Fibromyalgia and Free Radicals
Free radicals are highly reactive molecules that can be harmful to our cell membranes and the cellular damage they can produce puts additional stress on the already dysfunctional immune system found in the fibromyalgia syndrome. Free radicals are produced during the oxidative processes in the production of energy. An excess of harmful free radical production can result from the effects of air pollution, radiation, toxic wastes, food additives and pesticide residues. Other contributors to excessive free radical production include consuming foods which are high in something called trans-fatty acids.
Free radicals are unstable molecules. This instability results from their having an unpaired electron. So what does this mean? It is the natural state to attempt to reach stability in the physiological processes going on in our bodies and in their attempt to reach this state, free radicals seek out another electron to pair with their unpaired one which will make them stable. So where do they get this new electron? Unfortunately, often by attacking our normal tissues and particularly the membranes of our cells. This attack can rupture the cell wall and the cell may begin to leak. It also becomes more vulnerable for the entrance of viruses and bacteria. Cellular death can be the result.
One of the functions of the immune system is to remove the cellular debris that results from cellular damage and death. A dysfunctional immune system can't adequately fulfill this function, further contributing to the symptoms found in fibromyalgia. Addressing the free radical issue is a vital part of taking excessive loads off the immune system so that it can begin the healing process.
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Complicating the picture for those with fibromyalgia, there is a strong correlation between fibromyalgia, IBS and "leaky gut syndrome" (LGS). LGS, in fact, may well be the major contributory factor in many of the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Here is what happens in LGS. The lining of the intestinal tract is called the intestinal mucosa. The mucosa is responsible for allowing essential nutrients to be absorbed across it into our bodies and also is the barrier which keeps harmful microorganisms, toxins and by-products from digestion from being absorbed.
Magnesium is one of the most important minerals found in the human body. It is involved in more than 300 enzymatic reactions involving all of the bodily systems. There is an important fact that needs to be understood. The routine test done to determine magnesium levels is a test performed on the blood's serum. This is the test that was probably performed on you if you have had a blood chemistry screening. Only 1% of your magnesium is found in the serum. Slightly over 31% is found in your muscle cells (intracellular) and the rest is found in your bones and other tissues.
Immune-Boosting Nutrients
The following nutrients play a key role in boosting healthy immune function:
Vitamin C
More than a dozen immune-stimulating roles for vitamin C have been identified to date including the ability to increase antibody production and speed the rate at which immune cells mature. Vitamin C is found in highest concentration in bananas, citrus fruits, kiwi fruit, and green vegetables.
Zinc
Why men store this nutrient in their bodies and the harm that it does
Introduction
From medieval European legends of "Iron John" to American cartoons of Popeye, to the notion of getting stronger by "pumping iron," iron has always been associated with strength and vitality. However, recent research suggests that iron should be more properly associated with the nation's top two killer diseases: cancer and heart disease.
Experts who study the causes of cancer believe that a large number of cancer deaths could be prevented by making sensible changes to our diet. In fact, many scientists believe that up to 70 percent of all cancers are caused by diet-related factors.
Dietary Fat and Cancer
Experts W110 study the causes of cancer believe that a large number of cancer deaths could be prevented by making sensible changes to our diet. In fact, many scientists believe that up to 70 percent of all cancers are caused by diet-related factors.
Dietary Fat and Cancer
The body is composed of trillions of cells, and in most tissues, they are gradually but constantly renewed. This is normally a controlled process, so that overall, just enough new cells are produced to replace the old, dead ones. Problems can occur when new, abnormal cells are formed whose multiplication cannot be controlled by the body.
What is Cancer?
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