When cold and flu season approaches, I know many of you cringe as I do knowing there will be vast challenges ahead.  As the cold weather increases, chances of catching a bug do, too.  Not only that, but those last minute colds and flu begin to run rampant just as the weather begins to bring on spring when you thought you were over the hump.   How many friends and family do you know right now trying to ward off an off-season malady? To add on more hardship these seasonal changes, they do trigger a fibro flare. Unfortunately, the problems extend beyond sniffles and a runny nose. – Do you know you are much more likely than the average person to deal with severe symptoms, complications, and long-term effects?

Fibromyalgia sufferers are particularly vulnerable to weather fluctuations that come with changing seasons, as their bodies scramble to regulate the external temperature drops and surges. But while some suffer most from changes in barometric pressure, others have an even tougher time dealing with the frigid lows of winter. In most cases, changes in air pressure, wind speed, temperature and humidity will all weigh in on your physical comfort.

Protecting Against Colds and Flu

• Soak in the warmth. Get in the habit of taking a warm bath each night, which will relax your muscles and restore the warmth on a deeper level. When the damp cold gets to your bones, your best line of attack is moist heat to relieve fibro aches and pains.
• Find the right fabric balance. You need to stay warm, but heavy layers can put uncomfortable pressure on your sore muscles. The solution? Naturally thin, naturally warm fibers, like merino wool, or fleece for the extra cold days. 
  
• Get a good bedtime routine. What you do before bed can greatly affect your sleep, and your sleep quality can greatly affect your symptoms. Use natural wool sheets and pajamas.  Try several layers of light blankets.  This way you can toss one off if you become to heated.  
• As the season breaks begin to take 15-20 minute sunbathing trips.  This could be just outside your back door.  Soaking in the sun offers vitamin D and can "trick" your body into believing you made it through the cold hump.  
• Most importantly rest.  Don't feel the minute you gain some reprieve you should get caught up on what you've been putting off.  Do a few chores and go back and rest.  This could take some time.  AND- yes, and that could mean weeks of discomfort.  But, the more your rest, the quicker you'll heal.  

The neurotransmitter norephinephrine is released in the brain and causes feeling of arousal, energy, and drive.  If it happens to be in short supply you will have feelings of lack of ambition or energy.  Such deficiency can cause depression, paranoia, and feelings of apathy.  Norepinephrine stimulates the flow of adrenaline when you are under stress.

The production of norepinephrine begins in the hypothalamus. First the amino acid L-phenylalanine is converted into tryrosine. Then Tyrosine is converted into norepinephrine. Tyrosine can be supplements to increase norepinephrine but is usually connected with headaches. 

If you experience three or move of these symptoms you may be deficient in norepinephrine:

• You suffer from lack of energy.
• You often find it difficult to get going.
• You suffer from decreased drive.
• You often start projects and don't finish them.
• You frequently need to sleep or hibernate from the world.
• You feel depressed often.
• You feel paranoid at times.
• Your survival feels threatened.
• You are bored a great deal of the time.  

Natural Supplements

L-phenylalanine  can be taken once or twice daily on an empty stomach.  If you experience rapid heartbeat, agitation, or hyperactivity reduce the dosage on the bottle.  If you are noticing progress L-glutamine increases the effectiveness of L-phenylalanine.  L-phenylalanine can increase blood pressure so speak with your doctor before you begin this supplement. This also must be taken on an empty stomach.

SAMe increases the action of several neurotransmitters by binding hormones to their cell receptors.  It helps maintain mitochondrial function at peak levels releasing energy production in the brain and its antioxidant properties.  

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with the enjoyment of life.  These include all of life's pleasures such as family, friends, and dinner's out.  Chocolate's popularity stems from the fact it causes very high levels of dopamine to be released in a surge.  

Did you know that a dopamine deficiency can lead to a condition known as anhedonia?  Anhedonia is the lack of ability to feel any pleasure or remorse in your life.  It also reduces the person's attention span.  Brain fatigue, confusion, and lethargy are all due to low                                                                                                               dopamine.

If you have three or more of these descriptions you may be low in dopamine:

• You lack pleasure in your life.
• You feel there are no rewards in life.
• You have little concern for others even loved ones.
• You experience decreased parental feelings.
• Life seems "colorless".
• Things that were once fun are not anymore.
• You have become less spiritual or are less social. 
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Natural Supplements

L-phenylalanine is a raw material.  Like most cells in the hypothalamus they have the ability to produce four or five times their usual output if larger quantities of the raw materials are made available through nutritional supplement.   Phenylalanine can increase blood pressure.  Do not take it past 3:00 pm in the afternoon.   Many protein powders contain these essential amino acids.  I personally use pea protein powder in my smoothie each morning from the ad below.  

S-adenosyl-methinonie- SAMe works rather quickly and seems to provide the needed pep that many fibromyalgia patients are looking for.  SAMe has been shown to be as or more effective than tricyclic antidepressants. 

GABA is made from the amino acid glutamine.  Glutamine passes across the blood-brain barrier and helps provide the fuel needed for proper brain function.  This important neurotransmitter is involved in regulating moods and mental clarity.  Tranquilizers such as Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, etc. are used to treat anxiety and panic disorders.  They work my increasing GABA.

If three or more of the following descriptions apply to the way you feel you could be deficient in GABA.

• You often feel anxious for no reason.
• You sometimes feel "free-floating" anxiety.
• You often feel edgy unable to relax.
• You feel a "knot" in your stomach.
• Falling asleep can be difficult.
• It's hard to turn your mind off when it is time to relax.
• You have feelings of panic for no reason.
• You use alcohol or sedatives to calm down.

Natural Supplements

L-glutamine supplements has been shown to increase clearer thinking.  That's because a deficiency in L-glutamine can result in fogging thinking and fatigue.  Even a small shortage of L-glutamine will produce unwarranted feelings of insecurity and anxiousness.  Other symptoms include constant fatigue, depression and impotence.  Follow directions on the supplement bottle. 

GABA is taken twice a day on an empty stomach.  This is the exact neurotransmitter you happen to be deficient in.  Some individuals may have side effects with GABA including burning in the stomach or flushing. If this happens you may supplement with L-theanine found in green tea.  It has a calming effect on the brain. It easily crosses the blood-brain barrier and increases the production of GABA.  L-theanine also helps boost dopamine levels. 

This one will have you racing home each evening to find out what is happening next!  A well woven tale of suspense looms in this one.

Rachel takes the same commuter train every morning. Every day she rattles down the track, flashes past a stretch of cozy suburban homes, and stops at the signal that allows her to daily watch the same couple breakfasting on their deck. She’s even started to feel like she knows them. “Jess and Jason,” she calls them. Their life—as she sees it—is perfect. Not unlike the life she recently lost.

And then she sees something shocking. It’s only a minute until the train moves on, but it’s enough. Now everything’s changed. Unable to keep it to herself, Rachel offers what she knows to the police, and becomes inextricably entwined in what happens next, as well as in the lives of everyone involved. Has she done more harm than good?

Compulsively readable, The Girl on the Train is an emotionally immersive, Hitchcockian thriller and an electrifying debut. -amazon.com

Opioid neurotransmitters are found in the hypothalamus gland.  These neurotransmitters have two functions:

• First they release small bursts when we feel a sense of stress.  Many people feed off this rush getting through the day.  This sense of urgency can get us through that hectic morning especially if it begins with uncomfortable pain.  But if you can't turn it off, you'll eventually deplete the opioids, along with other vital hormones which include cortisol and DHEA.
• Second they are released when you exercise.  This can take away pain in the muscles and may provide a bit of euphoria for awhile.  Hence why moderate exercise is important for those suffering from fibromyalgia.  

Most individuals suffering from chemical imbalance in this category have used stimulants and mind-numbing chemicals like caffeine, alcohol, pot, or food.  This enables them to escape from the constant pressure they place on themselves.  You are depleted in the opioid group if these descriptions apply to you:

• Your life seems incomplete.
• You feel shy with everyone but your closest friends
• You have feelings of insecurity
• You often feel unequal to others.
• When things go right you feel undeserving.
• You feel something is missing in your life.
• You occasionally feel  low self-esteem.
• You feel inadequate at times as a person.
• You feel fear even if there is nothing to fear.

Natural supplements 

DL-phenylalanine is a special amino acid that can be helpful in restoring proper opioid levels.  Be careful and follow directions on the bottle.  If you feel rapid heartbeat, agitation, or hyperactivity, reduce or discontinue the amount.

L-glutamine increases the effectiveness of DL-phenylalanine.  Must be taken on an empty stomach.    

This is a wonderful movie that renews the spirit of family.  Set in the 1950's you'll be anxiously following the moves of Desmond and Evelyn until their final reunion.  The little girl, Evelyn, does a tremendous job.

One man takes on the Irish family law system and the Catholic Church in a bid to be reunited with his children in this drama, based on a true story. In 1953, Desmond Doyle (Pierce Brosnan) was a house painter and decorator who, despite a strong work ethic, had a hard time holding on to steady work. Desmond's wife had grown tired of her marriage and her husband's financial problems, and one day walked away from her home, leaving Desmond to raise their three children on his own. While Desmond struggles to keep body and soul together for his children, his sporadic employment eventually attracts the attention of the law, and a court order sends his two sons and young daughter to separate Catholic orphanages until Desmond can prove he's capable of properly supporting them. However, Desmond discovers merely getting work is not enough to bring his children back to him, and when he learns that his daughter, Evelyn (Sophie Vavasseur), is having a rough time of it at the hands of several stern nuns, he becomes determined to win their custody in a court of law. Through Bernadette (Julianna Margulies), a barmaid who has caught his eye, Desmond meets Michael Beattie (Stephen Rea), a lawyer and Bernadette's brother. While Michael doesn't believe Desmond's case can be won in an Irish court, his partner Nick Barron (Aidan Quinn), an expatriate American who lost custody of his own children in a divorce proceeding, is eager to help, and they agree to take the case. However, they both realize they're fighting an uphill battle, and so they persuade Thomas Connolly (Alan Bates), a former football star who became one of Ireland's most respected barristers, to lend his knowledge and prestige to the case. Leading man Bronson also served a co-producer for Evelyn; Bruce Beresford directed, who previously collaborated with Pierce Brosnan on Mister Johnson. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Trauma, infection, reduced blood flow, toxins, poisons, and normal wear and tear can cause damage and destruction to cells.  This type of damage triggers an inflammatory response by the body's self-regulating mechanisms.  Certain hormones such as PG-2 can cause blood vessels to dilate making the area hot, red, and swollen.  The healthy tissue around the inflamed area releases anti-inflammatory prostaglandins to combat this irritation.  White blood cells will begin attacking and digesting damaged cells until certain enzymes tell them that their job is done.  As the damaged tissue is removed, less of the pro-inflammatory chemicals and more of the anti-inflammatory chemicals are released.  Once the inflammation is finished the body beings to repair itself.  

This balance is usually kept in check in a normal functioning system.  When it become imbalanced chronic inflammation can result.  When things get really out of hand cancer, cardiovascular, Alzheimer, neurological, arthritis, autoimmune, diabetes, and pulmonary diseases begin to run rampant.  

Keep inflammation in check by

• Correcting any intestinal permeability  issues
• Lay low on wheat and dairy products
• Consider food allergy testing
• Avoid nightshade foods
• Supplement with Fish oil (EPA/DHA)
• Add turmeric to your foods try the Fibromyalgia Soup
• Try rosemary Extract it helps block the synthesis of leukotrienes that cause inflammation.
• Try basil leaf extract it helps boost the body's natural anti-inflammatory chemicals.
• Try green tea leaf extract it increases the body's own anti-inflammatory activity.
• Try ginger root extract which reduces inflammation and helps regulate the inflammatory system. 
• Try Chinese goldenthread root which reduces the activity of PG-2 and increases the activity of PG-1 and PG-3.
• Try barberry root extract which helps regulate prostaglandins.
• Try Baikal skullcap root extract that reduces inflammatory chemicals.
• Try Protykin polygonum cuspidatum extract that reduces inflammatory chemicals, including PG-2, and is a potent antioxidant.
• Add Gluscosamine and chrondroitin supplements that help eliminate pain and stiffness. 
• Add boswellia supplements which reduce pain and inflammation.
• Try bromelain supplements which blocks inflammatory chemicals and digests exes fibrin, a chemical implicated in osteoarthritis.  Must be taken on an empty stomach.
• Add D-ribose which help increase depleted ATP levels in the body.
• Exercise regularly to keep joints moving.
• Try to loose excess weight.
• Check for hypothyroid.
• Pursue deep-tissue massage for relieving aching, locked, or immobile joints.  

Best of all you can try these supplements at your discretion.  Sometimes patients with fibromyalgia experience sensitivities to supplements and medication.  Find what combination works best for your overall well-being.  

Here's a great movie if you need to add some uplifting after a long work-week.  You'll have a good laugh boosting your immune system for the week ahead.

A man gets a very big surprise when he meets his prospective son-in-law in this comedy. Percy Jones (Bernie Mac) is the understandably proud father of Theresa (Zoe Saldana), a beautiful and intelligent young woman living in New York City. When Percy learns that his daughter is dating someone and things are getting serious, he decides to do some research, and learns that her beau is a solid businessman. Percy arranges to meet the young man, but is a bit taken aback when he comes face to face with Simon Green (Ashton Kutcher) -- Percy and his wife are African-American, and Simon is very, but very Caucasian. When it becomes clear that Simon and Theresa's relationship is likely altar-bound, Percy finds himself suddenly full of misgivings about the young man, especially since Simon tends to get rather clumsy when he's nervous. Guess Who was loosely adapted from the 1967 hit Guess Who's Coming to Dinner, though the race of the prospective father and son have been swapped, and the original film's comic undercurrent has been pushed to the forefront. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi