- Persistent fatigue, sleep dysfunction, impaired concentration/memory, sensitivity to light/sound/tough, muscle & joint pains/aches without signs of inflammation, IBS, etc.
- Connection with latent viral infections (EBV, HHV-6, CMV)
- Chronic sleep disturbances
- Central nervous system sensitivity
- Under-functioning HPA-axis (hypo-adrenalism, underactive thyroid)
- Increased intestinal permeability
- Family history (3x as likely to develop if mother has FM)
- Psychological stress in childhood
- Being female aged 20-60, type A personality
Treating fibromyalgia needs to be multi-factorial, there is no one size fits all. Here are some treatment strategies to consider:
1. Dietary Considerations
- Avoid refined sugars/carbohydrates (< 10 tsp of sugar/day)
- Identify food sensitivities—can increase inflammation and exacerbate symptoms
- Focus on nutrient dense foods
- Limit/avoid AGE formation when cooking—lower temperatures in presence of water (boil, poach, stew)
- Chamomile
- Lemon Balm
- Valerian
- Jamaican Dogwood
- Melatonin
- Siberian Ginseng
- Jamaican Dogwood
- Wild Yam
- St John’s Wart *
- White Willow Bark
- Devils Claw
- Boswellia
- Find one thing to be thankful for each day
- Schedule time for yourself (daily, weekly, monthly, yearly)
- Laugh several times per day & practice mindfulness
- Avoid multitasking & burning the candle at both ends
- Do your best to eliminate, simplify, delegate, automate!