Fluoride is another toxin that strains the thyroid. Fluoride is especially toxic to those with lupus.  Studies also show that diabetic children are at risk from fluoridated water because of reduced kidney function. Fluoridated tap water and even fluoride toothpaste should be avoided.  Tea can also contain high levels of fluoride.

 “Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity…and I’m not sure about the universe.”
- Albert Einstein

I find it more than a little crazy that the EPA regulates fluoride as a toxic waste and will not allow it to be dumped in rivers, lakes, or streams, but is perfectly fine with it being put in our drinking water.  Countries outside the U.S. approach fluoridating water more cautiously. In 1978, the West German Association of Gas & Water Experts vetoed fluoridation partly because the “optimal fluoride concentration” is so close to the dose at which long-term damage to the human body is to be expected.

“Pain (any pain–emotional, physical, mental) has a message. The information it has about our life can be remarkably specific, but it usually falls into one of two categories: “We would be more alive if we did more of this,” and, “Life would be more lovely if we did less of that.” Once we get the pain’s message, and follow its advice, the pain goes away.”
-Peter McWilliams

Dr. George L. Waldbott, using double-blind tests, was able to determine that fluoridated water can cause muscular weakness, chronic fatigue, headaches, skin rashes, joint pain, and tingling in the extremities. He treated more than 500 patients at his clinics with these symptoms, which were relieved by removing fluoride from their diets. Since these are all symptoms of various autoimmune diseases, including fibromyalgia, it would be well worth eliminating fluoride to see if there is an improvement in your condition.

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Human Growth Hormone (HGH) enhancement and progesterone support thyroid function, but estrogen does the opposite.  Besides supporting the thyroid, HGH strengthens the immune system. This hormone also aids in tissue repair and enzyme production.

HGH naturally declines with age, except in people with Fibromyalgia, it declines well beyond what is considered normal. If you take your chronological age and add 30 to it, your answer would be what the average Fibromyalgia sufferer’s HGH productions are estimated to be. For example, I’m 36 years old, so 36 +30=65 years old. If I were not supplementing to increase my HGH levels, they were closer to that of a 65-year-old. Additonally, HGH can be stimulated by exercise in normal individuals, but not by those with Fibromyalgia.

Note: Occasionally, HGH stimulators worsen thyroid function. More often, it normalizes thyroid function.

The amino acid, L-arginine, promotes the production of HGH. L-arginine can be purchased as a supplement and is prescribed by some doctors. Much research has been done on L-arginine since the 1998 Nobel Prize in Medicine validated its benefits. Since that time, nutritional supplement companies began scrambling to release their own version of L-arginine.

L-Arginine enhances wound healing, improves insulin sensitivity in Type II Diabetics, can be used as a “natural” alternative to Viagra TM, and can significantly lower blood pressure. A deficiency in human growth hormone (HGH) can also interfere with sleep regulation. However, for all of its virtues, L-arginine also has its dangerous vices. This amino acid stimulates both the HIV (AIDS) and the herpes simplex viruses.

Because it stimulates the herpes virus, many supplement companies’ L-arginine formulations include L-lysine, which is an amino acid that quiets the herpes simplex virus.  Unfortunately, L-lysine prevents the L-arginine from crossing the blood brain barrier, which is the vascular barrier that protects the brain.  If L-arginine cannot cross the blood brain barrier, it cannot stimulate Human Growth Hormone production. Other production processes by supplement companies affect L-arginine’s benefits.  One is combining it with sugar because of its terrible taste. This combination makes the amino acid useless.
L-arginine is what is called a “blind” amino acid when it is separated from its sister amino acids. This means that by itself, L-arginine does not know where to go or what to do.  Instead of crossing the blood brain barrier to be converted into human growth hormone, it wanders around the body as a damaging cancer-causing free radical.  L-arginine must be combined with an escort called a chemical rider, which helps it across the blood brain barrier. Not only is L-arginine useless in the production of HGH without this chemical rider, it is dangerous.

Dr. Ann de Wees Allen, N.D., was the youngest person ever diagnosed with stomach and esophageal cancer. At that time, the survival rate for this particular form of cancer was less than 2%. As directed by Dr.Linus Pauling, two-time Nobel Prize winner, Dr. Allen was put on a protocol of the antioxidant, vitamin C, and L-arginine. Her survival inspired her to dedicate her life to L-arginine research. Dr. Allen has since developed the only chemical rider for L-arginine and the only L-arginine formula that does not stimulate HIV or herpes. Even if your doctor prescribes L-arginine, you need to be sure it contains a chemical rider. If not, it cannot stimulate growth hormone. In large enough amounts to stimulate growth hormone production, it could stimulate a whole host of other problems. At publication date, Dr. Allen had the only L-arginine formulation with the rider. (Read Dr. Allen’s inspiring story at http://www.arginineresearch.com/Dr.%20Allen%27s%20Inspiring%20Survival%20Story.htm.)

Note:  If you have a history of breast cancer (or hormonally sensitive cancers) in your family, you should use L-arginine only under a doctor’s supervision.

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Delta Sleep

Both Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia are characterized by a lack of delta sleep. Delta sleep is the deepest stage of sleep. It is during this stage of sleep that tissue is repaired and many important brain chemicals are produced. An individual who does not spend enough time in delta sleep can sleep a full eight hours and still feel exhausted when they wake up in the morning. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil promote delta sleep by promoting the brain chemical serotonin.  According to a study published in the American Medical Association’s Archives of General Psychiatry, Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil increase the level of serotonin in a way similar to prescription anti-depressants like Prozac.

(For more about nutrition and depression, visit http://www.canlyme.com/tom.html and http://www.ajc.com/health/altmed/shared/health/alt_medicine/ConsSupplements/Omega3FattyAcidscs.html and http://nmrc.ca/depression.htm.)

(Fish oil and mental illness http://www.arthritis-symptom.com/alternativel-arthritis-treatments/omega-3-fatty-acids.htm.)

Note: The amino acid L-carnitine, available in supplement form, assists in essential fatty acid utilization.

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When B vitamin deficiencies become chronic, the adrenal system becomes worn out. The main purpose of your adrenals is to enable your body to deal with physical and emotional stress.  Adrenal Fatigue is common in people with fibromyalgia and autoimmunity. It is especially common in those with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Chronic illness, infections, and steroid use, often associated with autoimmunity, are also risk factors for Adrenal Fatigue.

Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue include being tired for no apparent reason, morning fatigue, feeling overwhelmed, cravings for salts, sweets or caffeine, and feeling best in the evenings. Adrenal Fatigue also results in low levels of the hormone DHEA.

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Ridding or detoxifying the body of mercury is usually called mercury chelating, meaning to bind the mercury with another substance that will more readily leave the body. The usual length of time for the chelating process is three to six months. At first, chelating mercury may make your fibromyalgia symptoms worse as the mercury is drawn out.

In the case of dental amalgam removal, there is controversy even among “experts” who believe the fillings should be replaced. Some believe that you should not start mercury chelation if there are any silver amalgam fillings present because the chelator will remove mercury from the fillings and deposit it in the body, making you more toxic. Others experts believe that mercury chelation and detoxification should begin a minimum of two weeks before amalgam filling removal and continue for at least three months after the last filling is replaced.

Reportedly, mercury toxic individuals often suffer from food allergies to the gluten in grains and casein in dairy. These foods should be avoided both before and during the mercury chelation process.

Foods and supplements that are high in selenium and sulfur, which is found in onions, garlic, beans, and eggs, are helpful for mercury detoxification.  However, because of their inability to process sulfur, these foods should be avoided by individuals with Chrohn’s Disease, Lou Gehrig’s disease, or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Sulfur should not used except under supervision of a medical professional.

Experts agree that is vital  you are experiencing a minimum of three bowel movements per day or your body will reabsorb the mercury in your colon.  Fiber, in conjunction with water, helps to carry waste products out of the body. Soluble fiber is the more effective form.

People in the U.S. consume an average of 12 grams of fiber a day, which is half of the recommended goal of 25-30 grams. You must also drink a minimum of 64 ounces of water per day.

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Is there a link between Lyme disease and auto-immune diseases including Chronic Fatigue Sydrome? 

If you have ever been bitten by a tick, flea, mosquito, gnat, or mite or have been sexually active with someone who has been bitten, then you are at risk for Lyme Disease. Lyme can also be transmitted from mother to unborn child and through breast-feeding. Contaminated food can also pass along the disease.

Forget what you have been told about “bulls-eye” rashes and deep woods excursions – they only make up a small percentage of the population infected by Lyme. Lyme Disease is not rare. It is an epidemic. Lyme disease and the inflammation produced because of it are also most likely a factor in the severity of many individuals’ autoimmune symptoms – if not the cause. (The Lyme Disease “outbreak” of the mid-1970’s caused arthritis.) According to the renowned Dr. Cowden, “…more than 50% of chronically ill people may have Lyme contributing to their condition”. (http://www.mercola.com/2001/jul/25/lyme_disease.htm)

Lyme, which was not even recognized in the United States until 1975, may be one of the most misunderstood and devastating diseases of our day. The test normally used to detect Lyme disease is extremely unreliable. This test does not look for the Lyme causing borreliosis bacteria. Instead, the test looks for the antibodies that your body has produced against Lyme causing bacteria. The problem is that Lyme can go undetected by your immune system for a long period of time, so those antibodies are not produced against it. Even after antibodies are produced, they are generally found in the tissue, not the blood of an infected person. The result is a negative blood test even if Lyme is present all over the body. Many organ systems can be invaded before an infected person even feels any symptoms. Some will never feel symptoms. (http://www.mercola.com/2001/jul/25/lyme_disease.htm)

Dr. Jo Anne Whitaker (no known relation to the author) developed a test that looks for the Lyme borreliosis bacteria, not the antibody. Dr. Whitaker’s lab has tested thousands of people for the presence of Lyme causing bacteria. Every test performed by her lab since 1999 has been positive for Lyme disease. (http://www.healthynewage.com/herbal-health-newsletter2.htm)

Lyme causes autoimmunity in the brain and central nervous system, not just the joints. It can mimic MS, Chronic Fatigue, and many mental illnesses.

Dear Fibromyalgia Sufferer,

Let’s face it.

Knowledge is power! What you don’t know about fibromyalgia, it’s causes, and treatments could be preventing you from taking control of your health and living a fuller life.

For Me, Ignorance Was NOT Bliss!

I understand what it is like to be kept in the dark. I was like most people who suffer from an autoimmune disease like fibromyalgia; I had no idea about the little things I was doing everyday that were contributing to my condition and causing me misery.

I didn’t know because my doctors didn’t tell me!

Frankly, my ignorance caused me needless suffering.

Be Inspired!

Today, I am living steroid and drug free because I know the secrets that enable me to make the most of my life. I am pain free and full of energy! I get to be an active participant in the lives of my children. I make plans without the worry of a flare-up spoiling them.

Fibromyalgia sufferers from all walks of life have been inspired by my story and wanted to know exactly what changed my life so dramatically. I have shared these secrets with countless people. Now it is YOUR turn. I am willing and anxious to pass on these hard to find facts to you.

“Prepare to be EMPOWERED!”

Through my newsletter, fibromyalgia blog, seminars, BRAND NEW support forum, speaking engagements, private coaching, eCourse, emotional support kits, work from home choices blog and books, I have helped countless people find the hope and the help that they need.

Together, we can do this!

Sincerely,

Heidi Whitaker

Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue are close related and may in-fact be the one in the same.  All autoimmune disease has the same cause. 

Article by Heidi Whitaker

Contrary what you have been led to believe, autoimmunity is not a disease. It is a consequence of modern day life. Most important of all, it is a consequence that can be avoided. Speaking of how sick I once was from autoimmunity, I often would tell people that I was “broken – very, very broken”. In actuality, I wasn’t broken at all because autoimmunity is not truly a bodily malfunction.

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Fibromyalgia Pain Relief Supplements

Fibromyalgia is a complicated condition and finding the right supplementation can be just as complicated.  Heidi Whitaker a well know autoimmune disease researcher has studied and tried numerous supplements and has found the following to be most effective.

Germanium, Life Balance 17, Shark Liver Oil, Whole Food Vitamin 9 a day, and Herbal Pain Relief Tincture

If you are in considerable pain I would consider taking this entire combination of supplements.

Fibrmyalgia Syndrome and Serotonin Levels

Fibromyalgia Syndrome, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Multiple Sclerosis, Chronic Epstein-Barr, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and Chronic Lyme are often associated with low serotonin levels. Serotonin helps regulate sleep, appetite, and mood. Depression and anxiety are often caused by a serotonin deficiency and popular antidepressant drugs are prescribed for the purpose of increasing serotonin levels in the body.

The amino acid 5-HTP, which can be taken in supplement form, improves your body’s ability to manufacture serotonin. However, if you eat carbohydrate-rich meals or snacks at night, which causes your blood sugar to rise and then drop while you are sleeping, the 5-HTP will not be effective. In contrast, eating a high-protein snack several hours before bed can provide L-tryptophan, another amino acid, which your body uses to produce serotonin.

Note: It can be dangerous to take 5-HTP in conjunctions with prescription medications for anxiety and depression because you can increase serotonin to unsafe levels.

A dietary choice that can naturally increase serotonin levels is consumption of Omega-3 fatty acids. According to a study published in the American Medical Association’s Archives of General Psychiatry, Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil increase the level of serotonin in a way similar to prescription anti-depressants. Other supplements, which may be helpful, include Ginkgo biloba, DHEA, Acetyl-L carnitine, St. John’s Wort, vitamin B-6, mangosteen, and SAM-e (S-adenosyl-L-methionine). Additionally, the aromatic oil frankincense may be beneficial.

Note: For me, St. John’s Wort was effective, but had the same unpleasant side effects as prescription antidepressants. However, others have used St. John’s Wort with few or no negative side effects.

Quality sleep is crucial to healthy serotonin levels. Sufficient sunshine is needed to allow the body’s internal clock to keep on its normal rhythm. WebMD suggests that you increase your exposure to sunlight or bright light to one or two hours every day.

For many people that live in northern latitudes, the sun’s rays are not intense enough to regulate serotonin or melatonin levels. (Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland that causes you to fall asleep.) In the wintertime, this can result in Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of depression. This inability to regulate melatonin levels can be corrected by “light boxes.” These boxes use what is called full spectrum lighting, which mimic the sun’s rays. Your doctor can write a prescription for full spectrum lighting or it can be purchased over the internet.

Note: At night, you should sleep in complete darkness. Any light in the room can disrupt your pineal gland’s production of melatonin and serotonin.

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