Surprising Fibromyalgia Discovery

author avatar Dr. Eric Berg 03/22/2024

Dealing with fibromyalgia symptoms is very difficult, so figuring out what could be causing it is helpful for people struggling with this problem.

Learn about the connection between gallbladder health about fibromyalgia as well as possible solutions.

Understanding Fibromyalgia and Its Surprising Cause

Fibromyalgia, a condition often characterized by chronic widespread pain, has puzzled medical professionals for years. While many theories have been proposed, one has not been universally adopted.

The Connection Between Fibromyalgia and Gallbladder Congestion

While many overlook the gallbladder's role in fibromyalgia, there are compelling reasons to look further into this connection. Diagnosing fibromyalgia typically involves identifying specific symptoms such as fatigue or cognitive difficulties alongside persistent pain.

Gallbladders are rarely considered during this process.

Bile Acids Secreted By The Gall Bladder And Their Role In Pain Management

An essential function of your gall bladder includes secreting bile acids, which help digest fats from food consumed. Your gut bacteria then metabolize these primary bile acids into secondary ones.

Dysfunctioning here can lead to issues that may influence chronic pain patterns seen in conditions similar to what's observed among some 'fibromyalgia' patients.

Gallstones symptom

Identifying Gallbladder Issues As Potential Causes Of Pain

Suppose you're experiencing chronic widespread pain, particularly on the right side of your body or in upper regions like your shoulder or neck. In that case, it might be time to consider your gallbladder health.

Studies have shown that problems with the gallbladder can mimic fibromyalgia symptoms.

Recognizing Signs of a Congested Gallbladder

The connection between fibromyalgia and gall bladder congestion is not always straightforward. However, sure signs may indicate potential issues with this organ. Persistent discomfort under the ribs on the right side could point toward a congested gallbladder.

Another sign is intense bouts of abdominal pain, which are sometimes mistaken for heartburn or indigestion.

Changes in bowel movements, such as constipation and diarrhea, may result from an unhealthy gallbladder due to the altered bile acids it secretes.

Research has linked bile-metabolizing gut bacteria imbalance and specific secondary bile acid deficiencies with conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) - another common symptom among many diagnosed as having 'fibromyalgia.'

Misdiagnosis of Fibromyalgia Due To Underlying Gallbladder Problems

Fibromyalgia patients frequently report implicating bile acid alterations, leading researchers at Alan Edwards Pain Management Unit to conduct what's now famously known as the Fibromyalgia Microbiome Project.

This team's previous study linking fibromyalgia with altered serum bile acid concentrations had profound implications for diagnosing fibromyalgia correctly since high blood levels were found amongst those suffering from chronic pains who turned out later to have underlying gallbladder issues instead.

This finding underscores how crucial understanding human biochemistry is when treating complex disorders influencing our overall well-being, including managing chronic pains.

Magnesium-rich foods

Gallbladder Connection with Magnesium

While magnesium plays various roles in the body, there isn't a direct connection between the gallbladder and magnesium. The gallbladder is a small organ involved in the storage and release of bile, which aids in digestion.

As for the duration of magnesium in our body, it's important to note that magnesium is not stored for long periods. Once ingested through food or supplements, magnesium is absorbed in the small intestine and distributed throughout the body via the bloodstream.

The half-life of magnesium, representing the time it takes to eliminate half of the ingested magnesium, is estimated to be around 24 to 48 hours on average. This means that approximately half of the magnesium is excreted within one to two days through urine and feces.

However, it's worth mentioning that the exact duration of magnesium in the body can vary based on factors such as magnesium status, metabolism, and overall health.

Regularly consuming magnesium-rich foods or appropriate supplementation is necessary to maintain sufficient magnesium levels for optimal health and well-being.

Conclusion

Recognizing the potential connection between gallbladder health and fibromyalgia symptoms offers valuable insights for those grappling with this condition.

While fibromyalgia's origins remain complex, investigating signs of gallbladder dysfunction, such as discomfort on the right side of the body, may lead to more accurate diagnoses and targeted treatments.

Although there isn't a direct link between the gallbladder and magnesium, maintaining adequate magnesium levels remains crucial for overall well-being. By adopting a holistic approach that considers both physiological and biochemical factors, individuals can strive for better symptom management and improved quality of life.

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