Being Dehydrated Contributes to Your Fibro Symptoms
Hormones that may be Affected by Hypothalamic Dysfunction
The hypothalamus is the master gland controlling the activity of most other glands in the body.
This small gland coordinates a phenomenal portion of the body’s activity. The hypothalamus receives and transmits messages from the nervous system and hormonally through the circulatory system.
Because of its broad sphere of influence, the hypothalamus could be considered the homeostatic regulating center. It regulates appetite, monitors blood sugar, blood volume (fluid level within the circulatory system), and metabolism. It is the coordinating center for much of the autonomic nervous system. The autonomic nervous system is like our little robot that controls all of our unconscious functions including breathing, heartbeat and digestion.
Low Vasopressin (anti-diuretic hormone).
This causes decreased ability to hold on to fluid resulting in frequent urination and increased thirst.
Dehydration then occurs despite increased water intake. Because vasopressin is also a stimulus for adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and adrenal function, low vasopressin could also result in decreased adrenal function. Both dehydration and low cortisol (a hormone secreted by the adrenals) can increase the susceptibility to NMH.
“How do you tell who has the worst case of FMS or CFS? By the size of their water bottle.”
Dehydration can cause many of the chronic symptoms seen in FMS and CFS including NMH, depression, excess body weight, high blood pressure, fatigue, low back and neck pain, and headaches.
Dehydration depletes the neurotransmitter serotonin. A reduction in serotonin is associated with insomnia, increased pain and depression and is a major cause of fibromyalgia!
From Dr. Batmanghelidj and his book, “Your Body’s Many Cries for Water,” comes the following:
“The human body is composed of 25% solid matter (the solute) and 75% water (the solvent). The brain tissue is said to consist of 85% water…It is the solvent-the water content-that regulates all functions of the body, including the activity of all the solutes (the solids) that are dissolved in it.
The disturbances in water metabolism of the body (the solvent metabolism) produces a variety of signals, indicating a “system” disturbance in the particular functions associated with water supply and its rationed regulation. Let me repeat, every function of the body is monitored and pegged to the efficient flow of water. “Water distribution” is the only way of making sure that, not only an adequate amount of water, but its transported elements, hormones, chemical messengers and nutrients first reach the more vital organs…
However, since water shortage in different areas of the body will manifest varying symptoms, signals and complications now labeled as disease, as soon as water is offered as a natural solution, people may think this could not be so!”
I recommend my patients drink pure water – half their weight in ounces on a daily basis.
The above material comes from my book, “Treating and Beating Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.”
*NOTE: If you are interested in purchasing my book, we are currently back-ordered with our paperback versions. If you are interested in downloading a digital copy that you can read on your computer, phone, and/or tablet, you may follow the link above to access the eBook version today! If you would prefer to have a paperback version, I would recommend checking on Amazon.com. I will notify my patients, and post on my blog and Facebook page when I have new paperback copies available. Thank you!
I am on medication for hypothyroidism and am constantly thirsty and carry water everywhere I go. Have constant lower back pain, frequent urination, and am on anti-depressants; for about 3 or 4 yrs. now.
Sorry you are struggling. I do phone consults or in clinic visits 205-879-2383. Please call if we can help in anyway.