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FibroSupport
Natural alternative products
Part of our mission over the past 10 years has been working with the fibro. community. Working with hundreds of people around the country, we have found some natural alternative products to help those living with constant aches, pains, fatigue and many of the symptoms of FMS. For the best success use a multi-faceted approach. Find your root causes. Treat nutritional and cellular deficiencies. Eat a healthy well-balanced diet, avoid sugar, caffeine and processed foods. Pace yourself and rest as needed. Exercise gently, stretch daily. Drink plenty of non-acidic water. Love yourself and others. Decrease your stress. Avoid toxic chemicals and toxic relationships. Have a positive attitude, express gratitude.
Scroll down to the bottom of the page to see our free on-line support group moderated by a registered nurse
As a service to our clients, we offer an on-line support group to provide education and support to those living with chronic illness and/or chronic pain. You can also use this service to ask questions or get advice about natural alternative treatments. This group is moderated by a registered nurse that is experienced in conventional and alternative medical treatments.
What the Experts Say
Corvalen with D-ribose is what I order for patients suffering fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue. It is a natural clinical nutrition supplement that supplies the heart and all the body’s cells with the energy they demand for healthy living. — Frederic J. Vagnini, MD
Corvalen (ribose) has appropriately been called The Sugar of Life. It is the most astounding new nutrient of the decade. — Jacob Teitelbaum, MD
Bioenergy's clear mission is to develop products that increase the quality of its customers' lives through improving the function of their hearts, muscles, and other body tissues. — In the News Townsend Letter
I’m so pleased with the results in my own patients. —Robert Jay Rowen, MD
We are discovering more natural supplements to aid in restoring our natural energy. One that has captured my imagination lately is D-ribose (Corvalen). Found in every cell of the body, particular in muscle, its job is to make the energy that keeps us going. — Hyla Cass, MD
D-ribose is the new kid on the heart supplement block. As a building block of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), it rapidly restores depleted energy in sick heart. You probably haven’t heard about D-ribose. But you will. It’s that good. — Stephen T. Sinatra, MD and James C. Roberts, MD
Testimonials:
…By the way the CorvalenM is working wonders for my husband. He has fibromyalgia and has been virtually pain free for about three months. Anne, Canada
CorvalenM, Fibroplex, Myocalm: You have been so incredible at being available for me. I can never tell you how much I appreciate it. I know God sent me to you. You have clarified so many things for me and helped in so many ways. Yesterday was the most incredible day of my life! I can’t remember having felt that good in so…..so long. I felt alive again and clear, not in a fog. My body felt like it was functioning at its optimum capacity. My first day on the fibroplex.. I will always remember it. I woke up at 7a.m. this a.m. and cooked breakfast for my husband and then we had worship together! It was incredible. I didn’t even feel tired. I am just ecstatic! Phyllis, Idaho
Metagenics EPA/DHA Extra Strength: “I have problems with concentration and depression. My doctor recommended I try this Metagenics Fish Oil because of the poor quality and issues of many fish oils on the market. I took a college test online and I noticed a big difference in my speed and ability to focus. My depression is improving too.” Jenny, Virginia
Metagenics Myocalm, MyocalmPM and Fibroplex: “I have fibromyalgia and have great difficulty sleeping because of the chronic pain. Even though I felt so tired all of the time, I couldn’t sleep and my muscles were always so tense and I was so stiff. I was taking the CorvalenM and it helped but when you suggested I add in these products that really made a difference. The combination really made it much more effective. I was able to sleep without sleeping pills for the first time in years and my pain and energy improved significantly with the Fibroplex and Corvalen combination. Getting real sleep at night has really helped. Now, I take the Myocalm during the daytime when I really need it instead of a prescription muscle relaxer and I take the MyocalmPM every night for sleep. Occasionally I even sleep well without anything. Sharon, New Jersey
Metagenics Cenitol: "The Cenitol has helped me feel more relaxed. I am always running around doing things and I feel more composed than I normally do using this product". Vicki, Dublin, California
Metagenics Fibroplex & Bioenergy CorvalenM: "These two products have helped with the aches and pains of fibromyalgia and chronic myofascial pain. I can do more than I did before taking these products. All of the Metagenics supplements are high quality and I would recommend them to anyone". Vicki, Dublin, California
Metagenics EstroFactors and Serenagen: “I was suffering with hot flashes, trouble sleeping and I felt stressed out. My doctor recommended these 2 products for me. I was not expecting too much to happen but I was amazed that I was sleeping through the night and I had fewer hot flashes and overall I feel so much better!” Connie, Texas
"I use the CorvalenM and now I don't feel like I have to take a nap in the afternoon." Barbara, San Diego
"Recently, my husband and I started our own business. I was worried how I was going to do it, since I am so low energy. Thanks to CorvalenM twice a day I am able to work 10-12 hours a day. This is something I never would have been able to do without it. Thanks JES Collection!"-- Melissa, Tustin
"My rheumatologist had recommended a stretching program for my fibromyalgia, but even gentle stretches left my muscles tighter and in more pain. After taking CorvalenM my muscles started to loosen while stretching resulting in more comfort when I sit and stand." Anne, San Diego
"Hi! My mom usually corresponds on my behalf to order CorvalenM. She mentioned my success with it the other day on the phone while ordering and you asked I write a success story, so here it is. I have been ill for over two years. I have Lyme disease and became so severely fatigued to the point that I did not have the stamina to make it through a short trip to the grocery store. My right leg is more severely affected and so I limp. Frankly, for the brief distance that I could walk, I walked like a drunk, running into walls, holding onto things for balance and such and then my legs simply would not support my weight anymore so I had no choice but to use the motorized cart. That formerly easy 30 paces walk from the parking lot to the store was now a daunting task. I had to use my Mom's arm for a crutch/cane. In fact, every distance seemed so much longer than before. And I haven't even mentioned the flight of steps that awaited me at home that loomed so ominously over me, they never looked so steep. I wound up either pulling myself up the stairs by the railing, getting a hold of my pants leg and moving my leg to each next step, or just crawling up and dragging my legs behind me. Then, as part of my treatment program, my Dr. prescribed CorvalenM, once in the morning and once in the evening, a few months ago. I have been taking it faithfully and have noticed substantial improvement. For the most part my walking appears normal which is saying quite a bit in comparison to my former condition. I can walk up the stairs, walk a straight line, and even jump a little off the floor. I recently went to my cousin's wedding and, with an extra dose or two, I was, much to my surprise, able to dance which, without this product, would have been completely impossible. We call it the magic juice. I'm so relieved to find a product that really works! Thank you so much!" Sincerely, Stephanie K.
"I am 60 years old and have been taking CorvalenM for 2 weeks. I do mild exercising at home about 5 days a week for 20-30 minutes each time. Today for the first time I was able to continue lifting the dumbbells without getting tired and I was able to continue jumping on the Rebounder without getting tired. I remember thinking, "wow this is neat, I’m not getting tired". I look forward to more effortless exercising. Thank you to the makers of Corvalen M and to your staff at Jes for the help and information." Peggy, Florida
"Here's my story with the Myocalm PM. I'd been taking Restoril for at least 3years nonstop for sleep. And still not sleeping terrifically every night. I had not realized it was addictive, either. So, when you suggested the MyocalmPM, I gave it a try. I cut my Restoril capsules in half for a week, and took that together with the MyocalmPM. After the week, I quit the Restoril and have been taking the Myocalm PM since - about 2 more weeks. I fall asleep easily, stay asleep (except when the cat is pushy) and, as long as I can get 7 hours sleep per night (not staying up late when I have to get up early) I'm starting to wake up feeling rested. I'm so glad you recommended it! Taking the Corvalen twice daily has made a difference, too! thanks for everything” Susan, San Diego
"I have a disease where the muscles in my arms and legs deteriorate slowly over time. As a result it makes me very tired/fatigued. After a few hours of running errands, playing golf or walking/standing for long periods all I could do was sit quietly at home because I was completely exhausted. However, since taking CorvalenM this has changed. Now physical activity does not exhaust me. But if I don’t take the CorvalenM the effect is immediate and the exhaustion returns. I am thankful for CorvalenM. It has enabled me to have a more normal life. I have been taking CorvalenM for almost a year." Walt Huff, June 2007
“I was practically bedridden with pain and fatigue that required narcotics for the pain. My pain and fatigue were horrendous. After taking CorvalenM, I am up and running around with friends and I am taking hardly any narcotics now for the pain. It is like a miracle!” Laura, San Diego
"I am experiencing energy levels that belong to someone in their late twenties or early thirties. I no longer struggle to get up off the sofa and I don't fight to get out of bed. The Metagenics team is working diligently to provide pure, safe, high quality, and clinically reliable formulas that are guaranteed to change your life for the better." - Charles T., Orlando, FL
Who's affected by fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), a mysteriously debilitating rheumatic syndrome, is taking an increasing toll on our population. The condition, which bears a striking resemblance to chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), mainly affects women aged 25 to 50 years (female to male ratio is at least 5:1).1,2 Both syndromes are characterized by a broad spectrum of physical and emotional symptoms, and both are receiving increasing attention from the medical community.3
FMS, which is generally classified as a soft tissue musculoskeletal condition,4 resembles CFS in several ways.5 Both syndromes plague patients with symptoms of chronic musculoskeletal pain, aching, stiffness, disturbed sleep, depression and fatigue (Table 1).2,3,5-7 While not all patients experience all symptoms, those with FMS have a peculiar sensation of tenderness in specific areas of their body.1,2,6-8
Table 1. Primary symptoms of fibromyalgia
- Tenderness of specific anatomical sites
- Chronic aching
- Stiffness
- Sleep disturbances
- Pain
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Chronic fatigue
- Gastrointestinal disturbances
- Subjective soft tissue swelling
- Cardiovascular problems (dizziness, palpitations)
The tender point examination has become the primary diagnostic factor for FMS and helps doctors to differentiate the syndrome from CFS.8 Tender points are localized areas where slight to moderate pressure elicits a sensation of pain. They are located over muscles and tendon insertions, and can range from mildly irritating to completely debilitating.7,8 Pain in FMS patients has been attributed in part to an unusually high degree of gluconeogenesis. This increased level of muscle tissue breakdown has been hypothesized as one of the main reasons for pain, aching and fatigue.9
In order to better understand the origin of the disease, scientists in Sweden have conducted several studies on patients with FMS. Muscle morphology, chemistry, and physiology were carefully examined, as were the most prominent symptoms, including muscle pain, muscle fatigue and muscle stiffness. The authors of a comprehensive review of these studies found that victims of the syndrome appear to have microcirculation disturbances, along with mitochondrial damage and abnormally low phosphate counts -- strongly suggesting an energy deficient state in the muscle tissues.10 These scientists hypothesized that FMS might be the result of any condition that could lead to constant muscle hypoxia, specifically through the establishment of abnormal motor patterns.
Conventional treatments fall short
Despite long years of research and study, the treatment and management of FMS is still not satisfactory. A tricyclic agent known as amitriptyline has been shown to provide some short-term relief; however, the drug is also known to have adverse side effects, including myocardial infarction, stroke, arrhythmia, coma, seizure and alopecia. Long-term effects of the drug are still not known. One study found ibuprofen to be no more beneficial than a placebo.11 Of the variety of conventional treatment modalities that have been tested on FMS patients, all have yielded unsatisfactory results.
Adenosine triphosphate (ADP) synthesis and the critical role of magnesium
Some research suggests that FMS patients may be deficient in certain compounds required for the synthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP).12 ATP synthesis requires the presence of oxygen, magnesium, substrate, adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and phosphate. Optimal concentrations of each of these allow healthy mitochondrial respiration and the concomitant production of biological energy. Deficiencies, on the other hand, may slow the Krebs cycle, increase anaerobic glycolysis, increase lactic acid formation and cause a reduction of maximum lung capacity. This combination of factors may lead to the symptoms of fatigue, depression and muscle pain.
Some evidence suggests that magnesium, one of the most crucial elements for ATP synthesis, may be below normal ranges in FMS patients.12,13 Magnesium is a critical nutrient for the production of ATP. Mitochondrial uptake and accumulation of magnesium are directly related to the uptake of phosphate required for ADP phosphorylation. Thus, the entire Krebs cycle is a magnesium-dependent mechanism and even a slight deficiency may potentially impair its optimal function. Related problems caused by magnesium deficiency include mitochondrial swelling, increased membrane permeability, decreased selectivity of mitochondrial inner membrane, uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation and possibly aluminum toxicity.
Aluminum toxicity
Aluminum toxicity may play a role in symptoms experienced by magnesium-deficient FMS patients since magnesium is needed to help the body block the toxic effects of aluminum. This needs to be acknowledged and addressed, since aluminum inhibits glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation resulting in decreased intramitochondrial ATP production.12 Additionally, due to its high affinity for phosphate groups, aluminum blocks the absorption and utilization of phosphates vital to the synthesis of ATP. This may further contribute to the problem of intramitochondrial phosphate deficiency.
Since it has become widely recognized that aluminum overload can lead to major metabolic disturbances, some researchers have carefully studied means of eliminating the toxic metal, especially from the body's vital organs.14 They found that, in addition to adequate amounts of magnesium (which helps prevent the toxic effects of aluminum), supplemental malic acid may support aluminum detoxification. Malic acid is a known chelator of aluminum.12
Magnesium, malic acid and fibromyalgia
The Journal of Nutritional Medicine published a study on the combined effects of magnesium and malic acid on FMS patients.12 The researchers used oral magnesium and malic acid preparations in an open clinical setting. Fifteen patients (ages 32 to 60) ingested 1,200 to 2,400 milligrams of malic acid with 300 to 600 milligrams of magnesium for a testing period of four to eight weeks. The results of the study were encouraging: all patients reported significant relief of pain within 48 hours of treatment and, within four to eight weeks, all patients had a significant and measurable decrease in the Tender Point Index (TPI). TPI scores were about 20 prior to treatment and between about eight and seven after treatment. Following the eight-week study period, six patients were switched to placebo tablets for an additional two weeks. The TPI values increased from about six to about 21. These results indicate the possibility of a very promising nutritional approach for FMS.
Manganese and thiamin
Fatigue is one of the most prominent features of FMS syndrome, and both CFS and FMS may have a common link in manganese-dependent neuroendocrine changes, especially along the hypothalamic-pituitary thyroid axis.15 The cycle begins with hypothalamic production of thyrotrophin-releasing hormone (TRH). TRH stimulates the pituitary gland to produce thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), which in turn stimulates thyroid production of thyroxin. This is important, since thyroxin regulates the metabolic rate. And with fatigue as one of the major complaints among both FMS and CFS patients, hypometabolism due to secondary hypothyroidism fits very nicely into this hypothesis. Manganese, which directly influences the metabolic rate through its involvement in this hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis, may therefore be an important trace mineral for CFS and FMS patients.
Thiamin also plays a role in the respiratory chain. In addition, thiamin deficiency symptoms are strikingly similar to many of the symptoms experienced by FMS patients. These include apathy, confusion, fatigue, insomnia, depression, paresthesia (numbness or burning in the hands and feet), low blood pressure, low metabolism and shortness of breath.
Considering the lack of medical treatments and evidence of nutritional factors, it makes sense to implement the use of dietary supplements to optimize the nutritional status of people with FMS. To summarize the first part of our discussion, the nutrients to consider here are:
· Magnesium and malic acid to support ATP synthesis and aluminum detoxification (the addition of vitamin B6 can support this process)
· Manganese to support neuroendocrine changes
· Thiamin to support the respiratory chain
The disease-toxicity connection
As with all degenerative conditions, it is highly beneficial to carefully investigate the relationship between toxicity and the presenting condition. This involves a close look at the role of the GI tract, liver function, lymph and cardiovascular function, nervous system balance (sympathetic/parasympathetic) and immune regulation.
With a functional understanding of the important role each of these systems play in both the onset and effective management of FMS, and indeed most degenerative illnesses, it becomes clear that a comprehensive clinical approach is required. Such an approach focuses on the following characteristics:
1. Mental/emotional states and effective stress management skills
2. Dietary patterns, i.e., diet (with careful attention to both macro- and micronutrient balance) and dietary habits (with attention to habits that facilitate or inhibit proper digestion)
3. Postural and exercise habits and biomechanics
The clinical thrust is to restore key organ system function, and in the case of FMS, special attention should be given to resuscitating mitochondrial function. In addition, some evidence suggests that cardiovascular fitness training can help alleviate some of the symptoms of FMS as well. According to a study published in the American Journal of Medicine, "It is concluded that cardiovascular fitness training is feasible in patients with fibrositis/fibromyalgia and that such training improves subjective measurements of pain-reporting behavior."16 In addition to nutritional support and mild exercise, massage, heat treatments and rest may also help. Improvements resulting from these treatment modalities can be measured by decreased sensitivity at the tender points and improved stamina, energy and mobility.
References
Smythe HA. Nonarticular Rheumatism and Psychogenic Musculo- skeletal Syndromes. In: McCarty DJ, ed. Arthritis and Allied Conditions. 9th ed. Philadelphia: Lea & Febiger, 1989:1241-54.
Wolfe F. The clinical syndrome of fibrositis. Am J Med 1986;81:7-13.
Masi AT, Yunus MB. Concepts of illness in populations as applied to fibromyalgia syndromes. Am J Med 1986;81:19-25.
Campbell SM, et al. Clinical characteristics of fibrositis. A blinded controlled study of symptoms and tender points. Arthritis Rheum 1983;26:817-24.
Goldenberg DL, et al. High frequency of fibromyalgia in patients with chronic fatigue seen in a primary care practice. Arthritis Rheum 1990;33:381-87.
Henrikson KG, Bengtson A. Fibromyalgia - a clinical entity? Can J Physiol Pharmacol 1991;69:672-77.
Smythe HA. "Fibrositis" and Other Diffuse Musculoskeletal Syndromes. In: Kelley WN, et al., eds. Textbook of Rheumatology. 1st ed. Philadelphia: WB Saunders, 1985:481-89.
Wolfe F, et al. The American College of Rheumatology 1990 criteria for the classification of fibromyalgia. Report of the Multicenter Criteria Committee. Arthritis Rheum 1990;33:160-72.
Lund N, et al. Muscle tissue oxygen pressure in primary fibromyalgia. Scand J Rheumatol 1986;15:165-73.
Bengtson A, Henrikson KG. The muscle in fibromyalgia-A review of Swedish studies. J Rheumatol 1989;16 (suppl 19):144-49.
Yunus MB, et al. Short term effects of ibuprofen in primary fibromyalgia syndrome. J Rheumatol 1989;16:527-32.
Abraham GE, Flechas JD. Management of fibromyalgia: rationale for the use of magnesium and malic acid. J Nutr Med 1992;3:49-59.
Romano TJ, et al. Magnesium deficiency in fibromyalgia syndrome. J Nutr Med 1994;4:165-67.
Domingo JL, et al. Citric, malic and succinic acids as possible alternatives to deferoxamine in aluminum toxicity. Clin Tox 1988;26:67-79.
Ferraccioli G, et al. Neuroendocrinologic findings in primary fibromyalgia (soft tissue chronic pain syndrome) and in other chronic rheumatic conditions (rheumatoid arthritis, low back pain). J Rheumatol 1990;17:869-73
McCain GA. Role of physical fitness training in the fibrosis/ fybromyalgia syndrome. Am J Med 1986;81:73-77.
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CASE STUDY #909: Nutritional Support Using UltraClear PLUS and UltraClear. SUSTAIN in a Patient with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
Case Study #1145: Nutritional Support Using UltraClear PLUS® Medical Food in a Patient with Food Allergies and Mold Sensitivity
Case Study #827: UltraClear PLUS® Medical Food for Nutritional Support of Detoxification in a Patient with Fibromyalgia
Case Study #854: Nutritional Support Using UltraClear PLUS® in a Patient with Fibromyalgia (FM) and Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease
Case Study #909: Nutritional Support Using UltraClear PLUS® and UltraClear SUSTAIN® in a Patient with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Case Study #954: Nutritional Support Using the UltraClear PLUS® Program in a Patient with Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Case Study #955: Nutritional Support Using the UltraClear PLUS® Program in a Patient with Food Allergies and Fatigue
Case Study #1054: Nutritional Support Using UltraInflamX® Medical Food in a Patient with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Case Study #824: UltraInflamX® Medical Food for Treatment of a Patient with Ulcerative Colitis
Case Study #882: Nutritional Support Using the UltraInflamX® Program in a Patient with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Dysbiosis
Case Study #884: Nutritional Support Using the UltraInflamX® Program in a Patient with Ulcerative Colitis
Metagenics is the leading manufacturer and distributor of nutraceuticals and medical foods to health care practitioners in the United States with international distribution that includes Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and countries throughout South America, Europe, and Asia. With this extensive history of successful clinical use around the world, in any language Metagenics means nutritional formulas you and your family can trust.
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