Chronic fatigue & Fibromyalgia
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) are no longer viewed as psychosomatic diseases where sufferers must dysfunction quietly without complaint. whilst still poorly understood, they are very real conditions that primarily affect young and middle aged Caucasian women (CFS is 1½ times more prevalent in women than in men).
Increasing evidence shows that both CFS and FMS may be the compounding result of a group of several syndromes that simply begin to overwhelm the body’s immune system, for example an undetected viral infection, chemical or food allergy, candida infection, excessive stress etc.
There is presently no agreement within the medical or naturopathic communities as to the primary cause of these conditions but candida, hypercoagulation, Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, brucella, human herpes virus-6, chemical toxicity, nutritional deficiencies and imbalanced stress hormones are all thought to be possible contributors.
Constant fatigue, muscle pain and weakness (not relieved by bed rest) are prevalent symptoms in these complex syndromes which can exacerbate a vast array of disorders such as allergies, multiple chemical sensitivity, joint pain, anxiety, depression and impaired concentration and memory. Put simplistically, the differential diagnosis for fibromyalgia is the existence of chronic widespread pain with palpable pain in 11 out of 18 specific points.
The debilitating nature of these conditions often brings negative feelings, low self esteem and hopelessness. Dr B Sahley, of the Pain & Stress Centre in San Antonio, Texas stated that “many chronic pain patients tell me that they perceive themselves as a burden to their families and feel unable to communicate. yet communication is the key to improvement and moving forward in your life. you must never stop believing you will get better.”
There is hope and there is help
Treatment by a good cranial osteopath, healthy nutrition, adequate exercise and rest and plenty of clean fresh water are paramount, but there are also herbal and nutritional supplements that may assist with management of these syndromes.
Radiance® FibroMalic
Radiance® FibroMalic is a formula based on the synergistic blend of natural nutrients researched and successfully clinically trialled by Dr Billie Sahley PhD., at the Pain & Stress Centre in San Antonio, for reduction of symptoms associated with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue and chronic pain. The formula includes malic acid, standardised boswellia extract, magnesium, vitamin C, vitamin B6 and chromium. This formula is designed to help remove toxins, relieve inflammation, reduce muscular tension and improve energy production in order to help relieve the symptoms associated to fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue.
Radiance® Magnesium Complex
Magnesium is the “anti-stress” mineral as it functions to relax skeletal muscles as well as the smooth muscles of blood vessels and the gastrointestinal tract (while calcium stimulates muscle contraction, magnesium relaxes them). Magnesium deficiency has become increasingly common and is considered to be a contributing factor not only to muscular tension, cramps and pain, but cardiovascular disease and heart attack. Multiple studies have now confirmed that patients with chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia have improved energy levels, better emotional state and less pain when the diet is supplemented with magnesium. Radiance® Magnesium Complex supplies 266mg magnesium with synergistic calcium, zinc and vitamin D to boost magnesium levels where signs of deficiency including poor sleep and muscular discomfort are present.
B J Sahley, Ph.D., C.N.C., K M Birkner, C.R.N.A., Ph.D., Malic Acid and Magnesium for Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Syndrome, Pain & Stress Publications, Texas, 2002
(Originally published in Health & Herbal News Magazine Volume 18, Issue 1)