Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS)

Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) affects between 3 and 8 million Americans. As the number of people diagnosed with fibromyalgia is skyrocketing, one has to wonder why.

In my practice, my ever dominating question is "WHY?" Since the body has the capacity to heal anything that's wrong with it, and it isn't, WHY NOT? What is the underlying mechanism that is preventing the body from healing? Are the raw materials (fats, proteins, enzymes, minerals, carbohydrates, etc.) that the body needs to heal with missing? And if so, why? Are they not in the diet, is the body not metabolizing or assimilating them, or is something in the diet preventing the body from utilizing them? Or is there some persistent element in the persons' life preventing healing (such as inadequate sleep, continuous stress, or toxic chemicals in their living or work environment, etc)?

I am not the only one asking these questions. Much research and clinical correlation has been directed toward this condition from a different standpoint - the "WHY" angle, not so much the pathophysiology angle. This has resulted in the following conclusions about why FMS exists:

A basic equation has not only evolved, but become quite clear: Chronic malnutrition + foul nutrition + chronic chemical exposures = FMS.

Let me elaborate. Chronic malnutrition sounds like something primitive societies experience. Not here in the U.S. where obesity and food abound. However, our foods are so refined and adultered that they no longer nourish the body. They are canned, fried, boxed, pickled, frozen, freeze-dried, homogenized, pasteurized, flaked, puffed, baked, refined, dehydrated, concentrated and basically processed to the point that the nutritional content is missing! Then we add chemicals, preservatives, dyes, artificial sweeteners and artificial vitamins, minerals that are indigestible, aluminum, fluoride, chlorine, pesticides, herbicides, hormones, fillers, excipients and other toxic elements and wonder why we're sick and malnourished!

"Foul-nutrition" is a term used to identify non-foods or grossly altered foods we consume that foul up the biochemical balance of our body, leading to states of mal-nutrition. These non-foods are margarine, hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated fats and oils, sodas, coffee (and caffeine), alcohol, etc. Since these consumables cause leaching of minerals or blockage of absorption of nutrients or cause the body to change chemistry to adapt to them, they contribute to a wide range of illnesses, including Fibromyalgia.

Chemicals which cause reactions in the body come from many sources. They come from pesticides, herbicides and other chemicals in our food, our water and in the air. Even everyday things such as air fresheners, detergents and flame-retardants in new clothing and bedding.

There is hope. Through a comprehensive health and medical history which serves to uncover the underlying etiology, and through nutritional intervention combined with acupuncture treatments, this condition CAN BE RESOLVED. Fibromyalgia need not be a diagnosis which condemns you to a life of pain, fatigue and woe.

Dr. Holly Carling is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine, Licensed Acupuncturist, Doctor of Naturopathy, Clinical Nutritionist and Master Herbologist with more than 30 years of experience. Dr. Carling is currently accepting new patients and offers natural health care services and whole food nutritional supplements in her Coeur d'Alene clinic. Visit Dr. Carling's website at www.vitalhealthandfitness.com to learn more about Dr. Carling, view a list of upcoming health classes and read other informative articles. Dr. Carling can be reached at (208) 765-1994 and would be happy to answer any questions regarding this topic.

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