Chiropractor Littleton Co | Herbal And Nutritional Aid For Fibromyalgia Sufferers

Fibromyalgia syndrome, or FMS, is a rheumatic disorder that is largely misdiagnosed as other disorders, since it shares symptoms with many. It not yet very well understood by doctors and scientists, as the exact cause is not known, although conjectures include possible origins in immunologic or brain chemistry abnormalities. This general lack of explanations and answers can be extremely frustrating for the estimated five to six million people in the U.S. alone who suffer from the condition.

What is Fibromyalgia? -

Females are more likely to develop FMS than males, and it frequently begins in young adulthood. Symptoms include PMS, anxiety, dizziness, heart palpitations, impaired coordination, an irritable bladder and/or bowel, memory impairment, skin sensitivity, and dry eyes and mouth.

The overall defining feature of the condition is chronic achy muscular pain with no readily apparent physical cause. Symptoms, namely the pain, usually come on gradually and steadily increase in severity. Some cases can clear up by themselves, some become chronic, and some go through cycles of flare-ups that alternate with periods of remission. Some cases are so severe that their sufferers actually become disabled.

Relief Through Herbs -

Since people with FMS typically have compromised immunity, astragalus and Echinacea supplements are important immune system enhancers. Teas brewed from burdock root, dandelion, and red clover also support immune function and promote healing by cleansing the bloodstream. You should combine or alternate these teas, and drink four to six cups a day.

Boswellia helps to relieve morning stiffness and joint pain, and white willow bark is also a good pain reliever. Calendula or rosemary oil, or a combination, diluted with an equivalent quantity of water or vegetable oil, can be massaged into the skin to provide pain relief as well, as can a topical solution of cayenne (capsicum) powder mixed with wintergreen oil.

To help alleviate other symptoms, ginkgo biloba will improve circulation and brain function, and kava kava decreases anxiety and elevates the mood. Since FMS sufferers are prone to all types of infections, parasitic included, black walnut and garlic help remove parasites from the system. Pau d'arco in tea or tablet form treats candida yeast infection (a frequent result of taking antibiotics without replenishing friendly, necessary bacteria with probiotics-thus providing room for yeast to grow). Skullcap and valerian root promote good sleep.

What to Eat -

Diet is also very important in controlling symptoms. Half of what you eat should be raw foods and fresh "live" juices; your diet as a whole should consist primarily of vegetables, fruits, whole grains (especially millet and brown rice), raw nuts and seeds, soy, skinless turkey or chicken, and deep-water fish. These foods contain nutrients necessary in energy renewal and building immunity.

Consume a lot of liquids to flush out toxins, mainly steam-distilled water, herbal teas, and fresh vegetable juices. Pomegranates and pomegranate juice have vital anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Four to five small meals daily will keep a steady stream of protein and carbohydrates available for proper muscle function. Regular moderate exercise (such as a daily walk followed by gentle stretching) is very important. Remember, you never have to be a slave to any disease!