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is becoming a more common diagnosis, especially when other chronic pain conditions are ruled
out. Often muscle pain is accompanied by tenderness and generalized fatigue. What does hair
analysis research reveal about fibromyalgia, and what can modern nutrition offer for this painful
condition?
Many pain syndromes are associated with adrenal insufficiency. Most people with the
diagnosis of fibromyalgia are slow oxidizers. This means their adrenal glands are underactive.
Their hair calcium and magnesium levels are often very high, while their sodium and potassium
levels are low.
This biochemical pattern can produce pain for several reasons. The adrenal glands produce
the major anti-inflammatory hormones, cortisone and cortisol. Lowered production of these
hormones for any reason can cause or aggravate pain syndromes.
The adrenal glands also produce aldosterone. Aldosterone causes sodium retention. Sodium
is a highly water soluble mineral. One of its functions is to keep calcium in an ionized form in the
blood. This helps prevent calcium deposition in the tissues.
Low tissue sodium from weak adrenal glands can permit calcium to precipitate out of the
blood and deposit in various tissues, including muscle tissue. A tendency for calcium deposition is
indicated on a mineral analysis by a very high calcium level. Calcium deposition is another
possible cause of pain.
Imbalance of the sodium/potassium ratio is often noted on the hair analyses of those with
fibromyalgia. Dr. Paul Eck's research indicates that the sodium/ potassium ratio on a hair mineral
analysis reflects the balance between the pro-inflammatory and the anti-inflammatory hormones.
When the ratio is elevated above 5 or 6:1, it indicates a predominance of pro-inflammatory
hormones. This may result in pain. When the sodium/potassium ratio is less than 2.5:1, it indicates
catabolism or tissue breakdown. This may also cause pain to occur.
High levels of calcium and magnesium on a hair mineral test often indicate biounavailability of
these minerals. This means that some of the calcium and magnesium are in a form that is not
usable in the body.
All the mechanisms of biological availability are not understood. However, it is not enough to
have a mineral present in the body. It must be in a form, compound or valence that is usable by
the body.
For example, many older people have plenty of calcium deposited in their arteries or joints.
But the calcium is not available for use in their bones.
Calcium, and particularly magnesium, are essential for energy production and relaxation of
the muscles. Deficient or biounavailable magnesium disturbs energy metabolism in the muscles.
This may help account for the pain of fibromyalgia. Magnesium supplements or even injections
can have dramatic effects upon fibromyalgia patients.
It does not matter if blood tests show adequate serum magnesium. Magnesium may become
depleted from the tissues long before serum magnesium levels decrease.
Magnesium is commonly deficient in modern diets. Sources include whole grains, nuts and
seeds. A recent study compared the magnesium levels in organic and commercial foods. It
revealed 430% more magnesium in organically grown wheat than in chemically fertilized wheat!
Organically grown corn had 300% more magnesium than chemically fertilized corn (J. Applied
Nutrition, Vol. 45, #1, 1993).
Toxic metal accumulation may contribute to some cases of fibromyalgia. Among the most
commonly seen is copper toxicity. Copper is required for energy production in the electron
transport system. About 30% of our cellular energy in the form of ATP is generated here. A
copper imbalance profoundly affects energy production. Cadmium, mercury and lead may also
contribute to symptoms of muscle pain and weakness.
Pain is often an indicator of tissue starvation or tissue damage. A person with fibromyalgia
may be deficient in protective nutrients such as the antioxidants - vitamins A, C, E, and selenium.
A deficiency of any nutrient involved in energy production could contribute to symptoms of
fibromyalgia. These include the B vitamins, manganese, chromium, zinc, and essential amino
acids. Even if the diet is sufficient, impaired digestion and absorption could create an imbalance
that is not correctable through diet alone. For this reason, an individualized nutrition program is
usually best.
Deficiency of the essential fatty acids of the omega-3 and omega-6 group may also contribute
to pain syndromes. These oils are found in foods such as flaxseed oil, black current seed oil,
salmon oil, borage oil or primrose oil. Most people do not consume adequate amounts of these
oils.
Though it may be hard to believe, food allergies are another factor in some cases of
fibromyalgia. Elimination diets and rotation of sensitive foods may prove very beneficial for
people with fibromyalgia. By combining all these aspects of scientific nutrition, many cases of
fibromyalgia can improve.
Copyright© 1995
The preceding statements have not been evaluated by the
Food and Drug Administration
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
