Guaifenesin is a uricosuric which means it promotes the excretion of uric acid from the body. Due to this action it has been used in the treatment of gout and is also a common ingredient in cough and cold medicines as it helps to clear mucous.

In recent years guaifenesin has found a new use as a treatment for fibromyalgia thanks to the work of Dr. St. Amand. He discovered by accident that Guaifenesin was helping his fibromyalgia patients but now recommends it as a first line treatment for the painful and debilitating condition.

Dr. St. Amand believes that fibromyalgia is the result of an inherited biochemical abnormality resulting in poor excretion of phosphate and oxalate. Treatment with guaifenesin appears to increase the excretion of these substances from the body in the urine. This discovery led Dr. St. Amand to theorize that fibromyalgia sufferers fail to process these substances correctly so that they build up in the tissues. According to Dr. St. Amand, the symptoms of fibromyalgia are a result of the this accumulation of phosphate and oxalate within the body. This leads to impairment of energy production within the mitochondria and may also directly cause the pain and stiffness in the muscles and soft tissue experienced in the illness.

Further research is needed to determine if these theories are correct but it does seem that guaifenesin is of benefit to many fibromyalgia patients. 

Guaifenesin is available as a nutritional supplement either alone or in combination with other ingredients thought to be of benefit in fibromyalgia. It may also be of benefit to those with chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), particularly where pain and tenderness is a major concern.

More information on guaifenesin and fibromyalgia

Lactoferrin is a glycoprotein and a component of colostrum and whey protein. One of the main jobs of lactoferrin is to bind to iron (which it does strongly) and carry it across the gut wall into the body.

As a nutritional supplement lactoferrin is predominantly used as an immune system booster and to improve gastrointestinal health.

Immune system - Digestion of lactoferrin liberates the immune supporting peptide lactoferricin B. This peptide stimulates the general humoral immune response, promotes the production and action of specific antibodies, and modulates the production of lymphokines. Studies in animals have also found that lactoferrin protected them from the lethal effects of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a powerful endotoxin produced by gram-negative bacteria whose effects are even more severe when a leaky gut is present. Lactoferrin is also known to be a powerful antimicrobial in its own right. It effectively protects against a range of viruses and also has potent antimicrobual action against bacteria (including E.coli) and fungi/yeast such as Candida species.

Digestive Health - The gut is the entry point for a large number of potential pathogens into the body. Lactoferrin promotes the production of secretory IgA antibodies in the gut and also defends the body through its direct antimicrobial actions, preventing the overgrowth of Candida, bacteria and parasites. By binding iron it also prevents these potential pathogens utilising the mineral for their own growth. Lactoferrin also benefits digestive health by promoting the growth of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, the friendly probiotic bacteria.

(from iHerb.com - save $5 on your first order using promotional code: MAT856)