Women And Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is one of the most common diseases affecting the muscles, tendons, and joints in women. Many health care professionals still do not recognize the condition as a disorder, most likely, because x-rays, blood tests, and biopsies often show no prevalent evidence to support the patient’s complaints. However, in recent years, the use of thermographs, a device that tests and measures the heat produced by areas of the body, has helped diagnose the condition. Studies indicate that fibromyalgia patients have decreased blood flow and decreased skin temperatures in sites of tenderness. Symptoms include long-term muscle soreness, muscle stiffness, sleeplessness, fatigue, mood changes, anxiety and depression. Often times the condition is worsened by stress and weather changes. Unlike other rheumatic conditions that cause swelling and inflammation of the tissues in the body, fibromyalgia does not cause any type of joint deformity or does not damage any internal organs. Many times, patients that suffer with fibromyalgia have other conditions or disorders that will occur. One of the most common disorders associated with fibromyalgia is TMJ, a disorder associated with the jaw. Many sufferers of fibromyalgia may be diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, as well. Some patients complain of migraine or tension headaches, irritable bowel and bladder syndromes. Some women may develop a loss in memory and concentration. Fibrocystic Breast Disease and Endometriosis is often present in women that have fibromyalgia, although there has been no studies conducted regarding the correlation of the two. Causes of this condition is still unknown, many experts are researching the relationship between menopause and fibromyalgia. Most women are diagnosed with this condition between the ages of 40 to 55 which is when menopause usually occurs, and approximately 85%-90% of all reported Fibromyalgia conditions are women. Hormonal changes, such as the decreased amounts of estrogen in the female body, may contribute to symptoms like anxiety, depression, and sleeplessness in fibromyalgia patients. Research shows, however, that estrogen and progesterone replacement therapy is not that beneficial to fibromyalgia sufferers. There are mild benefits reported when using the estrogen patches rather than the estrogen pills. Some studies indicate that the low thyroid function and decreased levels of thyroid hormones, as well as estrogen and progesterone hormones, may contribute to muscular pain, fatigue, mood changes, and anxiety. At the present time the correlation between menopause and fibromyalgia is uncertain, due to the lack of research on the subject. Fortunately, more tests are being conducted to find out how declining estrogen levels affect the onset of fibromyalgia. On-going research is being conducted that may suggest abnormally low levels of the hormone Cortisol, which is the hormone produced by the adrenal gland may also be a linked cause. Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent this disorder or completely cure it, either… Therefore, most treatment’s center on conquering the symptoms associated with fibromyalgia. Treatments for women suffering from fibromyalgia vary according to symptoms. In some cases, physical therapy or light exercise may be prescribed. Research has shown that the use of ice immediately following any exercise may decrease muscle and joint pain. The use of tricyclic anti-depressants usually used in treating depression; has also been shown to be an effective medication for treating firbromyalgia. These medications usually relieve depression, anxiety, reduce fatigue, and restores effective sleep patterns. Some physicians may prescribe local injections of analgesics to the sore or stiff areas. The use of pain-relievers and muscle relaxers has both been beneficial in reducing pain symptoms and improving sleep. Often times, doctors will discuss pain and stress management to their patients; which can eliminate some symptoms of the disorder. Diet plays an important role in the prevention of symptoms concerning fibromyalgia. Eating organic foods, such as fruits and vegetables; increasing the intake of low-fat, high fiber foods; those high in Omega-3 Fatty acids, found in fish may benefit sufferers. Some physicians suggest lowering sodium rich foods or eliminating additives such as monosodium glutamate (MSG’s) and artificial sweeteners, like Aspartame may relieve many symptoms of fibromyalgia. And recent studies indicate the use of a vegan diet may help alleviate symptoms. Alternative treatments, specifically in the field of homeopathic remedies, suggest taking magnesium, B-12 Vitamins, and Vitamin C. Other non-medical treatments involve massage therapy, heat therapy and cold packs that may temporarily relieve symptoms. The use of Hydrotherapy or water therapy can increase circulation and decrease muscle aches. Currently, there are studies being conducted that may offer more treatments or one specific treatment for helping relieve fibromyalgia symptoms. Women suffering with this disorder may find themselves withdrawing from society due to the pain and anxiety associated with fibromyalgia. Many times, women find themselves unable to work a physical or stressful job. The best advice is to seek treatment and maintain a healthy lifestyle, which includes light exercise, good eating habits, and staying active in both, work and life.

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(2 of 5) Five cancer reversal testimonies. B17. 2008.

This is a testimony. Testimonies are not proof of anything. Five alternative cancer reversals using: B17 amygdalin organic vegan vegetarian metabolic environmental lifestyle change juicing . Interviewees contacted via web & friend. Non-profit project. All encorporated amygdalin into their therapy. 5 contacted, 5 interviewed. By phone in Australia. Testimonies do not constitute scientific proof in this case. 45 min total lenght. Enjoy. B17 is an unofficial term for amygdalin. … Cancer B17 …

(1 of 5) Five cancer reversal testimonies. B17. 2008.

This is a testimony. Testimonies are not proof of anything. Five alternative cancer reversals using: B17 amygdalin organic vegan vegetarian metabolic environmental lifestyle change juicing . Interviewees contacted via web & friend. Non-profit project. All encorporated amygdalin into their therapy. 5 contacted, 5 interviewed. By phone in Australia. Testimonies do not constitute scientific proof in this case. 45 min total lenght. Enjoy. B17 is an unofficial term for amygdalin. … Cancer B17 …

Move Over Fish Oil – Vegans Bring in the Spirulina

Move Over Fish Oil – Vegans Bring in the Spirulina

For all those vegans (and non-vegans) out there who are hesitant to supplement with fish oil there’s an even better solution for you.
It’s called spirulina and it is one of the most incredible foods our planet has to offer. Spirulina is a blue-green algae. Spirulina usually grows in waters of lakes naturally alkaline localized in arid zones.
Spirulina has unparalleled health benefits (explained later) and is an incredibly sustainable food source. For instance, according the journal Human Nature, spirulina presents a fast reproduction rate, dividing itself three times a day! Therefore, an area exclusively aimed at spirulina growth may produce 125 times more protein if compared to an area of the same size aimed at growing corn and 70 times more protein if compared to the breeding of cattle.
Furthermore, the spirulina presents some advantages in relation to other algae and seaweeds such as presenting no problems with digestion and no toxicity to humans. This can’t be said for other seaweeds such as Chlorella.
Spirulina – the omega-3 food choice for vegans!
Now let’s get to the good stuff. If you’re a vegan and looking for an alternative to fish then spirulina is what you want. This is because algaes, like spirulina, are athe original source of omega-3 fatty acids. Algaes are what small, bottom-feeding fish consume. These fish are then eaten by larger ones, and then eventually by humans. Cold water fish, which are well-known for their omega-3 fatty acids, owe their “omega-3 fame” to the consumption algaes such as spirulina, even if indirectly.
Here are some more incredible nutritional characteristics of spirulina. For starters, spirulina is the probably the highest vegetarian protein source consisting of 60-70% protein! It is also rich in chlorophyll and carotenoids, vitamins (vitamin A, especially) and tons of important minerals from deep in the seabed. An important note (especially for vegetarians and vegans) is that spirulina is a terrific source of vitamin B12 and iron.
Iron is the most common mineral deficiency in the world. Since spirulina contains high iron concentrations its bioavailability has been tested in comparison to ferrous sulfate which is the typical iron supplement. One such comparison was revealed in the journal Nutrition Research, spirulina fed rats absorbed 60% more iron than rats fed the iron supplement!
So next time someone asks you where you’re getting your protein, iron, or B12 from just tell them you’re eating an incredible blue-green powder called spirulina.
Aside from human breast milk and evening primrose oil, spirulina is the only food source rich in gamma linoleic acid (GLA). The GLA content comprises 25% of the total polyunsaturated fatty acid content of spirulina, a number that is much higher than the GLA content of evening primrose oil (only 7%)!
The Importance of GLA
GLA is essential fatty acid that has numerous benefits to the body. Along with omega-3 fatty acids, GLA has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Both are excellent skin fatty acids for preventing and treating eczema, psoriasis, wrinkles, rashes and more. Research has confirmed that GLA has positive effects in breast cancer treatment; they enhance lubrication in those with Sjogren’s syndrome; help relieve PMS symptoms, breast pain, skin conditions (including eczema and psoriasis, and wrinkles), and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in children; improve cardiovascular health, mental health; and much more!
A British study published in 2000 observed women who had locally advanced and metastatic breast cancer (when cancer cells spread elsewhere in the body). They found that women with breast cancer who were taking Tamoxifen (a drug that blocks estrogen-receptor positive breast cancer) and received GLA demonstrated faster clinical response than those taking Tamoxifen alone. Study participants received 3 grams of GLA. The researchers concluded that GLA was a useful adjunct to primary Tamoxifen treatment with no serious side effects: “… this study suggests high-dose oral GLA to be a valuable new agent in the treatment of hormone-sensitive breast cancer.”
Spirulina’s Effects on Blood Lipids and Cholesterol
Numerous studies on rats have shown that spirulina has powerful effects on blood lipids and cholesterol. Almost all these studies show a reduction in LDL (bad) cholesterol, triglycerides, and fat deposits in the arteries upon consuming spirulina.
A human study investigating the cholesterol-lowering effect of spirulina published in Nutrition Reports International looked at 30 male volunteers who had mild hyperlipidemia and mild hypertension. They were divided into two groups. Group A subjects were given spirulina at 4.2 g/day and group B subjects the same amount of spirulina for 4 weeks and, then were observed for the next 4 weeks without spirulina.
The results showed a statistically significant reduction of LDL-cholesterol in Group A subjects after 8 weeks. The LDL-cholesterol also fell significantly in Group B subjects after 4 weeks of spirulina consumption, but thereafter increased to its baseline value after administration of spirulina was discontinued.
Anti-Cancer and Anti-Radioactive Properties of Spirulina
Several animal studies have shown that spirulina inhibits tumor and protects the body from cancer propagation.
There are also unpublished reports from scientists and doctors about the radioprotective effect of spirulina in experiments conducted on child victims of the Chernobyl radiation. In a study involving 49 children, 3-7 years old, in Beryozovka, administration of spirulina for 45 days resulted in an increase in T-cell suppressors and beneficial hormones. In addition, the radioactivity of the urine decreased in 83% of the children!
These are just some of the powerful benefits and healing powers possessed by spirulina. So whether or not you supplement with fish oil, I would highly recommend spirulina as an addition to your diet for lifelong health, strength, and vigor!
References:
Furst PT. Spirulina – a nutricious alga, once a staple of Aztec diet, could feed many of the world hungry people. Human Nature 1978;3:60.
Nakaya N, Honma Y, Goto Y (1988) Cholesterol lowering effect of Spirulina Nutr. Rep. Int. 37: 1329-1337.
Johnson P, Shubert LE (1986) Availability of iron to rats from Spirulina, a blue-green alga. Nutr. Res. 6: 85-94.




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