Ep. 16 – Heather Conley: The Fibromyalgia Mystery

Physicians are generally confused by fibromyalgia, and it can be fairly controversial.

Fibromyalgia is characterized by non-specific pain that doesn’t seem to have any particular source. Some believe it’s a real physical condition, while others believe it’s entirely psychogenic. Some believe it doesn’t exist at all.

Today we’re digging into the mystery of fibromyalgia with Heather Conley, a functional medicine practitioner working remotely in New Mexico.

Although fibromyalgia bears all the warning sign of pseudoscience, a growing number of medical researchers believe there is something real happening. Although there is no known cause, some cases are actually proving to be treatable.

According to the CDC, Fibromyalgia affects about 4 million US adults, or about 2% of the adult population. The most common symptoms for Fibromyalgia are:

• Pain and stiffness all over the body
• Fatigue and tiredness
• Depression and anxiety
• Sleep problems
• Problems with thinking, memory, and concentration
• Headaches, including migraines

One of the biggest issues with treating fibromyalgia is that it does not respond well to the typical Western treatment options, which often act as a band-aid instead of getting to the root cause (which, of course, is also difficult to do with this disease).

So how can someone manage their fibromyalgia? It will look different for everyone because the root cause is not consistent, but these are some things that you might consider.

• Changing your diet is a big thing, especially if you’re suffering from intestinal issues or leaky gut. Gluten and dairy can both cause inflammation in the gut, so it’s best to avoid them.
• Lack of sleep will worsen every other health issue in your body, so it’s almost impossible to address the root cause if you aren’t sleeping.
• Most people with fibromyalgia don’t have enough magnesium, which is also common in the general population. Low magnesium can cause pain, spasms, acid reflux, anxiety, and more. Supplements can help restore your magnesium levels.

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Download this Episode MP3.

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Resources:

• Learn more with Heather: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

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Disclaimer: The activities and research discussed in these podcasts are suggestions only and are only advised to be undertaken following prior consultation with a health or medical professional. Fitness training, nutrition, and other physical pursuits should be tailored to the individual based upon an assessment of their personal needs.

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