Can Energy Enhancements Help?

Are Oxygen Depleted Muscles Causing Problems in Fibromyalgia?

(To read the Full Article published Mar 26 2023 by Cort Johnson click the headline link)

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I recently stumbled on this great article which I wanted to share with my fellow customers & followers who suffer from the debilitating illness Fibromyalgia.

As as sufferer myself, I always remain open-minded, and continually research about various options and treatments to help with my illness and my symptoms which can change daily from a range of mild to severe. Many sufferers long for their 'old-life' back and I know, from experience, some days it really feels like it is going to break you.

Living with constant pain, fatigue, brain fog, sleep, memory loss, low mood and many more symptoms daily, is a lot harder than people can ever begin to imagine. Moreover, as Fibromyalgia is 'an invisible illness' many patients suffer in silence because no one can physically see the pain going on inside your body.

When this article from 'Health Rising' popped into my Inbox, I was really interested in it's content. Firstly, I had previously heard some of the science/research relating to Mitochondria before from drinking 'KETO NAT' (exogenous ketones) made by an American company called PRUVIT.

The article from Health Rising focused on the bodies lack of absorbing Mitochondria which is a key component for brain function and the central nervous system.

Therefore, after reading the Full Article and all it's content and information, I decided to trial it for myself and purchased the 3 supplements mentioned in the blogs/posts. These were:-

• C0Q10

• L-Carnitine

• Alpha Lipoic Acid

I've started taking these daily (last 3 weeks) and so far I have noticed a boost in my energy (on a number of occasions) plus, an uptick in my focus and memory. Therefore, I've decided to continue with them for a further 4-6 weeks and will happily share my findings thereafter.

If you can find time to read these posts and the information it provides and perhaps decide to trial it too, I would be thrilled to receive your opinions on how it's working/not working for you.

Feel free to get in touch with me directly info@bellazen.co.uk

Love n Light ~ Lisa @ BellaZen

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WHAT IS FIBROMYAGIA?

The word Fibromyalgia means pain (-algia) coming from the muscles (my-) and fibrous tissues (fibro-) such as tendons and ligaments. It is a persistent (chronic) condition. Fibromyalgia does not affect the joints and so is NOT an arthritis. Fibromyalgia is a common chronic pain condition of unknown aetiology, although mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and inflammation have been implicated in the pathophysiology of this disorder. Evidence also suggests that people who have fibromyalgia have excess sensitivity (hypersensitivity) to pain receptors in the brain (central nervous system) as well as hypersensitivity to light, smells and sound. Whereas normally pain is associated with harmful stimuli to the area that feels painful; in fibromyalgia or other conditions with hypersensitivity, the pain is felt despite the absence of these stimuli.

Treatment generally involves physiotherapy, anticonvulsants, and antidepressant therapy; however, the symptomatic relief conferred by these treatments can be very variable, and there is a need for additional therapeutic strategies.

One such treatment which is gaining a lot of interest is the use of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supplementation.

The body produces CoQ10, but far less than what studies have demonstrated as beneficial. However, CoQ10 levels decline with aging, decreasing the body's ability to manage inflammation and oxidative stress effectively. Oxidative stress occurs when free radicals (unstable molecules) start to damage cells and tissues in the body. Antioxidants counter the effects of free radicals. The therapeutic efficacy associated with CoQ10 supplementation is thought to arise from the ability of supplementation to restore an underlying deficit in CoQ10 status which has been associated with fibromyalgia together with the ability of CoQ10 to improve mitochondrial activity, restore cellular antioxidant capacity, and ameliorate inflammation.

Recent studies have showed CoQ10 deficiency in blood mononuclear cells in FM patients, so if the hypothesis that mitochondrial dysfunction is the origin of oxidative stress in FM patients is demonstrated, it could help to understand the complex pathophysiology of this disorder and may lead to development of new therapeutic strategies for prevention and treatment of this disease.

Science shows more muscle studies have been done in FM than in ME/CFS and the results almost always point to muscle issues. Other studies suggest that something has gone wrong with the mitochondria in fibromyalgia (FM). CoQ10 levels may be low, autophagy may be impaired, a genetic impairment may exist, carnitine deficiencies have been found, peroxisomal problems may exist, AMPK activation is reduced, decreased muscle ATP problems have shown up, and more. These studies tend to be small, focus on different aspects of the mitochondria, and the results have often not been subject to validation, but the results have consistently pointed to problems in energy production. Still, no consensus exists as to the extent and role of mitochondrial problems in FM. Hopefully, at some point, this subject will be taken seriously and a large, organized effort will be undertaken to understand the role the mitochondria play in FM.

A rather startling randomized, placebo- controlled trial found that CoQ10 supplementation (300 mg/day) was more effective than Lyrica (Pregbalin) in reducing pain and anxiety, as well as mitochondrial oxidative stress, and inflammation. Plus, it increased antioxidant levels (glutathione blevels superoxide dismutase (SOD)).

Another randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial study found that 300 mg/day CoQ10 produced a reduction in pain, fatigue, and morning tiredness and helped to recover antioxidant enzyme levels as well as mitochondrial productivity and the all-important AMPK activity.

CoQ10 Benefits

Because of the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of CoQ10, it has been studied for its benefits for:

• Heart health

• Blood pressure

• Degenerative brain disorders

• Diabetes and diabetic neuropathy

• Migraines

• Side effects of statin drugs

​Supplement use should be individualized and vetted by a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian, pharmacist, or healthcare provider. No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent diseases. Supplements typically aren't as well researched as prescription drugs. Before starting any treatment it is IMPORTANT to consult your physician or doctor.

What is L-Carnitine?

Mitochondrial Enhancers for ME/CFS and Fibromyalgia Pt II: L-carnitine and Acetylcarnitine - Health Rising (To read the Full Article click the headline link)

Carnitine, also called L-carnitine, helps your cells produce energy by breaking down fat. It also may help your brain utilize neurotransmitters, serotonin, and glutamate, which can be out of balance in people with fibromyalgia (FMS) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS or ME/CFS).

Carnitine is also an antioxidant. L-carnitine and acetylcarnitine (ALCAR) are similar BUT different. While studies show that both can help with fatigue, L-carnitine is the bigger energy enhancer.

It helps the body convert fat into energy by transporting fatty acids to the mitochondria, and has strong antioxidant properties as well. That’s important because our mitochondria love fatty acids: 60-70 percent of the energy produced by our mitochondria comes from metabolizing fatty acids.

L-carnitine, also, interestingly enough, helps to mop up lactate – a by product of anaerobic metabolism – which may be causing a lot trouble in ME/CFS/FM. Problems with carnitine metabolism – a key part of energy production involving fatty acids – have also come to the fore in some case reports and studies. L-carnitine and Acetylcarnitine present interesting possibilities. Both play key roles in energy production and/or fatigue and both have been studied in ME/CFS and fibromyalgia.

Studies show that carnitine supplementation may help lower pain levels and boost the mental health of people with FMS, and may lessen fatigue in those with ME/CFS. Researchers also found that people with either condition tolerated carnitine well.

The role L-carnitine and Acetylcarnitine deficiencies play in either disease, however, is not clear as some studies have found low levels while others have not. The Australian ME/CFS study was particularly intriguing as it found normal total carnitine levels but reduced levels of specific carnitines which appeared to impact fatigue levels. While most of the clinical trials have been rudimentary, the results, in general, have been favorable. While both may be able to help with fatigue, L-carnitine has a leg up regarding energy production, while Acetylcarnitine is being used more to improve cognition, mental clarity, improve mood and as a neuroprotector. Acetylcarnitine, in particular, is being studied in many diseases.

L-Carnitine Benefits

Two ME/CFS doctors recommended from 1-2000 mgs in divided doses a day. While one study found that using L-carnitine in hypothyroid patients improved their fatigue, several websites warn that using carnitine in high doses (2-4 grams/day) may be able to reduce thyroid production. Because L-carnitine is metabolized to TMAO – a marker associated with cardiovascular disease – concerns have been raised about that. Several studies, on the other hand, have found L-carnitine not to affect factors associated with Aetherosclerosis and to reduce markers of oxidative stress and blood vessel injury. More study is clearly needed. Plenty of studies suggest that something has happened to the mitochondria, but exactly what we don’t know. That means we’re shooting blind to some extent trying to use mitochondrial enhancers to affect the complex mitochondrial energy production. Still, it’s intriguing to think what each might do as a part of a mitochondrial enhancing package. On that note, using these supplements in conjunction with omega-3 fatty acids, choline, lysine, Vitamin C and B, and/or alpha lipoic acid (ALA) may be helpful.

L-Carnitine in Your Diet ~ Several foods contain carnitine, including:

• Meat (especially red meat)

• Dairy products

• Fish

• Poultry

• Tempeh (fermented soybeans)

• Wheat

• Asparagus

• Avocados

• Peanut butter

IMPORTANT: - If you decide to try L-carnitine, the advice to go low and go slow obviously applies. Consulting with your doctor first is essential as these supplements can interfere with other medications.

What is Alpha Lipoic Acid?

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a popular weight-loss supplement with antioxidant properties. It occurs naturally in our bodies, where it is essential for aerobic metabolism, and also, as an antioxidant, prevents cellular damage. Lipoic acid (LA), also known as alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), R-lipoic acid, or Thioctic acid, is a disulfide-containing compound, found inside every cell of the body. Some call it the “Universal Antioxidant”. It is derived from caprylic acid, and its synthesis occurs in mitochondria. There, ALA activates several messaging pathways, assisting the nutrient breakdown and helping maintain the energy homeostasis. Thanks to ALA’s antioxidative properties, this compound plays a vital role in eliminating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and preventing cellular damage. Only the R-enantiomer is present in nature, and it occurs in plant and animal species. Although it is a naturally occurring substance, many people have suggested additional benefits of using ALA supplements. Alpha-lipoic acid is essential for certain enzymatic reactions, but there is no official recommended dietary intake of ALA.

Alpha Lipoic Acid Benefits

It appears that ALA supplements could bring several health benefits. Firstly, since ALA has antioxidative effects, it could help people with impaired immune systems, such as HIV patients.

In addition, anti-inflammatory effects are important for protecting the liver against diet-induced damage and non-fatty alcoholic liver disease. Regular supplementation with ALA has been observed to help with insulin resistance and improve symptoms of diabetic polyneuropathy. One of the key symptoms of diabetes is high blood sugar levels, and this excess glucose can actually damage nerves in your body. Polyneuropathy means that all the nerves are affected, and it can lead to chronic pain, numbness, or loss of function in certain parts of the body. Some studies show ALA’s potential to increase blood flow by dilating blood vessels in patients with type 2 diabetes. Excess blood sugar causes narrowing of the blood vessels, so these effects could decrease the risk of damage to the walls of arteries and increase the supply of blood and oxygen throughout the body. The anti-inflammatory effects suggest that ALA supplements have a potential role in the treatment of many diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, but the results are mixed.

Active people may benefit from ALA supplementation since it can increase the uptake of glucose and creatine in skeletal muscle cells. That can result in enhanced endurance and strength. In addition, taking ALA during intensive training sessions can reduce muscle damage and inflammation, which significantly cuts down on recovery time. Lastly, research shows that ALA has a small but significant potential to aid weight loss, which is what most people are using it for nowadays. While alpha-lipoic acid is generally accepted to be a healthy component of our diets, the FDA has not approved it as a supplement for any medical purpose or health claim. In all, Lipoic acid has produced promising results in various neurological disorders, but further research is still required in order to determine the role of ALA in human brain health and whether it can be used in any therapies. Because of its antioxidant properties, lipoic acid may act as a neuroprotective agent.

IMPORTANT: - If you decide to try Alpha Lipoic Acid, you should consult with a doctor before taking these supplements since it can significantly enhance the efficacy of other medications, especially in diabetics.