Fibromyalgia produces debilitating symptoms for people suffering from the condition. Individuals with fibromyalgia endure pain or tender points in numerous sites all over the body. The pain involves different joints, muscles, tendons and soft tissue. A lower metabolism evidenced by exhaustion, chronic fatigue or reduced physical performance appears to contribute to the dysfunction in fibromyalgia.
Metabolism and Fibromyalgia
According to Dr. John Lowe at drlowe.com, individuals with fibromyalgia exhibit extremely low metabolism. Dr. Lowe proposed a theory of multiple factors contributing to low metabolism such as antioxidants, thyroid function, low physical activity and low cortisol levels. Currently, research support varies on support of these factors, but research continues to determine the validity of these issues as contributing features to fibromyalgia.
Antioxidants and Fibromyalgia
"Rheumatology International" in 2011 describes the increase of oxidative stress in individuals with fibromyalgia. Oxidative stress arises from an increase in oxygen free radicals during metabolic processes. Antioxidants reverse the effect of oxidative stress, but Richard and Kahn, the American College of Rheumatology, in 2007 reported low levels of antioxidants in fibromyalgia suffers. According to "British Journal of Nutrition" in 2011, sources of antioxidants include vitamin C and E, teas and in vegetables and fruits such as oranges, cherries, berries, apples, carrots, tomatoes, beans and broccoli.
Thyroid Function and Fibromyalgia
Low blood levels of thyroid arise from an underactive thyroid gland. Blood sample measurements of T3 and T4 indicate when the thyroid level drops below normal. The journal "Clinical Rheumatology" in 2007 reports that individuals with fibromyalgia exhibit thyroid problems, but frequently fail to show evidence of low blood levels of thyroid function. Instead, measurement of thyroid antibodies revealed thyroid dysfunction in fibromyalgia sufferers. Thyroid replacement in fibromyalgia remains controversial.
Low Physical Activity and Fibromyalgia
According to "Rheumatology International" in 2009, individuals with fibromyalgia suffer from low muscle endurance and low levels of daily physical activity. The research group, Dinler et al. in "Rheumatology International" in 2009, found problems with the delivery of oxygen to the muscles in fibromyalgia. A decrease in the oxygen in the muscle produces muscle fatigue. An exercise program improves both a low metabolism and pain reported by subjects with fibromyalgia.
Cortisol Level and Fibromyalgia
Individuals with fibromyalgia demonstrate lower cortisol levels during the day, according to the journal, "International Journal of Behavioral Medicine," in 2010. The levels of cortisol remained the lowest during the morning hours. Fibromyalgia sufferers display a mild low level of cortisol or mild hypocortisolism. Exercise programs show some benefits in improving cortisol levels, according to "Exercise and Immunological Review" in 2009. In particular, water exercises produced longer acting effects more than land exercises.
References
- Drlowe.com: Fibromyalgia
- "Rheumatology International"; Pathophysiology and Antioxidant Status of Patients with Fibromyalgia; R. Iqbal, et al.; 2011
- "American College of Rheumatology"; Current Advances in Understanding the Pathophysiology of Fibromyalgia; E.H. Richard & K. Kahn; 2007
- "Rheumatology International"; Effect of Aerobic Exercise Training on Oxygen Uptake and Kinetics in Patients with Fibromyalgia; M. Dinler, et al.; 2009
- British Journal of Nutrition"; Estimation of Total Antioxidant Capacity From Diet and Supplements in US Adults; M. Yang, et al.; 2011
- "Clinical Rheumatology"; Association between Thyroid Autoimmunity and Fibromyalgia Disease Severity; L. Bazzichi et al., 2007
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