Many people with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue not only suffer from abnormalities of sleep architecture, but also from sleep apnea.  Using CPAP, also knows as continuous positive airway preassure therapy consistently and for longer periods of time appears to help patients with sleep apnea achieve better daytime alertness and normal functioning, according to the results of a study published in the June issue of Sleep.

“Evidence suggests that, to maintain treatment effects, nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) needs to be used every night,” write Terri E. Weaver, PhD, RN, FAAN, from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, and colleagues. Many patients find it difficult to use CPAP due to problems like claustrophobia, restlessness (a subset of Restless Leg Syndrome), poorly fitting equipment, etc.

This study reiterates that our need for oxygen is number one, and getting low at night can compound the problems with sleep experienced in Fibro. Missing CPAP treatment for even 1 night can worsen daytime sleepiness, neuropsychologic performance and hypertension in patients that also have sleep apnea.

For more information on CPAP therapy, visit http://www.resmed.com/en-au/patients/treatment/treatment.html?menu=patients

Recently, an article in Parent’s Magazine talked about “Sugar Shock”.  The article portrayed basic healthy-sounding foods as being loaded with many more grams of sugar than what a normal person would suspect, especially in America.  You may believe that you are eating relatively healthy foods, when in reality; multiple grams of sugar have been added to enhance the flavor.  In fact, when European chefs come to America, they are “shocked” at the amount of sugar we use here in our recipes.  In contrast, when we go to Europe, we think their pastries are tasteless because they are not nearly as sweet as we are accustomed.  Food marketing in America has discovered that sugar greatly enhances the sales of almost all food.

As an example, whole wheat bread/bagels may contain added sugar.  You must read the labels carefully.  The issue is our taste buds may be so affected that they may not be able to tolerate the bitter taste of many green veggies.  The more added sugar in our diets, the less likely we are to eat grains, vegetables, fruits and dairy.  As it stands one third of American children are overweight, and as adults, these same children will have problems with diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol, all of which increase the risk of heart disease.

We need to consider various options to sugar including 1) Instead of flavored yogurts, try plain yogurt with mix-ins (honey, fruit or raisins).  2) Instead of canned fruit, try chopping up fresh fruit.  3) Instead of maple syrup, try topping pancakes/waffles with preserves.  4) Instead of sweetened salad dressings, try Italian or Ranch.  5) Instead of barbeque sauce, try dry rubs or taco seasonings.

Sugar not only breeds ongoing yeast problems, but for those suffering with Fibromyalgia or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome sugar may help push Tryptophan into the brain, aiding the in the production of serotonin; however, it will also lead to weight gain.

There has been a lot of talk lately about Chromium Picolinate, a natural supplement that is growing in popularity. Chromium supplementation has been shown in several studies to reduce insulin resistance because it enhances your glucose metabolism. Insulin resistance is when the body has a diminished ability to utilize insulin to metabolize glucose. Insulin resistance is highly correlated with pre-diabetes, obesity, elevated cholesterol, and increased cardiovascular risks. In general, it can be difficult to meet the body’s recommended daily dietary intake of Chromium since most American diets contain very low amounts of chromium, and unfortunately, most of this is usually highly refined foods such as flour and sugar. In addition, absorption of chromium can be adversely affected by food and drug interactions, age, and stress, which makes it even more difficult for the body to ingest Chromium.

This is where Chromium Picolinate steps in. It can work in as little as 6-12 weeks, and its safety profile in long-term studies has been well established. Although multivitamins may contain chromium in the form of Chromium Chloride, this form can still be difficult to absorb. Chromium Picolinate is a more highly bio-available form so it absorbs much easier than Chromium Chloride. In addition, studies have shown when used as a part of a weight loss treatment program, it can be very helpful as it helps the body utilize its insulin more efficiently. Through our centers, Chromium Picolinate is available as Diaxinol, and may be a supplement worth discussing with your doctor to see if it may be right for you.

Coenzyme Q 10 or ubiquinone is a vitamin critical to all cellular functioning. It acts as a catalyst for chemical reactions in each cell of our body that produces ATP, which is essential for the energy that produces cellular function. Coenzyme Q 10 is the subject of intensive scientific investigation in many areas. Researchers are testing this unique vitamin to see its affects on heart failure, cancer, and aging. Dietary enhancement with Coenzyme Q 10 has demonstrated effectiveness by alleviating certain types of hearing loss, improving certain clinical parameters in cystic fibrosis, and preventing cell death in restorative plastic surgical procedures. The growing clinical and scientific evidence makes Coenzyme Q 10 worthy of inclusion in any treatment regimen to improve physical function at the cellular level, and particularly for patients with CFIDS and Fibromyalgia. To read more about Coenzyme Q 10 visit http://faculty.washington.edu/ely/coenzq10.html.