Modern Health Perspectives

A Biologist's Perspective on Current Health Issues

Signs, Symptoms and Treatment of Fibromyalgia

May 20, 2012 by biobs2 | 1 Comment

Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues. Researchers believe that fibromyalgia amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way your brain processes pain signals. It is more prevalent in women than men. It affects more than 6 million people in the United States alone.

Signs and Symptoms
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes pain, stiffness, and tenderness of the muscles, tendons, and joints. Fibromyalgia is also characterized by restless sleep, awakening feeling tired, chronic fatigue, anxiety, depression and disturbances in bowel function. Fibromyalgia is sometimes referred to as fibromyalgia syndrome and abbreviated FMS. Fibromyalgia was formerly known as fibrositis.

Fibromyalgia is one of the most common diseases affecting the muscles leading to chronic pain and disability. Currently, its cause is currently unknown. The painful tissues involved are not accompanied by tissue inflammation. Therefore, despite potentially disabling body pain, patients with fibromyalgia do not develop body damage or deformity.

Fibromyalgia also does not cause damage to internal body organs. In this sense, fibromyalgia is different from many other rheumatic conditions (such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus, and polymyositis). In those diseases, tissue inflammation is the major cause of pain, stiffness, and tenderness of the joints, tendons and muscles, and it can lead to joint deformity and damage to the internal organs or muscles.

Medications and Treatments
Medications and treatments, along with pain management techniques like relaxation, pacing, and exercise, can play a big role in reducing pain and improving quality of life. 

Traditionally, the most effective medications in the treatment of fibromyalgia have been the tricyclic antidepressants, medications traditionally used in treating depression. In treating fibromyalgia, tricyclic antidepressants are taken at bedtime in doses that are a fraction of those used for treating depression and actually can be beneficial as sleep aids. Tricyclic antidepressants appear to reduce fatigue, relieve muscle pain and spasm, and promote deep, restorative sleep in patients with fibromyalgia. Scientists believe that tricyclics work by interfering with a nerve transmitter chemical in the brain called serotonin. Examples of tricyclic antidepressants commonly used in treating fibromyalgia include amitriptyline (Elavil) and doxepin (Sinequan).

There is no method of preventing fibromyalgia. Exacerbations of fibromyalgia can be minimized with exercise, promotion of optimal sleep, stress reduction, and proper medical treatment.

The Future of Treatments and Therapy
The key to unlocking the mystery of fibromyalgia has yet to be found. Research scientists have been studying numerous viruses as potential causes for fibromyalgia. Identification of an infectious agent or toxin which causes the disease may one day lead to a laboratory test that can help doctors diagnose fibromyalgia. Specific fibromyalgia treatment aimed at a cure awaits future research that uncovers the exact cause of the disease.

Recent scientific studies suggest that a specific area of the brain called the insula may be involved in the pathophysiology of fibromyalgia. New drugs may be developed that block substance P or nerve growth factor to relieve pain of fibromyalgia. Many fibromyalgia patients can be helped by improved patient education, proper exercise, and medications. With ongoing research, the future prognosis will certainly improve for those affected by fibromyalgia.

RM Hochella
Modern Health Perspectives

Support Groups and References
Arthritis Foundation
PO Box 19000
Atlanta, GA 30326

National Fibromyalgia Association
American Fibromyalgia Syndrome Association

References
Klippel, John H., et al., eds. Primer on the Rheumatic Diseases. 13th ed. New York: Springer and Arthritis Foundation, 2008.

Rao, Srinivas G., Judith F. Gendreau, and Jay D. Kranzler. “Understanding the Fibromyalgia Syndrome.” Psychopharmacol Bull. 40.4 (2008): 24-56.

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Managing Diabetes with Proper Nutrition

May 12, 2012 by biobs2 | 0 comments

If you have diabetes, you probably already know that you should think differently about your diet. Modern Health Perspectives (MHP) believes this can seem challenging, but it’s not so bad once you learn the facts. Here are some points that we believe may help.

According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), healthy eating can make it easier to stay within your blood sugar target range. It also may delay and help manage the complications of diabetes.

To help you create a healthy eating plan, MHP has some key suggestions. We also believe it’s a good idea to see a registered dietitian who can help you with a food plan that’s right for you. Keep in mind that regular physical activity is important in managing your diabetes as well.

SMART CARBOHYDRATES

Carbohydrates are your body’s main energy source. Experts recommend that about half of your daily calories should come from carbohydrates. Tracking how many carbohydrates you eat, along with setting a maximum each day will help you keep your blood sugar within the target range.

Here’s a quick look at the 3 types of carbohydrates and their best sources:

Starch 
Good sources of starch include vegetables such as potatoes, green peas, and corn. Grains such as oats, barley, and rice also are high in starch. These foods tend to be high in vitamins and minerals.

Fiber  
To get the fiber you need, aim for foods such as beans, nuts, fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain products. Fiber can help slow the rise of blood sugar, making it easier to stay within your blood-glucose target range. Soluble fiber, the kind found in foods such as oats, apples, and citrus fruits, also may help lower cholesterol.

Sweets 
The occasional sweet treat may be fine for special occasions, but in general you should keep these to a minimum. Sweets often have fewer vitamins and minerals than more healthful foods. A tip. Taking a brisk walk after eating a sweet snack may be a good idea.

FAT FINDINGS

Some fat in the diet is essential, but it’s best to go for the “healthy” unsaturated fats found, for example, in nuts, vegetable oils, olives, and avocados. Non-fried fish such as salmon, mackerel, and albacore tuna is another good source. It contains healthy omega-3 fat.

Then there are the unhealthy fats; saturated and trans-fat. Experts recommend that less than 7% of your total caloric intake should come from saturated fats. They are found in full-fat dairy products such as ice cream, sour cream, and cheese, as well as meats, chicken, and bacon.

Trans-fats are present in margarine, shortening, and many processed packaged goods such as crackers and chips. A food-label tip. In packaged goods, trans-fats can be listed as “hydrogenated” or “partially hydrogenated” fat, so look for those words when you’re reading the label. MHP believes these should be avoided, as well.

PROTEIN

People with diabetes generally should try to get the same amount of protein in their diet as those in the general population, which is 15% to 20% of total calories.

High-protein diets have been in the news a lot lately. But there’s no evidence they result in weight loss in the long term for people with diabetes or anyone else. Also, the long-term effects of a high-protein- diet on kidney function is unknown.

ALCOHOL

Alcohol is a source of extra calories with few nutrients. It’s best to get the OK from your health care professional on this. If adults with diabetes choose to drink alcohol, daily intake should be moderate. Moderate means 1 drink per day or less for women and 2 drinks per day or less for men.

RM Hochella
Modern Health Perspectives

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