Smoothie for Joint Pain

It's October, changing of the seasons, though not much of a season change in South Florida as in the rest of the country (ok it goes from stiffling hot to a nice cool breeze :). I still somehow feel the aches and pains in my joints during the change this month. Is it the fibro? Lingering Lyme Disease? Developing rheumatoid arthritis? (My mother and cousin have) I don't know. I don't think I want to know. But I'd like some relief. All natural relief if possible. So I've been google-ing like heck, and found some good anti-inflammatory foods to beef up on this month. (Here is a list of a few - and good news this month as pumpkins is listed! - http://www.joybauer.com/photo-gallery/best-foods-for-arthritis.aspx)

Pineapple and blueberries and ginger and also some. So I whipped up a super yummy smoothie with those. Give it a try! Can't go wrong (ok, well go easy on the ginger unless you like spicy!)

Here it is as Martha Stewart makes it (can't go wrong there right?!)

http://www.marthastewart.com/343666/pineapple-blueberry-ginger-juice

Also, my Mom bought me this stick blender combo few years back, LOVE it, so glad she did, I use it all the time to whip up smoothies, I highly recommend:

http://www.crateandbarrel.com/cuisinart-2-speed-smart-stick-hand-blender

Ginger & a Super Decongestant

"Natural remedies work, and that is why they are the most widely used medicines on earth."

Look at this, our friend ginger made the list of what to keep on hand for cold season! A ginger tea sounds good too to have on hand for fibro and cold season! (http://www.traditionalmedicinals.com/Ginger)

READ THE FULL ARTICLE: http://www.foxnews.com/health/2010/12/29/natural-remedies-cure-cold/?test=faces

I liked this one the best:

The super decongestant tea of all time
If your local natural food store has loose herbs, buy equal amounts of eucalyptus, hyssop and sage. Add equal amounts of the three herbs together. Put a teaspoon of the mixture into a tea strainer. Pour freshly boiled water over the herbs and let steep for three minutes. Strain and drink. I have found that when nothing else will provide decongestant relief, this remarkable tea will.

The Best Supplements for Fibro

This is a really good post, as an intor to taking supplements for fibromyalgia. She lists the reasons why someone may consider trying supplements and herbs, and the best ones to start with and why:

http://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-pain/c/5949/130504/fibromyalgia?ic=6042

- Magnesium (search my blog for magnesium, I have several other posts on this, I take it and has helped me lot with my sleep too)
- Malic Acid (I take this as well, and this is also found in green apples! Yay!)
- 5-HTP (I have not tried this but have read very good things about it. BE CAREFUL as this can sometimes interact with some prescriptions.)
- Vitamin D (I take this as well, for some reason fibromites have a deficiency in this vitamin)
- Sam-e (This has helped not just my mood but also my pain and joints, love it)
- Ginger (Yup, take this too, anti-inflammatory and good for energy so take in the morning)

Ginger Studied as a Muscle Pain Reliever

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health/Ginger-effective-for-muscle-pain-relief/articleshow/6565261.cms

 (The study has been reported in The Journal of Pain)

Read more: Ginger effective for muscle pain relief - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health/Ginger-effective-for-muscle-pain-relief/articleshow/6565261.cms#ixzz12NgfL8cg

I have been taking ginger supplements and definitely notice it helps with my pain. Nothing like a strong prescription pain reliever, but yes it helps me, and without side effects! So for $8/month? Can't beat that :)

Something to note, I read that it can affect sleep, so take it early in the day and not too close to bedtime.

Ginger for Fibromyalgia and Inflammation

I have been taking Ginger for my fibro pains, and I think I may up the dosage and take 2x a day. It is inexpensive enough, and think it will help to with any tummy aches from meds or what not too :)

http://altmedicine.about.com/od/healthconditionsdisease/a/inflammation.htm?nl=1

Please remember to consult your physician before trying anything new. I am not a doctor and no information should be considered medical advice. Any information provided should not be used to take the place of advice from your personal physician or other professional. 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!