GPT4 is the latest release of a language based artificial intelligence program and I asked it what role did systemic inflammation have in RLS. This was the answer I got:
"Chronic inflammation can contribute to the dysfunction of the dopamine system by damaging the dopaminergic neurons in the brain. This can lead to a reduction in dopamine levels, which can cause the symptoms of RLS.
In addition to affecting the brain and neurotransmitters, chronic inflammation can also lead to peripheral nerve damage, which can contribute to the hypersensitivity of nerves and the symptoms of RLS.
Overall, the relationship between inflammation and RLS is complex and involves multiple factors, including the brain, neurotransmitters, and peripheral nerves. More research is needed to fully understand how inflammation contributes to the development and severity of RLS."
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Eryl
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Well, I'm impressed. Chronic inflammation is not something I had read about in relation to RLS. But I have multiple autoimmune disorders, so chronic inflammation is a fact of life for me. AI had me spooked (I'm a teacher, so students using the technology is a royal pain), but who knew it would come up with little-discussed issues such as this one! Thanks so much for sharing.
Chronic inflammation and autoimmune diseases are often caused by foods like gluten, and processed foods. With multiple chronic disorders have you seen Terry Wahls's website about therapy for MS and autoimmune diseases? She has cured herself of MS.
thanks Eryl for sharing, although I had RL from my late teens it has clearly got worse with onset of oesteoarthritis. A number of factors seem to be involved with RL and this answer fits with part of my experience of RL. Clever isn't it.
Eryl, have you had elevated CRP in your blood tests in the past? Usually CRP used to check if there is inflamation in the body and you can use this to measure if you managed to reduce inflamation via diet.
No, I don't think I've ever had that looked at. I know that I've reduced my inflammation because my RLS is gone my tummy has flattened and my breathing is better.
I’m really happy you are still free from RLS, this proves your diet works. In my case I have days without RLS and than it’s back again for some reason. Hope soon I’ll be completely symptom free for the rest of my life.
I just made a ChatGPT search for microbiome and RLS connection, as you know my theory is related to bacterial imbalances as root cause of RLS:
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder characterized by an irresistible urge to move the legs, often accompanied by unpleasant sensations in the legs. While the exact cause of RLS is not known, there is evidence to suggest that the microbiome may play a role in its development.The microbiome refers to the collection of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, that live in and on the human body. These microorganisms play a crucial role in maintaining the health of the body, and disruptions to the microbiome have been linked to a variety of health problems.Studies have shown that changes in the microbiome can affect the nervous system and may contribute to the development of RLS. For example, researchers have found that people with RLS have different bacterial populations in their gut compared to people without the condition. Specifically, people with RLS tend to have lower levels of certain types of bacteria, such as Akkermansia muciniphila, which have been shown to play a role in regulating the immune system and reducing inflammation.Other studies have found that certain medications used to treat RLS, such as dopamine agonists, can alter the composition of the gut microbiome. These changes may contribute to the side effects associated with these medications, such as nausea and constipation.Overall, while the exact role of the microbiome in RLS is still not fully understood, there is growing evidence to suggest that it may play a role in the development and progression of the condition. Further research is needed to better understand the relationship between the microbiome and RLS and to develop new treatments that target this important aspect of the condition.
I think both of us are right In one hand, our diet affects the composition of our microbiome, on the other hand during our life there are multiple factors shape it, like we inherited our microbes from our mother during birth (via going through the birth canal) and also via breastfeeding. In case our mother had lack of some important species, we’ll lack that as well. Very often we got several antibiotic treatments during our lifetime for various illnesses which is like dropping an A-bomb onto our microbiome and very likely it won’t be as diverse as it was any more. Also you can get several bacterial infections, food poisoning etc. In my case for example a pathogen bacteria (Pseudomonas Aeruginosa) have high counts in my intestines. This is a typical hospital acquired bacteria and I assume I got this one when I spent several weeks in a hospital at age three. Unfortunately only changing our diet won’t kills these pathogens and there are even more antibiotic resistant pathogen bacteria which nearly impossible to get rid off.
But the bacteria in the microbiome live off the food we eat therefore if we cut out the foods that feed the bad bacteria we'll starve them and reduce their number and if we eat good, natural food we'll feed the good bacteria which will multiply and outnumber the bad. If we eat fermented foods like cheese, yoghurt, sauerkraut, soy sauce, nutritional yeast etc we can reintroduce some of the good bacteria that have been lost.
I’m doing exactly that diet, eat lots of fermented food, I even make my own probiotic yogurts from various bacterial species, also consume mostly fruits, vegetables, salads, fish while nearly no processed foods, red meat etc, but I don’t think this is enough on its own.
Too much of the wrog types of fruit isn't good for you. Fruit is naturally a seasonal food. The moden food industry supplying fruit all year round, much of that bred to be oversweet and harmful. youtu.be/zNXVzrIBBbg
Eryl, nearly all fruits and vegetables are blamed by scientists for various reasons, like spinach and other leafy greens because of high oxalate, nightshades because they can trigger inflammation, fermented foods because high in histamine, fructose containing fruits in the video you linked and so on. It’s nearly impossible to know what can be really an issue for your health.
The posibilities of artificial intelligence is enormous and to think that a program like this is available for anyone to use is mind blowing. I'm looking forwards to the day when ChatGPT has access to the latest research, but like any search engine you have to know what questions to ask and how to phrase them in order to get good answers.
Just read an article about inflammation and it's effect on RLS. It is an advertisement for a supplement that supposedly addresses all the proposed causes of RLS. The supplement is called Seratame. Has anyone on this site heard of it and/or used it?
I started taking Seratame about a month ago. I also take other supplements for RLS as I discontinue Requip because of augmentation. I do not think I can replace it with anything so I am researching and then trying OTC meds. My GP does not endorse any OTC meds one way or the other but I keep him informed of what I am trying. I am down to 2 mg Requip (from 5). I have eliminated some Rx meds that I did not realize were triggering RLS. Even with progress, breakthrough events remind me of how far I still have to go. I have tried to modify my diet over the years and recently made some additional adjustments. I feel like I am constantly juggling puzzle pieces but with several medical issues I realized that I cannot use "cruise control." Unfortunately some recommendations for one condition can adversely effect another one and age seems to worsen it all. But more good days than bad ones and helpful support from groups like this one keep me going.
Seratme and supplements ony help to repair the damage. If you're continuing to eat an inflammatory diet they haven't a chance of keeping up, let alone repairing it.
I have adjusted my diet since 1990 when my internist diagnosed a compromised autoimmune system. Forums like this have helped me learn more about diet and inflammation but with several medical issues I sometimes have to rely on trial and error to determine a treatment compromise for the overall best result at the time. I tend to develop sensitivity to foods which necessitates changes in diet so I have to consider the effects one change will have on my other issues. It continues to be an interesting journey.
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In one hand, our diet affects the composition of our microbiome, on the other hand during our life there are multiple factors shape it, like we inherited our microbes from our mother during birth (via going through the birth canal) and also via breastfeeding. In case our mother had lack of some important species, we’ll lack that as well. Very often we got several antibiotic treatments during our lifetime for various illnesses which is like dropping an A-bomb onto our microbiome and very likely it won’t be as diverse as it was any more. Also you can get several bacterial infections, food poisoning etc. In my case for example a pathogen bacteria (Pseudomonas Aeruginosa) have high counts in my intestines. This is a typical hospital acquired bacteria and I assume I got this one when I spent several weeks in a hospital at age three. Unfortunately only changing our diet won’t kills these pathogens and there are even more antibiotic resistant pathogen bacteria which nearly impossible to get rid off.
Which therapy helped you the most?
Does this sound like RLS?
Diagnosed with RLS but not so sure, does it sound like I have it?
Does anyone else suffer sensory problems with their RLS?
Does Seroquel (Quetiapine) trigger RLS?
