Evidence from several studies has indicated that low serotonin levels may play a role in the development of fibromyalgia.   

It is believed that serotonin abnormalities could be responsible for depression and insomnia—symptoms that many fibromyalgia patients suffer from.  Because 5-HTP could raise low serotonin levels, it may be helpful in alleviating such symptoms. 

Although no one knows exactly why 5-HTP effectively improves fibromyalgia symptoms, researchers believe that low levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin may be involved in symptoms associated with fibromyalgia, as mentioned above.  Serotonin is believed to mediate slow-wave (deep) sleep, as well as influence how pain is perceived by the body and mind. 

Leading sleep and fibromyalgia experts H. Moldofsky and J.J. Warsh theorize that primary fibromyalgia may result from a deficiency of circulating tryptophan, an amino acid.  This lack of tryptophan in turn restricts serotonin and interferes with what is known as deep sleep. The researchers also reported that the higher the concentration of unbound tryptophan in the plasma of FMS patients, the more profound their symptoms. (1)

Additionally, 5-HTP is the intermediate between tryptophan and serotonin and it is readily absorbed and crosses the blood-brain barrier.  It is also promoted for depression. (2)

Even though the cause of depression varies widely from one person to the next, most people with depression have low serotonin levels. Whether low levels of serotonin cause depression or depression causes serotonin levels to fall is not yet clear but what is certain is that by raising serotonin levels depression can often be alleviated.

A 90-day study of the effects of 5-HTP on 50 fibromyalgia patients published in The Journal of International Medical Research; 1992; 20:182 – 189 concluded that a “good” or “fair” clinical improvement occurred in 50 per cent of the patients. These patients ranged in age from 18 to 65. When clinical variables such as tender point soreness, anxiety, pain intensity, quality of sleep and fatigue were compared with baseline results, researchers concluded that all symptoms had been  improved after 90 days of taking 100 milligrams of 5-HTP three times daily.

Low levels of serotonin in the brain can contribute to the development of depression.  Some studies indicate that 5-HTP may be as effective as certain antidepressant drugs in treating individuals with mild to moderate depression. Such individuals have shown improvements in mood, anxiety, insomnia, and physical symptoms.

1.  H. Moldofsky and J.J. Warsh; Pain; 1978; 5:65 71;  
2.  Birdsall, Altern Med Rev 8/98;3:271.

Fibromyalgia sufferers may experience pain as a result of hypercoagulation (thickened blood) that can lead to poor circulation due to an excess buildup of fibrin.  Fibrin is a whitish, insoluble protein that makes up a blood clot when promoted by thrombin, a key clot promoter.

In otherwise healthy individuals, one burst of thrombin should generate enough fibrin to form an actual clot in the event of an injury.  However, those with fibromyalgia and other chronic conditions may continuously generate low thrombin levels that can result in hypercoagulation and pain as circulation slows.        

Reducing fibrin with the use of systemic enzyme therapy may be an alternative to taking blood thinning and pain relieving medications for those who do suffer from fibromyalgia.   

What is the role of fibrin in fibromyalgia?

Research from the late 1990s reveals that many patients with chronic disease may have an underlying coagulation defect contributing to their symptoms.  When tissues don’t receive sufficient blood, the cells are starved for oxygen and nutrients. Pain can result, as in headache or fibromyalgia.   

In the case of fibromyalgia, fibrin (a stiff protein) forms a meshwork, or screen that slows blood flow to the cells. This interferes with cell function and cell-to-cell communications leading to the accumulation of additional forms of protein debris. Therefore, the symptoms of fibromyalgia can respond well to treatments that are aimed at clearing protein debris. [1]   

Fibromyalgia sufferers may experience pain as a result of excess fibrin when promoted by thrombin, a key clot promoter.  In otherwise healthy individuals, one burst of thrombin should generate enough fibrin to form an actual clot in the event of an injury.  However, those with fibromyalgia and other chronic conditions may continuously generate low thrombin levels that can result in increased fibrin and pain as circulation slows.    

Reducing fibrin with the use of systemic enzyme therapy may be an alternative to taking blood thinning and pain relieving medications for those who do suffer from fibromyalgia.

How Vitalzym can help

Vitalzym can help relieve a variety of fibromyalgia related symptoms by addressing many of the underlying causes.

These symptoms include:

• Pain and Stiffness
• Fatigue
• Poor Circulation
• Digestive Troubles
• Irritable Bowel / Bladder

Vitalzym can also be a safer alternative to many prescription and over the counter pain relievers that may cause undesirable side effects, which is the last thing a fibromyalgia sufferer needs.

Vitalzym contains enzymes such as protease and serrapeptase, which are well-known for their proteolytic (excess protein clearing) properties. Proteolytic enzymes break down excess fibrin in your circulatory system and in other connective tissue, such as your muscles – helping to remove the meshwork that slows blood flow to the cells.   

If the rate of protein (fibrin) accumulation exceeds the rate of breakdown, the microcirculatory system gets clogged and flow decreases. This stagnation of protein debris promotes fibrosis in the muscles and other soft tissues. Combine this with slowed blood flow and the results are widespread pain and chronic fatigue.   

Vitalzym can help fibromyalgia sufferers by:   

• Acting as an anti-inflammatory agent
• Regulating the immune system
• Increasing circulation
• Reducing fibrosis
• Removing toxins and impurities in the blood
• Reducing viral loads

These enzymes also bring nutrients and oxygen-rich blood that remove the metabolic waste produced by inflammation and excess fibrin. This alone can bring tremendous relief to fibromyalgia sufferers.  

Additionally, researchers are beginning to believe that there is a strong autoimmune component connected to fibromyalgia syndrome. Interestingly enough, systemic enzyme therapy has an excellent track record regarding the treatment of various autoimmune diseases. In addition to reducing inflammation, regulating immunity, and reducing excess fibrin, serrapeptase has a profound ability to reduce pain due to its ability to block the release of pain-inducing amines from inflamed tissues.  

References

1. Hypercoagulation, Protein Accumulation, and Fibromyalgia; Keith Berndtson, M.D.; Illinois MultiMed

Vitalzym has been reformulated with a technologically advanced delivery system that allows for reduced dosage and vastly increased effectiveness.

Let’s face it; no one likes to take a handful of pills at any given time.  And now, with the new, more potent Vitalzym, you don’t have to. 

This new improved version of Vitalzym still contains the same beneficial enzyme formula that we all know and love.  However, it has been reformulated to increase its fibrinolytic activity to be even more effective against fibrosis conditions, such as uterine fibroid tumors, fibromyalgia, and scar tissue.  It will also be more helpful for inflammatory conditions, as well. 

New Changes Highlighted

• Twice as strong as original Vitalzym
• LESS COST PER DOSE
• Enteric coated for ideal release of active ingredients
• Liquid filled for optimal absorption
• Half the dose of original Vitalzym
• Smaller and more convenient packaging, with flip-top lid
• 100% non-GMO
• Vegetarian
• Completely recyclable packaging

World Nutrition is on the cutting edge of enzyme supplementation. Learn about the new Vitalzym, which offers the highest purity and potency available in a systemic enzyme formula.

Vitalzym Basics for Newbie’s

Vitalzym provides the enzymes needed for each of the millions of biochemical reactions that make life possible. Without enzymes, life could not exist.  As we age, our body’s natural production of enzymes begins to slow down.  Therefore, supplementation with Vitalzym along with proper diet and exercise can help maintain normal enzyme levels and balance your body’s own repair mechanisms.

Vitalzym systemic proteolytic enzyme therapy assists the body in fighting:

• Autoimmune conditions
• Fibromyalgia symptoms
• Uterine Fibroid Tumors – Read My Vitalzym Story
• Inflammation
• Fibrosis of the organs
• Scar tissue
• Toxins and impurities in the blood
• Viruses

Vitalzym is natural. It contains no animal derivatives, artificial flavors, artificial colors, yeast or gluten. Vitalzym is also lactose free and contains no harmful talc.

Enzyme Facts

As we age, our body’s natural production of enzymes begins to slow down.  Some health care professionals believe that our natural production of enzymes starts to decrease after the age of 27. 

Symptoms of low enzyme production can include: 

• Slow wound healing
• Increased scarring
• Poor digestion
• Fibrosis conditions
• Internal inflammation

Dr. Anthony Cichoke, enzyme authority, states in his book, Enzymes and Enzyme Therapy, that “Our body’s ability to function, to repair when injured, and to ward off disease is directly related to the strength and numbers of our enzymes.”

Customer Testimonials

“I have suffered for many years with severe allergies and continual back pain from injuries sustained while serving in the armed forces as a helicopter pilot during the Viet Nam Conflict. I started taking Vitalzym daily in January, and by March all but the mildest symptoms of my allergies have disappeared and I have had no back pain. I can now enjoy playing golf pain free and allergy free. I highly recommend Vitalzym as part of one’s daily nutritional regimen.”
     - Jim H., Arizona

“I am so excited. I have only been using Vitalzym for a month and I can already tell it is working. I bought for fibroid relief, and it is working on so many other things too! Thanks!”
     - Julie E, Kansas

“I wanted to share with you the fact that Vitalzym has given me such tremendous relief from my fibromyalgia symptoms. When I first started taking it I was desperate and in agony. I couldn’t sit, couldn’t lie down, standing hurt, everything hurt. Vitalzym has been the one product that I have found to help with the chronic pain and it wasn’t long after starting to take it that I noticed the pain subsiding. Thank you for offering products for someone like myself who believes in natural treatments before chemical complications.  I highly recommend this product to anyone.”
     - Tami H, North Carolina

“I have had rheumatoid arthritis for a couple of years. I have done my homework and tried many different enzyme products. Vitalzym works best. It helps with my pain and stiffness. I use Vitalzym on a regular basis and wouldn’t be without it. I want to spread the word about Vitalzym.”
     - Carol G., Arizona

Read More Customer Testimonials

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Gender – Both women and men can be afflicted by fibromyalgia. Many experts believe it could be tied to hormone imbalances, including estrogen dominance. 

Age – Fibromyalgia is most common in people between 20 and 55 years old; however, it can occur in people of all age groups. Women typically develop it during their childbearing years.

Stress – People coming from stressful environments or who are particularly vulnerable to stress (either physiological or psychological) are believed to develop fibromyalgia more frequently that those who experience less stress.  High levels of stress can trigger flare-ups.

Sleep Disorders – Many fibromyalgia sufferers have a long history of sleep problems.  Some experts claim that sleep disorders could be a root cause of fibromyalgia, such as sleep apnea.

Genetics – Research has shown that women closely related to a fibromyalgia sufferer are more likely to develop this condition themselves indicating a genetic predisposition. 

Other chronic-pain conditions – People with lupus, osteoarthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis (a type of arthritis) are at increased risk for developing fibromyalgia, possibly because their chronic pain causes sensitization of the central nervous system, which is believed to be the cause of fibromyalgia related pain. 

What many people don’t realize is that these symptoms can be directly or indirectly associated with fibromyalgia.  If you suffer from these symptoms, you may have fibromyalgia and not be aware of it.  

 18 Points of Tenderness 

Painful tender points are located at various places on your body and are a common characteristic of fibromyalgia syndrome leading to a diagnosis. Your health care provider will ask about your pain symptoms and then press on a series of anatomically-defined soft tissue body sites called “tender points.”  Eleven of the 18 tender point sites must be painful when pressed in order to receive a medical diagnosis of fibromyalgia.

While any body part can be affected, the most common sites of pain include:

• Neck and Back
• Shoulders and Chest
• Hips and Knees
• Hands and Elbow Regions
• Buttocks and Pelvic Girdle

Pledge to Care

 Energetic Nutrition is a member of the National Fibromyalgia Association. See their website for great information and the opportunity to Pledge to Care:

• Fibromyalgia Information
• Support and Resources
• Magazine
• Community Events

You can also visit our fibromyalgia website page for more information regarding resource links and suggested further reading.  

Dietary Supplements to the Rescue

Even if you are not diagnosed with fibromyalgia, but suffer from the various associated symptoms, you may find relief from natural dietary supplements. Please review this chart, which includes a list of symptoms along with natural dietary supplements that can help provide relief for a variety of symptoms associated with this condition.  Even if you have not been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, yet suffer from any of the symptoms listed, you may benefit from one or more of the products listed. 

Read more about natural supplements for fibromyalgia on our Fibromyalgia website: 

Need help choosing which products are right for you?  We have a nutritionist on staff to help you. See our Contact Us page to contact our nutritionist by telephone, email, or live chat.