characteristics of Stealth Microbes
- They must have a host to survive
- They all have stealth characteristics (but vary in tactics).
- Initial introduction into the body causes no symptoms or mild flu-like symptoms.
- Symptoms are the result of the tug-of-war between the microbe and the immune system, not by direct damage from the microbe.
- Symptoms of chronic infection are vague and inconsistent (which matches fibromyalgia perfectly)
- Stealth microbes grow slowly, can live inside cells, and exist in low concentrations in the body, rendering conventional antibiotics as mostly ineffective.
- Stealth microbes change genetic signature continually, making vaccines ineffective (if you could actually find them).
- In general, they have very low potential to cause severe disease (they can make you miserable for a lifetime).
- Symptoms only occur if the immune system is compromised.
- Symptom profile is related to the types and combinations of stealth microbes present and the level of compromise in the healing systems of the body caused by system disruptors.
Lyme disease is the classic example of a chronic illness caused by stealth microbes. Close similarity in symptoms between Lyme disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, and fibromyalgia should not surprising. In fact, many people who are ultimately diagnosed with Lyme disease first consider the possibility of either fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue, and many people with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue actually have Lyme disease that has not been diagnosed.
Though Lyme disease is classically associated with one microbe, it is now known to commonly involve many other stealth microbes. Lyme coinfections, as they are often called, may be primary players in fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue. The mild variation in symptoms between the different illnesses can be explained by the presence of different types and combinations of stealth microbes.
Suppression of immune function by these stealth microbes can also allow reactivation of dormant viruses, such as the herpes virus. There are eight known herpes-type viruses that can infect humans. A common feature all of these viruses share is the ability to lie dormant in nerve tissue and reemerge later when immune system function is compromised.
The three most common are Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), the cause of mononucleosis; Cytomegalovirus (CMV), a common viral infection that can cause heart failure; and Human herpesvirus type 6 (HHV-6), a virus very commonly found in active form in chronic fatigue patients. The list also includes Herpes simplex type 1 (fever blisters), Herpes simplex type 2 (genital ulcers), and Varicella zoster virus (chickenpox and shingles).
The Conventional Solution
Presently, the conventional medical community neither offers nor accepts any explanation for fibromyalgia. The only treatment is directed toward relieving symptoms.
If conventional medical science did, however, come to accept that illnesses like fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue were linked to the presence of stealth microbes, the most probable response would be to blast away with potent synthetic antibiotics…but for multiple reasons, that approach would not work.
Conventional antibiotics are designed to kill aggressive, high-growth bacteria that try to overwhelm the host with infection. Stealth microbes grow very slowly and occur only in low concentrations in the body. To actually kill stealth microbes, potent antibiotics must be given for a very long time (months).
Long-term antibiotic therapy is not recommended, however, since normal friendly bacteria in the gut and skin would be the first to fall. Potential pathogens in the mix become antibiotic resistant and flourish. This shift in the balance of the microbiome towards pathogens disrupts immune function even further. The patient often ends up being worse instead of better. Rarely are the targeted stealth microbes eliminated.
*A recent article published in the journal, Infectious Diseases, illustrates how persistent stealth microbes can be. The individuals in the study had Lyme-like symptoms, but tested negative for Lyme. Despite negative testing, all people in the study received antibiotic treatment for up to 9 months to try to eradicate stealth microbes. Interestingly, with special culturing techniques, the researchers were still able to grow live borrelia bacteria out of their blood of some individuals—despite the prolonged treatment with antibiotics.
A Natural Approach to Fibromyalgia
Instead of treating the illness directly, the way around fibromyalgia is by strengthening the natural healing capacity of the body. The body has a remarkable propensity for self healing. Illness only occurs when that healing potential is inhibited.
The key to unlocking that potential is reducing system disruptors that are holding healing back. Once system disruptors are reduced, the healing systems of the body flourish and immune function rebounds. This is a matter of embracing healthful foods that provide vital energy for healing and going about life in a way that enhances life instead of compromising it.
Herbs are a perfect complement to this approach. Herbs come from plants that humans have used for many thousands of years for both food and medicine. Herbs provide biochemical support with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory substances, and other beneficial substances. Herbs balance hormones and stimulate the healing systems of the body. Most importantly, herbs support and restore normal immune function.
Plants also have to deal with microbial threats of different varieties. Herbs produce a wide spectrum of chemical substances that suppress a wide variety of microbes. Because plants solved the “friend-versus-foe” problem a long time ago, herbs actually support the normal friendly flora of the body. And because medicinal herbs have such low potential for toxicity, they can be used for very extended periods of time without concern for side effects.
Did You Know
Combinations of herbs generate synergy; the sum of herbs together is more powerful than each of herbs used separately.
Some herbs are better for certain purposes than others, so it should not be surprising that combinations of herbs offer the greatest therapeutic benefit. Combinations of herbs also generate synergy; the sum of herbs together is more powerful than each of herbs used separately.
Why Herbs Work
- Herbs enhance immune function and healing. This is one of the essential keys to getting well and one of the most important reasons of why herbs work. Herbs provide anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and other health enhancing properties.
- Herbs have a suppressive effect on opportunistic stealth microbes that threaten the balance of the microbiome, but do not disrupt normal friendly flora.
- Multiple herbs can be used to gain overlapping benefit; in fact, this the preferred way of doing herbal therapy.
- Because the potential for toxicity with herbal therapy is very low, herbs can be used without concern for very long periods of time.
- The chemical substances in herbs are not seen as foreign substances by the body and support all healing systems of the body. Herbs have the ability to balance hormones, improve energy, and improve stress tolerance.
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