Fibromyalgia (FM) Pathology

Because FM is a multi-factoral syndrome that involves a wide range of bodily processes, treating biochemical pathology is helpful.  A good treatment program addresses the four main areas that have established roles in the etiology or progression of the disease.  These include mitochondrial dysfunction, hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) dysregulation, toxicity, and intestine/nervous system abnormalities.

Mitochondrial Dysfunction

Malfunction of mitochondria is believed to be a primary factor in the etiology of FM, and abnormalities of the mitochondrial membranes in these patients have been reported.  Mitochondria, which are concentrated in muscle tissue, are often referred to as the "powerhouses" of the cells due to their role in energy (ATP) production. Compromised mitochondrial activity can result in alterations in muscular function, as well as nervous, immune, and cardiac dysfunction.

Certain nutritional factors play a role in maintaining the integrity and proper functioning of the mitochondria.  The

following formulas have been used in FM patients in clinical settings:

Mitochondrial Antioxidant Formula: A combination of nutrients known to positively influence mitochondrial energy production, along with antioxidants, may support a higher rate of ATP synthesis, as well as  protect mitochondria from free radicals.  Nutrients such as lipoic acid and B vitamins serve as cofactors for cellular energy production and metabolism; thiamin supports the activity of enzymes that influence citric acid cycle activity and activities of the respiratory chain; amino acids like creatine allow muscles to regenerate ATP, and N-acetyl-L-carnitine helps transport nutrients (i.e. fatty acids) into the mitochondria for energy production.  Furthermore, antioxidants such as coenzyme Q 10, L-glutathione, N-acetylcysteine, and vitamins C and E help prevent oxidative damage that can affect cellular and/or mitochondrial function negatively.

Malic  Acid/Magnesium Aspartate Complex: Malic  acid is a natural compound that is necessary for ATP production.8   Combined supplementation with 1,200 mg of malic acid and 300 mg magnesium administered in a dose-escalated fashion produced significant reductions in  the severity of 3 primary pain/tenderness measures

in FM patients. In another study, supplementation with malic acid (1,200-2,400 mg) and magnesium (300-600 mg) resulted in subjective improvements in myalgia within 48 hours and reduced tender point index scores were recorded at 8 weeks.

Magnesium/Potassium Aspartate Complex: Magnesium, potassium, and aspartate have roles in intermediary metabolism (enzyme-catalyzed processes that extract energy from nutrients to build new cells) that may mitigate physical fatigue. In a study examining the effects of potassium, magnesium, and aspartate (1,000 mg potassium aspartate and 1,000 mg magnesium aspartate per day for 1-2 weeks) on 4 subjects undergoing extremely fatiguing physical exercise, non-athletes demonstrated improved physical endurance.10    Potassium-magnesium-aspartate supplementation of 1.75 g every 6 hours for 4 days was shown to prolong exercise capacity. Researchers postulate that the mechanism behind this anti-fatigue effect was the resynthesis of ATP and phosphocreatine.

HPA Dysregulation

Many patients with FM have had exposure to significant life stress and/or have inordinate responses to daily

life stressors.12   Altered reactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, resulting in hyposecretion of adrenal androgens (e.g. cortisol) has been observed in these patients.13    One study has postulated that HPA dysfunction may involve serotonergic neurotransmission and alterations in the activity of arginine-vassopressin (AVP) and corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH).

HPA dysregulation is far-reaching and can interfere with proper functioning of the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis. Neuroendocrine abnormalities along the HPT axis are also common in FM patients. Furthermore, due to the association between hypothyroidism and fibrositis and myalgia, it is recommended that FM patients be given a comprehensive thyroid hormone test.

The  use of adaptogens-herbs that help normalize bodily processes and increases the ability to "adapt" to stress-and B vitamins provide a general approach to managing stress.

Traditional Holy Basil Combination: Adaptogens such as holy basil (Ocimum sanctum), ashwaganda (Withania somnifera), and brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) have a history of use in Ayurvedic medicine and are scientifically well supported to improve stress tolerance.  Ashwaganda was shown to enhance adaptability to both physical and chemical stress in animals, showing the ability to suppress adrenal enlargement, as well as adrenal ascorbic acid and corticosterone depletion.   Ashwaganda also produces positive changes in stress-related prostaglandin and catecholamine production.  In other animal testing, brahmi was shown to improve adaptations in sensory, motor, and motivational systems.  In humans, it exhibits beneficial effects on anxiety, as well as mental functions such

as mental fatigue.

6/Pantothenic Acid Complex: The B vitamins, pantothenic acid and B are important in energy production and the response to stress by supporting adrenal hormone production and regulation.  In conjugation with ATP and cysteine, pantothenic acid plays an integral role in the synthesis of coenzyme A, which initiates various metabolic processes including the production of glucocorticoids.  In an animal study, vitamin B was found to stimulate the secretion of adrenal catecholamines.

Thyroid Support: While normalizing stress-induced changes in HPA function will have a positive influence on the HPT axes, some patients may need additional thyroid support.  Several nutrients are known to support healthy thyroid hormone synthesis, to promote the conversion of thyroxine (T4) to the more bioactive triiodothyronine (T3), and to address receptor dynamics and the expression of thyroid hormone sensitive genes.  Such nutrients include iodine, selenium, zinc, and vitamins E, A, and D.

Toxicity

Toxin exposure has been suggested to play a significant role in the development and progression of both FM and CFS, as approximately 47-67% of patients with FM and 53-67% of patients with CFS have reported at least one episode of symptom exacerbation after specific chemical exposure.

Please see Detoxification Section.

Intestine/Nervous System Support

Another area of interest is the link between intestinal dysfunction and FM.  Although statistics vary, research suggests that up to 70% of patients with FM complain of symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).   IBS  is  a  functional  disorder  characterized by chronic abdominal pain with alternating diarrhea, and constipation. In comparison with healthy subjects, patients with IBS also tend to experience extra intestinal symptoms that overlap with FM complaints, including increased nerve sensitivity, morning stiffness, headaches, sleep disturbances, and fatigue.

Improved GI health can be achieved with a nutritional regimen known as the 4R® GI Restoration Program, which addresses the four primary stages of healing: Remove, Replace, Reinoculate, and Regenerate.  For more information on the 4R Program, please see page 90.

Natural Treatment Approaches

An important nutritional foundation for optimal health and healing in both healthy individuals and patients suffering from chronic conditions (e.g. FM) includes a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, an adequate intake of omega-3 fatty acids, and a balanced multivitamin/mineral supplement.

 

 

Suggested Nutritional Supplementation

 

• Fibroplex - 2 tablets 4 times daily for one week; then 2 tablets 2 times daily for 7 weeks.

Nutritional support for neuromuscular function.

• Mitochondrial Resuscitate - 1-2 capsules 3 times daily in between meals.

Support for cellular energy production.

• 5 Hydroxytryptophan Extra Strength - 1-2 tablets twice daily in between meals.

5HTP is the precursor to seritonin, altered seritonin levels have been associated with fibromyalgia.

• AdvaClear and UltraInflamX - Bifunctional Detoxification with nutritional support for inflammation. (see

Detoxification section).

• Endefen - 2 tablespoons twice daily for the repair and enhance the GI immune system function

Multi-dimensional support for GI health.

• Ultra Flora Plus DF - mix ¼- ½ teaspoon twice daily mixed with Endefen.

Dairy-free advanced probiotic nutrition with fructooligosaccharides.

• DHEA - 1-2 capsules two times daily.

DHEA deficiency is common in fibromyalgia patients.  DHEA is a 99.5% pure pharmaceutical grade food supplement  in

a hypoallergenic rice starch base.

 

If patient has sleep disturbance add:

• BenesomTM - One tablet one hour before bedtime

Benesom is formulated to promote a restful, relaxed state and relieve occasional sleeplessness by beneficially modulating the metabolism of melatonin and GABA.

 

Dietary Suggestions

FirstLine Therapy® Diet

Can  monosodium  glutamate  trigger fibromyalgia? Four  women  with  fibromyalgia  (duration  of  illness,

2-17  years) who had previously received multiple treatments with limited success had complete or nearly complete  resolution  of  their  symptoms  within  months  after  eliminating  monosodium  glutamate  (MSG)  or MSG  plus  aspartame  from  their diet.    In  each  patient,  symptoms  recurred whenever MSG was ingested.Comment: MSG and aspartate (one of the two amino acids present in aspartame) acts as excitatory neurotransmitters, and can lead to neurotoxicity when used in excess. Research suggests that MSG alone, or MSG plus aspartame, may be a cause of symptoms in some patients with fibromyalgia.   Because neither MSG nor aspartame is a necessary component of the diet, a therapeutic trial of avoiding these substances seems worthwhile for patients with fibromyalgia.

 

Additional Considerations

Frequency  specific microcurrent has  also been  clinically effective  in managing  pain associated  with fibromyalgia.

 

Fibromyalgia References

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