Here’s the weird thing about science.
The more we discover, the more we realise what we DON’T know.
The strange effects of quantum mechanics where particles act like waves when they’re not being observed…
The bizarre invisible dark matter and energy that seems to be gluing the cosmos together.
The mysteries of black holes, which are not even holes, but concentrations of matter packed into a tiny space.
It’s the same for questions of health and illness.
For instance, despite decades of research scientists don’t’ really know what causes Alzheimer’s.
For years they thought it might be down to a build-up of amyloids, proteins which create plaques in the brain.
Yet the drugs we’ve made to help clear out those amyloids don’t seem to work very well in slowing or stopping the relentless march of the disease.
And as I pointed out in my letter last week, there is a huge row going on regarding the correct way to test for detection, too.
Or there’s endometriosis, a chronic condition in which tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus, (the endometrium) begins to grow outside the uterus.
It can case bowel and bladder pain, fatigue, diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, and nausea – really horrible symptoms that can make life a total misery. Again, scientists are baffled by this condition.
If you suffer from it yourself, then it’s likely that you’ve experienced a total lack of understanding when you’ve gone to your GP about it.
It’s not even easy to get an accurate diagnosis.
I’ve read that many people with endometriosis complain that their concerns are often dismissed leading to years of suffering before getting a diagnosis.
Even then, nobody really knows what to do for the best.
Basically, they’ll tell you it’s all about pain management.
What to eat if you have endometriosis
Some of those management techniques include the following:
- Eating more anti-inflammatory foods like leafy greens, berries, fatty fish, nuts, and seeds.
- Avoiding red meat, processed foods, refined sugars, and caffeine.
- Eating a diet rich in fibre, including whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
- Taking turmeric and ginger, which are known for their anti-inflammatory properties.
- Using essential oils, like lavender oil and clary sage oil.
- Acupuncture to reduce pain.
- Regular exercise to boost circulation, and release endorphins.
- Heat Therapy – applying a heating pad or hot water bottle to the lower abdomen to relax muscles and alleviate pelvic pain.
- Stress relief techniques like meditation, deep breathing exercises and mindful walking.
These are all pretty good things to try out anyway, regardless of what health condition or illness you have.
Most of us, when we get to a certain age, are going to be suffering from inflammation of one kind of another.
Many of the chronic conditions which are prevalent in older adults are linked to inflammation – including cardiovascular diseases, arthritis, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
And here’s another one that still baffles the boffins…
The Fibromyalgia Problem
Fibromyalgia is a chronic illness that causes musculoskeletal pain, fatigue brain fog and sleep problems.
They don’t yet know for sure what causes it, but they think that it is linked to a change the way the brain processes pain signals, which can amplify painful sensations.
Because the symptoms and their severity can vary so much from person to person, it is another one that’s hard to diagnose.
Usually, fibromyalgia pain is a constant dull ache on both sides of the body that lasts for at least three months.
But it can come with fatigue caused by poor sleep – which can also include restless legs syndrome or sleep apnoea.
Other symptoms include depression, headaches, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
So as you can see, diagnosis is a challenge because all these symptoms overlap with many other conditions.
Worse, there is no specific test for fibromyalgia – GPs often come to a diagnosis simply by ruling everything else out!
If you think you might have it, then make an appointment with your GP – but before you do that, arm yourself with information.
Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, noting when they occur, their severity, and any possible triggers.
Prepare a list of any medications, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs that you take.
Chat with family members to work out a potential family history of the condition.
And I’d also recommend you embark right away on a process of stress relief, good sleep management and a varied diet – because these are definitely going to be part of whatever you get recommended.
If you suffer from fibromyalgia – or any other mysterious chronic illness – and have some tips or strategies to share, then send them to me and I can put them in a future issue of the newsletter.
