Fibromyalgia, Syndrome X
& Antioxidants

Syndrome X is called the lifestyle disease or metabolic syndrome. Patients with this disorder are overweight, have high cholesterol (i.e. LDLs) levels, and high blood pressure. They may also have insulin resistance or even be diabetic. This syndrome leads to heart disease, stroke, type II diabetes, and even certain types of cancer. Most of the major diseases are caused by bad behaviors or lifestyles, and not our genes. Who our parents are is very important, but not as much as diet and environment.

Patients with fibromyalgia are more likely to have syndrome X. When you consider fibromyalgia treatment, a global and holistic approach is needed. Doctors of Chiropractic can help to keep your spine pain to a minimum so that you can exercise and get strong again. While these aspects of health care are critical, you need to also consider good nutrition when taking on the challenge of fibromyalgia symptoms. There are several nutritional deficiencies that have been noted in this disease.

Studies have shown that when the blood is measured in both fibromylagia and syndrome X patients, there are lower levels of antioxidants when compared to those without these diseases. Patients who had the greatest amounts of pain also had the lowest levels of antioxidants. Antioxidant blood levels are affected by how much stress you are under, and also your consumption of proper nutrients.

Most of us do not have large daily intakes of fruits of vegetables. Kale, broccoli, brussel sprouts, and bell peppers, need to take the place of soda and chips. Five daily servings at a minimum are needed. The western diet has far too much fat, especially saturated fat, too much meat, too little fiber and vegetables, and too many calories overall. A plant-based diet (e.g. vegan) has been shown in one study to lessen fibromyalgia symptoms. You may not have to go as far as vegan or vegetarian, but eating meat at every meal is the other extreme.

Supplementation of a balanced diet with vitamins C and E are recommended for most patients, to ensure adequate levels of anti-oxidants.