Is It Really All In Your Gut?

September 26, 2011
Jacynthe Sonne

Have you ever had the feeling that your gut is not working as it should with Fibromyalgia (FMS) and CFS/ME? This not an uncommon issue with FMS/CFS/ME, in fact, there are many Gastrointestinal related syndromes or conditions that are considered diagnostic indicators, such as:

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Inflammatory Bowl Disease (IBD)
• Ulcerative Colitis
• Crohn's Disease
• Diverticulitis
• Gastroparesis

According to the Mayo Clinic, the primary symptoms of IBS are "abdominal pain, cramping, bloating gas, diarrhea and constipation." With IBD, having "inflammation in all, or part of your digestion track." IBD includes Ulcerative Colitis, and Crohn's Disease, patients can symptoms ranging from bleeding, nausea, rectal pain, fever, skin rashes and mouth sores. In Diverticulitis, the diverticula in the digestive tract, become inflamed or infected, and this can happen anywhere in the digestive system. With Gastroparesis, your stomach muscles fail to work properly. Given the stressors of society today and the modern fast food diet, these illnesses are becoming more prevalent. Living with a long-term illness and chronic pain, stress is a common factor.

Dr. David D. Clarke, M.D., a prominent Gastroenterologist, has written a book, published in 2007, They Can't Find Anything Wrong! 7 Keys to Understanding, Treating, and Healing Stress Illness. Dr. Clarke, is one of the few to acknowledge that the physical symptoms of a stress illness are in fact, quite real. When asked in a press release, how stress makes people ill, this was his response, "A convenient model is to imagine that the brain will sometimes cope with stress by unloading nerve signals into one or more parts of the body. The nerve signals result in symptoms but not damage that tests could detect." Attempts to reach Dr. Clarke, have been unsuccessful and is important to note that Dr. Clarke does not address either Fibromyalgia or CFS/ME in his book. IBS, cannot be diagnosed with a test, it is generally diagnosed based on symptoms. Within the past few years, new and upcoming research is being published on the brain-gut connection, in respects to Fibromyalgia, and CFS/ME.

With Fibromyalgia, recent studies are showing an in issue within the Central Nervous System (CNS.) The CNS is responsible for the pain sensory signals in the brain. Remember the Lyrica commercials and "over-reactive nerves," well, the CNS is most likely affecting your GI system and pain signals are amplified due to Substance P. Studies have shown that Substance P, is three times the normal levels in those with FMS. In a 2004 study, by Burnet and Chatterton, they proved gastric slowing in CFS. According to their study, "these observations indicate that there is measurable disturbance in upper gut motility corresponding with symptoms in CFS." Two recent studies, one out of Wisconsin, the other from Texas, have shown genetic links in Fibromyalgia. It is important to note, that several GI issues, can also be genetic or hereditary as well.

In a new study, from The European Journal of Pharmacology, they have shown that Lactobacillus Rhamnosus, a probiotic bacterium, within the GI tract, directly effecting neurotransmitters. When the Lactobacillus Rhamnosus bacterium is introduced into a mouse's system, it alters the receptors for the neurotransmitter GABA. GABA is the chief inhibitory transmitter of the CNS. When the body cannot control the neurotransmitter, things like depression, anxiety, irritable bowel syndrome, Fibromyalgia, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome can happen. Another issue to consider is exercise, which can benefit the gut, but can be a complicated issue regarding Fibromyalgia, and CFS/ME.

Gentle exercise such as Tai Chi and Yoga have been shown to benefit those with Fibromyalgia/CFS/ME. Taking short walks can also help the digestive process. For those who are unable to exercise, one technique that can aid digestion is to put your hands on your feet and rub vigorously for a few minutes, then work up to your knees, then continue with your thighs, stomach,upper chest, and arms. This helps your body's circulation, aid in digestion, and motivate your metabolism.

As with any medical symptom or treatment, please check with your medical provider.

If you are interested in taking the Hidden Stress Screening Test, you can go to Dr. Clarke's site at: http://www.stressillness.com/overview.php.