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Is It Fibromyalgia?

by Dr. David Williams

Published 04/30/09

Fibromyalgia seems to be one of those "catch-all" conditions. The term refers to muscle pain and inflammation of fibrous connective tissue of the joints, tendons, and ligaments.

Supposedly, it can be caused by a wide variety of circumstances including exposure to dampness or cold, viruses, bacteria, toxemia, trauma, and emotional stress. Practically everyone at some time or another can be diagnosed as having the condition. And since the only recommended medical treatment is aspirin, for some reason, most doctors now categorize every unexplainable ache or pain as fibromyalgia.

I feel there are several possible causes that should be considered. First, make sure the problem isn't related to a chronic case of constipation or diarrhea. Either of these can flood the body with toxins and create achiness and soreness throughout the body. We've all experienced this feeling, although most people don't associate it with a bowel problem.

Between the small and large intestine, near the appendix, is a structure called the ileocecal valve. If it sticks open, you'll experience diarrhea, and toxins from the large intestine will make their way back into the small intestine where they will be absorbed into the body. If the valve sticks shut, food that should be exiting the body putrefies and causes toxic buildup. Along with these toxins comes muscle soreness, achiness, fatigue, and many of the symptoms associated with fibromyalgia.

If you don't have bowel problems, I would look next to the lymphatic system. Anything you do to promote lymphatic circulation will usually help fibromyalgia.

As for nutrition, a recent study has found that malic acid and magnesium supplements can be a big help. Fifteen fibromyalgia patients were given 1,200 to 2,400 mg of malic acid and 300 to 600 mg of magnesium orally for eight weeks. Most noted substantial improvement within the first two days. At the end of the eight weeks they experienced from 1/3 to 1/2 less tenderness and pain (J Nutr Med 92;3:49-59).

The only company I know of that markets a magnesium and malic acid product is Optimox Corporation in Torrance, California. The product is called Super Malic and each tablet contains 50 mg of magnesium hydroxide and 200 mg of malic acid. Optimox has a strict policy of selling only to physicians. If your doctor will order the product for you he/she can call the company at (310) 618-9370.

Another nutritional supplement that might help with fibromyalgia is tryptophan. When the plasma of 29 fibromyalgia patients was compared to 30 controls it was found to have significantly lower tryptophan levels (J Rheumatol 92;19(1):90-94).

To increase tryptophan levels through the diet, try high-tryptophan foods such as almonds, peanuts, Swiss cheese, low-fat cottage cheese, ham, pumpkin and squash seeds, chicken breast, dark duck and turkey meat, and eggs.