Fibromyalgia Syndrome

Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) affects approximately 4% of the population and is most common in women 20-60 years of age. FMS is most often classified as a rheumatic muscular disorder because the most prominent symptom is the chronic, achy muscular pain they experience. FMS causes pain in the muscles, ligaments, and tendons – the soft fibrous tissues in the body. Experts continue to learn more about this disease and now also classify it as a type of neurotransmitter (chemical agents that the brain uses to tell the body what to do) dysfunction. FMS is one of the most misdiagnosed diseases today. One of the reasons may be that neurotransmitters affect every part of our body, therefore symptoms can show up anywhere and can fluctuate from hour to hour. The cause of FMS remains unknown. However, there seems to be a genetic predisposition or an underlying abnormality paired with a trigger event, such as an illness or an accident that stimulates the onset of FMS.

In the FMS person, there appears to be an abnormal production of neurotransmitters and other chemicals that affect mood and sleep patterns, as well as help control pain and immune system function. The FMS patient experiences a domino affect where one symptom and reason for that symptom affect another symptom, etc. For example, FMS patients experience an alpha-delta sleep anomaly. They´re never able to reach the delta, or deep sleep, stage where your body releases rebuilding chemicals that repair and grow tissues. Growth hormone, one of the most abundant rebuilding chemicals, is released during delta sleep. Since FMS patients never experience delta sleep, they have low growth hormone levels leading to an inability of the body to repair itself. Growth hormone has a powerful effect on connective tissue. Connective tissue is the main repair mechanism in the body and its´ chemistry monitors inflammatory response and delivers fluids, including white blood cells and antibodies, to fight infection. In the FMS patient, connective tissues become stiff and tight due to an insufficient movement of fluids through body tissues. Congestion impairs circulation and neural transmission forcing muscles and surrounding organs to be in a constant state of tension. This area of heightened contraction and reduced circulation causes a buildup of wastes in that area which causes one of the classic symptoms of FMS referred to as a Trigger or Tender Point. Constant muscular tension coupled with the inability to reach deep repairing sleep, leaves the FMS patient experiencing extreme pain in these tender points and an overwhelming exhaustion. When you put it all together, you can see the domino affect that exists and realize how these people truly suffer with their condition.

No cure exists for FMS, so patients need to be realistic about how they will feel and what they can expect from treatment. The goal of treatment begins with improving the reducing pain and improving the quality of sleep. Deep sleep is critical for tissue repair, regulation of various neurotransmitters and immune system function. 

The following are some helpful approaches to the relief of FMS.

  • Exercise. Even the smallest bit of exercise is beneficial. Though the pain and fatigue make exercise difficult, it´s important to be as physically active as possible. Research has shown that regular exercise is one of the most effective treatments for FMS. Choose an activity that you enjoy and make it a part of your day. Begin slowly and build your endurance and intensity over time. 

  • Diet. Eat a nutritious, well-balanced diet. Add a quality multivitamin to ensure your daily nutritional needs are met.  Eliminate the use of monosodium glutamate (MSG) and aspartame (Nutrasweet and/or Equal) from your diet. Aspartame may decrease the availability of the amino acid tryptophan and reduce the level of the neurotransmitter serotonin. Those using aspartame usually find that their symptoms improve when aspartame is removed from their diets.

  • Limit caffeine and avoid alcohol. Both enhance fatigue and can interfere with sleep.

  • Therapeutic massage. Research supports that massage helps to relieve stress, muscle tension and stiffness. It helps to provide greater joint flexibility and improves circulation of blood and the movement of wastes through the lymphatic system.

  • Sleep. Getting enough sleep, and the right kind of sleep, can help ease the pain and fatigue of FMS. While we sleep, cell growth and repair takes place to combat the affects of the stress placed on our bodies. Sleep also helps our bodies fight infection. When it comes to FMS, sleep is easier said than done. Try to develop a regular sleep pattern by going to bed and getting up at the same time every day. When your sleep cycle has a regular rhythm, you will feel better. Don´t exercise right before bedtime. It could interfere with sleep. Try taking a hot bath before bed. This can help relax you and make you sleepy. 

    Herp-Eeze™ Next Generation

    Herp-Eeze - Healing can often occur naturally if the body receives the proper nutritional support. Supplementation with certain natural compounds from plant sources is a convenient way to balance and support the beneficial processes within our own bodies. Such is the case with Herp-Eeze™ Next Generation.

    The Herpes Simplex Virus, Type 1 and 2
    Herpes Simplex infection occurs after exposure to the virus through a break in the skin or through mucus membranes. There is strong evidence that the virus may be transmitted even when symptoms are not present. The virus spreads to nerve cells within the body and then to other mucosal skin surfaces. The Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) can cause blister-like sores on the skin. There are two types of HSV: Type 1, in and around the mouth and Type 2, in the genital area. Some people seldom experience symptoms, while for others it can be an embarrassing, painful infection, which returns with annoying regularity. The virus remains dormant in the body after an active infection and recurrences of the symptoms can take place at a later time. Overexposure to sunlight, fever, stress, or certain foods and drugs may precipitate recurrences.

    What is a virus and how does it affect homeostasis of the body?
    A virus is an infectious agent that has either viral RNA or DNA as its genetic material. Viruses 'hijack' the body's cellular machinery in order to live, grow and replicate. As viruses replicate, the cells in which they are growing are destroyed releasing millions of new virus particles and an array of cellular toxins. The damaging effects of viral replication continue to disrupt homeostasis in the body, often for long periods of time.

    Herp-Eeze™ Next Generation contains a unique blend of natural ingredients and synergistic antioxidants which have numerous, documented biological activities. Together, this unique chemistry functions to promote homeostasis in the body. Homeostasis is a state of stability and balance in the body's internal environment. This balance is achieved by cellular systems, i.e. the immune system, nervous system, endocrine system, etc. and chemical mechanisms, i.e. inflammatory cascade, immune reaction, hormonal release, etc. that act in synchrony to control and regulate the body's state of being. When homeostasis is disrupted by environmental or physical stresses, the proper functioning of the body's systems may be compromised. The immune system is instrumental in maintaining homeostasis in the body. It includes the cellular and molecular components of the body that function as a defense against invasion of the body by foreign organisms and infectious agents. Some of the major components of this intricate system include white blood cells, antibodies and chemical factors such as interleukins and leukotrienes. Herp-Eeze™ Next Generation is a unique and proprietary combination of selected ingredients that work together with your immune system to assist the body to achieve cellular homeostasis.

    A study, which included the active ingredients in Herp-Eeze™ Next Generation, was done on a number of Chinese medicinal plants and their effects on the herpes virus. The results found that these actives were among the most effective against the virus that causes herpes. Researchers believe that these ingredients work in two ways: by stopping the herpes virus from multiplying within the infected cell and by preventing it from binding to healthy cells.

    In 1992, French biologists found that all of the herpes viruses were inhibited or killed by extracts from one of the active ingredients in Herp-Eeze™ Next Generation. The researchers included twenty-eight references to the anti-viral action of this ingredient in their report. This ingredient seems to show itself as an immune system builder by directly stimulating phagocytosis, an immune system response in which cells ingest harmful microorganisms and foreign matter. It also contains natural flavonoids and esters that create a structural complex that infectious microorganisms may not readily develop a resistance to.

    Research done by a virologist named Dr. Harold Renis, while at the well-known pharmaceutical company UpJohn and published by the American Society for Microbiology, found that an active component of Herp-Eeze™ Next Generation inhibited the growth of the herpes virus. The researchers credit a number of unique properties possessed by this active compound for its broad killing power which include: an ability to interfere with critical amino acid production essential for viruses; an ability to contain viral infection and/or spread by inactivating viruses or by preventing virus shedding, budding or assembly at the cell membrane; the ability to directly penetrate infected cells and stop viral replication and its ability to stimulate phagocytosis. The research suggests that this may be a true anti-viral compound because it appears to selectively block an entire virus-specific system in the infected host. Therefore, it appears to offer healing effects not addressed by pharmaceutical antibiotics.

    Herp-Eeze™ Next Generation also contains L-lysine. L-lysine is an amino acid with a pharmacological use much more specific than that of most other amino acids. Supplementation of L-lysine is one of the best options available for the relief of herpes simplex virus infections, especially oral forms. L-lysine competes with L-arginine for intestinal absorption and transport so when you supplement with L-lysine, this tilts the balance between L-lysine and L-arginine heavily in favor of L-lysine. This ameliorates herpes outbreaks because the herpes virus depends on the presence of L-arginine for its replication.

    Herpes viruses are especially prevalent in humans. In fact, over 100 million people in the U.S. alone are afflicted with conditions such as cold sores, shingles and genital herpes. In vitro and clinical studies of the ingredients found in Herp-Eeze™ Next Generation have shown tremendous efficacy in preventing herpes virus replication and guarding against cell death caused by viral invasion.

    Vita-Vitamin, Multi-Vitamin/Mineral

    Vita-Vitamin is scientifically designed with the latest technology in vitamin science. All of the nutrients are synergistically balanced to yield the highest possible benefits. This formulation uses the highest quality of chelated minerals, which can be regarded as the Gold standard for the industry. Premium Gold minerals are custom mineral formulations developed strictly for Olympian Labs. These minerals are guaranteed to be the highest quality available and carry the Premium Gold Mineral Seal of Quality. Independent research suggests that chelated minerals may be more bio-available than the regular ionic minerals.

    Vita-Vitamin contains vitamins, minerals and herbs well known for their beneficial role in nutrition. This unique vegetarian formula provides all your daily nutritional needs in easy to swallow capsules and tablets.

    • Formulation also contains Coenzyme Q10 and Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA). ALA may help recycle vitamin C and vitamin E.

    • Formulation does not contain Beta-carotene because it interferes with the absorption of Lutein. Independent studies suggest that Lutein promotes eye health.

    • Contains Lycopene. Significance of Lycopene is well documented in the scientific literature.

    • Minerals used in this formulation are specially produced for Olympian Labs.

    • Vita-Vitamin is formulated in a proprietary herbal base composed of Grape skin extract, Barley grass, Goldenseal root, Echinacea purpuria, Pau d'arco, Parsley, Lecithin and Rice Bran. These herbs are well known for their beneficial nutritional attributes.

    Vitamin A: Promotes growth and repair of body tissue, bone formation, healthy skin and hair. It is also essential for night vision.

    Vitamin C: Promotes healthy cell development, wound healing, improves resistance to infections. It is also known to improve collagen formation and provide protection against cataracts.

    Vitamin D: Aids absorption of calcium and may help build bone mass.

    Vitamin E: Required for normal growth and development. It is a powerful anti-oxidant that protects cells from oxidative damage.

    Vitamin B-1: Thiamin is essential for converting carbohydrate to energy, normal functioning of the nervous system and muscles.

    Vitamin B-2: Riboflavin helps red blood cell formation, release of energy from food. It is needed for vision and may protect against cataract formation.

    Vitamin B-3: Niacin or nicotinic acid promotes release of energy from food. And proper functioning of nervous system. Non-flush niacin is used in this formulation.

    Vitamin B-5: Pantothenic acid aids in the normal growth and development.

    Vitamin B-6: Pyridoxine is essential for protein metabolism, nervous system, and immune function. It is also involved in the synthesis of hormones and red blood cells.

    Vitamin B-9: Folic acid is needed for normal growth and development, red blood cell formation. It is also known to reduce risk of neural tube birth defects. It can control homocysteine levels and thus may reduce the risk of heart disease.

    Vitamin B-12: Methylcobalamine is vital for blood formation and healthy nervous system. Deficiency of vitamin B12 is very common in vegetarians.

    Biotin: Biotin works with carboxylase enzymes, ATP, and magnesium in the metabolism of fatty acids and proper utilization of B-vitamins. It also plays an important role in the synthesis of proteins and purines.

    Calcium: Essential for developing and maintaining healthy bones and teeth. It assists in blood clotting, muscle contraction and nerve transmission.

    Magnesium: Activates over 100 enzymes and helps nerves and muscle function.

    Chromium: Assists in the metabolism of glucose and may help regulate blood sugar.

    Iodine: It is the active part of thyroid hormone. It helps regulate growth, development and energy metabolism.

    Manganese: Necessary for the normal development of skeletal and connective tissues. Manganese is also involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates.

    Molybdenum: Needed for the metabolism of DNA and RNA, and the production of uric acid.

    Selenium: It is an essential component of the key antioxidant enzymes and is necessary of normal growth and development. It is also involved in the use of
    iodine in thyroid function.

    Zinc: Essential part of more than 100 enzymes involved in digestion, metabolism, reproduction, and wound healing.

    << Return to the Conditions Directory

  •  
     

    Sponsored By:
    1-800-473-5883
    Home | Take Our Online Health Evaluation | Research a Condition | Ask a Nutritionist
    About this Site | Contact Us | Sponsors | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use