Elate Lifestyles LLC all News Posts

Helpful Products for Yeast Infection

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 15:25:09 GMT

Health Issues Linked to Candida Yeast Infections

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 15:22:55 GMT

DESCRIPTION:

Candida yeast infections are fungal infections caused by the candida species. There are more than 150 species of known Candida, but only eight are considered to be pathogenic to humans. Candida normally lives on the skin, in the gastrointestinal tract, and in the female genital tract without causing an infection.

A Candida yeast infection usually only develops when the immune system is weakened and the body's normal checks do not keep it under control. The use of antibiotics can also increase the risk of Candidiasis as it destroys the good bacteria in the body that helps to keep the yeast in check. Immunosuppressive drugs increase the risk as they suppress the immune system.

Vaginal Candidiasis is more common in pregnant women, obese women, and women with diabetes. In addition, women who take hormone replacement therapy after menopause increase their risk of yeast infections.

Symptoms of a yeast infection generally include irritation and vaginal discharge. Redness and swelling may also be present. Occasionally, severe itching and burning may accompany a yeast infection.

-- Causes of Yeast (candidiasis) Infections --

Predisposing factors to Candida overgrowth: Altered bowel flora, Decreased digestive secretions, Dietary factors (high sugar diet), Drugs (particularly antibiotics), Impaired immunity, Impaired liver function, Nutrient deficiency, Prolonged antibiotic use, Underlying disease states.

Prolonged antibiotic use is believed to be the most important factor in the development of chronic candidiasis. Antibiotics suppress the immune system and the normal intestinal bacteria that prevent yeast over-growth, strongly promoting the proliferation of candida.

There is little argument that, when used appropriately, antibiotics save lives. However, there is also little argument that antibiotics are seriously overused. The widespread use and abuse of antibiotics is becoming increasingly alarming, not only because of the chronic candidiasis epidemic, but also due to the development of "superbugs" that are resistant to currently available antibiotics. According to the World Health Organization, we are coming dangerously close to arriving at a "postantibiotic era", in which many infectious diseases will once again become almost impossible to treat.

-- The Nutritional Approach --

Foods that have been proven to help with Yeast (Candida) and Fungal Infections:

Yogurt with probiotic cultures, Garlic and Flax seeds.

Avoid refined flour and refined sugars and large amounts of honey, maple syrup, fruit juice, milk and other dairy products, alcoholic beverages, cheeses, dried fruits, and peanuts.

Nutrients that have been proven to help with yeast infections and candida:

Digestive Enzymes, Cat's Claw, Olive Leaf, Garlic, Tea Tree Oil topical treatments, Grapefruit Seed.

Exercises that have been proven to help with yeast infections:

In many cases yeast infections are caused by a weak immune system. A daily exercise routine will help promote a strong immune system which will help you to prevent and over`come infections such as a yest infection.

Helpful Products for Thyroid Disorder

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 15:20:54 GMT

Health Issues Linked to Thyroid & Hypothyroidism

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 15:18:19 GMT

DESCRIPTION:

The thyroid gland is responsible for secreting the hormone that controls the body's metabolic rate (chemical functions). It stimulates the tissues in every part of the body and especially influence the body's vital functions, such as the heart rate, the respiratory rate, the rate calories are burned, growth, heat production, fertility, and digestion.

Hypothyroidism is the under activity of the thyroid, which therefore results in the slowing of vital body functions. It is more common in older people, particularly in women.

There are many causes to hypothyroidism, the most common being Hashimoto's thyroiditis. This condition causes the thyroid to become inflamed and damaged. Subacute thyroiditis can also cause hypothyroidism, although the thyroid is not destroyed. Radioactive iodine or the surgical remove can also be a cause, as well as rare causes, such as inherited enzyme abnormalities. A chronic lack of iodine can also cause hypothyroidism, but this condition is rare in the United States as table salt and dairy products (due to the sterilization process in retrieving milk) contain iodine.

There are many symptoms associated with hypothyroidism as the body's functions begin to slow. Most symptoms are subtle and develop gradually, and may at first resemble depression. Some symptoms include slow speech, droopy eyelids, puffy eyes and face, weight gain, inability to tolerate cold, sparse/coarse/dry hair, dry and scaly skin, slower pulse, and other symptoms resembling Alzheimer's disease (confused, forgetful, demented). Severe hypothyroidism can lead to anemia, a low body temperature, heart failure and coma if left untreated.

-- Causes of Hypothyroid --

95 percent of all cases of hypothyroid are due to the thyroid gland and not the pituitary gland. Most patients with hypothyroidism are not born with it; they develop it as adults.

Iodine deficiency leads to hypothyroidism and/or the development of an enlarged thyroid gland.

Currently, the most common cause is due to an autoimmune disease known as Hashimoto's disease. In this disease, antibodies are formed that bind to the thyroid and prevent the manufacture of sufficient levels of thyroid hormone. In addition to binding to thyroid tissue, antibodies may also bind to the adrenal glands, pancreas, and acid-producing cells of the stomach.

Lack of thyroid hormones leads to . . .

A general decrease in the rate of utilization of fat, protein, and carbohydrate.
Moderate weight gain combined with sensitivity to cold weather (demonstrated by cold hands or feet) is a common finding.
Cholesterol and triglyceride levels are increased in even the mildest forms of hypothyroidism. This elevation greatly increases the risk of serious cardiovascular disease. Studies have shown an increased rate of heart disease due to atherosclerosis in individuals with hypothyroidism.
Dry, rough skin covered with fine, superficial scales is seen in most hypothyroid individuals, while their hair is course, dry and brittle. Hair loss can be quite severe. The nails become thin and brittle and typically show transverse grooves.
Depression, weakness, and fatigue are usually the first symptoms of hypothyroidism. Later, the hypothyroid individual will have difficulty concentrating and become extremely forgetful.

-- The Nutritional Approach --

Foods that have been proven to help with hypothyroid:

Iodine and Selenium rich foods. Whole grains are the best dietary source of selenium followed by seafood, garlic, liver, eggs, and some vegetables including cabbage, celery, cucumbers, and radishes.

Avoid naturally goitrogen-containing foods (anti-thyroid or more specifically, foods that impair the use of iodine). Brussels sprouts, kale, cauliflower, asparagus, broccoli, raw soybeans, lettuce, peas, turnip greens and watercress.

Nutrients that have been proven to help hypothyroid:

Iodine, and Selenium

Excercises that have been proven to help with hypothyroid:

A daily exercise regiment can help to keep weight in balance. Having a balanced weight will help with your overall health as well as promoting the healing of the thyroid. Strength training twice a week and 30-40 minutes of aerobics 5 times a week is a good routine.

Helpful Products for Sleeping Disorders

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 15:16:18 GMT

Health Issues Linked to Sleeping Disorders & Insomnia

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 15:13:39 GMT

DESCRIPTION:

Insomnia is habitual sleeplessness, characterized by the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep. Sleep is also often inadequate and unrefreshing. Insomnia itself is not a disorder however. Insomnia is a symptom of other issues. It is most often caused by emotional issues and stress.

Other issues of insomnia may include an irregular schedule, physical disorders, drug use, alcohol use, emotional problems and stress. An irregular schedule can also cause a sleep-wake schedule disorder where the sleeping patterns are disrupted by jet lag, work schedules, thse who have been hospitalized and awakened frequently in the night, or excessive use of alcohol. Many people with insomnia experience symptoms such as irritability, fatigue during the day, problems concentrating, and difficulty performing under stress.

About 10 percent of adults have chronic insomnia and 50 percent of adults have occasional insomnia. However, many older people mistake their changing sleep patterns for insomnia as the need for sleep decreases with age. Older people may awaken more at night also.

-- Causes of Insomnia --

Physical and emotional disorders such as chronic illnesses, pregnancy, alcohol intake, stress and depression may trigger the onset of insomnia. Nutrient deficiencies of vitamins and minerals have been proven to cause sleeping disorders.

-- The Nutritional Approach --

Foods that have been proven to help with insomnia:

Ginger, tangerines, spearmint, basil, tomatoes, red pepper, thyme, and cinnamon.

Nutrients that have been proven to help with insomnia:

Magnesium, Iron, Melatonin, Hops and Chamomile.

Several amino acids have impact on healthy sleep patterns.

Chamomile has been used as a medicinal herb for centuries. It is most frequently used as a mild sedative for individuals with minor anxiety or nervousness.

Excercises that have been proven to help with insomnia:

People who regularly engage in exercise have fewer episodes of sleeplessness. Exercise promotes improved sleep quality by allowing a smoother and more regular transition between the cycles and phases of sleep. Moderate exercises lasting 20 to 30 minutes three or four times a week will help you sleep better and give you more energy.

-- Basic insomnia Plan --

Avoid caffeine and alcohol in the afternoon and evening.
Maintain a consistent bedtime routine.
Exercise.
Increase your body temperature slightly before bed in a warm bath or shower.
Try to stop work early in the evening.
Nourishake Protein Drink before bedtime.

Helpful Products for PMS

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 15:11:57 GMT

Health Issues Linked to Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 15:09:52 GMT

Description:

Premenstrual Syndrome is the physical and emotional symptoms a woman experiences associated with her mentrual cycle. They can occur up to 14 days before her period begins, and usually end at the start of the period. Most women experience PMS at some point during their lives, but the symptoms vary greatly. PMS affects 20-50 percent of women, and severe PMS (dysphoric disorder) affects 5 percent of women. In dysphoric disorder, the symptoms are so severe, that work, social activities, and relationships are affected.

Symptoms for Premenstrual Syndrome vary greatly between women, but may include a bad mood, irritability, bloating, and breast tenderness. In addition, other disorders may worsen or flare-up, such as seizures, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, allergies, and congestion. These symptoms are generally followed by a very painful period.

PMS may occur because of the changing levels of progesterone and estrogen hormones in the body. These levels fluctuate during the mentrual cycle, and may also be broken down differently in the body during the cycle. Another theory is that PMS may be due to an aberration in blood viscosity and red blood cell hydration during the menstrual cycle.

-- Causes of Premenstrual Syndrome --

The most common causative factors are excess estrogen levels, progesterone deficiency. Others include elevated prolactin levels, hypothyroidism, stress, endogenous opioid deficiency, and adrenal dysfunction, depression, nutritional factors (macronutrients disturbances/excesses and micronutrieint deficiency)

-- The Nutritional Approach --

Foods that have been proven to help with PMS:

Plant foods (vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds particularly flax and hemp), soy protein.

Avoid commercial animal protein and commercial dairy, refined carbohydrates and caffeine.

Nutrients that have been proven to help with PMS:

Magnesium, Omega 3 and 6 Essential Fatty Acids, Soy Isoflavones, Probiotics, Vitamin B6, Vitamin E, Black Cohosh, Chasteberry, Dong Quai, Dandelion Leaf, Kava, and St. John's Wort.

Excercises that have been proven to help with PMS:

Exercise can have many positive psychological and physical benefits for PMS sufferers, so try to include some form of exercise in your daily routine. Exercise can help to deal with stress factors contributing to PMS.

-- Basic PMS Plan --

Our American diet causes us so many problems -- too many refined foods and not enough nutrient-dense foods. With countless over-the-counter medications claiming to help with certain symptoms and the prevalence of hormone replacement therapy, it is easy to confuse the issue. The problem isn't solved by taking one drug or another. Instead, addressing the root cause of the problem comes down to examining what nutrients are missing from the body and how to replace those to create optimal hormone balance.

WARNING: Interactions between St. John's Wort and anticoagulants, indinavir, cyclosporin, digoxin, ethinyl estradiol/desogestrel, and theophylline have occured. The mechanism of action was believed to be liver enzyme induction and subsequent alterations of drug levels by the herb. Also, several reports have suggested that concurrent use of St. John's Wort and SSRIs may result in "serotonin syndrome", including sweating, tremor, confusion, flushing, and agitation. Use St. John's Wort with caution if individuals are on these medications.

Helpful Products for Obesity

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 15:07:56 GMT

Health Issues Linked to Obesity

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 15:05:22 GMT

Description:

Obesity is the accumulation of excess body fat. Obesity can occur as a result of several factors. Your metabolic rate (how fast you burn calories), exercise, diet, alcohol, or metabolic disorders (diabetes) can have a significant effect on your weight. Obesity may also be genetic. Some theories suggest that two obese parents have a higher risk of having children with weight problems in their adulthood. Obesity is also more common among women, and varies by race and age.

Obesity changes the overall appearance of an individual, but also can cause structural changes as you have to adjust to your size. For example, you may walk abnormally and widen your stance, which contributes significantly to osteoarthritis, low back pain, and swollen feet and ankles. They also typically have difficulty breathing or become short of breath easily when the lungs are compressed by excess fat.

Obesity also dramatically increases the risk of developing heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, varicose veins, psychological stress, osteoarthritis, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes. In addition, the risk of premature death may be doubled or even tripled.

Obesity can be determined by your body mass index (BMI) and body composition. BMI is your weight (in kilograms) divided by your height (in meters squared). BMI standards state that you are overweight when your BMI is between 25 and 29.9, and obese when your BMI is 30 or greater. Body composition is the percentage of fat and muscle in the body.

-- Causes of Obesity --

Obesity occurs from numerous conditions. The most major cause of obesity is the over-consumption of processed foods, consumption of high-fat, high-sugar foods and lack of exercise. Other contributors on a lower percentage include imbalance of the basal metabolic rate, metabolic disorders, disorders such as hypothyroidism, hypopituitarism, Cushing's syndrome, insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance, and hyperinsulinemia. Genetics also play a role.

-- The Nutritional Approach --

Foods that have been proven to help with obesity:

Raw fruits and vegetables, whole grains and easily digested proteins.

Avoid refined sugars, refined flours, and fried foods.

Nutrients that have been proven to help with obesity:

Enzymes (Lipase), Essential Fatty Acids, Chromium, Probiotics, and Citrus.

Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) is a type of fat that helps to reduce body fat, which has prompted researchers to suggest that it is an obesity-preventing agent. There has been nearly a 70 percent reduction in the amount of CLA in the human food supply in the last 40 years. Some researchers suggest that the disappearance of CLA in the food chain is one of the reasons why Americans have continued to become fatter.

Excercises that have been proven to help with obesity:

The key to long-term fat loss is to create a better Fat-to-Muscle ratio since muscle burns many more calories than fat. Strength training the whole body 2-3 times a week for 30-40 minutes will create the most strength the fastest. Also do an aerobic program consisting of 30-45 minutes a day of increased heart rate activity 6 days a week.

-- Basic Obesity Plan --

Establish optimal nutrition.
Avoid refined foods.
Consume a diet or supplement with chelated chromium.
Consume foods rich in Essential Fatty Acids.
Probiotics combined with Enzymes taken at each meal will help stop foods from not being digested and stored as fat.

Helpful Products for Multiple Sclerosis

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 15:01:39 GMT

Health Issues Linked to Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 14:58:51 GMT

Description:

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disorder in which the myelin and the nerve fibers are damaged and destroyed. According to one theory, Multiple Sclerosis is the result of an autoimmune response against the myelin surrounding the nerve fibers by the action of macophages, T-killer cells, lymphokines, antibodies, or a combination of these elements. The process of demyelination causes disruptions in the transmission of nerve impulses, which therefore, results in symptoms specific to the nerve fibers damaged.

The cause of Multiple Sclerosis is unknown; however, it may be due to a virus or other unknown antigen. This disorder is typically found in temperate climates, and is rarely if ever found in tropical climates. MS typically occurs between the ages of 20 and 40 years. Heredity may also play a factor in the occurrence of Multiple Sclerosis as approximately 10 percent of those with Multiple Sclerosis have siblings that also have the disease.

Some of the most common early symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis include numbness, tingling, pain, burning, itching, mood swings, and giddiness. Some cognitive symptoms may also include memory disturbances, decreased judgement, and inattention. However, the symptoms experienced depend on which nerve fibers have been affected. In addition, symptoms may come and go as the myelin is damaged, repaired, and then more myelin is damaged.

Most people with Multiple Sclerosis have a normal lifespan. Generally 20 percent have no functional limitation, 70 percent will be limited or unable to perform major daily activities, and 75 percent will be unemployed.

-- Causes of Multiple Sclerosis --

The exact cause(s) is(are) unknown. An autoimmune theory does exist. The non-digestion of foods and processed chemicals from our diet had also been theorized as possible contributers.

-- The Nutritional Approach --

Foods that have been proven to help with Multiple Sclerosis:

Fresh vegetables, whole grains, fatty acid rich foods (avocado, raw nuts, salmon).

Other Nutrients that have been proven to help with MS:

Calcium, Magnesium, Vitamin B12, Zinc, Reishi Mushroom, Essential Fatty Acids, Selenium, Digestive Enzymes.

Exercises that have been proven to help with Multiple Sclerosis:

In addition to improving overall health, cardiovascular fitness, range of motion, and flexibility exercises can help increase energy, improve balance, decrease muscle atrophy, and better perform activities of daily living.

Helpful Products for Migraines

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 14:56:45 GMT

Health Issues Linked to Migraines

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 14:54:01 GMT

Description:

A migraine headache is usually a band-like pain that affects the whole head. Throbbing pain on one side of the head is typically experienced with a migraine, which can sometimes be severe and incapacitating. Nausea and vomiting may also accompany the migraine headache.

Migraine headaches are three times more common in women than in men, and can also run in families. Migraines typically begin between the ages of 10 and 40, and typically resolve or become less severe after age 60.

There are some known factors that can trigger a migraine. Estrogen can trigger a migraine, which partly explains why it is more common in women than in men. Many women will typically experience their migraines during puberty, menstrual periods, and when taking oral contraceptives. Insomnia, changes in barometric pressure, and hunger can also trigger a migraine headache. Once a migraine is triggered, physical activities, light sounds, and smells can make it worse.

Most people will experience a prodrome, aura, and postdrome along with the pain of the migraine headache. The prodrome can occur up to 24 hours before the pain of the headache and involves a change in mood or behavior. The aura can occur up to an hour before the headache and involves disturbances in vision, sensation, balance, movements, or speech. The aura usually subsides at the onset of pain of the migraine. In the postdrome, there is another change in mood or behavior after the migraine has subsdided.

-- Causes of Migraines --

A typical theory of what causes a migraine headache suggests that the pain is caused by the arteries in the brain narrowing and widening. However, this theory is too simple and does not explain the changes in blood flow that occur.

Migraines are considered vascular headaches and although the exact cause of this conditionn is unknown, many triggers exist including food allergies, blood sugar disturbances, stress, injury, and hormonal fluctuations. Many clinical experiences have found iron deficiency to be common in migraine headaches, especially in women.

-- The Nutritional Approach --

Foods that have been proven to help with Migraines:

Peppers. Increasing fluid intake and incorporating foods rich in omega-III fatty acids, like flaxseed, walnuts (which contain alpha-linolenic acid [ALA], an important omega-III fatty acid), and fish, into your diet may help to stave off migraines.

Things to Avoid:

caffeine, chocolate, alcohol, foods containing additives or citrus fruit, dairy products, tuna, mackerel, processed meats (bacon, hot dogs, salami, cured meats), nuts, peanut butter, fermented or pickled foods, and onions.

Nutrients that have been proven to help with Migraines:

Magnesium, Vitamin B2, Vitamin D and Calcium, Iron, Bitter Melon, Chasteberry, Black Cohosh, and Omega III oils.

Helpful Products for Kidney Stones

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 14:52:09 GMT

Health Issues Linked to Kidney Stones

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 14:49:48 GMT

Description:

Most people describe hard masses that form in the urinary tract as kidney stones. However, these stones can be formed anywhere in the urinary tract: the bladder, ureter, or the kidney. Kidney stones are more common in older adults, particularly men. Those at higher risk of kidney stones include people with certain diseases, such as hypertension, and those who eat a high-protein diet or don't drink enough water.

Kidney stones may be various sizes, from microscopic to one inch in diameter. They may be caused for various reasons. The urine may become saturated with salts, or may lack the inhibitors that prevent kidney stones from forming. Most (80 percent) of kidney stones are made of calcium, and the rest are made of uric acid, cystine, and struvite.

Symptoms of kidney stones include pain in the lower abdomen that can be excruciating and intermittent. Other symptoms include nausea and vomiting, abdominal distention, chills, fever, and blood in the urine.

Kidney stones may result in a urinary tract infection if the stones block the urinary tract and cause the urine to back up and pool. This can eventually put pressure on and distend the kidneys, leading to eventual damage.

-- Causes of Kidney Stones --

There are generally three types of kidney stones and all three of them have to do with the indigestion of certain foods in our diet. Specifically Uric Acid stones from Proteins (hard to digest proteins consist of animal meats, especially red meat). Calcium Phosphate stones from undigested fats (fried and hydrogenated fats). And Calcium Oxalate from junk foods (heavily processed foods like white flour and table sugar).

A person with a family history of Kidney Stones may be more likely to develop them.

-- The Nutritional Approach --

Foods that have been proven to help with Kidney Stones:

Strawberries, Mustard Greens, Orange, Kiwi, Salmon, Banana, Tomatoes, Watermelon, Cranberry Juice.

Avoid foods containing purines (i.e., shellfish, organ meats, red meat, anchovies, mackerel, yeast).

Limit oxalate-containing foods (coffee, black tea, chocolate, spinach, eggplant).

Nutrients proven to help dissolve kidney stones:

Vitamin C, Digestive Enzymes, Lipase, Vitamin B6

Helpful Products for Heart Disease

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 14:47:06 GMT

Health Issues Linked to Heart Disease

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 14:44:14 GMT

Description:

Angina is related to coronary artery disease, and some people experience angina because of it. Coronary artery disease is the buildup of fatty materials in the arteries due to atherosclerosis. As the fatty materials build up in the arteries, the blood flow to the heart is limited.

Angina is chest pain or a sensation of pressure that occurs while the heart muscle is not receiving enough oxygen. This can be due to narrowing of the arteries because of fatty deposits, or due to another abnormality that interferes with the body's ability to give the heart blood and oxygen. This is a very common condition in the United States and affects nearly 6.5 million people.

Angina is typically triggered by physical exertion, weather, and sometimes emotional stress. In these instances, the heart has to work hard and its need for oxygen is increased. Although unusual, if the arteries are narrowed more than 70 percent, symptoms of angina can be felt while at rest. Most people feel an ache or pressure under the breastbone, and can also feel pain in the shoulder, arm, back, throat, or jaw.

-- Causes of heart disease and angina --

Genes, gender and lifestyle factors (including smoking, lack of exercise and stress.) Even when scientists eliminate all those things, diet still pops out as vital to whether your arteries clog or your heart gives out.

-- The Nutritional Approach --

Foods that have been proven to help with heart disease:

Fatty fish or flax oil (loaded with omega 3 fatty acids), fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, legumes, onions, garlic, olive oil, foods high in Vitamin C and Vitamin E and Beta Carotene. Fermented foods.

Avoid meat and dairy foods high in saturated fat and excessive alcohol.

Nutrients that have been proven to help with heart disease:

Probiotics, Plant Enzymes (lipase), Vitamin E, Vitamin C, L-Carnitine, Magnesium, Omega 3 Fatty Acids, Potassium, Selenium, Vitamin B-Complex, Soy Isoflavones, Lycopene, Garlic, Proteolytic enzymes, and Probiotics.

Excercises that have been proven to help with heart disease:

When you exercise regularly, your entire cardiovascular system benefits. This is because exercise prevents the onset of high blood pressure if you are at increased risk of developing it, lowers your blood presure if you already have high blood pressure, increases the concentration of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (the "good" cholesterol) and decreases the concentration of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (the "bad" cholesterol) in your blood. It also strengthens your heart so it can pump your blood more efficiently to bring much-needed oxygen and nutrients to the rest of your body.

Helpful Products for Fibromyalgia

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 14:38:39 GMT

Health Issues Linked to Fibromyalgia

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 14:36:49 GMT

Description:

Fibromyalgia is the aching, pain, and stiffness of the soft tissues of the body (muscles, ligaments, and tendons). Fibromyalgia is not a life-threatening condition, but can be very disruptive to daily activities and lifestyle. The symptoms of fibromyalgia may be worsened by physical or mental stress, poor sleep, injury, or exposure to the cold.

There are three variations of fibromyalgia: primary, secondary, and localized.

Primary fibromyalgia is the most common type of fibromyalgia and is much more common in women than men (7 times). The aching, pain, and stiffness usually develop gradually and are widespread throughout the body. Primary fibromyalgia is not associated with any other disease or underlying condition. Primary fibromyalgia symptoms are typically accompanied by other symptoms, including poor sleep, anxiety, depression, fatigue, and irritable bowel syndrome.

Secondary fibromyalgia occurs in patients in which the symptoms of fibromyalgia are a result of an underlying condition, such as hypothyroidism. Secondary fibromyalgia is also widespread in the body.

Localized fibromyalgia is more common in men and the symptoms come on more rapidly than in primary or secondary fibromyalgia. The symptoms of localized fibromyalgia are usually a result of an occupation or sports, and are generally localized in a particular area of the body.

-- Causes of Fibromyalgia --

The exact causes of fibromyalgia are not known, but there are several trigger points that precede the onset of this condition. Trigger points include viral and bacterial infections, the candida albicans fungus, physical traumas, development of other health problems such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus "leaky gut" syndrome, or hypothyroidism, psychological stress, immune or endoctrine abnormalities, mitochondrial uncoupling of energy production, or biochemical abnormalities in the central nervous system.

Studies show that 60 percent of individuals with gastrointestinal disorders have fibromyalgia, 70 percent of individuals with fibromyalgia experience symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, and 50 percent complain of symptoms of functional dyspepsia. These individuals typically have abnormal levels of microbial in the gastrointestinal tract. These gastrointestinal problems may be combated with digestive enzymes.

-- The Nutritional Approach --

Foods that have been proven to help with Fibromyalgia:

Soybeans, whole wheat and buckwheat flours, raw almonds and cashews, brown rice, and many legumes.

Avoid meat, dairy and other foods high in saturated fats, fried and processed foods, white flour products, shellfish, caffeine, alcohol or sugar (including fructose and honey).

Nutrients that have been proven to help with Fibromyalgia:

Magnesium, Essential Amino Acid Tryptophan, Melatonin, Glutamine (lactobacillus acidophilus), Vitamin B1, Lecithin, Manganese, Proteolytic Enzymes, grapeseed extract, Vitamin A, Vitamin C.

Exercises that have been proven to help with Fibromyalgia:

Current research indicates that patients with fibromyalgia who participate in a specially designed, carefully controlled exercise program can improve physical function and mood and even decrease pain and, in many cases, overall quality of life is greatly enhanced. Slow, strength training exercises along with stretching have been proven to be the most beneficial.