
Inflammation in the immune system responds to tissue injury or foreign invaders like viruses and bacteria. There is evidence for overall mild activation of the immune system in fibromyalgia. Several studies have found high levels of cytokines, chemical messengers of the immune system, in fibromyalgia. This suggests there is the presence of an actual inflammatory response.
Any foreign invader n the body such as a flu or virus is greeting by an army of immune system cells that release chemicals to regulate the process of inflammation. Others have anti-inflammatory detail. The inflammatory cytokines released during an immune response are what actually cause the fatigue and muscle aches experienced during any illness.
The inflammation in fibromyalgia comes from three different pathways that all start with the chronic activation of the fight-or-flight response. First, fascia is in a constant stage of inflammation as the body attempts to repair tissue damage. Second, sleep deprivation itself is known to result in elevated levels of immune cells and inflammatory chemicals such a cytokines. Finally, immune response can be triggered by foreign objects.
Foreign invaders can wreck havoc an an unsuspecting immune system. This can happen as food is broken down into smaller particles in the stomach. These tiny pieces are absorbed through the walls of the intestine into the blood stream. Absorption of nutrients primarily occurs through the cells of the small intestine that have special "doors" that open and shut to allow selected particles through and keep unwanted particles out.
Normally, only very small amounts of particles can slip between these doors of the intestinal walls. But sometimes, certain issues can cause the doors to open more frequently and this is known as "leaky gut syndrome". At this time bacteria, undigested proteins and fats, and other substances can enter the bloodstream and trigger an immune response just as any other foreign invader would receive during an illness. A recent study demonstrated that patients with fibromyalgia have "leakier" intestines that concerned health practitioners. In this study, fibromyalgia patients showed a much higher absorption of substances that normally should be too big too fit thorough the walls of the intestine. Actually the "doors" were allowing twice as many large particles through!
These substances when entering the blood stream can provoke an immune response just like any bacteria or virus. This is technically considered an allergy because it is an immune reaction to a normally harmless substance. In fact, allergic myalgia, delayed immune response, was noted in many patients who suffer from fibromyalgia. So not only can you ingest and not tolerate these substances, but you may not know the culprit since it could affect you hours or days after a meal. Sensitivities and allergies to such foods and chemicals can result in muscle aches, pain, and fatigue. By targeting the culprits you can save your own immune response and live an all-over healthier lifestyle.