Fibromyalgia Syndrome

Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) is a relatively new condition that primarily affects the musculoskeletal system resulting in pain, stiffness, and fatigue. It is quite common in the US and affects women many more times than men. In addition to the above symptoms, many people with FMS may have other symptoms which may or may not be related. Some of the symptoms are:

• Stiffness
• Disturbed Sleep
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Raynaud's Phenomenon
• Osteoarthritis
• Fatigue
• Depression
• Chronic Headaches
• Anxiety
• TMJ Problems

The exact cause of FMS is unknown. The medical community has not found a disease to explain it and offers no cure. Treatments targeted at making a patient more comfortable is about all they have to offer. Antidepressants, muscle relaxers, and painkillers are frequently prescribed, but offer only temporary relief.

According to many studies done on FMS, there seems to be a link between what we eat, what we are exposed to on a regular basis, and how stressful our lives are. Therefore, a basic equation can be seen: Chronic malnutrition + everyday poor nutrition + chronic poisoning = FMS. Of course, this equation can apply to many "diseases" afflicting us today. Below are some suggestions for improving symptoms and overall health.

1. Correcting imbalances within the body. This can include

• chiropractic adjustments to balance the nervous system and restore proper function to joints and muscles.
  
• food complex supplements to correct nutritional imbalances and supply catalysts for the millions of enzymatic processes in the body that promote healing.
  
• applied kinesiological treatments to balance the endocrine system and detect any allergies/sensitivities one may have that would further delay the healing processes.
  
• aerobic exercise to increase oxygen utilization in the body.

2. Cleaning up the diet. Staying away from all refined flours and sugars (white pasta, white rice, white bread, white sugars, etc.), artificial sweeteners (aspartame, Nutri-sweet, Equal, etc.), hydrogenated oils (shortening & margarine), artificial fats such as Olestra, food preservatives, additives basically, anything that is not natural, stay away from it.
   
   Eating WHOLE grains and whole grain foods, eggs, fruits, vegetables, butter, chicken, turkey, lean red meat, beans and legumes, nuts and seeds, etc. will put you on the right track to becoming healthy.

3. Avoiding pollutants and contaminants by drinking filtered water, eating organically- or at least pesticide-free foods, replacing toxic products (such as cleaning supplies, insecticides, herbicides, etc.) with environmental friendly products.