FIBROMYALGIA AND CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME
GLUTATHIONE AND FIBROMYALGIA
Fibromyalgia is a condition characterized by diffuse pain in your muscles, ligaments and tendons, as well as fatigue. Multiple tender points or “trigger points” are present throughout the body. They are very sensitive areas, even slight pressure causes pain. To be considered widespread, the pain must occur on both sides of your body and above and below your waist
The American College of Rheumatology has established two criteria for the diagnosis of fibromyalgia:
- Widespread pain lasting at least three months
- At least 11 positive tender points — out of a total possible of 18
The diagnosis of fibromyalgia can be difficult to make initially especially in view of the multiple presenting symptoms. See your physician for a complete physical examination.
Some Strategies:
- Reduce Stress;
- Get Enough Sleep;
- Regular Exercise
- Pace Yourself;
- Healthy Nutrition
Sendur and colleagues in a 2008 Rheumatology International Journal showed us that glutathione and catalase levels were significantly lower in fibromyalgia patients.
GLUTATHIONE AND CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME
The Mayo Clinic defines chronic fatigue syndrome as “a complicated disorder characterized by extreme fatigue that doesn’t improve with bed rest and may worsen with physical or mental activity.”
The International Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Study Group reported the diagnostic criteria of chronic fatigue syndrome;
- when unexplained persistent fatigue occurs for six months or more;
- along with at least four of the eight primary signs and symptoms: loss of memory or concentration, sore throat, painful and mildly enlarged lymph nodes in your neck or armpits, unexplained muscle soreness, pain that moves from one joint to another without swelling or redness, headache of a new type, pattern or severity, sleep disturbance, extreme exhaustion lasting more than 24 hours after physical or mental exercise.
Glutathione is needed for the immune system and for muscular contraction. Bounous et al. in 1999 proposed that glutathione depletion by an activated immune system also causes the muscular fatigue and muscle pain associated with chronic fatigue syndrome.
