Fibromyalgia & Chronic FatigueUnderstanding and evaluating nutritional factors in fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue

I had fibromyalgia/chronic fatigue syndrome (FM/CFS) and suffered with digestive problems, varying degrees of pain, anxiety, depression, etc., for more than 13 years. Every evening after work I was exhausted. Some days I wasn’t able to go to work. Now, I have been mostly symptom-free for more than three years and have lots of energy.

After trying the drug route, I researched non-drug solutions and found out many existed.

What helped even more was I learned about the yeast connection. I contacted The Great Plains Laboratory, Inc. and asked for a physician referral to do the testing. I did have a yeast overgrowth plus a bacterial infection in my gastrointestinal tract. I discovered I was sensitive to house dust, certain foods, molds, and chemicals. Also, I had hypothyroidism and some hormonal and mineral deficiencies.

Within a few weeks of starting treatment for the yeast and bacterial problems, I started feeling better than I had felt in years. I found out that eating organically grown foods and meats free of antibiotics and growth hormones is important. Also, vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplements played a role in my recovery.

If you are among the millions of people who suffer from these illnesses, remember there is hope. It isn’t the diagnosis that you should be concerned with, but rather the things you can change.

- Yvonne Keeny, Executive Director, Fibromyalgia Coalition International

Approximately one in 50 Americans are estimated to have fibromyalgia, or between 3 and 6 million people in the U.S.

- American College of Rheumatology

Evaluating the PatientThe integrative approach to evaluation and treatment of physical and psychological symptoms begins with identifying multiple underlying factors that may be responsible: digestion, inflammation, immune reactions, hormone levels, oxidative stress, toxicities, microbial infections, and the psychological and spiritual state of the individual.

What is Fibromyalgia?Fibromyalgia (FM) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by chronic fatigue, poor sleep, and intermittent muscle pain, particularly at “trigger points.” Other symptoms include cognitive and mood changes, digestive symptoms, food and chemical sensitivities, and chronic headaches.

What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)?

Chronic fatigue is a complex illness affecting the brain and multiple body systems. It is defined by incapacitating fatigue that is not relieved by rest and four or more of the following symptoms for at least six months: impaired short-term memory or concentration which significantly affects normal activities, sore throat, tender lymph nodes in the neck or underarms, muscle and joint pain, headaches, and general malaise following physical exertion that lasts more than 24 hours.[1]

1. Wong, C. (2013, August 1). Natural treatments for chronic fatigue syndrome. Retrieved from http://altmedicine.about.com/cs/conditionsatod/a/CFS.htm

Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue (FM/CFS)About two-thirds of people diagnosed with chronic fatigue also meet the diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia, and vice versa.[2] Patients with FM/CFS often have some or all of these overlapping medical issues: irritable bowel syndrome, multiple chemical sensitivities, Myofascial Pain Syndrome, depression, food sensitivities, yeast infections, celiac disease, lactose intolerance, sleep apnea, and restless leg syndrome.

2. Campbell, B., & The CFIDS & Fibromyalgia Self-Help Program. Overlapping and related conditions. Retrieved from http://www.c_ dsselfhelp.org/library/overlapping-and-relatedconditions

The Yeast Connection Chronic or recurrent yeast infections are common in FM/CFS sufferers. Certain yeast species are part of the normal organisms of the GI tract, but if allowed to overgrow, byproducts of yeast growth can contribute to the often vague symptoms that patients report. Measuring yeast metabolites or byproducts in urine as done in the Organic Acids Test (OAT) helps determine if dysbiosis (imbalanced GI flora) is a factor in the patient’s symptoms.

For example, tartaric acid is a structural analog of malic acid, a key intermediate in the Krebs cycle which extracts most of the energy from our food. Tartaric acid may be elevated as high as 50 times normal in adults with fibromyalgia and interfere with the Krebs cycle. Such interference may explain the fatigue and hypoglycemia seen in many FM patients, even though they may consume excessive sugar.

Factors that Contribute to Yeast OvergrowthUse of broad spectrum antibiotics and the high carbohydrate/low fiber content of the Western diet contribute to yeast overgrowth. The yeast problem can be treated with a combination of antifungal herbs or drugs, along with probiotics. Lowering the patient’s intake of sugars and simple carbohydrates also helps keep yeast under control.

In addition to the Krebs cycle and yeast metabolites, the OAT contains markers for bacterial overgrowth, and provides a snapshot of vitamin cofactor sufficiency, neurotransmitter levels,[3] excretion of toxic oxalates,[4] detoxification capacity, and several genetic markers.

Other Factors Contributing to Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue

Amino AcidsStudies confirm that fibromyalgia patients lack numerous essential amino acids.[5] Checking levels of amino acids is an integral part of any metabolic and nutritional evaluation. Amino acids play an important role in neurotransmitter functioning, cholesterol and carbohydrate metabolism, and inflammatory and detoxification processes. Low levels of amino acids can increase the susceptibility and risk of various diseases, complicate healing processes, and cause fatigue[6] and general discomfort.

3. Dantzer, R., et al. Inflammation-associated depression: from serotonin to kynurenine. 2011. Psychoneuroendocrinology 36((3):426-36. Epub 2010 Oct 30.

4. Cordero, M.D., et al. The role of oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of fibromyalgia. 2010. Neuro Endocrinology Letters31(2):169-173. - In most cases, mitochondrial morphologic alterations have been found in muscle biopsies from FM patients.

5. Bazzichi, L., et al. Altered amino acid homeostasis in subjects affected by fibromyalgia. 2009. Clin Bioche. 42(10-11):1064-70.

6. Boomershine, C.S., et al. Kynurenine pathway activity linked to fibromyalgia fatigue. 2009 - Increased KYN-p activity is associated with FM fatigue in humans and a murine model. IDO enzyme inhibition may be a novel method for treating FM fatigue.

C-Reactive Protein C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute phase (stress) protein that indicates systematic inflammation in response to infection or injury. In adults, CRP is an important marker in cardiovascular disease and rheumatoid arthritis. An elevation suggests a strong link between these conditions and bacterial or viral infection.

MetalsToxic metals, such as mercury, lead, aluminum, and cadmium can affect development, neurological functioning, and overall health. Test results frequently show high heavy metal levels coupled with low mineral levels in people with neurological disorders, chronic fatigue, and in apparently healthy individuals not feeling “at 100 percent.” Many symptoms of heavy metal poisoning are identical to symptoms of neurological and psychiatric disorders. Therefore, it is difficult to identify the cause of these disorders without appropriate laboratory testing.

IgG Food AllergiesIgG food allergies or sensitivities can often be a contributing factor to symptoms. IgG food reactions are often subtle and delayed, and the correlation between food and symptoms are typically missed. Food sensitivities can intensify pain levels and cause inflammation, fatigue, sleep issues, lack of focus, and sensitivity to light and noise.

In a study of fibromyalgia patients who underwent IgG Food Allergy testing and a subsequent 8 weeks of elimination of the offending foods, 63% of the participants indicated improved health and reduced symptoms compared to their pre-diet health status.[7]

7. Krause, M. (2005). IgG-mediated food allergy as trigger of fibromyalgia. (Doctoral dissertation)Retrieved from http://fooddetective.com.ve/images/ pdf/No_21_Krause_Paper.pdf

Vitamin D Indications for Vitamin D testing include: persistent and nonspecific musculoskeletal pain, signs of depression, and lack of energy.

The Great Plains Laboratory, Inc. | www.GPL4U.net

Further information on the effects of nutritional factors in fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue can be found online at www.GPL4U.net.

The Great Plains Laboratory, Inc. is a research-based clinical laboratory offering testing for nutritional factors in chronic illnesses such as autism, ADD, and fibromyalgia. We provide a variety of metabolic tests such as immune deficiency evaluation, amino acid, essential fatty acid, cholesterol levels, metal toxicity, hormones, and food allergy tests.

Our laboratory provides the most reliable, comprehensive, and understandable scientific results, using the latest technology and proven techniques.

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customerservice@GPL4U.com www.GPL4U.com

(913) 341-8949 Fax (913) 341-6207

Recommended testing for Fibromyalgia include: ■ Amino Acids Urine Test

■ C-Reactive Protein Test

■ Comprehensive Stool Analysis

■ Gluten/Casein Peptides Test

■ IgG Food Allergy Test w/ Candida

■ Metals Hair Test

■ Organic Acids Test

■ Vitamin D Test

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