ATP & Fibro

It’s no secret that our environment is toxic and that we are constantly being bombarded with harmful chemicals in our day-to-day lives. We also know that both bacteria and viruses lie dormant in our bodies, many times for years on end, until some trauma or environmental trigger causes them to surface. Science has proven over and over again that our immune systems can be compromised by our environment and that is, perhaps, one reason why we are seeing more and more cases of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. Some contend that they are both different yet similar facets of the same disease.

Whatever fibromyalgia is, in terms of its genesis, we see the effects of it on the bodies and in the lives of those who suffer with it. Fibromyalgia is characterized by chronic pain in the muscles, depression and fatigue. Many people with the disease seek relief through surgery, physical therapy and/or pain medications, yet continue to agonize, “I hurt everywhere.”

Treating Fibromyalgia

The symptoms of fibromyalgia can be treated with prescription medications quite effectively. However, these very medications are able to employ only the current supply of neurotransmitters and nutrients to bring relief; they are unable to create new neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are the chemicals in the brain which communicate with the nerves and muscles in the body. Constant pain, stress, depression and anxiety all burn amino acids and minerals, which are necessary for the proper function of the body. These nutrients must be replenished if the body is to function properly and if it is to manage pain and stress efficiently.

Studies have shown that when nutrient deficiencies are reversed, then healing is enhanced. Proper nutrients can have a positive and longer lasting effect upon pain, anxiety and depression than prescription medication.

Research has shown that people with fibromyalgia may be deficient in certain of the compounds which are necessary for the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the component which is believed to provide 90-95% of all cellular energy and has been found to act as a neurotransmitter outside of the cells. If the body is unable to synthesize ATP, which is manufactured by mitochondria -the powerhouses of the body – then there is unavoidable death to cells, a severe lack of energy, muscle weakness and pain (as in fibromyalgia) among other symptoms.

By eliminating toxins that cause cellular damage and following methods which promote natural restoration of the body, it may be possible to reverse the pain and depression associated with fibromyalgia. Cordyceps, a widely used medicinal fungus, when given in human clinical trials, demonstrated improved liver health and increased the supply of ATP in the liver. Guaifenesin, derived from a tree bark extract called guaiacum, has been a successful tool in pain relief for fibromyalgia sufferers as it causes urinary excretion of excess uric acid and other substances which depress ATP formation in the body. It also serves to reinforce cell walls, protecting them from further damage.

While we’re grateful for medications, they are not always the best way to restore the body. The body is a magnificent creation and with natural care, it can be helped to properly function for a lifetime.