Hi, all! Sorry I haven't posted in a while. Like many FM patients, I was
recently
diagnosised with Raynaud's so I am now researching for info on it. Here is an
article I found a big help.
Smiles & Hugs, Vicki


Natural Approaches to Raynaud's Phenomenon
Author: Liz Brown, Better Nutrition Magazine

Anyone who has survived a Minnesota winter or backed out of a sticky
situation at the last minute knows what it's like to have cold feet. For people
with Raynaud's phenomenon, however, having cold feet -- or fingers, ears or
noses -- can be a serious health problem.

Raynaud's phenomenon is a disorder in which blood vessels (typically in
fingers and toes) constrict during episodic attacks, limiting blood flow and
warmth to these areas. Exposure to cold and emotional stress are the usual
triggers for the disorder, which is most common in women between 15 and 50
years of age.

The human body moves arterial blood from the surface to the body's core in
order to keep the vital organs working when exposed to cold. There is nothing
unusual about this. But in those with Raynaud's phenomenon, this response
is exaggerated; the small blood vessels, or arterioles, that carry blood to
fingers and toes, suddenly contract in spasms, dramatically lowering blood
supply (and, thereby, oxygen supply) to the extremities. This can cause
collapsed arteries, skin discoloration -- usually white, then blue, then red as
blood returns -- as well as throbbing and tingling at the end of attacks,
lasting
anywhere from less than a minute to several hours.

Raynaud's disease vs. Raynaud's phenomenon

It's important to distinguish between primary and secondary forms of
Raynaud's disorder. Primary Raynaud's phenomenon is often called
Raynaud's disease, and the cause of it is unknown. It is the mildest and most
common form, and the majority of people with this form of Raynaud's don't
experience a secondary disease as a result.

Conversely, secondary Raynaud's phenomenon can be caused by related
health problems, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, lupus, scleroderma and
mixed connective tissue disease, in which blood vessel walls thicken and
constrict too much, limiting blood flow. People who work with vibrating tools
and those who type or play piano are also susceptible. Even drugs including
beta-blockers prescribed for high blood pressure, chemotherapy agents and
some narcotics and over-the-counter cold medications have been linked to
the secondary form. The most serious problems resulting from the secondary
form are skin ulcers and, in severe cases, gangrene in toes and fingers.

Raynaud's relief

Now for the good news: Many patients with Raynaud's phenomenon find
relief from symptoms and suffer no additional complications. Conventional
treatment, especially of the secondary form, often includes prescription drugs,
but these can cause side effects including ankle swelling, headache, flushing,
weight gain, acne and irregular heartbeat. Lifestyle changes and natural
supplements that encourage better circulation, on the other hand, are
effective alternatives for some sufferers. Here are a few supplements that
have shown promise in alleviating Raynaud's:

* Ginkgo

A growing body of research shows that Ginkgo biloba increases blood flow
when taken orally by those with impaired circulation in extremities, leading
scientists to believe that ginkgo supplementation may be useful in treating
Raynaud's disease. In his book, The Green Pharmacy, noted herbalist James
A. Duke, Ph.D. suggests a standardized extract of 60-240 mg per day of
ginkgo.


* Essential fatty acids (EFAs)

Recent research suggests that supplementation with omega-3 and omega-6
essential fatty acids (EFAs) may be useful because they decrease platelet
aggregation, which can limit blood flow. Flaxseed oil contains both omega-3
and omega-6 EFAs. One gram of evening primrose oil (EPO) per day, which
contains gamma-linolenic acid, may also be beneficial. Some natural
practitioners recommend massaging the oil into affected fingers and toes to
improve blood flow, as well. Hemp seed oil and oils found in nuts, seeds and
fish are other good sources of EFAs.

* Niacin

Many practitioners recommend niacin, including Andrew Weil, M.D., in his
book Natural Health, Natural Medicine. Niacin induces blood vessel dilation
that results in warm flushing and tingling in the skin's surface. Weil suggests
taking 100 mg twice a day with food. Ask for flush-free niacin.

Some practitioners also recommend taking garlic (which, like EFAs,
decreases platelet aggregation), cayenne, ginger, vitamin E and Indian
snakeroot, which increase peripheral vasodilation. Ginger, mustard and
cayenne might also help when massaged into the skin. These are examples
of rubefacients, meaning they increase blood supply to the area by causing
minor irritation. To make a mustard plaster, Duke suggests mixing warm water
and four ounces of fresh ground mustard seed and applying it during attacks.

Duke offers the following tasty recipe to help sufferers of Raynaud's warm up:
"On a cold day," he explains, "I'd enjoy a vegetarian bouillon containing good
gamma-linolenic (GLA) sources (oils of borage, currant and evening
primrose), spiced up with cayenne, garlic, ginger, horseradish, mustard and
turmeric." In addition to sipping the soup, he recommends using it as a
rubefacient massage.