Fibromyalgia is a condition in which connective tissues and muscles are painful. It may arise due to a deficiency or surplus of nutrients in the body. But what are the causes of a deficiency or surplus? In this article, the main causes are described. They are all related to nutrition and lifestyle.
What is fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a condition in which connective tissues and muscles are painful and a variety of complaints arise. The most common is severe muscle pain. Other common complaints are headache, confusion, fatigue, and irritable bowels. Fibromyalgia is difficult to diagnose because there are many different complaints and no identifiable, unambiguous cause.
Development
Fibromyalgia may develop due to a deficiency or surplus of nutrients in the body. Causes of this can be:
- Stress.
- Food allergy or intolerance.
- Acidosis.
- Deficiency of vitamins and minerals.
- Poor sleep.
- Deficiency of antioxidants.
- Inflammation.
- Too little exercise.
1. Stress
An elevated level of stress damages the energy factories (mitochondria) in the muscles. As a result, they can produce less energy. Due to the lack of energy, the muscles acidify, and that causes pain and stiffness.
Long periods of stress weaken the immune system and the nervous system. The body responds to this, especially at night, with too high a muscle tone. Pain ensures that:
- Someone becomes less active, and that can again lead to more stress and anxiety.
- The hormone serotonin in the brain becomes depleted. Serotonin reduces pain. Due to depletion, the pain becomes more severe again.
2. Food allergy or intolerance
People with fibromyalgia often have a food allergy and/or food intolerance. An allergic reaction affects the immune system, and the nervous system is overstimulated. This causes various physical and psychological complaints.
3. Acidosis
An excess of acidic waste products in the body causes damage. Acidic foods are responsible for this. Examples include animal proteins. Tissues become damaged and function less well. To counteract acidosis, good alkaline nutrition (vegetables), sufficient physical activity, and a good intestinal microbiome are extremely important.
4. Deficiency of vitamins and minerals
In fibromyalgia, there is often a deficiency of specific vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, coenzyme Q10, and magnesium. Supplementing the deficiencies reduces complaints.
5. Poor sleep
About 90% of people with fibromyalgia have a sleep problem. In about half of them, deep sleep (delta sleep) is disturbed. During deep sleep, the body produces growth hormone (HGH). This hormone regulates the repair of muscle tissue and has a large effect on connective tissue. A lack of HGH is probably the cause of many complaints. A good night's sleep is of great importance in for recovery.
6. Deficiency of antioxidants
Research shows that patients with fibromyalgia have increased exposure to free radicals. Free radicals are waste products released during the breakdown (oxidation) of nutrients and the production of energy in our body. We also take in radicals through chemicals or air pollution.
Free radicals disrupt all kinds of body processes. It is therefore important to take in more antioxidants. These combat free radicals and are mainly found in vegetables and fruit, herbs, and nuts.
7. Inflammation
There is clear evidence that fibromyalgia can arise from mild (low-grade) inflammation in the body. These inflammations are associated with increased permeability of the intestinal wall (leaky gut). This can be demonstrated by examining the stool for parasites, fungi, and yeasts.
8. Too little exercise
Sufficient exercise is, according to some experts, the best remedy for fibromyalgia. Exercise regularly, but not extremely.
Treatment
Fibromyalgia does not yet seem curable. Reducing the complaints is possible. Treatment starts with making the diagnosis by a GP or specialist. They may prescribe medicines to reduce the complaints immediately. A physiotherapist helps to move better and thus experience positive effects again. During treatment, large muscle groups and endurance are trained. Relaxation exercises are also an important part of the treatment.
Nutrition
Fibromyalgia can also be treated in a natural way. A dietitian or orthomolecular practitioner focuses on addressing the causes of fibromyalgia. The aim of the treatment is to make the body healthy again with necessary and useful nutrients. The practitioner asks questions about diet and lifestyle. It is also measured whether there is a deficiency or surplus of certain substances in the body. The treatment plan will focus on changes in diet and/or lifestyle. It may also be advised to use one or more nutritional supplements.
Finally
Advising and treating fibromyalgia is tailor-made. Various health professionals are happy to help you. Always do this in consultation with the specialist or GP.