“Your son has Autism.” Chronic Pain and Carbohydrates localinsights
By Rebecca “Anahata” Miller
By Allen Ernst, MS
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ibromyalgia (FM) is a syndrome characterized by chronic, widespread pain and tenderness in the joints, muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues. FM, or Fibro as sufferers call it, has many confusing symptoms, is very challenging to diagnose, and the latest research shows that diet may have a significant impact on their well-being. The average patient waits 5.5 years for the proper diagnosis after they start their quest for relief because there is no diagnostic test for FM and the secondary symptoms- sleep disorders, fatigue, depression, restless legs, confused thinking, and pervasive musculoskeletal pain- are also symptoms of major depressive disorder, anxiety, hypothyroidism, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. To diagnose FM, other disease states must first be ruled out. Luckily, FM isn’t fatal, but the sufferer may wish it was. In fact, two of Dr. Jack Kevorkian’s assisted-suicide patients suffered from FM. In our own research (Fibromyalgia Syndrome and Carbohydrates, Ernst & Shelley-Tremblay, 2009), we screened over a hundred women with FM. Not one had reported satisfaction with their treatment under a rheumatologist’s care consisting mainly of antidepressants and painkillers. One doctor recommended water Yoga, which his patients found helpful. Bengstton, Henriksson & Larsson (1986) found that FM sufferers have a dysfunction in the way they metabolize glucose, leading to a deficiency of the
basic cell fuel, ATP. Reactive hypoglycemic states commonly found in FM trigger adrenaline and cortisol spikes (stress hormones) which seem to worsen FM symptoms. But, there is hope. A high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet is garnering attention as an integral part of an overall treatment plan. Our research has shown that a low-carb, high-protein diet may confer the following benefits: significant reductions in reported Tension-Anxiety, Depression-Dejection, Anger-Hostility, Fatigue, Confusion-Bewilderment, and overall symptom score on the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire. Our subjects following a diet low in carbs, higher in quality protein and “good” fats felt noticeable relief from FMS symptoms in about a week, with more subtle changes continuing all the way out to four weeks, including a reduction in the dreaded carb cravings (Ernst & Shelley-Tremblay, 2011, in submission to Appetite). Protein is necessary to rebuild the “moth eaten” muscle fibers (Bengstton, 2002) found in FM sufferers, and is a respectable source of energy in its own right. This type of diet may be healthier for everyone whether they have FM or not. This is not the same as the Atkins diet. Generally, those ultra low-carb diets are designed to bring about a state of ketosis because the body is fueling itself primarily with fat, like a bear in hibernation. Strict ketogenic diets create acetone and ketone bodies in the blood, which can cause fruity breath odor, headaches, and nausea. The good news is that the induction of ketosis is not necessary to feel better, or lose the extra pounds carried by most FM patients. So, when you give up carbs, you have nothing to lose but your fat and misery, and everything to gain in terms of mood and energy levels. You can measure and score your own Carbohydrate Addict’s questionnaire, the same one used in research at Fibrocourse.Heal-Our-Selves.com. For references and more information, contact Allen Ernst MS 303-325-6895 or Heal-Our-Selves.com. See listing page 25.
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hose words will be etched in my mind for the rest of my life. The psychologist was very matter-offact as she explained the diagnosis. I didn’t hear a thing she said as what captured my attention was the word: Autism. While I was glad that my son’s condition now had a name, I then spiraled down into the rabbit hole of conflicting information, self-blame and discrimination. I was advised by “professionals” to give up on my son; there was no hope, he was un-teachable and would be better off institutionalized. Luckily for my son, I am a massage therapist/Reiki practitioner and my partner was on an educational path in Neuroscience. We banded together and focused on Max for an entire summer experimenting with diet, exercise, sound, massage, Reiki, aromatherapy. It was hard work until one day Max starting talking in a manner that made sense—he woke up. That was five years ago and now my son is just like any other boy—just a little different. He may or may not be able to live on his own, attend college or even drive—but we focus on what he can do, versus what he cannot as there is great hope for children with
natural awakenings
August 2011
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