Fibromyalgia

There is not one specific cause for primary fibromyalgia. Certain common features among fibromyalgia patients provide a better idea as to the primary factors that are involved in its onset, however. These include dental amalgam fillings, hormone imbalances, infection, neurotransmitter imbalances, sleep problems, problems with the thalamus gland, and physical trauma. Other factors that can play a role include chemical and food allergies and sensitivities, chronic stress, and dysfunctions in muscle metabolism. Breast implants can also contribute to fibromyalgia because the materials implants contain weaken the body`s immune system.

Dental Amalgam Fillings Dental amalgam fillings are composed of 50 percent mercury, a highly toxic compound. An abundant amount of scientific research, primarily conducted in Europe, where many countries have banned the use of mercury amalgams, proves that such fillings greatly increase the likelihood of heavy metal poisoning in the body`s glands and tissues due to how mercury vapors escape from the fillings each and every day to settle into various areas inside the body. Once in the body, mercury can cause a wide range of health problems, including fibromyalgia. If you have dental amalgams, consider having them replaced by a holistic (biological) dentist trained in their removal.

Hormone Imbalances Many people with fibromyalgia also exhibit diminished levels of human growth hormone (HGH) and cortisol. HGH, which is produced by the brain`s pituitary gland, is important for a wide range of health issues, including the health of the muscles. Although your body`s production of HGH started to decline at an average of 14 percent every ten years after age 20, people with fibromyalgia can also be experiencing imbalanced daily production of HGH, which primarily occurs during the first hours of sleep.

Cortisol which is produced by the adrenal glands, is sometimes referred to as the stress hormone because it is during times of stress that it is most frequently secreted. During times of chronic stress, excessive amounts of cortisol can be produced by the adrenal glands, leaving them exhausted and unable to sufficiently regulate your body`s energy supply. Cortisol imbalances can eventually cause chronic fatigue, muscle pain and stiffness, immune problems, and sleep disorders, as well as diminish HGH production. All of these symptoms are also common with fibromyalgia, with research now showing a correlation between imbalanced cortisol and fibromyalgia.

Infections Many cases of fibromyalgia occur after infections caused by harmful microorganisms. Two types of viruses that are often associated with fibromyalgia are influenza type A, which primarily affects the autonomic nervous system and the lungs, and hepatitis C. Other infectious agents include bacteria, fungal infections such as yeast, (Candidia albicans, which causes candidiasis), parasites, and bacterial infections caused by abscessed teeth and gastritis.

Neurotransmitter Imbalances Research has shown that people with fibromyalgia have higher than normal levels of Substance P, a neurotransmitter that helps mediate the body`s response to pain, and lower than normal levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that acts as a natural painkiller. On average, Substance P is 200-300 percent higher than normal in fibromyalgia patients, causing them to experience pain in situations where pain would not be experienced by normal, healthy people. The lack of serotonin further exacerbates this problem and also interferes with the ability of fibromyalgia patients to experience deep, restful sleep.

Sleep Disorders People who suffer from fibromyalgia often exhibit abnormal brain wave patterns during the deepest stage of dreamless (non-REM) sleep. This stage of sleep is essential for proper repair of your body`s tissues, as well as the production of antibodies to protect against infection, and the secretion of human growth hormone. The inability to enter into this deep, restful sleep stage is considered one of the most significant contributing factors for fibromyalgia.

Thalamus Dysfunctions People with fibromyalgia also often suffer from imbalanced functioning of the thalamus gland. Located in the brain, the thalamus gland regulates and integrates how your body senses internal and external stimuli. When it doesn`t function properly, it can result in normal feedback signals from the body to the brain to be falsely interpreted as pain. Now we’ve looked at the causes, let’s look at what to do when it comes to natural remedies for fibromyalgia.