Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Acupressure Mat!

This looks so relaxing! I will have to add to my wish list.

I have tried acupuncture, this looks similar, like acupuncture but without the needles :D

Stand on the mat to stimulate your soles, or lie on it to feel the prickly plastic nubs activate pressure points along your body!

http://www.acushakti.com/

Yoga Goddess Pose - SO Relaxing!

Try this when stressed! It's amazing!!

Do it for at least 10 minutes for the maximum benefits of de-stressing:

GODDESS POSE
Sit tall with knees bent forward and your lower back against the short end of a firm cushion or a couple of stacked, folded blankets. Let knees drop open to the sides; bring soles of feet together. Lie back so back and head are on the cushion/blankets, shoulders dropping toward the floor. Bring arms out to the sides, palms up. Relax, breathing deeply and evenly. If hips feel uncomfortable, straighten legs.

-- from Health Magazine, July/August 2010

Monday, June 28, 2010

Good Fibro Info

Some good fibro links and info here, check it out:

http://www.healthline.com/channel/fibromyalgia.html

Sunday, June 27, 2010

A Good Quote

The soul is healed by being with children.

- Fyodor Dostoevsky

Make Someone Smile Today!

"You can be a blessing to the people you meet today. Yes, life has its serious moments. But being just a bit kooky may be the secret to seeing yourself and others through good times and bad. Go ahead, make someone's day - make her smile."

-- Thelma Wells
from God Always Has a Plan B

*hugs!*

Chronic Fatigue is Neurological

More evidence. No wonder my neurologist that I have been going to forever for my migraines is so in tuned with also treating my fibro and CFS :)

On April 24, the Massachusetts CFIDS/ME & FM Association hosted a presentation on “The Latest Research on CFS” by Dr. Anthony L Komaroff, MD. Dr. Komaroff , a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and Editor in Chief of Harvard Health Publications, has treated hundreds of ME/CFS patients over the past 25 years.

In answer to question # 21 in the Q&A session – “Would you classify CFS as a neurological disease?” Dr. Komaroff stated:

"I would certainly say, as I have said today, that there is now abundant evidence of measurable abnormalities in the central nervous system and the autonomic nervous system in people with this illness. So that makes it neurological. That's why I think it makes sense, as Dr. Gurwitz said, to call it Myalgic Ecephalomyelitis or Encephalopathy, because I think those two words adequately classify or describe an underlying biology that tests have shown to be the case."

Links to videos too:


http://www.prohealth.com/me-cfs/library/showArticle.cfm?libid=15400

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Benefits of Magnesium

Magnesium is a powerful mineral. Not only does it help relax muscles (calcium contracts muscles) and help with cellular regeneration, but it relieves a lot of chronic symptoms (see lists below.) Magnesium regulates the absorption of calcium, potassium and sodium. It plays a key role in energy production, digestion, muscle and bone function, cell production, and in the functioning of the heart, kidneys, adrenals, brain and nervous system. It is a critical nutrient for optimal health, and yet as many as 90 % of us may be magnesium-deficient!

Magnesium deficiency causes imbalance in the body. It is responsible for fatigue and the inability to sleep, lack of energy, muscle tension, cramps and twitches, headaches, backaches and heart problems. It can cause depression, excessive worry, stress-related irritability and over-sensitivity, accelerated aging, bone spurs, kidney stones, arthritis and osteoporosis. Because it is essential for the absorption of other major minerals, a magnesium deficiency will usually indicate an imbalance in potassium and also calcium. A deficiency in magnesium in your body means there are over 300 biochemical reactions that either won't occur at all or will occur very inefficiently. Somewhat like a six cylinder car trying to run on four spark plugs.

See this article for the important balance in calcium and magnesium. (http://www.absolutelythepurest.com/other%20parts/mysteryandmagicmagnes.html) It is possible that in taking too much calcium you are in turn depleting your magnesium. You CAN take too much calcium, but you cannot take too much magnesium.

The following factors deplete magnesium from your body. The more prevalent these factors are in your life, the more magnesium your body will need to replenish its magnesium storage:

• Mental, physical, emotional stress
• Environmental pollutants
• Excess calcium supplementation
• Sugar, coffee, sodas and milk
• Alcohol, tobacco and all types of drugs, including diuretics
• High-carbohydrate diets
• Low thyroid and chronic pain

“Top Ten List” of Symptoms Relieved by Magnesium: From Carolyn Dean

- Less knee pain
- Carbohydrate/sugar cravings down from 90 to 5 — on a scale of 100 (most) to 0 (none)
- Wrinkles and crevices in her face diminishing
- Dramatic reduction in “migraines”
- Period went from dark to bright red and from severe clots to minimal clots
- Able to exercise intensely for the first time in years without being exhausted for at least three days after
- Sleep has improved from “minimal” to “poor and restless” all night (this is a huge improvement for her).
- Able to “keep going” (to some extent) past 6:30pm at night.
- Less sound sensitivity/hypersensitivity.
- Better able to concentrate when someone is speaking to her (if there is any background noise).

http://www.healthlady.com/articles/%E2%80%9Ctop-ten-lists%E2%80%9D-of-symptoms-relieved-by-magnesium-2/#more-6765

More Benefits of Magnesium Supplementation Therapy

- Improve Sleep
- Relieve Muscle Discomfort
- Overcome Stress
- Relax Nerves
- Improve Bad Mood
- Improve Heart Function
- Increase Kidney Health
- Support Healthy Blood Pressure
- mprove Bone Health
- Alleviate Various Aches
- Keep Bones in Alignment

http://www.life-enthusiast.com/index/Products/Magnesium?ref=10595

I have found that taking 1200-1600 mg magnesium/day works well for me (400-800 in the a.m. and 800 in the p.m.) I have noticed that I feel better. I have found the Ultra-Mag by Source Naturals to be a very good brand. I get them at a good price from VitaCost (http://www.vitacost.com/Source-Naturals-Ultra-Mag-Magnesium-Complex#IngredientFacts)

I hope this helps.

Please remember to consult your physician before trying anything new. I am not a doctor and no information I provide here should be considered medical advice.The information I share on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice.  It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from my research and experience. Links to other sites are provided for ease of research. Information on those sites is the opinion of those who publish the sites and is NOT necessarily that of FibroChick. I offer what I can as help. I believe in educating myself on all my medical issues and being my own advocate, for no one else will do that on my behalf. I recommend we all do the same! I encourage you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional. 

The Benefits of White Tea

If you are into getting your antioxidants, check out white tea. It has even more antioxidants than green tea, and less caffeine, and is also less processed:

http://altmedicine.about.com/od/herbsupplementguide/a/whitetea.htm?nl=1

Friday, June 25, 2010

Start Your Day in the Best Way!

As we head into the weekend I thought this would be a good article to share:

(from "Fibromyalgia & Fatigue Centers Inc." http://www.fibroandfatigue.com)

Your Mornings…StartYour Day the Best Way Possible!


Rather than awake refreshed from a nights’ sleep, Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue sufferers frequently feel exhausted in the morning. Sleep studies of Fibromyalgia and Fatigue patients show a consistent pattern of disruption during the delta “deep sleep stage.” Because your deep sleep is often disrupted, it minimizes the time your body has to rest, repair and rebuild leading to ongoing fatigue and discomfort.

Here are more suggestions to get you moving in the morning:

    1.    Starting your day with a positive attitude, remind yourself that you will control the pace of your day.

    2.    You now need to begin to loosen those muscles. Hopefully, the bed and room temperature are at a comfortable level allowing you to slowly remove some of your bed linen without causing your body to tense or cramp.

    3.    Stretching exercises while lying in bed will loosen and warm muscle fibers to avoid strain upon rising. Take as much time as you need to work from your neck down in a slow, consistent manner. Avoid any quick movements and never stretch to a point of pain. The muscles may feel tight or stiff, but with repetitive movement, stretching and relaxing, you should feel them loosen.

    4.    If you don’t already know your shower intimately, you should! A hot shower upon rising is a terrific way to treat your body and prepare it for the day ahead. Not only will the heat penetrate your muscles, but also the calming effect of the running water is great for mental relaxation. If someone is available, ask him or her to turn the shower on for you before you even get out of bed.

    5.    Continue your stretching while in the shower. You should see a noticeable difference in your movements while under the hot water.

    6.    Don’t forget to jump start your day with a nutritious breakfast and consumption of your Vitamin and Mineral Supplements. The morning is the most effective time for absorption and for you to gain the greatest benefit with this consistent morning boost.

Remember; give yourself plenty of time in the morning. It’s up to you to decide if it’s going to be the worse time of your day or the absolute best time for you to take care of YOU!

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Life Chat Monday - Having A Social Life with Chronic Pain

Shared from from healthcentral.com:

Monday, June 28 from 7 – 9 pm Eastern and 4 – 6 pm Pacific

The topic for discussion will be “Having a Social Life with Chronic Pain,” but you can ask questions or bring up other topics as well. 

Click here for more info on this live chat:


http://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-pain/c/5949/114750/chat-chronic?ic=6042

Knitting for Pain Relief!

Any knitters out there?! I don't knit, but my Mother does, and I know she finds solace and peace and it is a way for her to relieve stress. She found this link, and I thought I'd pass it along, links to forums on Knitting for Stress Relief and Knitting for Pain Relief:

http://knittersreview.com/forum/default.asp

Enjoy!

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Coping with Chronic Pain

This is great, similar to the spoon story. This helps put perspective into how much you take on each day, making sure it is the right balance.

Enjoy spending your $1.00 everyday!

http://www.howtocopewithpain.org/blog/13/use-100-to-help-you-measure-how-much-to-do/

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

A Good Resource

If you haven't already, check out http://www.patientslikeme.com/. It's is an EXCELLENT place to track your symptoms and treatments, and then be able to print it all out to share with your doctors! (Yay fibrofog won't thwart us there!) AND there are some good fibro forums too! There is a good ongoing post detailing the Foods FIbros should avoid. Super interesting. I would link to it, but you have to login to access it.

Easing Depression Naturally

Chronic illness often comes hand in hand with depression. I know for me the chronic pain was depressing, never getting any relief and not being able to find a doctor who understood what I was going through. The one doctor would not prescribe anything to me for pain until I saw a psychiatrist about my depression. I tried to explain to him that I was depressed because I was in pain all the time! If we take care of the pain, I bet the depression will lessen (and guess what, once I started on a minimal pain med it did!) Since fibromyalgia is chronic, its good to know whats out there that can naturally help us keep positive. Here is some info I've found recently:


Omega-3s & Benefits
Studies have been done and shown that taking Omega-3's (also known as polyunsaturated fatty acids) can help with depression.(http://www.cbc.ca/canada/montreal/story/2010/06/21/mtl-omega-3-depression.html) They are typically found in vegetables, vegetable oil and fish. The bonus for us is that they can also boost the immune system and help stop pain! But there are some cautions, so check with your doctor before taking any Omega supplements. (Omega 3 overload can lead to excessive bleeding, stroke, causing heart problems for people with a history of heart conditions, glycemic disturbance among diabetics, potentially harmful to those people who have disorders of the blood or those on blood-thinning medication.)

B-Vitamins & Benefits
B-vitamins can also help ease depression (http://www.reutershealth.com/archive/2010/06/18/eline/links/20100618elin002.html) AND are good for us fibros in helping increase energy levels! But again check with your doctor before starting any new supplement, as high doses of vitamin B can cause nerve damage.


Please remember to consult your physician before trying anything new. I am not a doctor and no information I provide here should be considered medical advice.The information I share on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice.  It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from my research and experience. Links to other sites are provided for ease of research. Information on those sites is the opinion of those who publish the sites and is NOT necessarily that of FibroChick. I offer what I can as help. I believe in educating myself on all my medical issues and being my own advocate, for no one else will do that on my behalf. I recommend we all do the same! I encourage you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.

Monday, June 21, 2010

Quote about the Road of Life

"Forget the potholes in the road and celebrate the journey."

-- Dove Chocolate

:)

Dr. Oz & Alternative Medicine Secrets

The link is below, in summary his top 3 secrets (as resourced to others) to Alternative Medicine for healing are:

1. A 21-Day Detox Plan - Kathy Freston
2. Krill Oil (omega 3's and antioxidants) - Dr. Joseph Mercola
3. Daily Meditation - Dr. Deepak Chopra

These are a good read for the details: http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/secrets-alternative-medicine-revealed (Dr. Mercola! The Meridian Tapping doctor!)

Meridian Tapping for Fibro?

This is very interesting to me. I have tried accupuncture before, I found that very relaxing. But at $45 a session also quite pricey to go too often! This tapping is based on the same principles, but is FREE for you to learn, and you can do it anywhere at anytime :) They say it can help with all kind of things, fibromyalgia, migraines, chronic pain, depression and more. I found some blurbs below and some links for additional info, including a link illustrating 9 basic tapping points. Enjoy!

www.MeridianTappingTechniques.com

Dr. Joseph Mercola, DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) runs the most popular alternative health web site on the planet, and is an avid proponent of MTT, he has stated on Twitter that "An option for excellent pain relief without any of the health hazards that typical pain reliever's carry is Meridian Tapping Technique or MTT."


MTT is not a cure-all, it is not magic and it is not too good to be true, but it has produced amazing results for many people and it is FREE to learn and easy to do. It's a no-brainer.

MTT is based on the assumption that negative emoitions disrupt the flow in the body's energy system. When energy patterns are disrupted due to physical, mental or emotional trauma, it is believed that the path of energy between neurons can be disrupted. Professionals that utilize Meridian Tapping Techniques ( MTT Professionals have found that when people release negative emotions, it may help the energy and photons (a type of energy) flow again and as a result people can experience some amazing improvements in what ever might be ailing or upsetting them.

By simply "tapping" on specific areas of your body that may include your face, hands and other parts of your body, it stimulates your meridian energy system in the same way that the ancient Chinese method of acupuncture has done for thousands of years. In fact, some former acupuncturists have found that they don't need their needles anymore - simply tapping on the right points, without needles, works just as well if not better. 

http://www.whatismtt.com/ 


Tapping Points Illustrated:


http://www.mercola.com/forms/eftcourse3.htm

Thursday, June 17, 2010

How to Change a Habit - Quote

"How do you change the habits of a lifetime? I love the line of Mark Twain: 'You can't break a bad habit by throwing it out the window. You've got to walk it slowly down the stairs.' Slowly and deliberately. Walking takes commitment. It takes the first step and the next and the next until you get to the door."

-- Sheila Walsh
from God Always Has a Plan B

Yeast Overgrowth, Leaky Gut and Fibro

I have read a lot about a possible yeast overgrowth connection with fibro and chronic fatigue.

I thought this would be an interesting listen, but to tell the truth by about minute 25 I was not following anymore. Anyone else listen/understand the whole thing? They were kind of all over on topics.

http://www.healthlady.com/holisticsecrets_freesample

7 Questions to Ask Yourself To See if You Have Possible Yeast Overgrowth:

1. Have you at anytime in your life taken broad spectrum antibiotics (tetracycline, etc.)
2. Have you taken broad spectrum antibiotics for a month or more?
3. Are your symtpoms worst on damp muggy days or in moldy places?
4. Do you crave sugar? (yeast loves sugar)
5. Do you have an exhausted, drained feeling? (Immune system is so busy fighting all these toxins in the body that it makes you tired)
6. Are you bothered by vaginal/penile burning,itching, or dischage?
7. Are you bothered by burning/itching/tearing of your eyes?

PLUS - Chronic Sinus infections? 97% are fungal related. Most are treated with massive amounts of antibiotics :(

Excellent informational site, with a more detailed questionairre:

http://yeastconnection.com/

------------------------------------

MY NOTES from listening

-- Leaky gut syndrome

-- The further away from all natural things that we put in our body, the more our body rebels, i.e. IBS, reoccuring yeast infections, joint pains etc.!

Be an Inspiration!

The more difficulties one has to encounter, within and without, the more significant and the higher in inspiration his life will be.


- Horace Bushnell

Water & Fibromyalgia

Ok this is interesting to listen to. But about halfway through it does kind of turn into a promo on this Kangen Water. Has anyone every bought this or tried the water (the machine itself runs @ $4K!) ?? http://www.thewaterlifestyle.com/freedvd.php

I am always skeptical of people/companies that make such fantastic claims about quickly curing medical ills with their (expensive) product.

But I gave this a listen anyhoo, it did have some interesting points, including a book they referred to (I listed below). If you listen let me know your thoughts.

http://healthlady.com/audio/InterviewWithDrRodgerMurphreeJune2010.mp3

Learn the Truth About The Water You Are Drinking With
With Dr Rodger Murphree

From: Wednesday June 16th, 8pm EST

Listen & Learn How Water Can:

~Bring your body into the state of balance
~Give you increased energy
~Improve your overall health
~Get loads of antioxidants everyday
~Discover what is in the bottle water

No matter how diligently you take care of your body, the most basic and essential elements can, unfortunately, remain neglected.

The human body is naturally alkaline, but as you age these alkaline levels may become too low, resulting in higher levels of acidity.

When the acid in your body is not balanced properly, it creates an environment hospitable to virus, bacteria, fungus, and other disease-causing organisms.

Dr Murphree is the Author of Treating and Beating Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Treating and Beating Depression, and Heart Disease: What Your Doctor Won’t Tell You, and more

________


MY NOTES from listening


- our body is 70-80% water
- cancer thrives in acidic bodies, is better to be more alkaline
- acidity creates Magnesium deficiencies which in turn creates many symptoms of fibro
- with (Kangen) water you can become more alkaline within days


 

Fibro Docs on Facebook

 This looks like a good resource if you are on facebook check it out:

http://www.prohealth.com/fibromyalgia/library/showarticle.cfm?libid=15401

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Encouraging Quote

Life has no smooth road for any of us; and in the bracing atmosphere of a high aim the very roughness stimulates the climber to steadier steps, till the legend, over steep ways to the stars, fulfills itself.

- W. C. Doane

Yoga Moves for the Office

These are great. I work in an office and always feel like I need to stretch. I found this link and have it bookmarked at work, it has some really great moves that I can do in mini-breaks all throughout the day. Ok, I probably won't do all of them (the hug my chair one looks nice, but I am not going to get on the floor at work) but most are pretty good. So stretch from my chair, or while waiting for my coffee standing in the kitchen etc. :) You can actually do them anywhere, does not have to be at work. Would work nice at home or on vacations etc. too :)

http://www.lhj.com/health/fitness/yoga-at-your-desk/?page=1

FIbromyalgia Knee Pains

I am still curious about my fibro knee pains, since that was my first symptom when everything started. I found this article, saying that sometimes in fibro the knee pain can actually be referred pain coming from knots in the muscles in your back, hips or thighs. Interesting!

I am going to print this article and take it with me next for my next massage, maybe they can target those areas on me.

Does anyone else experience severe pain in their knees with their fibromyalgia?

Glucoasmine and Skullcap for Fibro Pains?

One of my biggest aches has been in my knees. In fact that is where all my aches and pains in this fun fibro journey started! By the end of the day my knees hurt so much, and feel like they are swollen as big as basketballs (but they look just fine!) And kneeling on them at all causes pain. (I have to be careful in yoga, and do alternative moves that are non-kneeling.)

Anyhoo, I have been taking Limbrel, which is available only via prescription, and is not actually a medicine - it is considered a medical food product. It is usually prescribed for osteoarthritis to help with inflammation. The main ingredients in it are: baicalin and catechin, which are natural flavonoids from plants. (from Scutellaria baicalensis -- Skullcap, and Acacia catechu -- found in cocoa beans.)


Scutellaria baicalensis (not to be confused with Scutellaria lateriflora-- which can be toxic) is one of the 50 fundamental herbs in traditional Chinese medicine. You can read more about it here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scutellaria_baicalensis

I also found this note on the Limbrel website: "For long term use, Limbrel should not be taken together with NSAIDs such as naproxen, ibuprofen, aspirin (except baby aspirin), or with any selective COX-2 inhibitors. NSAIDs and selective COX-2 inhibitors will destroy Limbrel's "balancing" effect."

Anyhoo, so my point! Is that I was at Walgreens and was reading all the Joint Juice, Move-Free, Glucosamine Chondroitin products, to see if any resemble Limbrel. Sure enough! I narrowed it down to: Schiff Move Free Advanced Triple Strength Plus MSM & Vitamin D, which contains Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM, and Scutellaria baicalensis and Acacia catechu! (And of course good ol Vitamin D!)


The Walgreens comprable store brand is even cheaper than my Limbrel prescription, so I am going to try it for a month. Will let you know what I think in a month!

I know that the Limbrel has helped ease my knee pains A LOT, as whenever I delay in refilling the script, and go a few days without my body reminds me sure enough with pain! 

Has anyone else tried Limbrel or this Move-Free Glucosamine and Chondroitin?! I am curious other fribromites experiences with these.


I also was not familiar with the "MSM" in the Move-Free. They have some without the MSM (and without Vitamin D), but I figured the more the merrier? Anyhoo, I found these links about MSM, which I thought were interesting:


http://www.infowest.com/business/g/gentle/msm.html

http://www.doctorajadams.com/MSM.html


Please remember to consult your physician before trying anything new. I am not a doctor and no information I provide here should be considered medical advice.The information I share on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice.  It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from my research and experience. Links to other sites are provided for ease of research. Information on those sites is the opinion of those who publish the sites and is NOT necessarily that of FibroChick. I offer what I can as help. I believe in educating myself on all my medical issues and being my own advocate, for no one else will do that on my behalf. I recommend we all do the same! I encourage you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.
  

Monday, June 14, 2010

Stay Positive!

Depression can make pain feel worse, so try to keep an upbeat attitude and make sure to find & do things that make you happy:

http://www.healthscout.com/news/1/639968/main.html

"Studies say that people who have friends live longer and have fewer illnesses, and that close circle of friends actually helps the immune system work. With this in mind, run, don't walk, to your nearest coffee house, church group, library or political club. You won't find that 'close circle of friends' by sitting at home reading National Enquirer and watching TV! You do want your immune system to work, don't you?"

-- Peggy Benson
from God Always Has a Plan B

Turmeric for Fibro and CFS!

I looooove Indian food, and found an article about it stating that turmeric is a proven anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory, and some research shows it can boost your immunity, help with IBS and arthritis!

Not gonna argue with keeping more Indian dishes in my diet! This page also has links to some good recipes with turmeric - YUM!

http://chronicfatigue.about.com/b/2010/06/09/turmeric-for-fibromyalgia-chronic-fatigue-syndrome.htm?nl=1

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Aim to Be a Shining Diamond!

Facing a chronic illness like fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue can be daunting, but I really like this quote I came across. We should all aim to do our best when facing our daily challenges, so we can be shining diamonds!

"We all face adversity in life. It's what you do with those challenges that's important. They say diamonds are forged under pressure."

DVD - Yoga for Healing - Sarah Bates

Thank you Brenda for sharing the info!

Marylin Meberg - Good Quote

From a book that has been at my bedside and a great solace to me over the past couple months, "God Always Has a Plan B":

At times I feel as if the events of my life are riding on a pink golf ball that suddenly curves off in a direction Ii didn't plan, didn't want, and over which i have no control. In dismay, I watch as my life careens off the course I have carefully planned for. And in my rescue of my pink golf ball I have to wander off my chosen course to reinstitute my life. While this is an adventuresome experience, it is not a selected or always joyous one.

I've also experienced many unexpected curves that were delightful and enriching. I didn't see them coming, nor did i have time to prepare, they were just suddenly there.

but life is simply full of curves - sometimes gentle, pleasant, and surprisingly gratifying and sometimes threatening to overwhelm me in their sharpness. The seat belt insuring my survival in all this is that God is always there with me.  

- Marylin Meberg

I Diverge - Migaines & Barometric Pressure

As I do also suffer from migraines, though these days dealing with the migraines seem like a walk in the park compared to fibro. I have noticed changes in the weather and the barometric pressure do effect my migraines. When it rains, when it rains a lot, when hurricanes approach. So I found this item of great interest, a marine device that is highly specialized in tracking the weather chages and barometric pressure. I will have to put it on my wish list :)

http://www.relieve-migraine-headache.com/digital-barometer.html

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Yoga and Fibro - My Favorite Topic :)

My yogini has shared:

Yoga is great for fibromyalgia (well its really a lifestyle!).  It helps restore muscles to their normal length. When in pain muscles retract/ contract... yoga helps stretching them. 

I think this is an interesting article http://www.yogajournal.com/health/2589 and of course you can go to www.yogajournal.com where there are 91 related articles. :)

Taking consciousness of pain and doing your corps pose and meditations should help with calming discomforts in the physical body.

Namaste

Good Quote from a Wiseman

A wiseman once said (well a psychologist and neurosurgeon, to be exact)

"Before ailments manifest in the physical body, they manifest in the mind
Before ailments manifest in the mind, they manifest in the soul."

So the psychologist/neurosurgeon  went back to teaching yoga and meditation, which he learned in his childhood!

The Healing Powers of Elderberry

For you Grandma Bernie :)

http://altmedicine.about.com/od/herbsupplementguide/a/elderberry.htm?nl=1

Elderberry may help boost immunity by increasing the body's production of cytokines (proteins involved in regulating the immune system's response to disease and infection), according to a 2001 study on the elderberry extract Sambucol. The study's authors suggest that Sambucol may deliver an immune-enhancing effect when administered to people with cancer or AIDS, but this theory still needs to be tested in clinical trials.

Has anyone every tried Elderberry? Tea?

Fad Diets

A bad idea, and here is why:

http://nutrition.about.com/od/diets/a/fad_diets.htm?nl=1

More sensible weight loss tips from nutrition.com:

http://nutrition.about.com/od/diets/qt/easyweightloss.htm?nl=1

Any thoughts? Have you tried any of these fad diets? Worked/didn't work?

Sunday, June 6, 2010

20 Yoga Moves Good to Know!

Health.com is a great resource! And I am a yoga freak, check these out!

http://living.health.com/category/natural-living/yoga-natural-living/?xid=ha0909tout&utm_source=health-mag&utm_medium=tout&utm_content=sept-09&utm_campaign=ha0909tout

Cutting 500 calories/Day: 50 Ways!

This is a great link from health.com!

http://diet.health.com/2009/11/19/50-ways-to-cut-500-calories/?xid=ha0310tout&utm_source=health-mag&utm_medium=tout&utm_content=mar-10&utm_campaign=ha0310tout

10 Food Facts for Fibromylagia

I know I have posted healthy eating comments before, but I really can't say it enough, as I have noticed how MUCH it has helped me have more good days! (When I am able to stick to it!. I admit, I do falter, and that is really when I realize how good the good food is for me!) Plus, I am surprised with the weight I am able to lose when I eat better! Its win-win. Now just tell that to my willpower. Ha!

Health.com has a good top 10 tips I'll list there, but to get the concise details about the why's & how's check out the link. Its good stuff!

 http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20309924_1,00.html

1. Eat more fresh foods
2. Don't OD on caffeine
3. Steer clear of some veggies (nightshade - tomatoes, eggplant, peppers...)
4. Get plenty of omega-3s
5. Easy on the yeast
6. Don't eat too much dairy
7. Cut back on carbs
8. Ease up on aspartame
9. Avoid additives
10. Say no to junk food

Friday, June 4, 2010

Meditation, Exercise and Easing Fibromylagia

This is a great article, I have done yoga and I enjoy both the gentle stretching as well as the meditation sessions. Is very peaceful and calming and a good way for me to regain my focuses. EXCELLENT for keeping my fibro in check.

http://health.msn.com/health-topics/pain-management/fibromyalgia/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100210449&page=1

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/88494.php

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Post Exertional Malaise & CFS

If you have chronic fatigue and over exert yourself, you may experience this. I have felt this but I did not know there was an official name and what not.

Here is an article I read on it:

http://www.cfids.org/cfidslink/2010/060204.asp

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Eating on $1/Day Challenege!

This is an amazing read!

http://www.grocerycouponguide.com/articles/eating-well-on-1-a-day/

http://www.grocerycouponguide.com/articles/10-things-i-learned-eating-on-1-a-day-for-a-month/

Eating Fruit - Interesting - Any Thoughts?

I got this via email, anyone have any thoughts on this?

EATING FRUIT...
We all think eating fruits means just buying fruits, cutting it and just popping it into our mouths. It's not as easy as you think. It's important to know how and when to eat.

What is the correct way of eating fruits?


IT MEANS NOT EATING FRUITS AFTER YOUR MEALS! * FRUITS SHOULD BE EATEN ON AN EMPTY STOMACH.

If you eat fruit like that, it will play a major role to detoxify your system, supplying you with a great deal of energy for weight loss and other life activities.


FRUIT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT FOOD.
Let's say you eat two slices of bread and then a slice of fruit. The slice of fruit is ready to go straight through the stomach into the intestines, but it is prevented from doing so.

In the meantime the whole meal rots and ferments and turns to acid. The minute the fruit comes into contact with the food in the stomach and digestive juices, the entire mass of food begins to spoil....

So please eat your fruits on an empty stomach or before your meals! You have heard people complaining — every time I eat watermelon I burp, when I eat durian my stomach bloats up, when I eat a banana I feel like running to the toilet, etc — actually all this will not arise if you eat the fruit on an empty stomach. The fruit mixes with the putrefying other food and produces gas and hence you will bloat!


Graying hair
, balding, nervous outburst, and dark circles under the eyes all these will NOT happen if you take fruits on an empty stomach.

There is no such thing as some fruits, like orange and lemon are acidic, because all fruits become alkaline in our body, according to Dr. Herbert Shelton who did research on this matter. If you have mastered the correct way of eating fruits, you have the Secret of beauty, longevity, health, energy, happiness and normal weight.

When you need to drink fruit juice - drink only fresh fruit juice, NOT from the cans. Don't even drink juice that has been heated up. Don't eat cooked fruits because you don't get the nutrients at all. You only get to taste. Cooking destroys all the vitamins.

But eating a whole fruit is better than drinking the juice. If you should drink the juice, drink it mouthful by mouthful slowly, because you must let it mix with your saliva before swallowing it. You can go on a 3-day fruit fast to cleanse your body. Just eat fruits and drink fruit juice throughout the 3 days and you will be surprised when your friends tell you how radiant you look!


KIWI:
Tiny but mighty. This is a good source of potassium, magnesium, vitamin E & fiber. Its vitamin C content is twice that of an orange.

APPLE:
An apple a day keeps the doctor away? Although an apple has a low vitamin C content, it has antioxidants & flavonoids which enhances the activity of vitamin C thereby helping to lower the risks of colon cancer, heart attack & stroke.

STRAWBERRY:
Protective Fruit. Strawberries have the highest total antioxidant power among major fruits & protect the body from cancer-causing, blood vessel-clogging free radicals.

ORANGE :
Sweetest medicine. Taking 2-4 oranges a day may help keep colds away, lower cholesterol, prevent & dissolve kidney stones as well as lessens the risk of colon cancer.

WATERMELON:
Coolest thirst quencher. Composed of 92% water, it is also packed with a giant dose of glutathione, which helps boost our immune system. They are also a key source of lycopene — the cancer fighting oxidant. Other nutrients found in watermelon are vitamin C & Potassium.

GUAVA & PAPAYA:
Top awards for vitamin C. They are the clear winners for their high vitamin C content.. Guava is also rich in fiber, which helps prevent constipation. Papaya is rich in carotene; this is good for your eyes.

Drinking Cold water after a meal = Cancer!
Can U believe this?? For those who like to drink cold water, this article is applicable to you. It is nice to have a cup of cold drink after a meal. However, the cold water will solidify the oily stuff that you have just consumed. It will slow down the digestion. Once this 'sludge' reacts with the acid, it will break down and be absorbed by the intestine faster than the solid food. It will line the intestine. Very soon, this will turn into fats and lead to cancer. It is best to drink hot soup or warm water after a meal.

A serious note about heart attacks HEART ATTACK PROCEDURE': (THIS IS NOT A JOKE!) Women should know that not every heart attack symptom is going to be the left arm hurting. Be aware of intense pain in the jaw line. You may never have the first chest pain during the course of a heart attack. Nausea and intense sweating are also common symptoms. Sixty percent of people who have a heart attack while they are asleep do not wake up. Pain in the jaw can wake you from a sound sleep. Let's be careful and be aware. The more we know the better chance we could survive.


A cardiologist says if everyone shares this with at least 10 people, you can be sure that we'll save at least one life.