The Battlefield Of Fibromyalgia: Successful Fibromyalgia Treatment Starts Here

Make no mistake. If you’ve been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia – – You’re in a Battle!

It’s not enough that you’re suffering from chronic wide spread pain, difficulty sleeping, and debilitating fatigue, but to pour salt in the wounds, the average healthcare professional, and perhaps – and more sadly – your friends and family members may not fully understand the significance of your condition.

“The Large Majority Of Physicians, Sociologists, And Medical Historians Are Skeptical About The Validity Of Fibromyalgia As A Clinical Medical Entity.”
Dr. Frederick Wolfe, Leading Fibromyalgia Researcher

Successful Fibromyalgia Treatment Can Be Elusive
Fibromyalgia is a commonly misunderstood condition and diagnosis, and therefore successful fibromyalgia treatment can be elusive. Just about everyone knows someone, a co-worker, family member or a friend suffering with this disease. It that someone is you, our hearts go out to you, because we know the effects that fibromyalgia can have on your home life, work life and family life.

If you, or someone you love is suffering from the effects of fibromyalgia, there are three helpful things you should know about fibromyalgia. The first – and perhaps the most significant – is that it is not psychological—it is very real. The second is that it can be successfully treated. The third is that it will take commitment and dedication on your part to win the battle against this potentially debilitating disease.

Fibromyalgia Demographics

Fibromyalgia is pain in the muscles and connective tissue. It is not the same as arthritis, which affects the joints. The term Fibromyalgia was coined by researcher Mohammed Yunus in 1981. Pronounced “fie-bro-my-AL-ja” – fibromyalgia is derived from the 3 words; Fibra – meaning ‘fiber,’ myo – meaning ‘muscle,’ and algo – meaning ‘pain.’

Fibromyalgia Treatment Research And Historical Background

The first clinical trials of proposed medication for treating fibromyalgia were published in 1986, and in 1990 the American College of Rheumatology published its first classification criteria for the condition. The American Medical Association recognized the diagnosis in 1990, followed by the World Health Organization in 1993.

Fibromyalgia affects more than 10 million people each year in the United States. Although it affects men and women, 90 percent of those who suffer from fibromyalgia are female. It can affect any age, but those most at risk are in the 30 to 50 age category.

One study found that the average health care cost per patient per year is $2,300. The same study showed that the average fibromyalgia patient takes three different drugs each day in an attempt to control their symptoms. The total cost to the United States economy is estimated to be over $20 billion annually.

The Big 3 Symptoms And The Battle For Effective Fibromyalgia Treatment
There are three main symptoms of fibromyalgia: pain, sleep disturbances and fatigue. Pain, the symptom most often reported, can be made worse by sensory stressors such as noise, changes in the weather, anxiety or emotional stress.

Fibromyalgia patients have three times the normal limit of substance P, a pain neurotransmitter. They also have four times the normal amount of nerve growth factor and increased levels of nitric oxide, which produces tissue damage and inflammation. Interleukin-8, which is associated with inflammation, is also found in those suffering from fibromyalgia.

Studies show that fibromyalgia patients do not reach Level 4 sleep, the deep sleep needed to rejuvenate the body. Although they can fall asleep quickly, their deep sleep is interrupted by bursts of awake-like brain activity.

These disturbances in sleep patterns lead to tiredness and listlessness. Ninety percent of patients with fibromyalgia report being extremely fatigued. Some patients wake up in the morning with muscle aches or a sensation of muscle fatigue, as if they had worked all night.

Over 80 percent of fibromyalgia patients suffer chronic headaches. Approximately 70 percent report chronic digestive problems. More than half of those affected experience symptoms such as poor concentration, forgetfulness, mood changes or irritability. Depression, anxiety and stress are other common symptoms, and some patients have dizziness, numbness or tingling, and abdominal pain.

What causes fibromyalgia?
There is no one cause of fibromyalgia. There are, however, a number of factors that predispose a person to develop the condition. Known triggers include:

*Stress and/or depression.
*Traumatic emotional experience such as divorce or abuse.
*Traumatic physical experience such as a car accident or neck injury.
*Systemic toxicity to food, air or water.
*Chronic fatigue syndrome.
*Sleep disturbances.
*Family history.
*Localized or systemic infection.
*Nutrient deficiencies due to poor nutritional habits.
*Lack of exercise and cardiovascular activities.

Chronic fatigue and the hormone connection
Research shows that chronic stress and fatigue affect the hormone levels in the body.

Cortisol. Chronically high stress levels lead to a high level of cortisol, which is associated with depression and obesity, both of which are seen in many patients with fibromyalgia.

Estrogen. Estrogen has an influence on serotonin levels; when estrogen is lower, so are serotonin levels. Serotonin is a chemical produced by the brain that is associated with feelings of well-being and happiness. This may help explain why many fibromyalgia patients experience worsened symptoms during their period or during menopause.

Thyroid gland. Low estrogen levels cause decreased levels of TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone), which is important in metabolism. Lower levels of TSH are thought to play a role in the fatigue experienced by fibromyalgia patients.

Adrenal gland. DHEA, a hormone produced by the adrenal gland, has been linked to depression and fatigue. Fibromyalgia patients have decreased levels of DHEA.

Growth hormone. Growth hormone is primarily produced during deep sleep. It is also produced during exercise, both of which are decreased in fibromyalgia patients. Growth hormones are produced in the anterior pituitary gland and are important in metabolism, particularly fat burning and muscle building.

Fibromyalgia and the immune system
Research has established there is a connection between chronic stress and the function of the immune system. Depression has also been linked to a depressed immune system.

Natural bacteria-fighting cells are less active in fibromyalgia patients, which may explain why they are prone to infections. About 60 percent of those who have fibromyalgia have bacterial and viral infections, and they are more likely to have gastrointestinal tract viral antibodies.

Diagnosing Fibromyalgia
Many in the medical community tend to be skeptical of fibromyalgia as a diagnosis, in part because there is no definitive test to establish the diagnosis. Some diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or a heart attack, can be diagnosed by a blood test. Because there is no such test for fibromyalgia, the diagnosis is often made by ruling out other conditions as a source of the pain.

Other conditions with symptoms similar to fibromyalgia that need to be ruled out include:
*Yeast infection (Candidadiasis)
*Chronic fatigue syndrome
*Chronic infections
*Depression or related psychological conditions
*Digestive disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome
*Hypothyroidism
*Immune deficiencies
*Lyme Disease
*Myofascial pain syndrome
*Rheumatoid arthritis

Once these other conditions have been ruled out, three criteria must be met before a diagnosis of fibromyalgia is determined. First, the patient must have pain throughout the body.

The American College of Rheumatology identified 18 tender points in the body; pain must be produced in at least 11 of the 18 locations. Pain is produced by placing the equivalent of four pounds of pressure on these tender points. This amount of pressure should not normally produce pain.

The second criterion for a diagnosis of fibromyalgia is chronic pain, which is pain lasting longer than three months.

The third criterion is that the pain must be located on both sides of the body as well as in the upper and lower parts of the body. Put another way, pain must be found in all four quadrants of the body: upper right, upper left, lower right and lower left.

Fibromyalgia Treatment

Chiropractic care has been found to be effective in helping overcome the chronic pain, fatigue and sleep disturbances associated with fibromyalgia. A study released in 2000 detailed the results of 60 patients who were treated by ischemic compression (gentle pressing on a trigger point by a skilled chiropractic physician) and spinal manipulation.

After 30 treatments, 77.2 reported a decrease in the intensity of their pain, 63.5 percent reported improvement in sleep quality and 74.85 percent reported improvement in their fatigue level.

Another study in 2005 reported that acute and chronic chiropractic patients experienced better outcomes in pain, functional disability and patient satisfaction. In 2007, the American College of Physicians and the American Pain Society included spinal manipulation as a viable treatment option.

Many patients who suffer from fibromyalgia are told there is no cure. If you have been told you will have to live with fibromyalgia for the rest of your life, do not accept that answer because it is not true. However, it will take hard work and commitment on your part to make the changes in your lifestyle that will lead to living a better life, free from chronic pain and fatigue. Remember, the battle for successful fibromyalgia treatment begins with you!

Understanding Fibromyalgia Is The First Step To Effective Fibromyalgia Treatment

Research finds Fibromyalgia Pain is Real. Here are 3 Tips that will help to Relieve It.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition marked by widespread muscular and joint pain, as well as specific “tender” points that typically occur in the neck, spine, hips and shoulders. Other symptoms may also include sleep disturbances and fatigue, depression and irritable bowel syndrome. Fibromyalgia affects an estimated 2% to 4% of the population. Nine in 10 fibromyalgia patients are female. Although many doctors tell patients suffering from these symptoms, “It’s all in your head,” research is finally beginning to show what fibromyalgia patients have known for years, “The Pain is Real!”

MRIs Prove Fibromyalgia Pain is Real
Brain scans of people with fibromyalgia (FM) offer the first hard evidence of what patients already know: Their pain is real and their threshold for tolerating it is substantially lower than that of most individuals.

In the new report, fibromyalgia patients underwent a type of detailed brain scan known as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) while an instrument intermittently applied different levels of pressure to their left thumbnail.

When all study participants received the same level of mild pressure, blood flow increased much more in the brains of patients with fibromyalgia than among those in the control group. The increased blood flow — which is a “surrogate measure” for nerve activity — occurred in areas of the brain known to be associated with pain. In addition, when study participants were subjected to different levels of pressure, fibromyalgia patients reported pain at half the level of pressure that caused the same feelings of pain among the healthy controls.

Something appears awry with the way the central nervous system processes painful stimuli in fibromyalgia patients, and therefore it is very important that each individual suffering with FM have their nervous system evaluated for nerve interference in the form of misaligned vertebrae (also known as vertebral subluxations) by their doctor of chiropractic.

The Role Of Exercise For Fibromyalgia Treatment

An exercise plan that includes strength training and aerobic activity may help women with the painful disorder of fibromyalgia. There is evidence that exercise can help alleviate symptoms. But most of this research has focused on aerobic exercise to boost cardiovascular conditioning, to the exclusion of strength training. This is in part due to concerns that strength conditioning could exacerbate fibromyalgia symptoms or cause injury.

Harvard researchers, who studied women who completed a 20-week exercise program, showed that a mixture of aerobic activity and strength conditioning could in fact improve fibromyalgia symptoms. The investigators had the women go through a progressive regimen that started with pool exercises to improve their joint movement, then moved on to walking and strengthening exercises with hand weights, machines and the body’s own resistance.

After 20 weeks, the women’s muscle strength and endurance improved overall — as did their symptoms of pain, stiffness, fatigue and depression, the researchers report. These findings demonstrate that an exercise program that includes strength training activities can be safe, feasible, and beneficial for persons with fibromyalgia syndrome.

Yeast Overgrowth Hinders Fibromyalgia Treatment
It also appears that fibromyalgia may also be connected to yeast overgrowth for the simple reason that a significant number of sufferers from these two syndromes find relief when they follow an anti-candida diet and other protocols to address Candida albicans yeast overgrowth, including prescription antifungal medications when necessary.

Yeast authority, Carol Jessup, M.D., found that up to 75 percent of patients also had candidiasis. She is convinced that if candida is treated, the majority of FM patients will experience relief from their symptoms.

Diet Found To Play An Important Part In Successful Fibromyalgia Treatment
People with fibromyalgia may experience reductions in their symptoms if they eliminate one or more foods from their diet. In the study, investigators reviewed medical charts of 17 fibromyalgia patients who agreed to eliminate common foods from their diet such as corn, wheat, dairy, citrus, soy and nuts.

After 2 weeks without eating any of the potential food allergens, nearly half of the patients reported “significant reduction of pain,” and 76% reported a reduction in other symptoms such as headache, fatigue, bloating, heartburn, and breathing difficulties.

After the food elimination phase of the study, the patients were then instructed to reintroduce a particular food every 2 or 3 days and monitor their reaction to the food.

Some of the reactions to foods were pain, headache, and gastrointestinal distress. The most common problem-causing foods or ingredients for the patients in this study were corn, wheat, dairy, citrus and sugar.

Conservative Fibromyalgia Treatment:

Chiropractic care has been found to be effective in helping overcome the chronic pain, fatigue and sleep disturbances associated with fibromyalgia. A study released in 2000 detailed the results of 60 patients who were treated by ischemic compression (gentle pressing on a trigger point by a skilled chiropractic physician) and spinal manipulation.

After 30 treatments, 77.2 reported a decrease in the intensity of their pain, 63.5 percent reported improvement in sleep quality and 74.85 percent reported improvement in their fatigue level.

Another study in 2005 reported that acute and chronic chiropractic patients experienced better outcomes in pain, functional disability and patient satisfaction. In 2007, the American College of Physicians and the American Pain Society included spinal manipulation as a viable treatment option.

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with fibromyalgia or is experiencing the symptoms of fibromyalgia, you may want to consider chiropractic care as it is an effective fibromyalgia treatment.

Fibromyalgia Treatment: 6 Tips For Improving Your Sleep

Fibromyalgia affects more than 10 million people each year in the United States. Although it affects men and women, 90 percent of those who suffer from fibromyalgia are female. It can affect any age, but those most at risk are in the 30 to 50 age category.

The Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
There are three main symptoms of fibromyalgia: pain, sleep disturbances and fatigue. Pain, the symptom most often reported, can be made worse by sensory overstress such as noise, changes in the weather, anxiety or emotional stress.

Deep sleep helps the body replenish itself and defends against chronic fatigue, stress and depression. Without it the immune system is weakened and you are more susceptible to infections and flu. Make the following changes and start getting the sleep you need.

Fibromyalgia Treatment: 6 Tips For Improving Your Sleep

Fibromyalgia Treatment: Sleep Tip #1
Cut down or eliminate caffeine. The effect caffeine has on the body can last for hours. In addition to reducing or eliminating coffee or tea, learn what other foods contain caffeine or other stimulants.

Fibromyalgia Treatment: Sleep Tip #2
Start and stick to a regular exercise program. Research has shown that exercise reduces stress, increases muscle flexibility and increases sleep.

Fibromyalgia Treatment: Sleep Tip #3
Develop a regular sleep schedule. Your body remembers and responds best to patterns of activity, including sleep. Sticking to a regular sleep schedule is one of the most important things you can do to make sure you enjoy a restful night’s sleep. Go to bed at the same time and follow the same routine.

Fibromyalgia Treatment: Sleep Tip #4
Spend the last hour before bed winding down. One of the best things you can do to reduce stress and muscle tension, which yields more restful sleep, is to spend the last 30 to 60 minutes winding down. Take a hot bath, review your goals, and read motivating books and articles. To reduce stress, keep a pad by your bed so you can write down what is on your mind.

Fibromyalgia Treatment: Sleep Tip #5
Herbal remedies. Herbal remedies such as ginseng, chamomile, valerian root and passion flower can help decrease anxiety and promote restful sleep.

Fibromyalgia Treatment: Sleep Tip #6
Sleep environment. Sleep and wakefulness are regulated by circadian rhythms in a 24-hour cycle. The cycle is controlled by exposure to light and secretion of hormones, particularly melatonin. Use heavy curtains to block out light and white noise to eliminate waking early due to other environmental noises.

Conservative Fibromyalgia Treatment:

Chiropractic care has been found to be effective in helping overcome the chronic pain, fatigue and sleep disturbances associated with fibromyalgia. A study released in 2000 detailed the results of 60 patients who were treated by ischemic compression (gentle pressing on a trigger point by a skilled chiropractic physician) and spinal manipulation.

After 30 treatments, 77.2 reported a decrease in the intensity of their pain, 63.5 percent reported improvement in sleep quality and 74.85 percent reported improvement in their fatigue level.

Another study in 2005 reported that acute and chronic chiropractic patients experienced better outcomes in pain, functional disability and patient satisfaction. In 2007, the American College of Physicians and the American Pain Society included spinal manipulation as a viable treatment option.

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with fibromyalgia or is experiencing the symptoms of fibromyalgia, you may want to consider chiropractic care as it is an effective fibromyalgia treatment.

The Foundation Of Effective Fibromyalgia Treatment: 3 Principles That Work!

A fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the foundation for a system of behavior or a chain of reasoning.

The bottom line on principles – – they work, when applied.

Before discussing the principles of effective fibromyalgia treatment, may I take this opportunity to say first and foremost that if you, or someone you know and love has been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, my heart go out to you, because I know the effects that fibromyalgia can have on your home life, work life and family life. Unfortunately, fibromyalgia is a commonly misunderstood condition and diagnosis – and the typical medical practitioner, and – on occasion family or friends – can doubt the viability or even challenge the very existence of fibromyalgia.

Background and demographics on fibromyalgia and fibromyalgia treatment

• Fibromyalgia affects more than 10 million people each year in the United States
• 90 percent of those who suffer from fibromyalgia are female
• Most at risk for fibromyalgia are between 30 and 50 years of age
• There are 3 main symptoms of fibromyalgia: pain, sleep disturbances and fatigue

Fibromyalgia Treatment: Principle #1 – Detoxify and Cleanse

Studies show that today’s society is more toxic than in other generations. Pollution, processed foods and food additives are being stored in our tissues in more and more quantities each day. Benefits of detoxifying and cleansing the body include increased energy levels, improved sleep, healthy and more vibrant skin, enhanced muscle tone and flexibility, and an improved immune system.

Fibromyalgia patients experience many of the same symptoms as those found with aluminum toxicity. Therefore, detoxifying the body of this deadly metal is critical.

Combining magnesium and malic acid can effectively decrease the levels of aluminum in all vital organs, especially the brain. A research study on 15 fibromyalgia patients found that after taking 1,200 to 2,400 mgs of malic acid with 30 to 600 mgs of magnesium daily, all 15 reported significant pain relief within 48 hours of treatment.

Fibromyalgia Treatment: Principle #2 – Develop Healthy Eating Habits

Lack of proper nutrition causes many of the symptoms associated with fibromyalgia. The food you eat affects the stability of your immune system, the health of your joints and muscles, and your ideal body weight, as well as your sleep, fatigue and energy levels. Slight modifications or enhancements to your current nutritional program can yield dramatic results.

1. Eat every few hours to keep your metabolism at its peak. The key is small, more frequent meals (six times a day).
2. Include healthy snacks in your daily routine. Healthy choices include sliced fruits and vegetables, unsalted nuts or a protein bar. Make sure you are not hypersensitive to the snack. Prepare your snacks at home and take them with you to work to avoid the temptation of a cookie or candy bar from a vending machine.
3. Eliminate simple sugars. High sugar intake increases not only your waistline but also your pain levels.
4. Buy your food fresh, organic if possible, and prepare it at home.
   Eliminate junk food and fast food. There is nothing of lasting value in eating fast foods that have dozens of additives and preservatives, the very items that cause food sensitivity, obesity, pain and inflammation.
5. Drink 6 glasses of pure or filtered water a day.
6. Take a daily multivitamin-multimineral.

Fibromyalgia Treatment: Principle #2 – Nutritional Supplementation

The average American diet does not contain the necessary levels of nutrients for the body to remain healthy. Supplementing your diet can help fight the symptoms associated with fibromyalgia. Supplements can be divided into three categories: for symptoms, for natural body systems and for hormone imbalances. Start with the recommendations for the symptom(s) or system(s) that are most effected in your individual case.

Fibromyalgia Treatment And Nutritional Supplementation: Targeted Symptom – Pain
A magnesium and malic acid combination; a natural anti-inflammatory such as glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM or flaxseed oil; feverfew for headaches.

Fibromyalgia Treatment And Nutritional Supplementation: Targeted Symptom – Sleep Disturbances
5-HTP, melatonin, valerian root, passion flower.

Fibromyalgia Treatment And Nutritional Supplementation: Targeted Symptom – Fatigue
A magnesium and malic acid combination; co-enzyme Q10; vitamin B12; ginkgo biloba.

Fibromyalgia Treatment And Nutritional Supplementation: Targeted Symptom – Depression
5-HTP, St. John’s Wort, SAME-e, flaxseed oil.

Fibromyalgia Treatment And Nutritional Supplementation: Targeted Symptoms – Stress and Anxiety
B vitamins, inositol, calcium, magnesium, digestive enzymes, GABA, valerian root, passion flower, schiasandra.

Fibromyalgia Treatment And Nutritional Supplementation: For Enhancing the Immune System
Bee pollen; selenium and zinc; echinacea; colostrum; vitamins A, B, C and E; cinnamon; garlic; golden seal; grapeseed extract; pycnogenol; lipoid acid; iron, chromium and manganese.

Fibromyalgia Treatment And Nutritional Supplementation: For Enhancing the Digestive System
Probiotics, amylase, lipase, papain, protease, cellulose, bromelain.

Fibromyalgia Treatment And Nutritional Supplementation: For Balancing the Hormonal System
Bee pollen, serotonin, manganese, St. John’s Wort, 5-HT L-Tyrosine. For adrenal hormones: vitamins B and C; hydrolyzed collagen; DHEA; cordyceps. For sleep support 5-HTP; digestive enzymes.

Consider Chiropractic As Part Of Your Fibromyalgia Treatment Plan

Chiropractic care has been found to be effective in helping overcome the chronic pain, fatigue and sleep disturbances associated with fibromyalgia. A study released in 2000 detailed the results of 60 patients who were treated by ischemic compression (gentle pressing on a trigger point by a skilled chiropractic physician) and spinal manipulation.

After 30 treatments, 77.2 reported a decrease in the intensity of their pain, 63.5 percent reported improvement in sleep quality and 74.85 percent reported improvement in their fatigue level.

Another study in 2005 reported that acute and chronic chiropractic patients experienced better outcomes in pain, functional disability and patient satisfaction. In 2007, the American College of Physicians and the American Pain Society included spinal manipulation as a viable treatment option.

Fibromyalgia Treatment: Don’t Lose Hope!
Many patients who suffer from fibromyalgia are told there is no cure. If you have been told you will have to live with fibromyalgia for the rest of your life, do not accept that answer because it is not true. However, it will take a lot of hard work and commitment on your part to make the changes in your lifestyle that will lead to living a better life, free from chronic pain and fatigue.

It will take dedication and determination to make the daily decisions that are in your best interest, but the results will be worth it. You will be amazed at how good you feel after just three months and you will be well on your way to winning your battle of living with fibromyalgia. Remember, applying the principles for effective fibromyalgia treatment is up to you – the best way to begin, is pick one and go for it!

You, Yes – You, Are the Most Important Part of Successful Fibromyalgia Treatment

You Must Commit To You – And Your Health
If you’ve been for a while, you know that if you or someone you love has fibromyalgia – you’re in a street fight, a battle with a vicious opponent.

It’s not enough that you’re suffering from chronic wide spread pain, difficulty sleeping, and debilitating fatigue, but to pour salt in the wounds, the average healthcare professional, and perhaps – and more sadly – your friends and family members may not fully understand the significance of your condition.

So, bottom line – you, yes – you, are the most important part asset to successful fibromyalgia treatment, and living your best life now with fibromyalgia.

 

Creating Your Fibromyalgia Treatment Team

It is all up to you, but you do not have to go it alone. The first step is to create a team that will help and support you.

Fibromyalgia Treatment Team members may include, but are not limited to;

• Nutritional advisor
• Personal trainer
• Allergist
• Internist
• Neuromusculoskeletal specialist

Finding Your Quarterback For Fibromyalgia Treatment

Just like every football team needs a quarterback, your fibromyalgia treatment team needs a leader as well. Therefore, your job as “owner of the team” is to find a physician who is highly experienced fibromyalgia treatment, and works well with other healthcare providers to coordinate your care.

The road to successful and effective fibromyalgia treatment starts and ends with you – you can live your best life now!

Although fibromyalgia is not in your head – your first step to effective fibromyalgia treatment is – and your first step in living your best life now is to understand the importance of a winning attitude, and taking control of your thoughts. It all begins there.

Thoughts – Actions – Habits – Lifestyle Behavior
Your thoughts determine your actions. If you take the same action for 30 days, it becomes a habit. If you apply the habit for six months, you create a lifestyle behavior pattern. If you want to make the lifestyle changes necessary to live a better-quality life, you have to make a commitment to follow through on these changes.

Time for action
You have seen how stress, depression and anxiety can trigger chronic pain, which causes sleep disturbances, which leads to chronic fatigue. This makes you more susceptible to illness and infection, which, in turn, causes more stress, depression and anxiety, creating a vicious cycle. It’s time to break that cycle and start living a better life.

We have shown you how proper nutrition, exercise and chiropractic care can put you on the path to living the life you deserve. Now that you understand the connection between pain, sleep disturbances, fatigue and the body’s immune system, it is time to take action.

Next, commit to making specific lifestyle changes. In Level 1, in addition to following the recommendations for healthy eating, choose one poor health choice you currently engage in and eliminate it; for example, diet drinks. Also choose one of the three primary symptoms of fibromyalgia—pain, sleep disturbances and fatigue—and commit to fighting it for the next 30 days. For example, if you choose sleep disturbances, commit to taking the recommended actions to ensure you get a good night’s sleep.

At the end of 30 days, move to Level 2. Choose another poor health choice to eliminate. This time it may be eliminating refined sugar. Choose a second fibromyalgia symptom and follow the recommendations given to fight this symptom. Stick to this for 30 days before moving on.

Level 3 is the advanced level. Continue to follow the steps outlined in Levels 1 and 2. Now choose a third poor health choice to eliminate, such as caffeine. Commit to following the recommendations for combating the third fibromyalgia symptom.

It will take dedication and determination to make the daily decisions that are in your best interest, but the results will be worth it. You will be amazed at how good you feel after just three months and you will be well on your way to winning your battle of living with fibromyalgia. Remember, the road to successful and effective fibromyalgia treatment starts and ends with you – you can live your best life now!