by RemedyFind Columnist and Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS; FM) Host - Dominie Soo Bush
What causes fibromyalgia (FMS)? The answer is…nobody really knows, but there are a LOT of theories, which we will explore in this article.
If you have fibromyalgia, then you know the miserable, life-wrecking symptoms of widespread body pain, muscle stiffness, insomnia, fatigue, depression, cognitive problems (fibro fog), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and possibly other unpleasant things to deal with on an everyday basis.
Medical researchers theorize that fibromyalgia may be caused by genetics, food additives (such as excitotoxins), mercury poisoning from dental fillings, neurochemical imbalances caused by diet or stress, viral infections, sleep disorders, toxicity, accidents, hormone imbalances, vaccinations, hypothalamus malfunction, surgery, severe emotional or physical trauma, yeast overgrowth (candidiasis) or nutritional deficiencies. I will attempt to briefly explain some of these below.
YEAST
Yeast (candida albicans) overgrowth can cause symptoms suspiciously similar to fibromyalgia. These include muscle and joint pain, difficulty concentrating, chronic fatigue, neurological disorders, insomnia, bowel dysfunction, a weakened immune system, etc. If you crave sugar or carbohydrates, or have been taking antibiotics, you may have a yeast problem.
MYCOPLASMA
Mycoplasma are extremely small bacteria that are as tiny as viruses but that have some features of bacterial germs. When a genetically predisposed person goes through severe stress or trauma--physical, mental or emotional--this alters their immune response and allows mycoplasma to do their dirty work in many parts of the body, including vital areas of the brain, such as the hypothalamus, the gland that controls various body functions such as sleep, temperature regulation, endocrine (hormonal) system, etc.
EXCITOTOXINS
Some people find relief by eliminating all excitotoxins from their diet--monosodium glutamate (MSG or Accent), aspartame (NutraSweet or Equal), hydrolyzed protein, etc. Symptoms may worsen initially as the body begins detoxifying, but some people become pain free with this method. Excitotoxins are used in nearly all processed foods. These substances are called "excitotoxins" because they excite the neurons in the brain, causing them to fire so rapidly that they can die. Once these cells are gone, they cannot be regrown (it's like poking your eye out!).
PHOSPHATES
Dr. Paul St. Amand, who pioneered the use of guaifenesin for fibromyalgia, theorizes that people with FMS/CFS have a genetic defect that prevents their kidneys from excreting phosphates. As phosphates build up, the body stores them in the bones, and then eventually the muscles, tendons and ligaments. The excess phosphates hinder the cells�?ability to produce energy (ATP) and causes the muscles to go into spasm. Eventually, lumps and bumps form in the muscles. Guaifenesin, an expectorant, works by helping the kidneys to excrete phosphates, thereby restoring normal cell functioning in the brain, muscles, tendons, etc..
ACIDOSIS
There’s a thought-provoking article by Dr. Majid Ali in which he says: "I call oxidosis (too much oxidation), dysoxygenosis (abnormal oxygen metabolism), and acidosis (too much acidity) the three furies of fibromyalgia... The fibro furies are unleashed by the gods of sugar, antibiotics, and pesticides industries...and of industrial pollutants, toxic metals, synthetic hormones, and radiation.�?/FONT>
OXIDATIVE DAMAGE
The Journal of Musculoskeletal Pain reported a study in 1997, which showed evidence of oxidative ("free radical") damage in people with FMS.
SLEEP DISORDERS
People who volunteered for sleep deprivation experiments actually developed symptoms similar to fibromyalgia!
MAGNESIUM DEFICIENCY
Researchers say that most people with FMS are deficient in magnesium, the mineral that helps muscles relax.
COMPUTERS
The flickering light of my computer screen used to bring on a rapid worsening of my fibromyalgia! I have bright lighting in the room to offset this effect. Perhaps certain spectrums of light are harmful to people who are more light sensitive than others. Full spectrum lighting could be a good investment. Research is being done on the effect of light on the pineal gland--the gland which produces melatonin necessary for sleep. Flickering light has been proven to cause changes in the EEG patterns in the brain. Researchers are experimenting with flickering light therapy to help fibromyalgia patients by restructuring EEG patterns!
IMMUNE SYSTEM
Some researchers believe that the root of the fibromyalgia problem lies in the immune system. A few years ago, I received shocking information about the role of mycoplasmas (mutated viruses and bacteria) and biological warfare as a possible cause of the worldwide epidemic of fibromyalgia. This intrigued me, because I have heard from thousands of people all over the world who have fibromyalgia. The symptoms are identical despite varying ethnic backgrounds, cultures, diets, and lifestyles.
LACK OF EXERCISE
It has always irked me when doctors said I needed to exercise more, because in the early days of my FMS, exercise of any kind worsened my pain and caused severe flares that would last for weeks or even months. People who don't have FMS can't understand this, because exercise makes them feel good!
BRAIN MALFUNCTION
A recent study found diminished blood flow to parts of the brain in people with fibromyalgia and an increase in the chemical that helps transmit pain signals (called "substance P").
PARASITES
Symptoms of human worm infestations (yuck!!) are very similar to fibromyalgia. Parasites can invade our bodies through food or from having pets in our homes. Parasites are a constant drain on the immune system. There's a controversial book by Hulda Clark called "The Cure for All Diseases" in which she makes a very good argument for parasites being at the root of most illnesses, including fibromyalgia.
MENTAL ILLNESS
I am strongly opposed to the idea that FMS is “all in your head.�?However, anything that brings a smile to your face or uplifts your spirits is good for you, such as reading inspirational or humorous books, dwelling on positive things, watching TV programs that make you laugh, singing joyful songs, etc. Dr. Norman Cousins, in his now classic book, “Anatomy of an Illness�? tells how watching funny movies helped him recover from a degenerative disease.
DAMAGE TO RED BLOOD CELLS
Several clinical studies have revealed damage and irregularities in the shape of the red blood cells in people with fibromyalgia. This causes blockages in the blood flow through the capillaries, resulting in insufficient oxygen getting to the muscles and tissues, hence the pain and fatigue. One researcher is trying to get this blood test approved internationally. It could become a much-needed diagnostic tool.
HYPOTHALAMUS OVER-ACTIVATION
Many years ago, my sister-in-law, who has a Ph.D. in virology, told me that all of my symptoms were coming from the hypothalamus gland in the brain. This didn't mean anything to me at the time. Now fibromyalgia research is beginning to focus on the role of the hypothalamus. The problem is called ‘hypothalamitis�?�?over-activation of the hypothalamus area in the central nervous system. The hypothalamus is situated in the mid-brain, from which it controls practically every organ in the body, mainly through the endocrine system. It influences the sympathetic nervous system and the immune system. The hypothalamus controls energy levels, sleep cycle, muscular function, circulation, temperature, the gut, and defense against infection.
MALABSORPTION
Some researchers say that people with FMS need twice the amount of nutrients that others do, because of excess mucous that builds up in the body, interfering with absorption.
NECK INJURIES
Neck injuries often seem to precipitate fibromyalgia. I myself have been in a several car accidents, suffering whiplash. My neck still causes me trouble from time to time, so I see my chiropractor every 2-3 months to stay in alignment.
SUGAR INTOLERANCE
A friend with fibromyalgia told me that her doctor believes she is "fructose intolerant." She has been avoiding sugar and fructose and her FMS pain has subsided. Sugar is disguised in our foods as sucrose, corn syrup, etc. Even fruits and fruit juices contain a lot of sugar.
HORMONE INSTABILITY
Hormone imbalances are frequently found in women with fibromyalgia--PMS, endometriosis, mood swings, etc.
INFLAMMATION
Most doctors do not think fibromyalgia is an inflammatory disorder, but I have always maintained that it feels like one. Lately I've been hearing reports that FMS may be an inflammatory condition caused by mycoplasmas--mutated bacteria and viruses that invade certain glands of the brain and even organs of the body.
Whatever the causes of fibromyalgia are, the bottom line is that we all want our lives and functionality back! There are many helpful fibromyalgia sites online. I invite you to check out my site at FMS-Help where you will find 100 Tips for Coping with Fibromyalgia and Insomnia, my personal fibro story, enlightening articles and also emotional support. Hopefully medical researchers will discover not only the cause of fibromyalgia but also the cure!
1. Possible Causes of Fibromyalgia (Part 2)
by RemedyFind Columnist and Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS; FM) Host - Dominie Soo Bush
This is Part 2 of a three-part article discussing theories about the causes of Fibromyalgia. Please understand that most of these theories have yet to be tested, let alone proven. See Part 1
VIRUSES
Some researchers believe that the Cytomegalo virus is the cause of Fibromyalgia/Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction FMS/CFIDS. The antibiotic Doxycycline is sometimes used successfully to treat it, but not without side effects. FMS patients often have active bacterial and viral infections like Epstein Barr or Mono, which drain the body's immune system. Fatigue and muscle pain can be caused by an undetected chronic infection that never improved.
ADRENAL EXHAUSTION
The adrenals are tiny but powerful endocrine glands that sit on top of our kidneys and secrete steroid hormones. Adrenal fatigue can result from persistent or severe emotional or physical stress. If you need sugar, salty foods, or caffeine to keep yourself going, you may have adrenal fatigue. Dr. James Wilson and Dr. Rodger Murphree have information on their websites about how to support and repair the adrenal glands.
MITOCHONDRIA DYSFUNCTION
Mitochondria are the energy producers of the cells. According to Dr. Kent Holtorf, dysfunction in the mitochondria results in the cells starving for energy and patients feeling fatigued, lacking in energy and unable to overcome infections.
LEAKY GUT
Dr. Devin Starlanyl discusses leaky gut syndrome in her book "Fibromyalgia and Chronic Myofascial Pain Syndrome." Also, Dr. Sherry Rogers--another M.D. with fibromyalgia-- states that when people take antibiotics, aspirin and other pain reducing drugs, it can cause intestinal permeability. This is where cells within the intestine separate and small food particles begin to enter the blood stream. Then white fighter cells attack because they see these food particles as something to be destroyed. In doing this, bad toxins are formed in the blood and this causes soreness throughout the body. Chemical sensitivities are caused from leaky gut syndrome.
ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS
Some insomniacs who get rid of electromagnetic fields in their bedrooms are able to sleep like babies! You might try shutting off the circuit breaker to your bedroom and see if that helps your sleep improve, or try a magnetic mattress pad from a reputable company.
AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM DYSFUNCTION ("DYSAUTONOMIA")
Dr. Manuel Martinez-Lavin of the National Cardiology Institute of Mexico wrote an excellent article explaining fibromyalgia as an autonomic (sympathetic) nervous system dysfunction. His theory is that people with FMS have a sympathetic nervous system that is persistently hyperactive, but hypo-reactive to stress.
MERCURY POISONING
There are many sources of mercury all around us. Dental fillings are just one of them. With amalgams, mercury is released when the teeth grind together while chewing. This mercury is absorbed into blood and tissue--including the pituitary and hypothalamus glands. These two glands play a part in FMS symptoms. Many researchers believe that the brain dysfunction which causes fibromyalgia is a direct result of mercury toxicity. (Some people with FMS have had their amalgam dental fillings replaced with other materials, but not all report improvement in their symptoms.)
SOFT DRINKS
Carbonated beverages contain orthophosphoric acid that leaches calcium and magnesium from the body. These two minerals are sometimes called "nature's tranquilizers. They are absolutely necessary for healthy muscles and bones and to avoid muscle cramping. (Diet soft drinks are even worse than regular, because they contain aspartame, an excitotoxin.)
THYROID
Symptoms of either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism are remarkably similar to fibromyalgia. Hypothyroid symptoms include fatigue, inability to tolerate cold, fertility problems, muscle weakness, muscle cramps, hair loss, recurrent infections, constipation, depression, difficulty concentrating, slow speech, etc. Hyperthyroid symptoms include nervousness, irritability, a constant feeling of being hot, insomnia, fatigue, hair loss, hand tremors, rapid heartbeat, etc. A blood test can detect an underactive or overactive thyroid gland. There is also a more difficult to detect thyroid problem called "Wilson's Syndrome." I have heard from several women whose fibromyalgia symptoms abated when their thyroid problems were detected and correctly treated.
FOOD ALLERGIES
People with fibromyalgia have more incidences of food allergies and sensitivities. Some common allergic / sensitive foods are wheat, dairy, sugar, corn, soy, eggs, peanuts, oranges, chocolate and fermented food. If you suspect any of these are causing you problems, try eliminating them from your diet one at a time and listen to your body. Also, some people with FMS report more muscle pain after eating tomatoes, bell peppers, or potatoes (nightshade vegetables). Tomatoes contain high levels of glutamates, which can cause muscle pain.
STRESS
Prolonged physical or emotional stress can cause fibromyalgia. We deplete the helpful chemicals in our "stress bank" until we are running on empty. We all know how bad we feel physically when there is disharmony in our personal lives, and chronic "invisible" illness puts additional strain on ones personal life and relationships, so this can become a vicious cycle. I recently read a study about how arguing and discord in marriage can suppress the immune system by producing elevated stress hormones
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