| I have worked with a number of people who | | | | viral and bacterial infections, such as Herpes, |
| once suffered from the symptoms of | | | | Coxsackie B and Lyme disease, to Fibromyalgia |
| Fibromyalgia or from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. | | | | and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. The reason for |
| Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome are | | | | this is that many of the symptoms are closely |
| two similar disorders with overlapping symptoms. | | | | associated with that of an active infection. There |
| They include chronic fatigue, sleep disturbances, | | | | is also a high association with the diagnosis of |
| immune system dysfunction and psychological | | | | either of the conditions and a positive test for |
| depression. People with Fibromyalgia also | | | | one or more of these pathogens. |
| experience muscle and fibrous tissue pain, as well | | | | Other scientific evidence also suggests that |
| as gastro intestinal challenges. The cause or | | | | Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome are |
| causes of Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue | | | | related to immune system dysfunctions based on |
| Syndrome are unclear and some regard them as | | | | measurements of various immune markers in |
| syndromes rather than actual diseases. Therefore, | | | | patients with these disorders. This can be |
| established medical treatments are based on the | | | | measured in levels and activity of Natural Killer |
| management of individual symptoms and can | | | | Lymphocytes, Cytokines such as Interleukin as |
| often be a game of cat and mouse for the | | | | well as other immune system factors. Through |
| medical professional. | | | | the measure of this activity, some studies have |
| With such complexities it is easy to understand | | | | suggested that these two conditions may be |
| why the role of nutrition in Fibromyalgia and | | | | autoimmune in nature. Whether or not they are, it |
| Chronic Fatigue Syndrome has largely been | | | | is apparent that support of proper immune |
| overlooked. However since we now understand | | | | system function through improved nutrition can |
| the importance of dietary components like | | | | bring benefits to those suffering from any of the |
| glyconutrients (Mannose, Fucose, Galactose, | | | | effects of these conditions. For example, |
| Glucose, Xylose, N-Acetylgalactosamine, | | | | acemannan, has been shown to enhance the killing |
| N-Acetylglucosamine and Sialic Acid) in regulating | | | | activity of Macrophage against Candida Albicans, |
| the immune, nervous, muscular systems as well | | | | and can be found in certain glyconutrient |
| as cell-to-cell communication in general, it is | | | | supplements. |
| apparent that the biological activities of such | | | | Regardless of the precise mechanisms in |
| nutritional components may play a significant role | | | | Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome it |
| in maintaining proper function of those systems. | | | | should be apparent from the review of scientific |
| Also associated with these two conditions is an | | | | and medical literature that all systems of the |
| abnormal sleep pattern. Any number of gland | | | | body are intimately involved in the syndrome. |
| failures resulting in hormonal imbalance may | | | | Proper dietary support for the cells from which |
| influence this. As sleep is a function regulated by a | | | | these systems are composed calls for |
| number of hormonal factors, nutritional support of | | | | appropriate levels of a range of micronutrients. |
| glyconutrients as well as certain plant sterols may | | | | This is not limited to mere vitamins and minerals, |
| provide benefit in this area by supporting | | | | but may also involve other categories of so-called |
| improved production and coordination of key | | | | phytonutrients including anti-oxidants, plant sterols |
| hormones. | | | | and glyconutrients. |
| Some studies have shown possible linkages of | | | | |