| Many symptoms of fibromyalgia are similar to | | | | To repair the adrenals and improve energy levels, |
| those of EBV. These overlapping symptoms | | | | nutrients like vitamin C, the B complex and |
| include fatigue, recurrent headaches, muscle pain, | | | | magnesium are traditionally used. Magnesium |
| joint pain and sleep disorders. These common | | | | particularly is showing good results in relaxing the |
| symptoms raise the question of whether EBV is a | | | | muscles of the body and bringing pain relief. |
| causative agent in fibromyalgia. | | | | Malic acid has been shown to be low in FM |
| Some physicians and patients believe that EBV is | | | | sufferers so should be taken as a supplement. It |
| a trigger for fibromyalgia. Others pinpoint an | | | | is also found in fruits like apples which have a sour |
| association with other viruses like coxsackie virus, | | | | or tart taste. |
| parovirus and HIV. Other people have noted that | | | | Diet |
| physical or emotional stress can trigger FM. | | | | A low carbohydrate / high protein diet should be |
| Because of similar symptoms, many chronic EBV | | | | adhered to. Anti-inflammatory foods like ginger, |
| patients are not diagnosed correctly if they also | | | | turmeric, fish oils, raw pineapple and paw paw |
| develop fibromyalgia. It is important to be aware | | | | should be included regularly in the diet. Plenty of |
| of the diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia so you | | | | water should be drunk to flush acids and toxins |
| can discern if your symptoms are due to EBV or | | | | out of the body. |
| FM. | | | | Sugar, alcohol, coffee and processed foods should |
| The most important diagnostic symptom for FM | | | | be avoided. If there is joint pain then the |
| is pain in specific areas of the body including hips, | | | | nightshade family of foods including tomatoes, |
| collar bones and inside of the knees and elbows. | | | | eggplant, potatoes and capsicum should be |
| The pain is symmetrical meaning it appears on | | | | reduced or eliminated for optimal results. |
| both sides of the body. Experiencing significant | | | | Herbs |
| pain when someone presses on these areas is | | | | Herbs like chamomile, hops, skullcap and valerian |
| indicative of this condition. In many patients even | | | | can help relax the body and restore normal sleep |
| a gentle touch will elicit the pain response. | | | | patterns. |
| Standard medical treatment of FM is the | | | | Graded exercise |
| prescription of pain killers, graded exercise and | | | | Gentle, low impact exercise like swimming, |
| behavioral interventions. This can help relieve | | | | walking, yoga and tai chi can improve circulation |
| symptoms although the results are often | | | | and healing to affected muscles and joints. |
| transient. | | | | Massage and epsom salt baths can also help to |
| The alternative approach to treating fibromyalgia | | | | relieve muscle tension and aid in a good night's |
| is along the same lines as that for treating EBV. | | | | sleep. |
| Natural treatment aims at re-balancing the | | | | Stress management |
| immune system with nutrients, herbs, essential | | | | Dealing with stress through techniques like |
| oils, graded exercise, stress management and the | | | | meditation, visualization, yoga, deep breathing or |
| restoration of healthy sleep patterns. | | | | talking with a counsellor can go a long way in |
| Let's have a look at some of the natural | | | | managing the symptoms of both EBV and |
| approaches to treating both EBV and fibromyalgia: | | | | fibromyalgia. Stress heightens pain so it is vital |
| Nutrition | | | | that it is addressed. |