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This issue's topics:

Fibromyalgia: Getting to the Root of the Problem

Detoxify Your Body

A New (And Exotic) Soup Recipe

New "Health and Medical News" page debuts

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Fibromyalgia: Getting to the Root of the Problem

by Dr. Tina Marcantel

Fibromyalgia syndrome is characterized by aching pain and stiffness in soft tissues including muscles, ligaments, and tendons. There are areas of great sensitivity called "tender points." Other characteristics may include sleep disturbances, restlessness, numbness in arms and legs, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue, and headaches.

The cause of fibromyalgia seems to be unknown, but it may be triggered or exacerbated by stress. Emotional, physical, or mental stress originates from a wide range of things such as job stress, family problems, poor diet, adrenal fatigue, an imbalance of hormones (such as thyroid or sex hormones), or even air pollution.

Treatment

Conventional drug therapy may include
   •tricyclic antidepressants in low doses to help reduce pain and promote sleep
   •sedatives to help fibromyalgia sufferers sleep
   •local anesthetics injected into tender points to relieve pain

While drug therapy can provide some short-term relief, non-drug treatments are usually the most helpful. Specific non-conventional testing may help the physician discover the root cause of the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Along with those lab tests, a wide range of therapies can be used to alleviate specific symptoms. Here are some of the approaches I take:

Testing for endocrine imbalances is an important diagnostic procedure. A thyroid panel may reveal hypothyroidism (an under active thyroid gland) that causes a decreased metabolic rate which can lead to decreased energy, unwanted weight gain, and a decline in hormone production of the body. An imbalance of hormones can lead to chronic fatigue and pain. A decrease in specific hormones could include progesterone, estrogen, and DHEA, as well as cortisol, which functions in helping the body cope with stress and control inflammation and pain in our body and promotes sleep and a sense of well-being.

I use salivary hormone testing to assess hormone levels. If hormone support is necessary, I use bioidentical hormones and/or nutritional and botanical support. For instance, if a decrease or imbalance of hormones is contributing to the root cause of fibromyalgia, then a replenishing of natural hormones will be more effective long-term in decreasing the signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia rather than "Band-Aiding" the symptoms with pain medications, tricyclics, or sedatives.

Testing for food sensitivities and proper nutrition. A simple blood test can determine if the body is releasing IgG antibodies against specific foods causing pain, inflammation, fatigue, gastrointestinal problems, and other symptoms. Great results can often be achieved by simply identifying and eliminating problem foods from the diet. I ask patients to record and bring in meal diaries for me to assess so I can make recommended changes for a nutritionally sound meal plan.

Acupuncture and acupressure treatments can be used to reduce the pain of fibromyalgia and promote a natural sedative effect. Acupuncture points also are used to tonify the body leading to increased energy.

Systemic enzyme therapy can assist in pain and inflammation reduction and assists in liver detoxification.

A moderate exercise routine is also helpful. Fifteen to twenty minutes of aerobic exercise several times a week with gentle stretching before and after exercise can help reduce symptoms. Too much or too little exercise may exacerbate symptoms, so it is important to monitor and assess the amount of exercise that works personally for the patient.

Awareness of emotional, mental, and physical stressors in life is crucial to a healthy body. Stress is a big factor in triggering or exacerbating symptoms associated with fibromyalgia. The personal counseling I offer patients often helps them to discover lifestyle changes they can make to improve their quality of life and reduce their stress-related symptoms.

Neurotransmitter testing may also help point to therapies that improve the quality and quantity of sleep. Tests can be done to measure serotonin levels and other neurotransmitters that may be affecting the patient's sleep patterns. I may use amino acid supplementation if testing and symptomology reveal a decrease in certain neurotransmitter levels. Patients may also have an elevation in certain neurotransmitters that can cause an increased sensitivity to pain, calling for treatments to bring them into proper balance.

Calcium and magnesium supplements in a proper dosage help to promote muscle relaxation and blood flow and thus reduce muscle pain.

Detoxification of the body can also help alleviate symptoms. Use of a combination of nutrients, herbs, systemic enzymes, and IV therapy promote the body's natural detoxification process and remove toxins that can cause muscle pain.

To read this article on our website, click here

For titles and summaries of more articles by Dr. Marcantel, click here

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Do you suffer from headaches, fatigue, insomnia or unexplained aches and pains? Perhaps your digestion is poor, you have bad breath or your skin isn't quite as clear and smooth as you would like for it to be. These symptoms could be the result of toxins in your body. Toxins are substances that cause harm or create stress on how your body functions. When they reach high levels in your system, your body has a difficult time eliminating them on its own, which can affect your overall well being. When this occurs, a mild detoxification may be the answer to help cleanse your system.

The February 2008 issue of Mesa Lifestyle magazine contained the article "Detoxify Your Body" by Reisha Zang, featuring an interview with Dr. Marcantel. To read the entire article on our website, click here.

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West African Peanut Soup

This recipe appeared in the East Valley Tribune  and we had to try it. This "cook's note" appeared with it: This simple, rich soup is adapted from a dish popular in Cameroon. For extra flavor, try it with a savory peanut butter, such as Peanut Better's hickory smoked  or onion parsley peanut butters. It's interesting and different-tasting.

2 tablespoons peanut oil (canola can be substituted)     

1 cup peanut butter (smooth or chunky)

1 large yellow onion, diced                          

2 cups baby spinach greens or chopped kale

3 garlic cloves, minced              

1 pound raw shrimp, peeled

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper

salt and black pepper to taste

2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger

1/4 cup fresh cilantro

28-ounce can diced tomatoes

1/4 cup crushed roasted peanuts, to garnish

1 quart (4 cups) chicken broth

Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high. Add the onion, garlic, red pepper, and ginger. Sauté until the onions are tender, about 4 minutes. Add the tomatoes, with juices, and chicken broth, then bring to a simmer.

Add the peanut butter, stirring until it dissolves into the soup. Add the greens and simmer until wilted, about 3 minutes. Add the shrimp and simmer until cooked through, about 5 minutes.

Season with salt and pepper, then stir in the cilantro. Ladle into serving bowls, then garnish with peanuts. Yields 6 servings, and the cooking time is about 30 minutes, start to finish.

To view this and other recipes on our website and get a "printer-friendly" version, click here

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We've just added a new feature to DrMarcantel.com: Our "Health and Medical News" page will highlight current newsworthy information and medical studies that we have seen reported and feel our readers would like to know about. Be sure that you're signed up for our RSS feed to get the most up-to-date information sent directly to your RSS reader when we post new stories!

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We want to hear from you about your experiences with Dr. Marcantel's services. Patient feedback is extremely important to us because it tells us how we're doing in providing you with the quality care we strive for. We would really appreciate it if you would take a few minutes to print the Patient Feedback Form, fill it out, and drop it in the mail to us. You can print it directly from the pdf file link above or, if you prefer, you can download the text file and copy it into Word and fill it out on your computer.

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Lots of our patients are spreading the word to their friends and taking advantage of the discounts we're offering through our patient referral program. Find out how you can qualify for a $200.00 gift certificate to a Valley day spa by simply referring 5 new patients to Dr. Marcantel!

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Have you tried IV therapy yet? A growing number of Dr. Marcantel's patients are reporting great results from their IV therapy treatments. Read Dr. Marcantel's article on How IV Therapy Can Benefit YOU and give her a call to see if this program might be right for you to give you more energy, supply your body with much-needed vitamins and nutrients, and boost your immune system.

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Dr. Tina Marcantel

5416 East Southern Avenue #110

Mesa, AZ 85206

480-985-0000

Newsletter written by Peter Marcantel, webmaster for DrMarcantel.com.