Attending to underlying food and other
environmental sensitivities is crucial for many people who suffer from Fibromyalgia/ Chronic Fatigue. Dietary control by tem- porary elimination of problem foods and immunotherapy for sensitivities to foods, mold, dust and other allergens can make a dramatic difference for some. A complete evaluation of Chronic
Fatigue/ Fibromyalgia sufferers requires a thorough investigation of hormonal balance. Many people without an overt proven medi- cal condition such as hypothyroidism are still found to have suboptimal levels leading to the patient being untreated. Striving for optimized
levels and consideration of adrenal stress and borderline dysfunction, is not emphasized in most medical offices which do not rou- tinely care for Chronic Fatigue / Fibromyalgia patients. Getting adequate rest for the body
through restful sleep is an essential element in caring for these patients. There are a number of methods to enhance sleep before resort- ing to medications as a last resort. The first and simplest, but unfortunately the least used practice, is deep breathing techniques or some form of meditation to reduce stress and help insomnia. A nutritional supplement ap- proach is successful for many with disturbed sleep using amino acids like 5- HTP, GABA, l-glycine and theanine. There are many help- ful herbal compounds that can be safely tried. These could include valerian root, passion flower, hops, chamomile, and skullcap. Mela- tonin, a hormone, is a well known sleep aid, and hormonal balancing may help sleep not only for menopausal women but in younger women and for men as well. A safe technology of note is called CES
(Cranial Electrical Stimulation.) It allows the user of a small home device to create a more relaxed pattern of brain waves which pro- motes sleep in insomnia sufferers, and also provides general daytime relief of stress. A re- lated technology provides pain relief through electrical stimulation of affected body parts, and both modalities can be used for those who suffer from the pain of fibromyalgia, and the insomnia and stress which inevitably ac- companies their pain. Infections may play a role in others and
needs to be considered by physicians. In the northeast particularly, the possibility of
underlying Lyme disease should be evaluated. In that case labs specializing in infectious disease testing should be consulted, as the known percentage of “false negative“ tests are too high. Unfortunately a “false negative” test, meaning that the person tests negative despite having the problem being tested for, has been proven to commonly occur in Lyme disease.
Other infections such as Epstein Barr
Virus and other viruses, or Candida yeast are common associated factors in Chronic Fatigue/Fibromyalgia syndromes. The integra- tive approach to infections involves not only specific measures which can be taken against the infectious agent, but enhancement and monitoring the status of immune functioning of the patient. In summary, the causes of Fibromyalgia/
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome are many and the applied therapies can be many as well. Whichever may be the most prominent fac- tor; hormonal imbalance, infections, food intolerances or stress and sleep problems, the best approach is to address everything in an interrelated treatment program, individually tailored to address the needs of the variety of people who suffer from these common and often debilitating conditions. With this ap- proach there is hope and effective treatment.
Henry C. Sobo, M.D. practices Integrative Medicine in Stanford, CT. For more informa- tion see his website at
www.drsobo.com or call the office at 203-348-8805. 111 High Ridge Road, Stamford, CT. optimalhealth@
optonline.net.
38 Natural Nutmeg January 2012
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