Ernie Eisenberg, D.C.

Syndrome X is called the lifestyle disease or metabolic syndrome. Patients with this disorder are overweight, have high “bad” 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 2 diabetes, and even certain types of cancer. Most of the major diseases are caused by bad behaviors or lifestyles, and not our genes.

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 musculoskeletal pain to a minimum so that you can exercise and get strong again. While these aspects of healthcare are critical, you need to also consider good nutrition when taking on the challenge of managing 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 fibromyalgia and syndrome X patients, there are lower levels of antioxidants when compared to individuals without these diseases. Patients with the greatest amounts of pain also tend to have the lowest levels of antioxidants. Antioxidant blood levels are affected by both how much stress you are under and your consumption of proper nutrients.

Most of us do not consume at least five servings of fruits and vegetables in our diet. Foods like kale, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and bell peppers need to take the place of soda and chips. 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 reducing meat consumption and increasing vegetable/fruit intake will likely be beneficial.

Supplementation of a balanced diet with vitamins C and E is also recommended for most patients in order to ensure adequate levels of anti-oxidants in the body.

Taking a holistic and natural approach by looking at spine structure, exercise and stretching, and diet will give you the best tools for fighting fibromyalgia without drugs and their untoward side effects.