Fibromyalgia and Magnesium
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. A normal serum magnesium level can't predict a normal total body magnesium level. A special test that measures magnesium inside of red blood cells is a much more accurate determinant of your magnesium status. Numerous studies have shown that a low total body magnesium level is present in fibromyalgia. Let's review some of the symptoms that occur when a magnesium deficiency occurs.
SKELETAL MUSCLES (1) muscle soreness (2) muscle tension (3) neck pain (4) back pain (5) muscle twitches/cramps (6) tension headaches (7) tmj (jaw joint) pain
SMOOTH MUSCLES (1) urinary spasms (2) dysmenorrhea (excessively painful periods) (3) constipation
CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM (1) sleep disturbances (2) anxiety (3) hyperactivity and restlessness with constant movement (4) increased PMS irritability
CARDIOVASCULAR (1) arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) (2) palpitations (occasional extra heartbeats) (3) chest pain (4) high blood pressure.
Magnesium also plays a critical role in the production of energy in our cells. The Krebs cycle (energy cycle) produces adenosine triphosphate (ATP) which is the main immediate source of usable energy for the cells. Magnesium is essential for the production of ATP. Magnesium deficiency causes a disruption of our source of energy.
Magnesium plays an important role in the immune system. It is a crucial factor in the growth and transformation of lymphocytes. A deficiency is associated with a lowered level of the cells that produce antibodies. Finally, a magnesium deficiency is implicated in increased production of free radicals that place even more stress on our immune system. One word of warning: a person with kidney disease should consult their physician prior to magnesium supplementation.
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A common underlying feature in night-time fidgeting is a condition known as restless legs syndrome (RIS), characterised by an uncomfortable sensation in the legs which gives rise to an overwhelming urge to move them. This condition overlaps with another known as periodic limb moverments during sleep (PLMS), in which involuntary jerks of the muscles occur at night. There is evidence that caffeine can worsen or trigger RLS symptoms, and my experience in practice is that this seems to be true of PLMS too.
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.
If all of the signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia aren't enough of a physical challenge, many females (remember that approximately 90% of those affected are female) have the added burden of having severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms.
The physical symptoms of PMS include:
- Abdominal bloating
- Backache
- Breast tenderness
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Nausea
- Swelling of hands/feet.
Healthy bones and joints are fundamental to a healthy, active life. Certain foods and nutrients contain the raw materials from which bones are composed and therefore can contribute to bone growth in childhood and continued bone and joint health in adult life. Other foods such as sugar can do the opposite, depleting the mineral content of bones and increasing the risk of bone weakness and thinning in later life.
Growing Bones
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.
A number of alternative therapies can help with symptom control and as preventive measures.
Aromatherapy
Inhalations of eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus), peppermint (Mentha piperita), or hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) may help to ease sinus irritation and pain.
Chinese Herbs
Recent research has shed new light on how to restore order to the chaos of ADHD children. Dr John Briffa introduces our diet's most precious metal
Reports of exponential growth in the rates of obesity in UK children have led to renewed calls for more activity and exercise to be worked into their lives.
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