November 2005: A Message from Dr. Murphree to those suffering with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
For those with FMS or CFS, the cold and flu season can be a really difficult time of year. I’ve listed a few special preventative measures below that have worked with my patients.
The cold and flu season is here now and we must strengthen our immune systems to ward off the colds and flu we so often catch this time of the year. Boost the immune system by using herbals and by boosting the thymus gland, This is the subject of my November 2005 newsletter. Follow the link below to read it in my archive.
November 2005 Health Newsletter - Our Immune System
Consistent deep restorative sleep is crucial for good health!
A Good Night's Sleep.
We've all heard that we need 8 hours of restful sleep each night. The amount of sleep an individual actually needs will vary from person to person. A 5 year old may need 11-12 hours of sleep, an adult, 7-9 hours of sleep a night. But why is a good night's sleep so important? Poor sleep has been linked to various health problems including depression, fatigue, CFS, FMS, and headaches. Several studies have shown that a lack of sufficient sleep will cause a host of unwanted health issues.
This is not news to those who suffer with FMS and CFS. They already know that their symptoms get worse when they don't get a good night's sleep. One study showed that college students who were prevented from going into deep sleep (REM sleep) for a period of a week develop the same symptoms associated with FMS and CFS: diffuse pain, fatigue, depression, anxiety, irritability, stomach disturbances, and headaches.
( P.Koch-Sheras and A. Lemley, The Dream Sourcebook (Los Angeles: Loweel House).
5 Hydroxytryptophan (5HTP)
One of the most important amino acids for Fibromyalgia and CFS patents is Tryptophan or 5HTP.
This amino acid produces the neurotransmitter serotonin. Serotonin is involved in regulating proper sleep, reducing pain, and depression.
5HTP
Most of my FMS/CFS patients will be prescribed a natural supplement known as 5 Hydroxytryptophan (5HTP). This is a derivative of the amino acid Tryptophan. 5HTP, when taken correctly, it turns right into serotonin.
Serotonin is the neurotransmitter, or brain chemical, that is responsible for regulating your sleep (getting you to sleep), raising your pain threshold (decreasing your pain), and elevating your moods. It also corrects the symptoms associated with IBS.
5HTP is available online here
STRESS DOES AFFECT OUR HEALTH!
Higher levels of the stress hormones are significantly associated with lower Secretory IgA concentrations. Secretory IgA provides antiviral and antibacterial defense and is the most important aspect of our immunity in mucous secretions of the digestive system, mouth, lungs, and urinary tract. Seyle found a single five minute experience of anger (stress) can produce a significant decrease in Secretory IgA levels that can still be measured up to five hours after the emotional experience!
Hypoadrenia is low adrenal function and occurs when the adrenal glands cannot keep up with continual stress and increasing demands. It displays itself in a variety of ways. As severe depression, suicidal tendencies, asthma, chronic upper respiratory infections, hay fever, skin rashes, colitis, gastric duodenal ulcers, rheumatoid arthritis, insomnia, headaches, fatigue, fainting spells, obesity, heart palpitations, edema in the extremities, and learning difficulties - the list goes on and on.
I recommend those with FMS and CFS start taking 500mg of adrenal cortex a day. For those who are already taking adrenal cortex, I suggest doubling your dose at the first sign of a cold or flu. When under extra stress, consider taking 1500mg to 2000mg a day of adrenal cortex.
Adrenal Cortex is available online here
I would also consider taking a naturally occurring Beta-1, 3 Glucan, and Beta-1, 6 Glucan, a potent anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal medication. These are in my Mycoceutics formula.
Mycoceutics formula is available online here
Make sure your thyroid is working at peak levels. Click here for a past newsletter on thyroid disorders.
Newsletter Archives - Thyroid Disorders: a short course, and self-test
Fatigue and Immune Function
Omega-3s are an essential element of many immune system processes. Why do some people get sick and others don’t when exposed to the same virus? For instance, in the case of Epstein-Barr, a good 90% of the U.S. population carries this virus, yet only a fraction will develop the illness. Recent research has shown that the body’s natural virus killer, Interferon, is partially responsible. Interferon is a chemical our immune system produces to kill viruses. There’s now important evidence showing that the essential Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids, and their prostaglandin derivatives, play a crucial role in the body’s production and its utilization of the hormone Interferon. Interferon plays an important role regulating the immune system.
• Studies have shown that people with a viral illness have below normal levels of essential fatty acids and their derivatives.
• In a Scottish trial, patients with chronic fatigue syndrome were given EFA supplements with great success. Placebo controlled trials were held for 70 patients with persistent CFS giving them linolenic acid (flax seed oil) and eicosapentaenoic acid (fish oil). After 6 months, 84% of the patients in the group receiving EFA supplements, and only 22% of those in the placebo group rated themselves as better or much better.
• In another successful study, 63 adults with CFS were enrolled in a double blind placebo controlled study with essential fatty acid therapy. The patients were ill for an average of 1-3 years after a viral infection. They all suffered from severe fatigue, myalgia (muscle pain), and a variety of psychological symptoms. After one month, 74% of the patients taking EFA supplements, and 23% of those on placebo, assessed themselves as improved.
An excellent pharmaceutical quality fish oil at a great price is available online here
Newsletter Archives - More About The Importance of Sleep, Melatonin, Serotonin, IBS, and about leaky gut syndrome.
If you’re prone to getting sinus infections, I suggest you begin using the sinus rinse kit discussed in my November 2005 Newsletter.
Wishing you all the best,
Dr. Rodger Murphree
My books are available online here - NEW FREE CHAPTERS AVAILABLE! Just follow the links below.
Heart Disease: What Your Doctor Won't Tell You
Treating and Beating Fibromyalgia
Treating and Beating Fibromyalgia: A Patient's Self-Help Manual
Treating and Beating Anxiety & Depression with Orthomolecular Medicine
Visit my website @ www.DrRodger.com
Dr. Rodger H. Murphree
3401 Independence Drive Suite 121
Homewood AL 35209
To set up phone or office consults,
Call Dr. Murphree's office directly - toll free @ 1-888-884-9577.
Birmingham, Alabama USA.
Dr. Rodger Murphree's Email Address:
DrRodgerM@yahoo.com