With added food and chemical sensitivities that mount each day, it was important to find an alcohol free version of Valerian root extract recently.  It seems that days and weeks can pass slightly uninterrupted, then, especially when high stress situations impact, the body becomes riddled in pain and life takes an abrupt halt.  Over the summer when cares seemed light years away, I had forgotten about my dear friend who got me through some tumultuous times of anxiety and late night awakenings.  I was accustomed to keeping a bottle near my bedside when I would wake, and only a few drops would send me back into quiet dream time.  But, lately as the usual fall stampeded visits, I've been plagued with pain and riddled with sleepless nights.  Sadly, with increased alcohol sensitivities I was on a quest to find this alcohol free version of Valerian Root Extract at my local health food store.

Once the product was secured and ingested I noticed an overall quieter effect on the nervous tingling and anxiety that promotes flare-ups with this illness.  I had no idea why I let my long lost friend go to the wasteland and allow sleepless nights to intervene once more.  By taking two drops intermittently, I was able to gauge the amount needed, in intervals, until my body rested again quietly. 

This bottle of bliss is a Godsend for those who are unable to take medications due to adverse effects on the system.  You can litterally begin with one drop, wait to feel the effect, and increase as needed until you reach your desired amount that works best for you. 

One the most well-known affects of valerian is its ability to promote sleep and aid with insomnia. Valerian is not an addictive substance and does not leave onefeeling tired and disoriented like some sleep aids.

Another health benefit of valerian is its ability to help alleviate the effects of stress and anxiety. Valerian has also proven useful in alleviating headaches, reducing pain, improving menstrual flow and cramps, and as an aid with symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). So, a drop or two during stressful days can aid in anxiety relief, also.

Overall, Valerian is relatively safe and does not appear to pose risks oftentimes associated with the use of sedatives or drugs. Few adverse effects have been reported; but as with any food or medicine, side effects can occur.

Possible Side Effects:
Possible side effects generally occur when from taking extraordinarily high amounts of valerian root. These side effects can include: nausea, headaches, dizziness, grogginess, and palpitations of the heart. Very high
dosages may also impair the liver and the central nervous system. Large doses can cause some people to feel depressed, nauseous and lethargic. 

I just had personal revelation I felt compelled to share.  My probiotic supplement ran out unexpectantly and due to ordering a bit late, I was without my morning supplement for almost a week.  For those who have sensitivities to medicines and food, you know full well that introducing even an old substance back into your dietary track can be tricky and cause uncomfortable side effects. 

I thought best to wait till the weekend when life is not too demanding to begin taking them with my usual full glass of water in the morning.   This would give my body time to adjust when Monday morning rolls around again.  What I found during that week delay was just short of amazing.  A few days into no supplementation, my body began to produce slight pains.  These pains were something I was unaccustomed to feeling these last few months.  As the week further progressed, I felt a heavy pressure in my chest and back, intermittently, throughout the day.  In fact, as the days rolled on, it became quite painful.  It felt as though I was coming down with a bronchial infection.  I could feel the heaviness of my own labored breathing as my body began fighting off a massive infection.  This was not fibro pain, this was the feeling of coming down with something only the flu season brings.

What follows next is just short of amazing.  I started the probiotic again right before the weekend ensued, and within a day began to feel symptoms subside.  I immediately felt uplifted and went about the last few days of my week with little symptoms left.  This may not surprise you, but there is recent research that links immune difeciency disorders to the gut.  Helping my body produce a natural defence against unhealthy bacteria seems natural.

"Probiotics are similar to live microorganisms that normally live in the human digestive tract. Intestinal bacteria are important in keeping the digestive system healthy  and working properly. When bacterial colonies are damaged, for example by  therapy with antibiotics, the result may be diarrhea or other digestive 
disorders. Eating foods rich in probiotics or taking supplements containing probiotics may help keep the gastrointestinal tract healthy and may provide protection from harmful bacteria, according to MayoClinic.com."  http://www.livestrong.com/article/281399-list-of-probiotics/#ixzz2BAOWX5Ry

Researchers  have assessed the fact that fibromyalgia is more common in women than men and suggested that the sex hormone estrogen is involved. However, few studies have proven this to be the cause. It also has been suggested that the lower levels of testosterone in women than in men is more likely involved since testosterone is involved in building muscle strength.

Yet, with most of our bodily systems connected to adequate hormone levels, I cease to see the validity here. Hormones are the chemical messengers in the body that travel the bloodstream to the organs and tissues. They slowly work and affect many of the body's processes over time. Endocrine glands, which are special groups of cells, make hormones.    Hormones are dominant and it only requires a small amount of them to cause significant changes throughout the body.  And everyone knows, as hormones decrease, so does optimal body function. 

Some of the symptoms experienced during hormone imbalance are shared by both male and female.  Some of the most commonly shared symptoms include fatigue, skin problems or acne, mood swings, weight problems, diminished sex drive, and no memory (fibro fog?). If the reactions become more severe then we run into actual hormone allergy where we find a group of more serious disorders. [3] The disorders include arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and anxiety attacks. The presence of urinary tract infections, increased dryness in the mouth, eyes, genitalia, or abnormal heartbeat can also be experienced. The majority of these symptoms are experienced due to menopause.

Hence with  recent research, I've implemented a hormone replacement cream.  I've noticed direct affects to my overall pain management.  I feel more alert, rested, less pain, and above all calmer.  Emerita makes a wonderful product that is easily applicable topically.  And for men, Dr.'s Testosterone Gel.  I've recently come in contact with several men who have been fibromyalgia diagnosed and recommended this gel for added benefits. 

Lately, since following this blog rigorously, I've been sleeping pretty soundly.  There is nothing better than a good night sleep to ease those pains associated with fibromyalgia. I can't stress enough that diet is a key factor in allowing the body the right tools to heal itself correctly.  At some point, I will offer the elimination diet I followed that began immediate healing from the onset.  But should those pains crop up at night, there is one trick I use if I am awakened with light to moderate aches.  I actually stumbled upon this by accident and found it allows a quick restful sleep upon chewing.

When my condition first arose, I was confronted with costochondritis.  Severe chest pains landed me a visit in the emergency room.  Doctors confirmed it to be a panic attack, but since I had no past anxiety disorders I was skeptical. For months following, I was afflicted with heart palpitations.  My primary care physician prompted me to take baby aspirin daily.  Well, after two months on a special diet, I noticed all heart palpitations were gone, and I had these baby aspirins still sitting on my night stand. One night, I woke up in joint ache pain, and instead of taking my usual Mobic, which caused me to fall back to sleep later, I thought why not try one of these aspirin I don't use anymore?  Well, I was shocked after chewing one!  It eased my pains, and I feel back to a sound sleep quickly!  I believe this is attributed to the mild affect of aspirin rather than being  bombarded with a heavier pain killer while my body trying to heal itself through sleep. 

Taking a baby aspirin seems logical as it offers a bit of mild relief, just enough to allow you to fall back to sleep again in record time.  If you are just having a bit of dull aches that disable you from geting a full night's rest, and your body dislikes those heavy pain pills you take, try this once. Those mild to moderate arthritic, deep in the muscle and ligament aches, that cause your mind unrest in the midmorning hours. 

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.

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!

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!