What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a disorder which results in generalized aches and pain, daytime fatigue, nighttime sleeplessness, depression, gastrointestinal discomforts, and a suppressed immune system. Many sufferers complain of flu-like symptoms. Fibromyalgia is a constellation of symptoms which results from a process of central nervous system sensitization. This sensitization results in the misinterpretation of signals from the body and the intensification of pain like signals resulting in an increased perception of pain. Many of the symptoms are related to a relative reduction in serotonin or in the ability of the brain to properly utilize serotonin.

Did you know?

• Fibromyalgia afflicts approximately 10-20 million Americans.
• There is currently no medication whose labeled use is to treat fibromyalgia.
• Most FM sufferers do not get adequate relief by taking pharmaceuticals.
• Most FM sufferers are desperate for relief.
• There have been thousands of research studies supporting the existence of this disorder and yet it remains one of the most misunderstood and maligned disorders in the health field.

What Else Should You Do
In order for a supplement to work on a condition such as Fibromyalgia, it must be comprehensive in its breadth but simple in its use.

It must address the dichotomy of day-time fatigue and night-time sleeplessness.

It cannot dull the person’s level of consciousness and it cannot have long term side effects.

It is advised that fibromyalgia sufferers do the following to augment the nutritional improvements provided through Fibro-Complete:

1. Proper Nutrition
   It is recommended that each individual eat at regular intervals and at the same times every day. This helps to manage blood insulin levels and to help set a regular biorhythm. A schedule of breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, and dinner, is suggested. Breakfast can consist of whole grain cereals, juice, fruits, or eggs. Lunch can consist of a large salad tossed with protein (poultry, pork, beef, or fish) or fish as a main course. Carbohydrates should be avoided at lunchtime. Dinner should consist of a protein, a salad, and vegetables. Refined carbohydrates such as pasta are permissible in moderate amounts only during the evening meal. Cold water fish such as Salmon is an excellent choice for the evening protein. Snacks should consist of fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Approximately 6 glasses of water a day should be consumed. Vitamins should be taken at regular intervals and with meals to prevent stomach upset.
   
   
2. Proper Exercise
   It is recommended that Fibromyalgia sufferers engage in some form of aerobic or cardiovascular exercise everyday. 30-60 minutes is the goal but it may take as long as 6 months to escalate to that goal. If just beginning, exercise should last only 5 minutes. Add 1 additional minute each week until the 30 minute per day goal is reached. Generally there is no need to perform weightlifting, though it is permissible provided it is not causing additional pain. Weightlifting can be beneficial but if approached incorrectly can create local irritations and pain. Lifting should be done with low weights.
   
   
3. Regimentation
   Regimentation is the process of doing recurring daily activities at the same time each day. Awaken at 7:00 am, eat breakfast at 7:45 am, lunch at 12:30 pm, dinner at 6:00 pm, exercise at 7:00 pm, go to bed at 10:30 pm. Regimentation allows a persons biorhythm to become normal or predictable, such that certain hormones and enzymes begin to be produced at the same time everyday such that certain favorable psychological responses are evoked (e.g. Going to bed the same time each night allows sleep inducing hormones to be produced at advantageous times and going into the bedroom each night to sleep at the same time each night allows for the psychological anticipation of sleep).
   
   
4. Proper Sleep
   Proper sleep is imperative to the Fibromyalgia sufferer. Part of attaining proper sleep is regimentation - establishing a regular sleep and wake time. Creating this pattern often takes weeks. Irregardless of how tired you may be, you must go to sleep the same time each night and awake the same time each morning. Ultimately, your body will begin to respond to this schedule. Naps should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. Each individual will need to weigh this need. When taken, naps should not exceed 20 minutes. The intent of a nap is to reenergize, not to replace evening sleep. Remember that naps can seriously disrupt evening sleeping patterns.

   In addition, the bedroom must be changed into a sleeping place. It must be dark and noise free (remove ticking clocks and other things which will divert focus). You should not read, watch TV, listen to the radio, eat, crochet, etc. in bed. Your body needs to learn that the bed is where sleeping occurs, nothing else. Your bed must be comfortable - a good mattress with lots of pillows to tuck under knees and shoulders or anywhere else. Body pillows work well for side sleepers.