The Lymphatic System is often misunderstood and under rated when diagnosing auto immune disorders such as fibromyalgia.  This system is closely related to the cardiovascular system, although its major function is as a defense mechanism.

Lymphatic System Properties:

* manufactures white blood cells generates antibodies

* manufactures white blood cells

* generates antibodies

* distributes fluids and nutrients

* drains excess fluids and proteins left behind by capillary circulation – preventing tissue swelling

*   is the inner excretory mechanism of the body – four times larger than the blood system

* provides the means for each cell to eliminate waste

Skin brushing gently stimulates lymphatic flow and overall detoxification. The skin, the largest organ of elimination and absorption, eliminates over one pound of waste per day. Dry skin brushing stimulates sweat glands and increases blood circulation to underlying organs and tissues.  When I brush, there is immediate relief, and those arthritis-type aches vanish for a good amount of time.  Be sure to drink lots of water after completing your skin brushing to remove excess toxic sticky mucoid substances that will be dumped into the colon for elimination.

Note: Use a natural bristle brush. Gently brush from the extremities to the center of the body. For a detailed diagram of skin brushing, refer to I was Poisoned by my body.




 

One of the most substantial benefits you can add to your daily regimen is to increase your day to day intake of water.  Fresh, filtered water expunged of impurities can make a remarkable difference in your overall health.  I've personally opted off bottled water due to unknown carcinogens in plastic and have adopted a stainless steel water bottle to house my drink. 

How does drinking considerable amount of water become a healthy source of Fibromyalgia Nutrition?  The body functions properly when it is replenished with sufficient  water and nutrition, this has been noted in fibromyalgia patients especially.  Every day you  lose water through your breath, perspiration, urine and bowel  movements.  Optimum re-hydration with water is  absolutely necessary for proper fibromyalgia nutrition. Water is pure liquid refreshment and accounts  for a large percentage of what makes each of us “human”. The average 150  lb. adult body contains 40 -50 quarts of water.  Almost 2/3rds of our  body weight is “water weight”.  Our blood is 83% water, muscles 75%, the  brain  74%, and bone is 22%.

So how much water should you be drinking each day?  Take your body weight and divide by two.  That is how many ounces of water you need daily to adequately flush your system, digest and  absorb vitamins and nutrients, and detoxify your liver and kidneys.

Increase water intake and notice the following benefits:

* Improve your energy

*Increase your mental and physical performance

*Remove toxins and waste products

*Keep skin healthy and glowing

*Help you lose weight

*Reduce headaches and dizziness

*Allow for proper digestion

*Help to keep you more alkaline

I suffer from medicine/supplement sensitivity.  Therefore, I must use great caution before incorporating a new supplement or vitamin into my daily regimen.  There are many great forms of supplements that aid fibromyalgia aches that have shown great relief for many patients.  But, I caution you, if you have noted issues with sensitivities, try the lowest does first, and see how your body reacts.  Your body is the best indicator of what it will and will not tolerate.

Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to fibromyalgia in some studies, so your  vitamin D status might play an important role in how the disease progresses. For  individuals who don't get enough of this valuable nutrient, improving vitamin D  status through treatment with supplemental vitamin D3 might offer some relief  from fibromyalgia symptoms.

Vitamin D3 is one of a few different forms of vitamin D. This fat-soluble vitamin can be  obtained via food or created when sunlight sets off a biochemical reaction in  the skin. The D3 form of the vitamin is created by animal cells, so food products such as beef liver, fatty fish, egg yolk and cheese are the only dietary sources of this form of vitamin D. Vitamin D2, the other main variant of  this vitamin, is produced by plants and mushrooms and can be extracted for use  in supplements.

Hence, if your wondering why sunbathing depletes your aches and mood patterns, you can see by increasing your Vitamin D3, you can increase your well-being.  If you do not live in a sunny climate, and are unable to sunbathe frequently, supplement with D3.  I personally do not take my D3 on the days I am lying in the sun for 20 minutes.

CoQ10 is a mitochondrial coenzyme used in cellular production.  Found in every cell of every living being, CoQ10 increases the effeciency of cellular energy production.  It is believed to have antioxidant and immune-enhancing qualities that act as free radical scavengers. The role of coenzymes is to break down food and convert it to energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which studies show is sometimes deficient in people with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Some fibromyalgia suffers have reported general improvement, cognitive improvement, increased energy levels, and increased muscle strength since implementing this viable supplement.  I, myself, noticed a great improvement since incorporating this into my daily diet regimen.

By this time you may have noticed increased relief from the pain and inflammation regarding your fibromyalgia symptoms if you've been incorporating useful ideas from this blog. The elimination of preservatives and additives are the first importance as research as shown the possibility of our systems being overloaded with toxicity from eating the foods that are advertised to keep us healthy. A regimented no preservative or additive diet can bring immense relief to many sufferers.

Further elimination of wheat and gluten may have been an additional added benefit to your diet routine. As many as 85% fibromyalgia patients have wheat or gluten sensitivities. Certain chemicals in the foods you eat may trigger the release of neurotransmitters that heighten this sensitivity. Although this diet can be rigorous, the added addition of pain-free days is well worth the effort. 

Another food you need to eliminate for two weeks  is dairy.  Many fibromyalgia sufferers have trouble digesting milk and dairy products. However, once you finish the elimination, you may find that raw dairy products, especially from grass fed organic sources, are well tolerated.  Be sure to take your Cal Mag supplements while doing this to ensure you meet your calcium, magnesium, and zinc requirements.  After two weeks, begin by adding one dairy product into your diet.  Eat this same dairy product for two days to ensure there are not reactions.  

Symptoms of Dairy Intolerance include:

* Gastro-intestinal: Diarrhea ; Constipation ; Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) ; Stomach bloating,

* Depression, feeling the 'blues',anxiety

* Weight gain - or unexplained weight loss

* Respiratory disorders like Coughing, Asthma, Bronchitis ; Snoring or Sleep Apnea

* Sinus pain and headache

* Chronic fatigue or lethargy or lack of motivation

* Skin disorders like Eczema ; Hives or unexplained rashes

* Stressed immune system: Ear infections, colds and 'flu, bronchitis, Yeast infections e.g. thrush

*  Joint aches/ Inflammation

If you note only some minor affects when reintroducing dairy, you may consume it on a rotation basis, once every three to four days. 
 
 

A banana a day aids in getting needed potassium requirements. Slip in one a day as your mid-morning snack and reap whole food benefits. Potassium decreases blood pressure, especially important when taking other supplements or medicines that decrease potassium, or if you happen to be affected by dehydration.

Fibromyalgia suffers know well the pain endured on a day to day basis. However if you are experiencing fatigue, and muscle spasms there maybe another reason. Potassium Deficiency or [Hypokalemia.] Potassium Deficiency is generally not caused by lack of nutrition. But deficiency can be caused by diarrhea or vomiting, and other medications such as high blood pressure, diuretics, and cortisones.

Those of us with Fibromyalgia already have excessive pain all over the body so when we get a spasm or two it's hard to believe it’s nothing other than our fibromyalgia. But, potassium deficiency if not treated, can lead to serious complications and affect the heart. Have a banana a day and help ward off such effects.

Potassium Deficiency Symptoms:

Dry Skin
Muscle Weakness
Slow Reflexes
Muscle Spasms
Heart Palpitations

In my daily regimen, I am sure to include two tablets of 500 mg of Vitamin C, once in the morning, and then later in the early evening. 

Vitamin C is beneficial in treating a number of chronic illnesses.  It enables numerous functions in the body, including immune enhancement and the maintenance of tissues and capillaries.  Dr. Kurt Meininger states, "There is now solid evidence that vitamin C, one of the primary antioxidants, is essential for optimal functioning of the immune system. It is vital to the health of white blood cells and their production of 
antibodies, as well as the manufacture of interferon which acts as an antiviral."

But don't stop there, be sure to include your Vitamin C enhanced delicious smoohtie in the afternoon.  Remember, building your immune system one step at a time is the aid to remission!

Change is inevitable on your trek with this new syndrome.  The signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia are diverse.  It is odd the way they can appear and fluctuate in severity depending on numerous factors, such as weather conditions, stress, level of physical activity, poor nutrition, hormone fluctuations, and even the time of the day.  These and other components, when combined with the many different symptoms can affect the complexity of the syndrome. 

Fibromyalgia is a complex syndrome, and its symptoms are complex as well.  Knowing what causes this would certainly make our journey easier.  But, advent research is on the horizon, and will soon develop more effective and sophisticated treatment plans.  Until then, there are many options to explore as seen here on this website that will make your life much easier. 

The good news is, by following many guidelines here, you may find improvement in your condition.  More importantly, it has been noted, that according to individuals who combine natural and appropriate medicinal support, you can actually find yourself in remission!  Take a moment and jot down which of the following symptoms you experience so that as you peruse this site you can find aded relief.

Fibromyalgia Symptoms:

Persistent muscle pain
Fatigue
Joint Pain
Sleep disturbances
Headache
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Fibro Fog
Confusion, impaired attention
Hypersensitivity to chemicals, allergens
Hypersensitivity to alcohol, medications
Mood swings, depression
Anxiety
Numbness or tingling sensations
Painful menstrual periods
Shortness of breath
Vision problems
Carpal tunnel syndrome like pains
Vision problems
Sensitivity to temperature changes
Chest pain like symptoms
Heart palpitations
Frequent infections
Weight changes - gain or loss

So what are you waiting for?  Dig into this site and regain your health!

Omega-3 fatty acids belong to a class of essential acids called polyunsaturated fats. The three most prevelant being: eicosapentaoenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Just about every cell in your body needs omege-3 and this key component keeps your cell membranes flexible allowing nutrients easy access which is important for your health.

The most important benefit for fibromyalgia patients is the ability these fatty acids have to reduce inflammation, and in the process, reduce pain.  Fatty acids are also known to reduce signs of depression.  Studies show that most people do not get enough omega-3's from their food.  Good omega-3 sources are found in:

tuna
salmon
sardines
flaxseed
walnuts
pumpkin seeds

To boost omega-3 intake, try adding ground flaxseed to your smoothies.  Making an afternoon smoothie can be beneficial in energizing your cells and repairing the oxidation damage to your muscles.  If ground flaxseed does not interest you, try adding supplements to your daily regiment.  When you shop for fish oil supplements, look for brands that are labeled free of toxins and mercury.

If you are experiencing digestive, intestinal symptoms, or UTI issues, probiotics may be of aid to
you. Probiotics are dietary supplements that contain beneficial bacteria. These microorganisms assist your body with the breakdown of food, absorption of nutrients, and improve various symptoms for fibromyalgia patients. 

Probiotics work by helping to restore a healthy balance of "good" versus "bad" bacteria.  Unfortunately, both beneficial and disease-causing bacteria can coexist in the intestinal tract.  You want to balance your favor to the "good" kind. Two of the most benefical bacteria are Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.  A typical dose is one to two billion CFUs per day, depending if you are treating a condition or maintaining overall health. 

I've noticed a direct correlation between various UTI infections I once experienced and the addition of a probiotic supplement to my diet.  Since taking the probiotic supplement, I've experienced no reoccurring UTI infections.  If you have medicinal sensitivities, you want to accrue all natural supplements that have no adverse effects on you.  The less stress your body experiences from ingested toxins, the healthier your day will be!