Duloxetine for the treatment of fibromyalgia in women: pooled results from two randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials.
Background:
To assess the efficacy (in particular, in pain, functional impairment, and quality of life) and safety and tolerability (incidence of adverse events, discontinuation rates, changes in laboratory findings, and vital signs) of duloxetine in female patients with fibromyalgia.
Methods: Data were pooled from two placebo-controlled clinical trials of similar design (randomized, 12-week, and double-blind), comparing duloxetine 60 mg a day (q.d.) or 60 mg twice daily (b.i.d.) (n = 326) with placebo (n = 212), in women who met the American College of Rheumatology criteria for primary fibromyalgia.
Results: Compared with the patients receiving placebo, duloxetine-treated female patients demonstrated a significantly greater improvement in the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) average pain severity score and in the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) total score, beginning at week 1 and continuing through week 12 (p < 0.001). Duloxetine was superior to placebo on all efficacy measures, including mean tender point threshold, Clinical Global Impression of Severity, Patient Global Impression of Improvement, and average interference from pain scores. The duloxetine-treated group was superior to placebo on all quality of life and functional measures, including each domain of the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 (SF-36). A direct treatment effect of duloxetine on pain reduction was demonstrated and shown to be independent of secondary improvement in mood (based on BPI average pain score). Significantly more duloxetine-treated patients reported treatment-emergent adverse events (296 [90.8%] duloxetine-treated and 165 [77.8%] placebo-treated, p < 0.001).
Rates of serious adverse events were similar between duloxetine-treated and placebo-treated patients.
Conclusions: The pooled results of these studies demonstrate that duloxetine is a safe and efficacious treatment for both the pain and functional impairment associated with fibromyalgia in female patients, while significantly improving quality of life.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Interesting study with Fibromyalgia in Children
Fibromyalgia syndrome in young children: onset at age 10 years and younger.
Eraso RM, Bradford NJ, Fontenot CN, Espinoza LR, Gedalia A.
Department of Pediatrics, LSU Health Sciences Center and Children's Hospital, New Orleans, USA.
OBJECTIVE:To report our experience of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) in young children with onset at age 10 years and younger as compared to older children.
METHODS:Clinical and laboratory data were reviewed in all patients that had been diagnosed with FMS between November 1994 and March 2003. Patients with onset above the of age 18 years, and patients with FMS and concomitant rheumatic diseases were excluded from this study. The study population included two groups: group "A", young children with onset at age 10 years and under and group "B", children with onset above 10 years old. A questionnaire was used at follow-up visits or by telephone interview to evaluate the outcome.
RESULTS:There were 148 children with the diagnosis of FMS (based on ACR criteria), of these 46 children in group A and 102 children in group B. The mean age at onset and mean age at diagnosis were 7.5 years and 10 years in group A, and 13.2 years and 14.5 years in B, respectively. The mean interval between the age of onset and the age at diagnosis was 32 months in group A, and 18 months in group B (p= 0.007). There was a predominance of female gender and Caucasian ethnicity in both groups. Diffuse aching was reported in all patients in both groups. Stiffness, subjective joint swelling, abdominal pain and initial presentation on wheelchair were found more frequently in group A, compared with group B (p= 0.03, 0.001, 0.01, 0.03 respectively). The mean count of tender points at diagnosis was higher in group A, compared with group B (15.3 vs. 14.2, p = 0.004). The differences of other clinical features and laboratory tests in both groups were not statistically significant. Thirty-six patients in group A (78%) and 83 in group B (81%) were available for one or more follow-up visits and/or telephone interview. The mean follow-up period was 14 months in group A, and 19 months in group B (p value = 0.3). There was no difference in the type of treatment or outcome in both groups.
CONCLUSION:FMS in young children of 10 years old and younger is frequently under-recognized. As compared with the older group, stiffness, subjective joint swelling, abdominal pain, initial presentation on wheelchair and a higher mean count of tender points at diagnosis were significantly more common in the younger age group. However, the type of medications used and outcome were similar in both groups. Prospective studies with large patient population are needed to clarify these findings.
PMID: 17888225
To see about natural treatments for kids or adults with fms visit http://www.ridfibromyalgia.com/.
Eraso RM, Bradford NJ, Fontenot CN, Espinoza LR, Gedalia A.
Department of Pediatrics, LSU Health Sciences Center and Children's Hospital, New Orleans, USA.
OBJECTIVE:To report our experience of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) in young children with onset at age 10 years and younger as compared to older children.
METHODS:Clinical and laboratory data were reviewed in all patients that had been diagnosed with FMS between November 1994 and March 2003. Patients with onset above the of age 18 years, and patients with FMS and concomitant rheumatic diseases were excluded from this study. The study population included two groups: group "A", young children with onset at age 10 years and under and group "B", children with onset above 10 years old. A questionnaire was used at follow-up visits or by telephone interview to evaluate the outcome.
RESULTS:There were 148 children with the diagnosis of FMS (based on ACR criteria), of these 46 children in group A and 102 children in group B. The mean age at onset and mean age at diagnosis were 7.5 years and 10 years in group A, and 13.2 years and 14.5 years in B, respectively. The mean interval between the age of onset and the age at diagnosis was 32 months in group A, and 18 months in group B (p= 0.007). There was a predominance of female gender and Caucasian ethnicity in both groups. Diffuse aching was reported in all patients in both groups. Stiffness, subjective joint swelling, abdominal pain and initial presentation on wheelchair were found more frequently in group A, compared with group B (p= 0.03, 0.001, 0.01, 0.03 respectively). The mean count of tender points at diagnosis was higher in group A, compared with group B (15.3 vs. 14.2, p = 0.004). The differences of other clinical features and laboratory tests in both groups were not statistically significant. Thirty-six patients in group A (78%) and 83 in group B (81%) were available for one or more follow-up visits and/or telephone interview. The mean follow-up period was 14 months in group A, and 19 months in group B (p value = 0.3). There was no difference in the type of treatment or outcome in both groups.
CONCLUSION:FMS in young children of 10 years old and younger is frequently under-recognized. As compared with the older group, stiffness, subjective joint swelling, abdominal pain, initial presentation on wheelchair and a higher mean count of tender points at diagnosis were significantly more common in the younger age group. However, the type of medications used and outcome were similar in both groups. Prospective studies with large patient population are needed to clarify these findings.
PMID: 17888225
To see about natural treatments for kids or adults with fms visit http://www.ridfibromyalgia.com/.
Friday, September 21, 2007
We were number 1 in google!
Rid Fibromyalgia Offers Hope with Alternative Fibromyalgia Treatment
Many that suffer from this illness have resigned themselves to living in pain, unable to get out of bed and live life the way they want. Rid Fibromyalgia offers a fibromyalgia treatment that is different and all inclusive to get sufferers moving again.
Clearfield, Utah (PRWEB) September 21, 2007 -- Rid Fibromyalgia (http://www.ridfibromyalgia.com) is proud to announce that they have an alternative fibromyalgia treatment that works to get sufferers of this illness moving again. Many who suffer from fibromyalgia believe after years of suffering and treatments that don't work that there simply is no hope for them to lead a normal life again. The website, and treatment plan, was created by a sufferer of the illness who made a change in her own life and wants to share it with others.
The problem with fibromyalgia is that every doctor treats it differently, some suggesting that those that suffer simply need to triumph psychologically to feel better. This can be frustrating and defeating to those that have the illness. Many people who have been to numerous doctors for help have been given one medication after another, with no relief. Many times there is no relief from the medications because they don't treat the problem, they simply try to mask the symptoms.
Rid Fibromyalgia has a different idea, one that gets to the root of the problem, treating the pain at its source. This program can be found in their "Heal Your Body" eBook that is offered on the website and includes a regimen of diet and safe exercises, acupuncture for pain relief, vitamins and supplements to help the body heal, and even a list of medications that you may want to try and which ones you may want to steer clear of. As you can see, this is a comprehensive fibromyalgia treatment that aims to heal the body, not just mask the symptoms.
Many sufferers of this painful illness have found relief through this alternative treatment. One satisfied customer said of the program, "Pain had been keeping me from doing the things I love: Roller-blading, going to park with my kids, and being able to get out of bed in the mornings. My anxiety levels were horrible, I was afraid to go out sometimes, now I feel like I have a life again. Some of the system was difficult, but well worth it. The detox and rejuvenation part of the system really worked. Thanks, I am going to help others now lead a healthy life."
For more information visit: http://www.ridfibromyalgia.com
About Rid Fibromyalgia:Rid Fibromyalgia (http://www.ridfibromyalgia.com) was founded in 2006 in Syracuse, Utah, and has emerged as one of the industry leaders in providing effective natural treatments for Fibromyalgia. The Heal Your Body system is innovative and provides real relief to the pain and fatigue and other symptoms of Fibromyalgia. Hailey Harris, CEO of Ridfibromyalgia, helps others use the same natural treatments she used to beat her fibromyalgia. Ridfibromyalgia.com provides a free newsletter with healing tips, information and strategies to completely eliminate the symptoms of fibromyalgia.
(An http://IPRWire.com Press Release)
Contact Info:Name: Hailey HarrisAddress: P.O. Box 160266City: ClearfieldState: UtahCountry: United StatesZip: 84016
Many that suffer from this illness have resigned themselves to living in pain, unable to get out of bed and live life the way they want. Rid Fibromyalgia offers a fibromyalgia treatment that is different and all inclusive to get sufferers moving again.
Clearfield, Utah (PRWEB) September 21, 2007 -- Rid Fibromyalgia (http://www.ridfibromyalgia.com) is proud to announce that they have an alternative fibromyalgia treatment that works to get sufferers of this illness moving again. Many who suffer from fibromyalgia believe after years of suffering and treatments that don't work that there simply is no hope for them to lead a normal life again. The website, and treatment plan, was created by a sufferer of the illness who made a change in her own life and wants to share it with others.
The problem with fibromyalgia is that every doctor treats it differently, some suggesting that those that suffer simply need to triumph psychologically to feel better. This can be frustrating and defeating to those that have the illness. Many people who have been to numerous doctors for help have been given one medication after another, with no relief. Many times there is no relief from the medications because they don't treat the problem, they simply try to mask the symptoms.
Rid Fibromyalgia has a different idea, one that gets to the root of the problem, treating the pain at its source. This program can be found in their "Heal Your Body" eBook that is offered on the website and includes a regimen of diet and safe exercises, acupuncture for pain relief, vitamins and supplements to help the body heal, and even a list of medications that you may want to try and which ones you may want to steer clear of. As you can see, this is a comprehensive fibromyalgia treatment that aims to heal the body, not just mask the symptoms.
Many sufferers of this painful illness have found relief through this alternative treatment. One satisfied customer said of the program, "Pain had been keeping me from doing the things I love: Roller-blading, going to park with my kids, and being able to get out of bed in the mornings. My anxiety levels were horrible, I was afraid to go out sometimes, now I feel like I have a life again. Some of the system was difficult, but well worth it. The detox and rejuvenation part of the system really worked. Thanks, I am going to help others now lead a healthy life."
For more information visit: http://www.ridfibromyalgia.com
About Rid Fibromyalgia:Rid Fibromyalgia (http://www.ridfibromyalgia.com) was founded in 2006 in Syracuse, Utah, and has emerged as one of the industry leaders in providing effective natural treatments for Fibromyalgia. The Heal Your Body system is innovative and provides real relief to the pain and fatigue and other symptoms of Fibromyalgia. Hailey Harris, CEO of Ridfibromyalgia, helps others use the same natural treatments she used to beat her fibromyalgia. Ridfibromyalgia.com provides a free newsletter with healing tips, information and strategies to completely eliminate the symptoms of fibromyalgia.
(An http://IPRWire.com Press Release)
Contact Info:Name: Hailey HarrisAddress: P.O. Box 160266City: ClearfieldState: UtahCountry: United StatesZip: 84016
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Fibromyalgia and Digestive Problems
Fibromyalgia and Digestive Problems
Eating is one of the most enjoyable pleasures in life, yet for Fibromyalgia sufferers this is not always true. Poor guts and eating habits can lead to major gut problems, especially in those suffering from Fibromyalgia. Keeping your body in balance through healthy eating and exercising is important for fibromyalgia sufferers. Being attentive to your body will help fibromyalgia sufferers deal with the common symptoms and digestive problems that plague these sufferers.
A good, healthful, balanced diet is a key factor for helping the digestive tract for fibromyalgia sufferers. Digestion problems such as constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, ibs, and other horrible bowel problems are common. We all have different foods that we should avoid and different nutritional requirements for optimal health. However, there are a few things you can do right now to help you with your digestive problems.
Eating a variety of fresh foods keeps us supplied with vitamins and minerals and essential fats that we need to keep our health. Knowing what our bodies need and what our bodies don’t need is a key factor in how well our digestive systems help us.
So let’s take a look at some general advice that can help sufferers of fibromyalgia deal better with their digestive systems.
First, eat slowly. I know this sounds like your mother but eating slowly and chewing your food well is the first step to good digestion. Your digestive system begins with your mouth and ends, you know, at the end. So having the proper start, by chewing your food thoroughly, helps you on the right path. This gets the proper digestive enzymes going so that processing your food happens correctly.
Second, if constipation is something you struggle with, make sure you are getting enough fluids. Water is a wonderful remedy to constipation and making sure you get enough can help more than you think. On average, a person should drink half their body weight in ounces. For instance, if you weigh 100 pounds, you should drink approximately 50 ounces of water daily.
Third, eating at regular hours facilitates digestion because the digestive system gets used to working at regular times and is more efficient. Efficiency is key to good digestive systems. If your system is sluggish you may have more health problems. Keeping it tuned up will help rid your body of toxins that may contribute to your fibromyalgia symptoms.
Next, your lifestyle can have a major impact on your digestive system. It is really easy to
Lifestyle affects on eating habits and digestion system Never in history has it been so easy to find food, yet it is so difficult to eat right. Many suffer from eating or digestive disorders mainly because of poor eating habits. The rush of modern times has driven many of use to eat too fast, too much, and at irregular hours—often in a stressful environment. Additionally relieving stress often improves digestive symptoms. Stress can manifest itself through the digestive system in the form of symptoms or “signals” like canker sores and / or heartburn. Recognizing and listening to important signals from our digestive system When the body begins to become off balance, we often know it through our digestive system: mouth, stomach, intestine, liver. Staying healthy means being attentive to the signs our body sends us. Homeopathic medicines are a safe and reliable option to restore our balance before the situation worsens, and should be taken at the first sign of symptoms. The homeopathic approach of treating illness is based on the understanding that symptoms are an expression of the body’s attempt to correct an imbalance. Because they work with the body instead of directly suppressing symptoms, patients and physicians are able to detect and respond faster should a more serious condition arise. In the case of stomach pain, the body is alerting us that something is wrong. Pain can be a sign of a serious condition, which could lead to the formation of an ulcer or other conditions requiring a physician’s care. A painkiller will mask the pain without treating the underlying disorder. Since homeopathic medicines do not mask symptoms, a physician will know if another problem is present and be able to treat it.
Eating is one of the most enjoyable pleasures in life, yet for Fibromyalgia sufferers this is not always true. Poor guts and eating habits can lead to major gut problems, especially in those suffering from Fibromyalgia. Keeping your body in balance through healthy eating and exercising is important for fibromyalgia sufferers. Being attentive to your body will help fibromyalgia sufferers deal with the common symptoms and digestive problems that plague these sufferers.
A good, healthful, balanced diet is a key factor for helping the digestive tract for fibromyalgia sufferers. Digestion problems such as constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, ibs, and other horrible bowel problems are common. We all have different foods that we should avoid and different nutritional requirements for optimal health. However, there are a few things you can do right now to help you with your digestive problems.
Eating a variety of fresh foods keeps us supplied with vitamins and minerals and essential fats that we need to keep our health. Knowing what our bodies need and what our bodies don’t need is a key factor in how well our digestive systems help us.
So let’s take a look at some general advice that can help sufferers of fibromyalgia deal better with their digestive systems.
First, eat slowly. I know this sounds like your mother but eating slowly and chewing your food well is the first step to good digestion. Your digestive system begins with your mouth and ends, you know, at the end. So having the proper start, by chewing your food thoroughly, helps you on the right path. This gets the proper digestive enzymes going so that processing your food happens correctly.
Second, if constipation is something you struggle with, make sure you are getting enough fluids. Water is a wonderful remedy to constipation and making sure you get enough can help more than you think. On average, a person should drink half their body weight in ounces. For instance, if you weigh 100 pounds, you should drink approximately 50 ounces of water daily.
Third, eating at regular hours facilitates digestion because the digestive system gets used to working at regular times and is more efficient. Efficiency is key to good digestive systems. If your system is sluggish you may have more health problems. Keeping it tuned up will help rid your body of toxins that may contribute to your fibromyalgia symptoms.
Next, your lifestyle can have a major impact on your digestive system. It is really easy to
Lifestyle affects on eating habits and digestion system Never in history has it been so easy to find food, yet it is so difficult to eat right. Many suffer from eating or digestive disorders mainly because of poor eating habits. The rush of modern times has driven many of use to eat too fast, too much, and at irregular hours—often in a stressful environment. Additionally relieving stress often improves digestive symptoms. Stress can manifest itself through the digestive system in the form of symptoms or “signals” like canker sores and / or heartburn. Recognizing and listening to important signals from our digestive system When the body begins to become off balance, we often know it through our digestive system: mouth, stomach, intestine, liver. Staying healthy means being attentive to the signs our body sends us. Homeopathic medicines are a safe and reliable option to restore our balance before the situation worsens, and should be taken at the first sign of symptoms. The homeopathic approach of treating illness is based on the understanding that symptoms are an expression of the body’s attempt to correct an imbalance. Because they work with the body instead of directly suppressing symptoms, patients and physicians are able to detect and respond faster should a more serious condition arise. In the case of stomach pain, the body is alerting us that something is wrong. Pain can be a sign of a serious condition, which could lead to the formation of an ulcer or other conditions requiring a physician’s care. A painkiller will mask the pain without treating the underlying disorder. Since homeopathic medicines do not mask symptoms, a physician will know if another problem is present and be able to treat it.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
University of Pisa Study On Fibromyalgia and Thyroid Abnormalities
Bazzichi L, Rossi A, Giuliano T, De Feo F, Giacomelli C, Consensi A, Ciapparelli A, Consoli G, Dell'osso L, Bombardieri S.
Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine
University of Pisa, Via Roma, 67, 56100, Pisa, Italy
Our objectives were to investigate thyroid abnormalities and autoimmunity in 120 patients affected by fibromyalgia (FM) and to study their relationships with clinical data and symptoms.
Thyroid assessment by means of antithyroglobulin antibodies, antithyroid peroxidase antibodies, free triiodo-thyronine, free thyroxine, and thyroid stimulating hormone analyses was carried out.
The clinical parameters "Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire", pain, tender points, fatigue, and other symptoms, and the presence of depression or anxiety disorders were evaluated.
The basal thyroid hormone levels of FM patients were in the normal range, while 41% of the patients had at least one thyroid antibody.
Patients with thyroid autoimmunity showed a higher percentage of dry eyes, burning, or pain with urination, allodynia, blurred vision, and sore throat.
Correlations found between thyroid autoimmunity and age or with the presence of depression or anxiety disorders were not significant.
However, in the cohort of post-menopausal patients, the frequency of thyroid autoimmunity was higher with respect to pre-menopausal patients.
In conclusion, autoimmune thyroiditis is present in an elevated percentage of FM patients, and it has been associated with the presence of typical symptoms of the disease.
PMID: 16790074
Arthritis Research & Therapy 2006 Published 21 June 2006
Alteration of Serotonin Transporter Density and Activity in Fibromyalgia
Laura Bazzichi , Gino Giannaccini , Laura Betti , Giovanni Mascia , Laura Fabbrini , Paola Italiani , Francesca De Feo , Tiziana Giuliano , Camillo Giacomelli , Alessandra Rossi , Antonio Lucacchini and Stefano Bombardieri
Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Psychiatry, Neurobiology, Pharmacology and Biotechnology,
University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126, Pisa, Italy
Abstract
The aim of the study was to evaluate the kinetic parameters of a specific serotonin transporter (SERT) and serotonin uptake in a mentally healthy subset of patients with fibromyalgia.
Platelets were obtained from 40 patients and 38 healthy controls.
SERT expression and functionality were evaluated through the measurement of [3H]paroxetine binding and the [3H]serotonin uptake itself.
The values of maximal membrane binding capacity (Bmax) were statistically lower in the patients than in the healthy volunteers, whereas the dissociation constant (Kd) did not show any statistically significant variations.
Moreover, a decrease in the maximal uptake rate of SERT (Vmax) was demonstrated in the platelets of patients, whereas the Michaelis constant (Km) did not show any statistically significant variations.
Symptom severity score (tiredness, tender points index and Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire) were negatively correlated with Bmax and with Vmax, and positively correlated with Km.
A change in SERT seems to occur in fibromyalgic patients, and it seems to be related to the severity of fibromyalgic symptoms.
Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine
University of Pisa, Via Roma, 67, 56100, Pisa, Italy
Our objectives were to investigate thyroid abnormalities and autoimmunity in 120 patients affected by fibromyalgia (FM) and to study their relationships with clinical data and symptoms.
Thyroid assessment by means of antithyroglobulin antibodies, antithyroid peroxidase antibodies, free triiodo-thyronine, free thyroxine, and thyroid stimulating hormone analyses was carried out.
The clinical parameters "Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire", pain, tender points, fatigue, and other symptoms, and the presence of depression or anxiety disorders were evaluated.
The basal thyroid hormone levels of FM patients were in the normal range, while 41% of the patients had at least one thyroid antibody.
Patients with thyroid autoimmunity showed a higher percentage of dry eyes, burning, or pain with urination, allodynia, blurred vision, and sore throat.
Correlations found between thyroid autoimmunity and age or with the presence of depression or anxiety disorders were not significant.
However, in the cohort of post-menopausal patients, the frequency of thyroid autoimmunity was higher with respect to pre-menopausal patients.
In conclusion, autoimmune thyroiditis is present in an elevated percentage of FM patients, and it has been associated with the presence of typical symptoms of the disease.
PMID: 16790074
Arthritis Research & Therapy 2006 Published 21 June 2006
Alteration of Serotonin Transporter Density and Activity in Fibromyalgia
Laura Bazzichi , Gino Giannaccini , Laura Betti , Giovanni Mascia , Laura Fabbrini , Paola Italiani , Francesca De Feo , Tiziana Giuliano , Camillo Giacomelli , Alessandra Rossi , Antonio Lucacchini and Stefano Bombardieri
Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Psychiatry, Neurobiology, Pharmacology and Biotechnology,
University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126, Pisa, Italy
Abstract
The aim of the study was to evaluate the kinetic parameters of a specific serotonin transporter (SERT) and serotonin uptake in a mentally healthy subset of patients with fibromyalgia.
Platelets were obtained from 40 patients and 38 healthy controls.
SERT expression and functionality were evaluated through the measurement of [3H]paroxetine binding and the [3H]serotonin uptake itself.
The values of maximal membrane binding capacity (Bmax) were statistically lower in the patients than in the healthy volunteers, whereas the dissociation constant (Kd) did not show any statistically significant variations.
Moreover, a decrease in the maximal uptake rate of SERT (Vmax) was demonstrated in the platelets of patients, whereas the Michaelis constant (Km) did not show any statistically significant variations.
Symptom severity score (tiredness, tender points index and Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire) were negatively correlated with Bmax and with Vmax, and positively correlated with Km.
A change in SERT seems to occur in fibromyalgic patients, and it seems to be related to the severity of fibromyalgic symptoms.
Monday, July 16, 2007
Would this Help Fibromyalgia Sufferers With Brain Fog??
I found this little study and thought it was interesting in that maybe this would help with brain fog. We talk about daily meditation in our fibromyalgia ebook. There are many fibromyalgia symptoms that meditation can help with. Let us know if you have tried meditation and your results at info@ridfibromyalgia.com.
Improve Your Concentration
Researchers have found that even short periods of daily meditation can improve both focus and performance.
Subjects in a study were split into two categories. The first, consisting of those new to meditation, underwent an eight-week course including 30 minutes of daily meditation.
The second group, which was composed of those already experienced with meditation, attended a full-time, one month retreat.
Even for those completely new to the practice, meditation improved performance and the ability to focus attention. Their scores on tests measuring cognitive function improved after only a few weeks.
Throughout, participants took computer tests that measured response speeds and accuracy. At the beginning of the study, those who were experienced in meditation demonstrated better voluntary focus, task management, and goal setting skills.
But after completing the eight-week course, those who were new to meditation showed greater improvement in focusing their attention.University of Pennsylvania May 9, 2007Science Daily June 26, 2007
Improve Your Concentration
Researchers have found that even short periods of daily meditation can improve both focus and performance.
Subjects in a study were split into two categories. The first, consisting of those new to meditation, underwent an eight-week course including 30 minutes of daily meditation.
The second group, which was composed of those already experienced with meditation, attended a full-time, one month retreat.
Even for those completely new to the practice, meditation improved performance and the ability to focus attention. Their scores on tests measuring cognitive function improved after only a few weeks.
Throughout, participants took computer tests that measured response speeds and accuracy. At the beginning of the study, those who were experienced in meditation demonstrated better voluntary focus, task management, and goal setting skills.
But after completing the eight-week course, those who were new to meditation showed greater improvement in focusing their attention.University of Pennsylvania May 9, 2007Science Daily June 26, 2007
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Disability, Hope or No Hope
Found this comment about fibromyalgia and disability. Have you had any luck with getting disability? Let me know of your comments.
"At the moment, there is no entry in Social Security Disability 's Listing of Impairments manual for the condition known as Fibromyalgia, also known as fibromyositis and Myofacial Pain Syndrome (The disability listing's, of course, provide the approval criteria for a number of different impairments ranging from amputations to seizure disorder). Nevertheless, many claimants with fibromyalgia apply for disability, and many go on to win their cases. For this reason, the fibromyalgia disability claimant who's been denied should not give up on their case. Instead, they should pursue their disability claim through the appeals process, keeping in mind how the Social Security Administration views this particular impairment."
For more info on how to gain disability, visit www.ridfibromyalgia.com/how.html.
"At the moment, there is no entry in Social Security Disability 's Listing of Impairments manual for the condition known as Fibromyalgia, also known as fibromyositis and Myofacial Pain Syndrome (The disability listing's, of course, provide the approval criteria for a number of different impairments ranging from amputations to seizure disorder). Nevertheless, many claimants with fibromyalgia apply for disability, and many go on to win their cases. For this reason, the fibromyalgia disability claimant who's been denied should not give up on their case. Instead, they should pursue their disability claim through the appeals process, keeping in mind how the Social Security Administration views this particular impairment."
For more info on how to gain disability, visit www.ridfibromyalgia.com/how.html.
Monday, July 9, 2007
Findings offer new theraputic perspective in Fibromyalgia Sufferers
This data was posted on pub med as a study that may have implications for better treatment down the road for fibromyalgia patients. Yeah! Until then, check out http://www.ridfibromyalgia.com/.
All data obtained in experimental animal pain models support the role of nerve growth factor (NGF) as a putative candidate intervening in the pathogenesis of chronic pain, including chronic daily headache (CDH). Few studies have been carried out to establish its role in maintaining pain states in humans. The present study was aimed at investigating cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of NGF and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), both measured by sensitive immunoassay, in 20 chronic migraine (CM) patients and 20 patients affected by primary fibromyalgia syndrome (PFMS), compared with those of 20 age-matched control subjects. Significantly higher levels of both neurotrophins and glutamate were found. A significantly positive correlation emerged between CSF values of BDNF and those of NGF (r = .61, P < .001; r = .53, P < .01) and glutamate (r = .44, P < .02; r = .51, P < .01) in CM and PFMS patients, respectively. These findings suggest the possibility of a NGF-mediated up-regulation of BDNF involved in the pathophysiological events underlying long-term neuroplastic changes in persistent chronic painful conditions, such as CM and fibromyalgia. NGF might indirectly exert its effect through enhancing glutamatergic transmission via BDNF. The above mechanisms could account for sustained central sensitization in both chronic pain states. PERSPECTIVE: This article presents findings of higher NGF and BDNF levels correlated to increased glutamate levels in the CSF of both chronic migraine and fibromyalgia patients. This opens new insights into the pathogenic mechanisms of chronic pain and offers clinicians new therapeutic perspectives targeting the above mechanisms in both painful disorders.
All data obtained in experimental animal pain models support the role of nerve growth factor (NGF) as a putative candidate intervening in the pathogenesis of chronic pain, including chronic daily headache (CDH). Few studies have been carried out to establish its role in maintaining pain states in humans. The present study was aimed at investigating cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of NGF and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), both measured by sensitive immunoassay, in 20 chronic migraine (CM) patients and 20 patients affected by primary fibromyalgia syndrome (PFMS), compared with those of 20 age-matched control subjects. Significantly higher levels of both neurotrophins and glutamate were found. A significantly positive correlation emerged between CSF values of BDNF and those of NGF (r = .61, P < .001; r = .53, P < .01) and glutamate (r = .44, P < .02; r = .51, P < .01) in CM and PFMS patients, respectively. These findings suggest the possibility of a NGF-mediated up-regulation of BDNF involved in the pathophysiological events underlying long-term neuroplastic changes in persistent chronic painful conditions, such as CM and fibromyalgia. NGF might indirectly exert its effect through enhancing glutamatergic transmission via BDNF. The above mechanisms could account for sustained central sensitization in both chronic pain states. PERSPECTIVE: This article presents findings of higher NGF and BDNF levels correlated to increased glutamate levels in the CSF of both chronic migraine and fibromyalgia patients. This opens new insights into the pathogenic mechanisms of chronic pain and offers clinicians new therapeutic perspectives targeting the above mechanisms in both painful disorders.
Friday, June 29, 2007
New Drug Approved for Fibromyalgia
On June 21, 2007 the FDA approved the first medication to specifically treat Fibromyalgia symptoms. Lyrica has been approved for use in adults only.The drug, marketed by Pfizer, was previously approved for the management of post-herpetic neuralgia, diabetic peripheral neuropathy,and as an additional therapy for adults with partial onset seizures. Lyrica has been found to reduce pain and improve function in Fibromyalgia sufferers, exactly how Lyrica works is unknown at this time.The effectiveness of the drug, for Fibromyalgia treatment, was established by two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials that involved 1,800 people. Participants given doses of 300 mg or 450 mg per day experienced a lessening of their symptoms, some as early as the first week of treatment. When patients stopped taking the drug their fibromyalgia symptoms worsened. There were some side effects reported during clinical trials for patients taking Lyrica compared to placebo, I do not have numbers at this time to tell us just how many patients, out of the 1,800 experienced side effects. According to Pfizer,some common side effects reported included: dizziness drowsiness dry mouth edema blurred vision weight gain swelling of hands and feet constipation exaggerated feeling of happiness or wellness balance disorder increased appetite difficulty with concentration/attention Some other things I have found out about this drug: Pfizer will began clinical trials on the use of Lyrica in children and young adults, under the age of 18. No studies have been conducted on the use of Lyrica if you are pregnant, breast feeding or plan to become pregnant. Men planning on having children should consider the benefits vs. the risk of taking Lyrica as there may be an increased risk of birth defects. As always, inform your doctors of ALL medications you may be taking as Lyrica may interact with other medications or substances. Some possible interactions are: ~ Diabetes medications ~ Codeine ~ MS Contin ~ Morphine ~ Tricyclic antidepressants ~ Alcohol ~ Antihistamines ~ Barbiturates ~ Parkinson's medications, ~ Ativan,Xanax and Valium. Sources: New Fibromyalgia Drug Approved. June 22, 2007 . FDA Approves First Drug for Treating Fibromyalgia. FDA. June 21, 2007. . Living with Fibromyalgia, First Drug Approved. FDA Consumer Update. June 21, 2007. . Lyrica Website. June 25,2007. .
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
More Hope on the way for Fibromyalgia Sufferers?
*Note by Hailey, this article was copyrighted by UPI, I looked for the copyright rules and don't know if I can publish this following the rules, so I may take this article off. I am continuing to research the rights of this one.
Gabapentin may treat fibromyalgia pain
CINCINNATI, June 11 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists say the anticonvulsant medication gabapentin might be effective in treating pain and other symptoms arising from fibromyalgia.
The results stem from a randomized, double-blind study of 150 women and men with the condition, sponsored by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.
Dr. Lesley Arnold, director of the Women's Health Research Program at the University of Cincinnati's College of Medicine, and her colleagues found those taking gabapentin at dosages of 1,200 to 2,400 mg daily for 12 weeks displayed significantly less pain than those taking placebo.
Patients taking gabapentin also reported significantly better sleep and less fatigue.
"While gabapentin does not have Food and Drug Administration approval for fibromyalgia, I believe this study offers additional insight to physicians considering the drug for their fibromyalgia patients," said Dr. Stephen Katz, NIAMS director.
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by chronic, widespread muscle pain and tenderness, and is frequently accompanied by fatigue, insomnia, depression, and anxiety. It affects 3 million to 6 million Americans, mostly women, and can be disabling.
The research appeared in the journal Arthritis & Rheumatism.
Copyright 2007 by United Press International. All Rights Reserved.
Gabapentin may treat fibromyalgia pain
CINCINNATI, June 11 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists say the anticonvulsant medication gabapentin might be effective in treating pain and other symptoms arising from fibromyalgia.
The results stem from a randomized, double-blind study of 150 women and men with the condition, sponsored by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.
Dr. Lesley Arnold, director of the Women's Health Research Program at the University of Cincinnati's College of Medicine, and her colleagues found those taking gabapentin at dosages of 1,200 to 2,400 mg daily for 12 weeks displayed significantly less pain than those taking placebo.
Patients taking gabapentin also reported significantly better sleep and less fatigue.
"While gabapentin does not have Food and Drug Administration approval for fibromyalgia, I believe this study offers additional insight to physicians considering the drug for their fibromyalgia patients," said Dr. Stephen Katz, NIAMS director.
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by chronic, widespread muscle pain and tenderness, and is frequently accompanied by fatigue, insomnia, depression, and anxiety. It affects 3 million to 6 million Americans, mostly women, and can be disabling.
The research appeared in the journal Arthritis & Rheumatism.
Copyright 2007 by United Press International. All Rights Reserved.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Interesting Article on Exercise and Fibromyalgia
Working past the pain For Kim Collett, the burn of exercise trumps the fire of fibromyalgia CHRISTINE HENNEBURY Special to The TelegramA lot of people head to the gym to get fit or to lose weight, but Kim Collett goes for a different reason: to help control the pain associated with fibromyalgia. “My goal is to reduce my medication and to do day-to-day tasks without much pain,” she said. Fibromyalgia is a syndrome that causes chronic pain in a person’s muscles, ligaments and tendons and makes it difficult to do day-to-day tasks. Collett’s plan for managing her pain involves her family doctor, a chiropractor, a massage therapist and, now, a kinesiologist. “My doctor and my chiropractor and my massage therapist have been telling me that I need to exercise for years. I’ve tried but I couldn’t stick with it,” she said. “Now that I am seeing Mike (McIsaac), I have the motivation to keep going.” McIsaac is a certified kinesiologist at Nubody’s in Mount Pearl. When he designed Collett’s program, he contacted the other health professionals on her team to get a full picture of her limitations and then created a plan to help her deal with the challenges her syndrome presents. “Exercises/stretches are most often chosen based on restoring functional qualities that the individual lost — for example, training them so that they can restore their strength to lift objects off of the floor — among other things. Generally, exercises are chosen to replicate real-life movements.” McIsaac’s program uses equipment such as Bosu balls, stability balls, medicine balls and free weights, but he’s quick to modify the program if Collett is unable to do a particular exercise during a session. “If she experiences discomfort along particular body parts, we may modify movements or switch to machines because of their inherent isolating effect, so that we can continue training without further irritating problem areas,” McIsaac said. “The machines don’t have as great an effect, but they are a much better option than doing nothing at all.” Because of their constant pain, people with fibromyalgia sometimes restrict their movements or stop exercising altogether. Dr. Lydia Hatcher, Collett’s family physician, says this causes deconditioning due to the lack of exercise, and the patient’s symptoms will get worse. She recommends exercise with a trained kinesiologist and tells her patients they may need “a little pain for some gain, and a trained kinesiologist knows how to far to push them without injury.” Working with McIsaac has helped Collett stick with the program. “If it wasn’t for the motivation he offers, I would have given up,” she said. “For example, I had a problem with my sacroiliac joint, but I knew I had to keep exercising, so I kept going and Mike changed my exercises to not aggravate the area.” Collett has found the exercises have had a direct effect on her pain levels. “My arms and legs were always aching, and continuous exercise has helped with that. In order to stay at a level where I’m not in as much pain, I need to keep exercising.” Collett is hoping for long-term benefits as well. “If I try to nip this in the bud, I might be able to manage better later on, to keep up with my son,” she said. Collett developed fibromyalgia after a car accident in 1992. At first she had moderate whiplash, but the pain didn’t go away. Finally, in 1994, she was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Collett has pain all over her body, but the intensity varies from day to day. “It’s like having a really bad flu, and sometimes I feel like I’ve been hit by a tractor-trailer. It keeps me up at night.” Sleep — or a lack thereof — can be a huge issue for people with fibromyalgia. According to Collett’s research, fibromyalgia patients tend not to get enough deep sleep so their muscles can’t recover from the day’s efforts in the same way that other people’s do. As a result, Collett sometimes finds it a challenge to keep up with her two-year-old, and she is often ready to go to bed when he does. Living with fibromyalgia also means that Collett needs a lot of help with things other people find routine. “I had to get help with shovelling, painting the house and mowing. Household chores are a big hassle. I can’t do too much at once. I haven’t had to give anything up, but I had to cut back on a lot of things,” she said. People with fibromyalgia often have to deal with society’s lack of understanding, Collett said. “A lot of people think it is all in your head, they think you are making it up.” Hatcher agrees. “People with fibromyalgia don’t have a deformity,” she said. “It is hard to see, so some people don’t believe it exists. But it is real — we just don’t happen to have a test for it today.” Collett’s said treatment program, including regular exercise, has made a big difference in her life and she gets by on “positive thinking, motivation, and help from family and friends.”
For a complete program on exercise and fibromyalgia, visit www.ridfibromyalgia.com.
For a complete program on exercise and fibromyalgia, visit www.ridfibromyalgia.com.
Monday, May 14, 2007
This Article From Wall Street Journal on Arthritis and Fibromyalgia Interesting
An aging population, expanding waistlines and low levels of physical activity are likely to push the number of people with arthritis, lupus, fibromyalgia and other rheumatic conditions up 46 percent to about 67 million people by 2030, or about 25 percent of the projected population, according to the CDC.
'May 13, 2007'
By Betsy McKay
Wall Street Journal
May 13, 2007 6:00 AM
Federal public-health officials are predicting a surge in the prevalence of arthritis and other rheumatic conditions by the year 2030, and popular retirement states such as Florida, Arizona and California are likely to bear the brunt of the burden.
About 46 million U.S. adults currently have arthritis, lupus, fibromyalgia and other rheumatic conditions, resulting in $128 billion in medical expenses as well as indirect costs such as lost productivity, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That amount is equal to about 1.2 percent of the 2003 U.S. gross domestic product, the CDC says.
Now, an aging population, expanding waistlines and low levels of physical activity are likely to push the number of affected people up 46 percent to about 67 million people by 2030, or about 25 percent of the projected population, according to the CDC. Most of the increase will come from those who develop age-related degeneration of joints in the hip, knee, or elsewhere. An estimated 25 million will be in enough pain that they will have trouble moving around, the CDC says.
The CDC estimates raise concerns about the toll that arthritis could take on the nation's health-care systems. In Arizona, the CDC estimates that arthritis cases will rise 87 percent, or by a million people. Florida, which currently has 3.7 million arthritis sufferers, is expected to have 6.3 million. California, which now has 5.9 million people with arthritis, will see its total mushroom to an estimated 7.9 million.
Other states whose populations are expected to age considerably by 2030, such as Nevada, Texas and Utah, are also likely to see large percentage increases in the number of residents they have with arthritis, the CDC says. Arthritis cases are expected to jump more than 30 percent in 13 states.
The CDC says it hasn't projected the potential cost of the epidemic in 2030. "We're very reluctant to make projections because the health-care system is so dynamic and changing," says Chad Helmick, a medical epidemiologist with the agency's arthritis program.
Still, the consequences of a ballooning epidemic are huge, says Patience White, chief public-health officer for the Atlanta-based Arthritis Foundation. "The fact here is it's causing an increasing number of activity limitations," she says. "People cannot live on their own, and the whole push today is to keep people's independence."
While many arthritis patients take medication for their pain, public-health officials are pushing physical-activity programs as a longer-term solution both for those with arthritis and those at risk — particularly older, overweight adults. Only 11 percent of adults with arthritis have taken classes to learn to manage their arthritis, Dr. Helmick says. The CDC funds programs in 36 states that promote physical activity and weight reduction to help alleviate pain.
"If you lose 15 pounds or so, you can cut your pain in half," says Dr. White. The disease won't progress as quickly, either, she says.
'May 13, 2007'
By Betsy McKay
Wall Street Journal
May 13, 2007 6:00 AM
Federal public-health officials are predicting a surge in the prevalence of arthritis and other rheumatic conditions by the year 2030, and popular retirement states such as Florida, Arizona and California are likely to bear the brunt of the burden.
About 46 million U.S. adults currently have arthritis, lupus, fibromyalgia and other rheumatic conditions, resulting in $128 billion in medical expenses as well as indirect costs such as lost productivity, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That amount is equal to about 1.2 percent of the 2003 U.S. gross domestic product, the CDC says.
Now, an aging population, expanding waistlines and low levels of physical activity are likely to push the number of affected people up 46 percent to about 67 million people by 2030, or about 25 percent of the projected population, according to the CDC. Most of the increase will come from those who develop age-related degeneration of joints in the hip, knee, or elsewhere. An estimated 25 million will be in enough pain that they will have trouble moving around, the CDC says.
The CDC estimates raise concerns about the toll that arthritis could take on the nation's health-care systems. In Arizona, the CDC estimates that arthritis cases will rise 87 percent, or by a million people. Florida, which currently has 3.7 million arthritis sufferers, is expected to have 6.3 million. California, which now has 5.9 million people with arthritis, will see its total mushroom to an estimated 7.9 million.
Other states whose populations are expected to age considerably by 2030, such as Nevada, Texas and Utah, are also likely to see large percentage increases in the number of residents they have with arthritis, the CDC says. Arthritis cases are expected to jump more than 30 percent in 13 states.
The CDC says it hasn't projected the potential cost of the epidemic in 2030. "We're very reluctant to make projections because the health-care system is so dynamic and changing," says Chad Helmick, a medical epidemiologist with the agency's arthritis program.
Still, the consequences of a ballooning epidemic are huge, says Patience White, chief public-health officer for the Atlanta-based Arthritis Foundation. "The fact here is it's causing an increasing number of activity limitations," she says. "People cannot live on their own, and the whole push today is to keep people's independence."
While many arthritis patients take medication for their pain, public-health officials are pushing physical-activity programs as a longer-term solution both for those with arthritis and those at risk — particularly older, overweight adults. Only 11 percent of adults with arthritis have taken classes to learn to manage their arthritis, Dr. Helmick says. The CDC funds programs in 36 states that promote physical activity and weight reduction to help alleviate pain.
"If you lose 15 pounds or so, you can cut your pain in half," says Dr. White. The disease won't progress as quickly, either, she says.
Friday, April 20, 2007
If I Only Had a Brain...
So, sometimes I wondered if I was just losing it when I was symptomatic, now I know I was. Putting the humor aside, I thought I would post this article on the connection of fibromyalgia and gray matter loss.
Kuchinad A, Schweinhardt P, Seminowicz DA, Wood PB, Chizh BA, Bushnell MC.
McGill Centre for Research on Pain, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3A 2B2.
Fibromyalgia is an intractable widespread pain disorder that is most frequently diagnosed in women. It has traditionally been classified as either a musculoskeletal disease or a psychological disorder. Accumulating evidence now suggests that fibromyalgia may be associated with CNS dysfunction. In this study, we investigate anatomical changes in the brain associated with fibromyalgia. Using voxel-based morphometric analysis of magnetic resonance brain images, we examined the brains of 10 female fibromyalgia patients and 10 healthy controls. We found that fibromyalgia patients had significantly less total gray matter volume and showed a 3.3 times greater age-associated decrease in gray matter than healthy controls. The longer the individuals had had fibromyalgia, the greater the gray matter loss, with each year of fibromyalgia being equivalent to 9.5 times the loss in normal aging. In addition, fibromyalgia patients demonstrated significantly less gray matter density than healthy controls in several brain regions, including the cingulate, insular and medial frontal cortices, and parahippocampal gyri. The neuroanatomical changes that we see in fibromyalgia patients contribute additional evidence of CNS involvement in fibromyalgia. In particular, fibromyalgia appears to be associated with an acceleration of age-related changes in the very substance of the brain. Moreover, the regions in which we demonstrate objective changes may be functionally linked to core features of the disorder including affective disturbances and chronic widespread pain.
So let us know what you think about this study. To see more info on what you can do to stop the symptoms of fibromyaliga visit www.ridfibromyalgia.com.
Kuchinad A, Schweinhardt P, Seminowicz DA, Wood PB, Chizh BA, Bushnell MC.
McGill Centre for Research on Pain, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3A 2B2.
Fibromyalgia is an intractable widespread pain disorder that is most frequently diagnosed in women. It has traditionally been classified as either a musculoskeletal disease or a psychological disorder. Accumulating evidence now suggests that fibromyalgia may be associated with CNS dysfunction. In this study, we investigate anatomical changes in the brain associated with fibromyalgia. Using voxel-based morphometric analysis of magnetic resonance brain images, we examined the brains of 10 female fibromyalgia patients and 10 healthy controls. We found that fibromyalgia patients had significantly less total gray matter volume and showed a 3.3 times greater age-associated decrease in gray matter than healthy controls. The longer the individuals had had fibromyalgia, the greater the gray matter loss, with each year of fibromyalgia being equivalent to 9.5 times the loss in normal aging. In addition, fibromyalgia patients demonstrated significantly less gray matter density than healthy controls in several brain regions, including the cingulate, insular and medial frontal cortices, and parahippocampal gyri. The neuroanatomical changes that we see in fibromyalgia patients contribute additional evidence of CNS involvement in fibromyalgia. In particular, fibromyalgia appears to be associated with an acceleration of age-related changes in the very substance of the brain. Moreover, the regions in which we demonstrate objective changes may be functionally linked to core features of the disorder including affective disturbances and chronic widespread pain.
So let us know what you think about this study. To see more info on what you can do to stop the symptoms of fibromyaliga visit www.ridfibromyalgia.com.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Top Strategies for Living With Fibromyalgia
3 Top Tips to Help You Live With Fibromyalgia
If you suffer from Fibromyalgia and its many devastatingly painful and sometimes debilitating symptoms, there are steps you can take to help you live a better life with Fibromyalgia. You may wonder if there is life after fibromyalgia pain, fatigue, brain fog, and other horrible symptoms of the condition. You may wonder if you will ever lead a full life again. Well, the answer is yes, let’s take a look at the three steps.
The first step is to accept your condition and not live in denial of it. If you live in denial you can’t fight it. Getting this terrible illness was not your fault and there is hope. There are steps that can help you eliminate the symptoms of Fibromyalgia. Living in denial you will shortchange your opportunities to healing. Living in denial will have you neglecting the actions that you can take to fight this condition.
Another important technique to help you live with Fibromyalgia is to adjust your activity levels to the limits your body is capable of. What I mean by this is you don’t want to be out training for a marathon when you are in pain or fatigued. Accepting your limitations can equate to setting priorities. Pacing is a term that is used often when dealing with chronic conditions. Pacing ourselves within our limitations so that we don’t throw ourselves into complete exhaustion. Prioritizing what must get done with our wants. Ruling out what we don’t have to do will help us reserve strength and wellness for the activities that are important. We gain a sense of wellness when we live within our limits. Try embracing the idea that it’s okay to have to adapt your life to this illness, all the while knowing, you can take steps to eliminating the symptoms of Fibromyalgia.
One of the most important tips I can offer you is to create a support system. Chronic illnesses can be isolating and depression can set in. Having a support system of people who care about you and are willing to help you is crucial in people with Fibromyalgia. One word of caution when seeking out a support system, know that not everyone will understand. Chronic illness is hard for some people to grasp and be compassionate about. Don’t set high expectations on everyone you know. However, keep in mind you will need support and take it when offered to you.
Keep an optimistic attitude and educate yourself. Arming yourself with a positive attitude along with educating yourself about everything regarding this condition can open countless doors that can aid you in your recovery.
Finally, one other thing you can do to help you through this in the best possible way is to rest. Get plenty of rest whenever you can. Even if you can’t sleep make sure your body gets plenty of rest. When your body is asking for rest, give it the rest it needs. It’s much easier to rest when needed than playing catch up when you are exhausted. If you overdo it and don’t get needed rest, you may find yourself in bed for hours and hours.
Living with Fibromyalgia can be hopeful and full of life when incorporating these simple life strategies. When implementing these you will allow yourself the opportunities to begin healing. You can take back your life and have joy again, even with Fibromyalgia. At ridfibromyalgia.com you can find strategies that can help you completely eliminate your fibromyalgia symptoms and take back your life.
If you are tire of living with fibromyalgia and are ready to start living symptom free visit our site at www.ridfibromyalgia.com and see how you can eliminate your symptoms for good.
If you suffer from Fibromyalgia and its many devastatingly painful and sometimes debilitating symptoms, there are steps you can take to help you live a better life with Fibromyalgia. You may wonder if there is life after fibromyalgia pain, fatigue, brain fog, and other horrible symptoms of the condition. You may wonder if you will ever lead a full life again. Well, the answer is yes, let’s take a look at the three steps.
The first step is to accept your condition and not live in denial of it. If you live in denial you can’t fight it. Getting this terrible illness was not your fault and there is hope. There are steps that can help you eliminate the symptoms of Fibromyalgia. Living in denial you will shortchange your opportunities to healing. Living in denial will have you neglecting the actions that you can take to fight this condition.
Another important technique to help you live with Fibromyalgia is to adjust your activity levels to the limits your body is capable of. What I mean by this is you don’t want to be out training for a marathon when you are in pain or fatigued. Accepting your limitations can equate to setting priorities. Pacing is a term that is used often when dealing with chronic conditions. Pacing ourselves within our limitations so that we don’t throw ourselves into complete exhaustion. Prioritizing what must get done with our wants. Ruling out what we don’t have to do will help us reserve strength and wellness for the activities that are important. We gain a sense of wellness when we live within our limits. Try embracing the idea that it’s okay to have to adapt your life to this illness, all the while knowing, you can take steps to eliminating the symptoms of Fibromyalgia.
One of the most important tips I can offer you is to create a support system. Chronic illnesses can be isolating and depression can set in. Having a support system of people who care about you and are willing to help you is crucial in people with Fibromyalgia. One word of caution when seeking out a support system, know that not everyone will understand. Chronic illness is hard for some people to grasp and be compassionate about. Don’t set high expectations on everyone you know. However, keep in mind you will need support and take it when offered to you.
Keep an optimistic attitude and educate yourself. Arming yourself with a positive attitude along with educating yourself about everything regarding this condition can open countless doors that can aid you in your recovery.
Finally, one other thing you can do to help you through this in the best possible way is to rest. Get plenty of rest whenever you can. Even if you can’t sleep make sure your body gets plenty of rest. When your body is asking for rest, give it the rest it needs. It’s much easier to rest when needed than playing catch up when you are exhausted. If you overdo it and don’t get needed rest, you may find yourself in bed for hours and hours.
Living with Fibromyalgia can be hopeful and full of life when incorporating these simple life strategies. When implementing these you will allow yourself the opportunities to begin healing. You can take back your life and have joy again, even with Fibromyalgia. At ridfibromyalgia.com you can find strategies that can help you completely eliminate your fibromyalgia symptoms and take back your life.
If you are tire of living with fibromyalgia and are ready to start living symptom free visit our site at www.ridfibromyalgia.com and see how you can eliminate your symptoms for good.
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Top Natural Treatments for Fibromyalgia That Work
Found an article that talks about a lot of these top natural techniques to fight fibromyalgia. I put some of the important snippits here. For the complete way to healing through natural treatments see http://www.ridfibromyalgia.com.
Acupuncture
This stems from the Chinese philosophy of energy flowing in the meridians that lie below the skin. Energy imbalances in these meridians is used for the diagnosis of disease. Acupuncturists insert very fine needles into the skin to balance energy as in fibromyalgia pain treatment.
Chiropractor
Chiropractic treatment is based on the premise that restricted movement in the spine may lead to reduced function and pain. Spinal adjustment (manipulation) is one form of therapy a chiropractor uses to treat restricted spinal mobility.
A natural Fibromyalgia Treatment and balanced fibromyalgia nutrition diet can be helpful in counteracting stress, removing toxins from the body, and restoring the natural balance of nutrients.
Homeopathy medicine, FIBRO-HELP products, help patients by combatting stress, replacing deficiencies, and supporting the immune system. Patients are recommended to limit the amount of sugar; caffeine; alcohol; and fried, processed, fatty foods consumed.
Exercise
Fibromyalgia Exercise is one of the most powerful remedies in the treatment of fibromyalgia. Increasing scientific evidence has shown that exercising for a minimum of 20 minutes per day will help fibromyalgia patients as a natural fibromyalgia treatment.
Massage Therapy
Massage involves the use of different manipulative techniques to move the body's muscles and soft tissues. Massage Therapy aims to improve circulation in the muscle, increasing the flow of nutrients, eliminating waste products.
Self Care
Self Care is critical in the treatment of Fibromyalgia Syndrome. Some important tips for self care: • Reduce Stress - Avoid or limit overexertion and emotional stress.
Nutrition and Healthy Lifestyle - Eat a balanced diet, limit caffeine and alcohol intake, get plenty of rest, exercise regularly, and do a leisure activity which is enjoyable and fulfilling and get your sleep.
Acupuncture
This stems from the Chinese philosophy of energy flowing in the meridians that lie below the skin. Energy imbalances in these meridians is used for the diagnosis of disease. Acupuncturists insert very fine needles into the skin to balance energy as in fibromyalgia pain treatment.
Chiropractor
Chiropractic treatment is based on the premise that restricted movement in the spine may lead to reduced function and pain. Spinal adjustment (manipulation) is one form of therapy a chiropractor uses to treat restricted spinal mobility.
A natural Fibromyalgia Treatment and balanced fibromyalgia nutrition diet can be helpful in counteracting stress, removing toxins from the body, and restoring the natural balance of nutrients.
Homeopathy medicine, FIBRO-HELP products, help patients by combatting stress, replacing deficiencies, and supporting the immune system. Patients are recommended to limit the amount of sugar; caffeine; alcohol; and fried, processed, fatty foods consumed.
Exercise
Fibromyalgia Exercise is one of the most powerful remedies in the treatment of fibromyalgia. Increasing scientific evidence has shown that exercising for a minimum of 20 minutes per day will help fibromyalgia patients as a natural fibromyalgia treatment.
Massage Therapy
Massage involves the use of different manipulative techniques to move the body's muscles and soft tissues. Massage Therapy aims to improve circulation in the muscle, increasing the flow of nutrients, eliminating waste products.
Self Care
Self Care is critical in the treatment of Fibromyalgia Syndrome. Some important tips for self care: • Reduce Stress - Avoid or limit overexertion and emotional stress.
Nutrition and Healthy Lifestyle - Eat a balanced diet, limit caffeine and alcohol intake, get plenty of rest, exercise regularly, and do a leisure activity which is enjoyable and fulfilling and get your sleep.
Monday, March 26, 2007
I've been accused of....
Okay, so someone sent me an email saying all I want to do is make money off of people's sicknesses. Her name was nurse Mary, I think she is a myspacer. Anyway, I told her how I think that she is wrong considering the fact that all of the information that I offer is researched, updated and most of it is offered on our site completely free. People are welcome to sign up for our free newsletter with healing tips, or read one of our many free articles found at www.ridfibromyalgia.com/how.html.
I guess I am a little offended because people are so worried about being scammed. Our site offers a book for 27.00 that is money back guaranteed so that you can't be scammed. If the book does not help, then ask for a refund. If it does help then you are getting way more of a value than the meesly 27.00 it asks for. It helped me and I hope that it helps others. Chiropractor's office visits are much more than this and offer a lot less. Now onto this weeks article...
To see our article on how cupping therapy helps fm sufferers visit www.ridfibromyalgia.com/how.html. It talks about the benefits of this ancient chinese practice and you may want to look up more information on it. Best of luck to you and your health.
I guess I am a little offended because people are so worried about being scammed. Our site offers a book for 27.00 that is money back guaranteed so that you can't be scammed. If the book does not help, then ask for a refund. If it does help then you are getting way more of a value than the meesly 27.00 it asks for. It helped me and I hope that it helps others. Chiropractor's office visits are much more than this and offer a lot less. Now onto this weeks article...
To see our article on how cupping therapy helps fm sufferers visit www.ridfibromyalgia.com/how.html. It talks about the benefits of this ancient chinese practice and you may want to look up more information on it. Best of luck to you and your health.
Thursday, March 8, 2007
Have Been Saying So...Now Validated
I've been talking about a comprehensive natural healing plan for fibromyalgia and now it's being validated left and right through studies.
This was on pubmed 3/1...
Thought you would like to see it.
BACKGROUND: Chronic musculoskeletal pain of diffuse origin affects many, and at a significant cost. Evidence-based guidelines for therapeutic interventions are presented and exemplified.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: 200 patients with chronic myofascial pain and/or fibromyalgia who participated in a 4-week multidimensional rehabilitation programme, were included in the study. The programme included education and pain management in a cognitive setting, various forms of aerobic exercises, myofascial pain treatment, relaxation and medication as needed. The patients filled in questionnaires on arrival, at follow-up after six and 12-months and at discharge. They completed visual analogue scales (pain, fatigue, sleep problems, depression), the Nottingham Health Profile, the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, global subjective improvement, and during the follow-up period also the physical activity level, changes in quality of life and occupational workload. Work capacity, a tender point count and whether patients met the diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia were assessed at baseline and at discharge.
RESULTS: Significant improvements were seen in all variables throughout the follow-up period. 30 % of the fibromyalgia patients no longer met the diagnostic criteria at discharge. There was a significant increase in quality of life over time. After one year, more patients had returned to work and fewer were off sick, but there was also an increased number on disability pensions. The majority did exercise training on a regular basis.
INTERPRETATION: Our findings confirm the existing evidence-based guidelines by showing that multidimensional rehabilitation is an effective intervention for patients with widespread chronic pain. It is a challenge for health politicians to change today's common practice towards that described in evidence-based guidelines.
PMID: 17332816 [PubMed - in process]
For more info on how to incorporate this comprehensive Fibromyalgia healing plan visit www.ridfibromyalgia.com.
This was on pubmed 3/1...
Thought you would like to see it.
BACKGROUND: Chronic musculoskeletal pain of diffuse origin affects many, and at a significant cost. Evidence-based guidelines for therapeutic interventions are presented and exemplified.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: 200 patients with chronic myofascial pain and/or fibromyalgia who participated in a 4-week multidimensional rehabilitation programme, were included in the study. The programme included education and pain management in a cognitive setting, various forms of aerobic exercises, myofascial pain treatment, relaxation and medication as needed. The patients filled in questionnaires on arrival, at follow-up after six and 12-months and at discharge. They completed visual analogue scales (pain, fatigue, sleep problems, depression), the Nottingham Health Profile, the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, global subjective improvement, and during the follow-up period also the physical activity level, changes in quality of life and occupational workload. Work capacity, a tender point count and whether patients met the diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia were assessed at baseline and at discharge.
RESULTS: Significant improvements were seen in all variables throughout the follow-up period. 30 % of the fibromyalgia patients no longer met the diagnostic criteria at discharge. There was a significant increase in quality of life over time. After one year, more patients had returned to work and fewer were off sick, but there was also an increased number on disability pensions. The majority did exercise training on a regular basis.
INTERPRETATION: Our findings confirm the existing evidence-based guidelines by showing that multidimensional rehabilitation is an effective intervention for patients with widespread chronic pain. It is a challenge for health politicians to change today's common practice towards that described in evidence-based guidelines.
PMID: 17332816 [PubMed - in process]
For more info on how to incorporate this comprehensive Fibromyalgia healing plan visit www.ridfibromyalgia.com.
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Highly Used Treatment Options for FM Sufferers
These are some of the most common treatment options used in fibromyalgia sufferers.
Acupuncture- Acupuncture stems from the Chinese philosophy of energy flowing in the meridians that lie below the skin. Energy imbalances in these meridians is used for the diagnosis of disease. Acupuncturists insert very fine needles into the skin to balance energy as in fibromyalgia pain treatment. Acupuncture is often used to help control pain and is beneficial for pain management in the treatment of fibromyalgia.
Chiropractic treatment-based on the premise that restricted movement in the spine may lead to reduced function and pain. Spinal adjustment (manipulation) is one form of therapy a chiropractor uses to treat restricted spinal mobility. The goal is to restore spinal movement and, as a result, improve function, decreasing pain. Manipulation does not need to be forceful to be effective. A Chiropractor may also use soft tissue massage in the treatment of FMS, stretching muscles that are shortened or in spasm
Diet and Nutrition-A natural Fibromyalgia Treatment and balanced fibromyalgia nutrition diet can be helpful in counteracting stress, removing toxins from the body, and restoring the natural balance of nutrients
Exercise Fibromyalgia Exercise - see article http://www.ridfibromyalgia.com/how.html on exercise and the benefits to FM patients.
Massage
Homeopathy- The word Homeopathy (or Homoeopathy) is derived from the Greek words “homoios”, meaning “like” or “similar”; and “pathos”, meaning “suffering” or ”disease”. Homeopathy is a system of medical therapeutics for treating based on the principle of “similae” or “simile.” “Disease is eliminated through remedies able to produce similar symptoms.” The principle is that certain substances (herbs, minerals, inorganic salts, and other organic materials, etc.) in full strength yield the same symptoms as does a known disease, and that those same substances when "potentised" (or diluted and vigorously agitated) can provide relief of those same symptoms
Medications frequently used
NSAIDS
antidepressants
muscle relaxants
narcotics
Having a comprehensive healing system that incorporates a natural approach with proven success rates is important. To see such a system visit us at www.ridfibromyalgia.com.
Acupuncture- Acupuncture stems from the Chinese philosophy of energy flowing in the meridians that lie below the skin. Energy imbalances in these meridians is used for the diagnosis of disease. Acupuncturists insert very fine needles into the skin to balance energy as in fibromyalgia pain treatment. Acupuncture is often used to help control pain and is beneficial for pain management in the treatment of fibromyalgia.
Chiropractic treatment-based on the premise that restricted movement in the spine may lead to reduced function and pain. Spinal adjustment (manipulation) is one form of therapy a chiropractor uses to treat restricted spinal mobility. The goal is to restore spinal movement and, as a result, improve function, decreasing pain. Manipulation does not need to be forceful to be effective. A Chiropractor may also use soft tissue massage in the treatment of FMS, stretching muscles that are shortened or in spasm
Diet and Nutrition-A natural Fibromyalgia Treatment and balanced fibromyalgia nutrition diet can be helpful in counteracting stress, removing toxins from the body, and restoring the natural balance of nutrients
Exercise Fibromyalgia Exercise - see article http://www.ridfibromyalgia.com/how.html on exercise and the benefits to FM patients.
Massage
Homeopathy- The word Homeopathy (or Homoeopathy) is derived from the Greek words “homoios”, meaning “like” or “similar”; and “pathos”, meaning “suffering” or ”disease”. Homeopathy is a system of medical therapeutics for treating based on the principle of “similae” or “simile.” “Disease is eliminated through remedies able to produce similar symptoms.” The principle is that certain substances (herbs, minerals, inorganic salts, and other organic materials, etc.) in full strength yield the same symptoms as does a known disease, and that those same substances when "potentised" (or diluted and vigorously agitated) can provide relief of those same symptoms
Medications frequently used
NSAIDS
antidepressants
muscle relaxants
narcotics
Having a comprehensive healing system that incorporates a natural approach with proven success rates is important. To see such a system visit us at www.ridfibromyalgia.com.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Uh....Duh, Fibro Hurts
This is an article from Science Daily where they are now saying that fibromyalgia may actually be real and painful. Imagine that. Here's the article link http://http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/11/061128122416.htm
Mail this to your friends, family, or doctors who are having a hard time understanding. Here is the first two paragraphs of the article. For the rest check the link.
To learn more about what to do about fibromyalgia, visit http://www.ridfibromyalgia.com.
Pain From Fibromyalgia Is Real, Researchers Say
Science Daily — Many people with fibromyalgia -- a debilitating pain syndrome that affects 2 to 4 percent of the population -- have faced the question of whether the condition is real.
Fibromyalgia often has been misdiagnosed as arthritis or even a psychological issue. Increasingly, though, the scientific knowledge about fibromyalgia is growing, and a new paper from the University of Michigan Health System says there are "overwhelming data" that the condition is real, is characterized by a lower pain threshold and is associated with genetic factors that can make some people more likely to develop fibromyalgia.
Mail this to your friends, family, or doctors who are having a hard time understanding. Here is the first two paragraphs of the article. For the rest check the link.
To learn more about what to do about fibromyalgia, visit http://www.ridfibromyalgia.com.
Pain From Fibromyalgia Is Real, Researchers Say
Science Daily — Many people with fibromyalgia -- a debilitating pain syndrome that affects 2 to 4 percent of the population -- have faced the question of whether the condition is real.
Fibromyalgia often has been misdiagnosed as arthritis or even a psychological issue. Increasingly, though, the scientific knowledge about fibromyalgia is growing, and a new paper from the University of Michigan Health System says there are "overwhelming data" that the condition is real, is characterized by a lower pain threshold and is associated with genetic factors that can make some people more likely to develop fibromyalgia.
Monday, February 5, 2007
Benefits of Vitamins and Supplements for FM Sufferers
Amazing Benefits Seen in Fibromyalgia Sufferers Who Use Vitamins and Supplements
Fibromyalgia sufferers see amazing results using vitamins and supplements for Fibromyalgia. Why is this? Well, there are many reasons why vitamins and supplements work well for Fibromyalgia. Let’s take a closer look at vitamins and supplements and see why they work and why they’re important.
There’s a secret out there in the medical community that can help your Fibromyalgia symptoms get better. Many studies have been done to show that vitamins and supplements and help you alleviate the severity of your symptoms and create an environment optimal for your body to heal. This is why they work. This type of approach is necessary in individuals who want to eliminate Fibromyalgia from their lives and maintain wellness. It allows you to achieve a natural balance that your body craves at a cellular level to get better.
To see more of this article click here...http://www.ridfibromyalgia.com/how.html or for more info on how to completely eliminate Fibromyalgia symptoms visit www.ridfibromyalgia.com.
Fibromyalgia sufferers see amazing results using vitamins and supplements for Fibromyalgia. Why is this? Well, there are many reasons why vitamins and supplements work well for Fibromyalgia. Let’s take a closer look at vitamins and supplements and see why they work and why they’re important.
There’s a secret out there in the medical community that can help your Fibromyalgia symptoms get better. Many studies have been done to show that vitamins and supplements and help you alleviate the severity of your symptoms and create an environment optimal for your body to heal. This is why they work. This type of approach is necessary in individuals who want to eliminate Fibromyalgia from their lives and maintain wellness. It allows you to achieve a natural balance that your body craves at a cellular level to get better.
To see more of this article click here...http://www.ridfibromyalgia.com/how.html or for more info on how to completely eliminate Fibromyalgia symptoms visit www.ridfibromyalgia.com.
Monday, January 22, 2007
New Article on Site Helps People Cope and Live With Fibromyalgia
I wanted to put a little link in here to a great article that helps people learn how to live with Fibromyalgia in a more positive way. Here is a little excerpt of the article.
"If you suffer from Fibromyalgia and its many devastatingly painful and sometimes debilitating symptoms, there are steps you can take to help you live a better life with Fibromyalgia.
The first step is to accept your condition and not live in denial of it. If you live in denial you can’t fight it. Getting this terrible illness was not your fault and there is hope. There are steps that can help you eliminate the symptoms of Fibromyalgia. Living in denial you will shortchange your opportunities to healing...."
The article goes on to give top strategies on how to deal with this condition and how to create an environment of healing around you. It is possible to live with Fibromyalgia happily and get back to doing the activities you have once done before. To see more on how to do these things visit us at http://www.ridfibromyalgia.com.
"If you suffer from Fibromyalgia and its many devastatingly painful and sometimes debilitating symptoms, there are steps you can take to help you live a better life with Fibromyalgia.
The first step is to accept your condition and not live in denial of it. If you live in denial you can’t fight it. Getting this terrible illness was not your fault and there is hope. There are steps that can help you eliminate the symptoms of Fibromyalgia. Living in denial you will shortchange your opportunities to healing...."
The article goes on to give top strategies on how to deal with this condition and how to create an environment of healing around you. It is possible to live with Fibromyalgia happily and get back to doing the activities you have once done before. To see more on how to do these things visit us at http://www.ridfibromyalgia.com.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Benefits of Raw Food
Found this interesting article online. It talks of the benefits of Raw Food. Raw food and vegetables and juicing can aid in the elimination of fibromyalgia. Couldn't find a copyright on this article but it's written by Wes Peterson.
Raw Food -- One of Your Keys to Outstanding Health
By Wes Petereson
A kitchen is nothing else than a chemical laboratory producing millions of completely new chemical substances that basically never existed in the wild and if, then very occasionally by accident. Cooking will randomly produce millions of different sugar and protein combinations commonly called Maillard molecules.
Throughout the biggest part of our evolutionary history, the one before processing, human beings have never ingested the amount of Maillard molecules we ingest today. The recent introduction of dairy products and grains has equally brought new chemical substances such as new proteins into the dietary spectrum of humans within a very short period of time.
Key Points Regarding the Effects of Cooking on Food and Health
The food's life force is greatly depleted or destroyed when it is cooked. The bioelectrical energy field is altered and greatly depleted, as is graphically demonstrated with kirlian photography. Live and bioactive raw food is severely diminished.
The biochemical structure and nutrient makeup of the food is altered from its original state. Molecules in the food are deranged, degraded, and broken down. The food is degenerated in many ways. Fiber in plant foods is broken down into a soft, passive substance that loses its broom-like and magnetic cleansing quality in the intestines.
Nutrients, like vitamins, minerals, and amino acids are depleted, destroyed, and altered. The degree of depletion, destruction, and alteration is simply a matter of temperature, cooking method, and time.
Up to 50% of the protein is coagulated. Much of this is rendered unusable. High temperatures also create cross-links in protein. Cross-linked proteins are implicated in many problems in the body, as well as being a factor in the acceleration of the aging process.
The interrelationship of nutrients is altered from its natural synergistic makeup. For example, with meat, relatively more vitamin B-6 than methionine is destroyed, which fosters atherogenic free radical-initiating homocysteine accumulation that is a factor in heart problems.
The water content of the food is decreased. The natural structure of the water is also changed to something far less than optimal.
Toxic substances and cooked "byproducts" are created. The higher the cooking temperature, the more toxins that are created. Frying and grilling are especially toxin-generating. Various carcinogenic and mutagenic substances and many free radicals are generated in cooked fats and proteins in particular.
Heat causes the molecules involved to collide, and repeated collision causes divalent bonding in order for new molecules, and hence a new substance, to form. They have even been named "new chemical composites".
Unusable waste material is created, which has a cumulative congesting and clogging effect on your body and is a burden to the natural eliminative processes of your body.
All of the enzymes present in raw foods are destroyed at temperatures as low as 118 degrees Fahrenheit. These enzymes, named "food enzymes" are important for optimum digestion. They naturally aid in digestion and become active as soon as eating commences. Cooking destroys 100% of these enzymes.
Eating enzyme-dead food places a burden on your pancreas and other organs and overworks them, which eventually exhausts these organs. The digestion of cooked food uses valuable metabolic enzymes in order to help digest your food. Digestion of cooked food is much more energetically demanding than the digestion of raw food. In general, raw food is so much more easily digested that it passes through the digestive tract in a half to a third of the time it takes for cooked food.
After eating a cooked meal, there is a rush of white blood cells towards the digestive tract, leaving the rest of the body less protected by the immune system. From the point of view of the immune system the body is being invaded by a foreign (toxic) substance when cooked food is eaten.
Putrefactive bacteria, particularly from cooked meat, dominate the natural population of beneficial intestinal flora resulting in dysfunction in your intestine, allowing the absorption of toxins from the bowel. This phenomenon is variously called dysbiosis, or intestinal toxemia.
A buildup of mucoid plaque is created in the intestines. Mucoid plaque is a thick tar-like substance that is the long-term result of undigested, uneliminated cooked food putrefying in the intestines. Cooked starches and fats in particular are a major culprit in constipation and clogging of the intestines.
Cooked foods cause a build-up of toxins and waste material in many parts of the body, including within individual cells. Some of these toxins and wastes are called lipofuscin, which accumulates in the skin and nervous system, including the brain. It can be observed as "liver spots" or "age spots."
Cooked foods cause malnutrition at the cellular level. Because cooked foods are lower in nutrients, in addition to containing wastes and toxins, individual cells don't receive enough of the nutrients they need.
Cooked foods cause a tendency towards obesity through overeating. Because the cells don't get enough nutrients they are so to speak "always hungry" and hence "demand" more food. Cooked food is also less likely to be properly metabolized, which is another factor in excess weight gain.
From time to time the body experiences detoxification crises also called purification or healing crises. This happens when toxins are released through the skin or dumped in your bloodstream for elimination by the liver, kidneys, and other organs. The symptoms may include headaches, fever, nausea, vomiting, colds, bronchitis, sinusitis, pneumonia, and diarrhea.
The immune system, having to handle the massive daily invasions of toxins and toxic by-products, eventually becomes overwhelmed and weakened. A key factor in the aging process.
The wastes, toxins, mutagens, and carcinogens that build up within cells, as well as the daily onslaught of excess free radicals eventually cause some cells to become cancerous - killing an estimated 30% of Americans.
In general, the natural aging process is accelerated by cooked food. People who switch to raw food often become biologically and visibly younger.
After eating a cooked meal there is a general increase in the white blood cells in the blood and a change in the relative proportions of different blood cells occurs. This phenomenon is called "digestive leukocytosis".
Leukocytosis and Cooked Food In 1930, research was conducted at the Institute of Clinical Chemistry in Lausanne, Switzerland, under the direction of Dr. Paul Kouchakoff. The effect of food (cooked/processed vs. raw/natural) on the immune system was tested and documented.
Dr. Kouchakoff's discovery concerned the leukocytes, the white blood cells.It was found that after a person eats cooked food, his/her blood responds immediately by increasing the number of white blood cells. This is a well-known phenomena called "digestive leukocytosis", which means that there is a rise in the number of leukocytes, or white blood cells, after eating.
Since digestive leukocytosis was always observed after eating, it was considered to be a normal physiological response to eating. No one knew why the number of white cells would rise after eating, since this appeared to be a stress response, as if the body was reacting to something harmful, such as infection, trauma, or exposure to toxic chemicals. Back in 1930, Swiss researchers of the institute of Chemical Chemistry studied the influence of food on human blood and made a remarkable discovery. They found that eating unaltered, raw food or food heated at low temperatures did not cause a reaction in the blood. In addition, if a food had been heated beyond a certain temperature (unique to each food), or if the food was processed (refined, added chemicals, etc.), this always caused a rise in the number of white cells in the blood.
The researchers renamed this reaction "pathological leukocytosis", since the body was reacting to highly altered food. They tested many different kinds of foods and found that if the foods were not overheated or refined, they caused no reaction. The body saw them as "friendly foods". However, these same foods, if heated at too high a temperature, caused a negative reaction in the blood, a reaction that is found only when the body is invaded by a dangerous pathogen or trauma. The worst offenders of all, whether heated or not, were processed foods that had been refined (such as white flour or white rice), or homogenized (a process in which the fat in milk is subjected to artificial suspension), or pasteurized (also seen in milk, flash-heated to high temperatures to kill bacteria), or preserved (chemicals added to food to retard spoilage or to enhance taste or texture).
In other words, foods that were changed from their original God-given state. Good examples of these harmful foods are: pasteurized milk, chocolate, margarine, sugar, candy, white flour, and regular salt. The researchers found that if these altered, chemical foods were chewed very thoroughly, the harm to the blood could be lessened. In addition, another amazing finding was that if some of the same food in its raw state was eaten with the cooked counterpart, the pathological reaction in the blood was minimized. However, avoid these unnatural, processed foods; replace them with delicious whole foods for optimal health.
For more info on raw foods see www.ridfibromyalgia.com.
Raw Food -- One of Your Keys to Outstanding Health
By Wes Petereson
A kitchen is nothing else than a chemical laboratory producing millions of completely new chemical substances that basically never existed in the wild and if, then very occasionally by accident. Cooking will randomly produce millions of different sugar and protein combinations commonly called Maillard molecules.
Throughout the biggest part of our evolutionary history, the one before processing, human beings have never ingested the amount of Maillard molecules we ingest today. The recent introduction of dairy products and grains has equally brought new chemical substances such as new proteins into the dietary spectrum of humans within a very short period of time.
Key Points Regarding the Effects of Cooking on Food and Health
The food's life force is greatly depleted or destroyed when it is cooked. The bioelectrical energy field is altered and greatly depleted, as is graphically demonstrated with kirlian photography. Live and bioactive raw food is severely diminished.
The biochemical structure and nutrient makeup of the food is altered from its original state. Molecules in the food are deranged, degraded, and broken down. The food is degenerated in many ways. Fiber in plant foods is broken down into a soft, passive substance that loses its broom-like and magnetic cleansing quality in the intestines.
Nutrients, like vitamins, minerals, and amino acids are depleted, destroyed, and altered. The degree of depletion, destruction, and alteration is simply a matter of temperature, cooking method, and time.
Up to 50% of the protein is coagulated. Much of this is rendered unusable. High temperatures also create cross-links in protein. Cross-linked proteins are implicated in many problems in the body, as well as being a factor in the acceleration of the aging process.
The interrelationship of nutrients is altered from its natural synergistic makeup. For example, with meat, relatively more vitamin B-6 than methionine is destroyed, which fosters atherogenic free radical-initiating homocysteine accumulation that is a factor in heart problems.
The water content of the food is decreased. The natural structure of the water is also changed to something far less than optimal.
Toxic substances and cooked "byproducts" are created. The higher the cooking temperature, the more toxins that are created. Frying and grilling are especially toxin-generating. Various carcinogenic and mutagenic substances and many free radicals are generated in cooked fats and proteins in particular.
Heat causes the molecules involved to collide, and repeated collision causes divalent bonding in order for new molecules, and hence a new substance, to form. They have even been named "new chemical composites".
Unusable waste material is created, which has a cumulative congesting and clogging effect on your body and is a burden to the natural eliminative processes of your body.
All of the enzymes present in raw foods are destroyed at temperatures as low as 118 degrees Fahrenheit. These enzymes, named "food enzymes" are important for optimum digestion. They naturally aid in digestion and become active as soon as eating commences. Cooking destroys 100% of these enzymes.
Eating enzyme-dead food places a burden on your pancreas and other organs and overworks them, which eventually exhausts these organs. The digestion of cooked food uses valuable metabolic enzymes in order to help digest your food. Digestion of cooked food is much more energetically demanding than the digestion of raw food. In general, raw food is so much more easily digested that it passes through the digestive tract in a half to a third of the time it takes for cooked food.
After eating a cooked meal, there is a rush of white blood cells towards the digestive tract, leaving the rest of the body less protected by the immune system. From the point of view of the immune system the body is being invaded by a foreign (toxic) substance when cooked food is eaten.
Putrefactive bacteria, particularly from cooked meat, dominate the natural population of beneficial intestinal flora resulting in dysfunction in your intestine, allowing the absorption of toxins from the bowel. This phenomenon is variously called dysbiosis, or intestinal toxemia.
A buildup of mucoid plaque is created in the intestines. Mucoid plaque is a thick tar-like substance that is the long-term result of undigested, uneliminated cooked food putrefying in the intestines. Cooked starches and fats in particular are a major culprit in constipation and clogging of the intestines.
Cooked foods cause a build-up of toxins and waste material in many parts of the body, including within individual cells. Some of these toxins and wastes are called lipofuscin, which accumulates in the skin and nervous system, including the brain. It can be observed as "liver spots" or "age spots."
Cooked foods cause malnutrition at the cellular level. Because cooked foods are lower in nutrients, in addition to containing wastes and toxins, individual cells don't receive enough of the nutrients they need.
Cooked foods cause a tendency towards obesity through overeating. Because the cells don't get enough nutrients they are so to speak "always hungry" and hence "demand" more food. Cooked food is also less likely to be properly metabolized, which is another factor in excess weight gain.
From time to time the body experiences detoxification crises also called purification or healing crises. This happens when toxins are released through the skin or dumped in your bloodstream for elimination by the liver, kidneys, and other organs. The symptoms may include headaches, fever, nausea, vomiting, colds, bronchitis, sinusitis, pneumonia, and diarrhea.
The immune system, having to handle the massive daily invasions of toxins and toxic by-products, eventually becomes overwhelmed and weakened. A key factor in the aging process.
The wastes, toxins, mutagens, and carcinogens that build up within cells, as well as the daily onslaught of excess free radicals eventually cause some cells to become cancerous - killing an estimated 30% of Americans.
In general, the natural aging process is accelerated by cooked food. People who switch to raw food often become biologically and visibly younger.
After eating a cooked meal there is a general increase in the white blood cells in the blood and a change in the relative proportions of different blood cells occurs. This phenomenon is called "digestive leukocytosis".
Leukocytosis and Cooked Food In 1930, research was conducted at the Institute of Clinical Chemistry in Lausanne, Switzerland, under the direction of Dr. Paul Kouchakoff. The effect of food (cooked/processed vs. raw/natural) on the immune system was tested and documented.
Dr. Kouchakoff's discovery concerned the leukocytes, the white blood cells.It was found that after a person eats cooked food, his/her blood responds immediately by increasing the number of white blood cells. This is a well-known phenomena called "digestive leukocytosis", which means that there is a rise in the number of leukocytes, or white blood cells, after eating.
Since digestive leukocytosis was always observed after eating, it was considered to be a normal physiological response to eating. No one knew why the number of white cells would rise after eating, since this appeared to be a stress response, as if the body was reacting to something harmful, such as infection, trauma, or exposure to toxic chemicals. Back in 1930, Swiss researchers of the institute of Chemical Chemistry studied the influence of food on human blood and made a remarkable discovery. They found that eating unaltered, raw food or food heated at low temperatures did not cause a reaction in the blood. In addition, if a food had been heated beyond a certain temperature (unique to each food), or if the food was processed (refined, added chemicals, etc.), this always caused a rise in the number of white cells in the blood.
The researchers renamed this reaction "pathological leukocytosis", since the body was reacting to highly altered food. They tested many different kinds of foods and found that if the foods were not overheated or refined, they caused no reaction. The body saw them as "friendly foods". However, these same foods, if heated at too high a temperature, caused a negative reaction in the blood, a reaction that is found only when the body is invaded by a dangerous pathogen or trauma. The worst offenders of all, whether heated or not, were processed foods that had been refined (such as white flour or white rice), or homogenized (a process in which the fat in milk is subjected to artificial suspension), or pasteurized (also seen in milk, flash-heated to high temperatures to kill bacteria), or preserved (chemicals added to food to retard spoilage or to enhance taste or texture).
In other words, foods that were changed from their original God-given state. Good examples of these harmful foods are: pasteurized milk, chocolate, margarine, sugar, candy, white flour, and regular salt. The researchers found that if these altered, chemical foods were chewed very thoroughly, the harm to the blood could be lessened. In addition, another amazing finding was that if some of the same food in its raw state was eaten with the cooked counterpart, the pathological reaction in the blood was minimized. However, avoid these unnatural, processed foods; replace them with delicious whole foods for optimal health.
For more info on raw foods see www.ridfibromyalgia.com.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Headaches, Depression, Oh my...
It's not a shocking statement to hear that a majority of Fibromyalgia sufferers deal with migraines and headaches. It's also not a news flash that women who have headaches and migraines are often plagued with depression. In fact upwards of 40% of women who suffer from headaches say they suffer from depression.
Other symptoms reported along with chronic headaches were nausea, low energy, and pain.
The good news from the study and what we have to offer is that most of the therapy for the headaches work for the depreesion also and will help you avoid medications that compound the problem. For more info on this see www.ridfibromyalgia.com.
Other symptoms reported along with chronic headaches were nausea, low energy, and pain.
The good news from the study and what we have to offer is that most of the therapy for the headaches work for the depreesion also and will help you avoid medications that compound the problem. For more info on this see www.ridfibromyalgia.com.
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