From RemedyFind: Causes of Fibromyalgia-- Part 2 of 3

This is Part 2 of a three-part article discussing theories about the causes of Fibromyalgia. Please understand that most of these theories have yet to be tested, let alone proven. (See previous post on this subject)

VIRUSES
Some researchers believe that the Cytomegalo virus is the cause of Fibromyalgia/Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction FMS/CFIDS. The antibiotic Doxycycline is sometimes used successfully to treat it, but not without side effects. FMS patients often have active bacterial and viral infections like Epstein Barr or Mono, which drain the body’s immune system. Fatigue and muscle pain can be caused by an undetected chronic infection that never improved.

ADRENAL EXHAUSTION
The adrenals are tiny but powerful endocrine glands that sit on top of our kidneys and secrete steroid hormones. Adrenal fatigue can result from persistent or severe emotional or physical stress. If you need sugar, salty foods, or caffeine to keep yourself going, you may have adrenal fatigue. Dr. James Wilson and Dr. Rodger Murphree have information on their websites about how to support and repair the adrenal glands.

MITOCHONDRIA DYSFUNCTION
Mitochondria are the energy producers of the cells. According to Dr. Kent Holtorf, dysfunction in the mitochondria results in the cells starving for energy and patients feeling fatigued, lacking in energy and unable to overcome infections.

LEAKY GUT
Dr. Devin Starlanyl discusses leaky gut syndrome in her book "Fibromyalgia and Chronic Myofascial Pain Syndrome." Also, Dr. Sherry Rogers--another M.D. with fibromyalgia-- states that when people take antibiotics, aspirin and other pain reducing drugs, it can cause intestinal permeability. This is where cells within the intestine separate and small food particles begin to enter the blood stream. Then white fighter cells attack because they see these food particles as something to be destroyed. In doing this, bad toxins are formed in the blood and this causes soreness throughout the body. Chemical sensitivities are caused from leaky gut syndrome.

ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS
Some insomniacs who get rid of electromagnetic fields in their bedrooms are able to sleep like babies! You might try shutting off the circuit breaker to your bedroom and see if that helps your sleep improve, or try a magnetic mattress pad from a reputable company.

AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM DYSFUNCTION ("DYSAUTONOMIA")
Dr. Manuel Martinez-Lavin of the National Cardiology Institute of Mexico wrote an excellent article explaining fibromyalgia as an autonomic (sympathetic) nervous system dysfunction. His theory is that people with FMS have a sympathetic nervous system that is persistently hyperactive, but hypo-reactive to stress.

MERCURY POISONING
There are many sources of mercury all around us. Dental fillings are just one of them. With amalgams, mercury is released when the teeth grind together while chewing. This mercury is absorbed into blood and tissue--including the pituitary and hypothalamus glands. These two glands play a part in FMS symptoms. Many researchers believe that the brain dysfunction which causes fibromyalgia is a direct result of mercury toxicity. (Some people with FMS have had their amalgam dental fillings replaced with other materials, but not all report improvement in their symptoms.)

SOFT DRINKS
Carbonated beverages contain orthophosphoric acid that leaches calcium and magnesium from the body. These two minerals are sometimes called “nature’s tranquilizers. They are absolutely necessary for healthy muscles and bones and to avoid muscle cramping. (Diet soft drinks are even worse than regular, because they contain aspartame, an excitotoxin.)

THYROID
Symptoms of either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism are remarkably similar to fibromyalgia. Hypothyroid symptoms include fatigue, inability to tolerate cold, fertility problems, muscle weakness, muscle cramps, hair loss, recurrent infections, constipation, depression, difficulty concentrating, slow speech, etc. Hyperthyroid symptoms include nervousness, irritability, a constant feeling of being hot, insomnia, fatigue, hair loss, hand tremors, rapid heartbeat, etc. A blood test can detect an underactive or overactive thyroid gland. There is also a more difficult to detect thyroid problem called “Wilson’s Syndrome.” I have heard from several women whose fibromyalgia symptoms abated when their thyroid problems were detected and correctly treated.

FOOD ALLERGIES
People with fibromyalgia have more incidences of food allergies and sensitivities. Some common allergic / sensitive foods are wheat, dairy, sugar, corn, soy, eggs, peanuts, oranges, chocolate and fermented food. If you suspect any of these are causing you problems, try eliminating them from your diet one at a time and listen to your body. Also, some people with FMS report more muscle pain after eating tomatoes, bell peppers, or potatoes (nightshade vegetables). Tomatoes contain high levels of glutamates, which can cause muscle pain.

STRESS
Prolonged physical or emotional stress can cause fibromyalgia. We deplete the helpful chemicals in our “stress bank” until we are running on empty. We all know how bad we feel physically when there is disharmony in our personal lives, and chronic "invisible" illness puts additional strain on ones personal life and relationships, so this can become a vicious cycle. I recently read a study about how arguing and discord in marriage can suppress the immune system by producing elevated stress hormones.