L-Lysine for Cold Sores

I have to follow up a post I wrote nearly 4 years ago on L-Lysine for canker sores:

http://adayinthelifeoffibro.blogspot.com/2010/12/l-lysine-for-canker-sores.html

As you can see, my original post was about taking L-Lysine, a natural amino acid, for the treatment of canker sores.

But I'd really like to emphasize its great effect and treatment as well for cold sores.

(To note - in the 4+ years that I have now been taking 500mg L-Lysine/day not one canker sore or cold sore!)

My mother was visiting me  a while back and "felt a cold sore coming on" - that certain tingling on the lip that tells you whats about to pop up. Well I handed her a couple L-Lysine, said her, take 3 a day for the next couple days, it will go away. She really try to resist, I basically forced it upon her. Well, guess what never popped up on her lip?! :) She was a little shy about recognizing the amazing power of the L-Lysine, but I was just happy that it had worked.

Couple months later she called me, "What was the name of that stuff you gave me for the cold sore?"

:)

Its all natural, no side effects, you will notice no difference in taking it other than NO cold sores! I take 500mg/day as preventative. But I have read that as treatment you can take 3/day or 1500mg/day to treat an active eruption, it will really speed up the healing process.

Its very inexpensive at your local drugstore. Try it, and let me know!

http://acankersorecure.com/canker-sore-remedies-lysine.html#.VATUKLywLyA

Lifestyle Changes for Fibromylagia

I often talk about lifestyle changes and adjustments for helping manage fibro symptoms. I found this great link on about.com detailing the top 10 lifestyle changes. I've highlighted the list below, but it really is worthwhile to read though the article with details and more links for each.

http://chronicfatigue.about.com/od/copingwithfmscfs/ss/lifestylechanges.htm

1. Pace Yourself
I have learned to do this, I am/was a type A personality pre-fibro, so was always on the go go go, but have learned now to balance activity (work, errands, dinner out with friends etc.) with periods of rest. This keeps me from fibro flares. Sometimes going out to dinner on a Friday night means not scheduling plans on the following Saturday for anything. Or dinner out on a Tuesday means not going out on Wednesday as well.

2. Holding a Job / Disability
This has been a struggle, but I have noticed having a job to go to helps keep my mind off the fibro for a few hours, and helps give me more purpose for the day.

3. Change Your Diet
Big proponent of this, less chemicals and processed foods, more fresh fruits and vegetables!

4. Exercise
I have settled on yoga for this, it really, really helps! It gently stretches my muscles and keeps them active, but its not too strenuous, and I can pace myself. I think the meditative part of yoga helps too, calm my mind, and even helps me sleep easier.

5. Focus on Better Sleep
I think my natural inclination has always been to be a night owl, but I've learned that maintaining proper sleep habits is an ESSENTIAL part of managing fibro. I try to start settling down by 9:00pm and start heading to bed @ 10pm, aiming to fall asleep no later than 11pm.

6. Learn Coping Skills
I've learned to accept my fibro, learn what I can do, and can't do, how to balance my social life with the fibro.

7. Little Things/Changes Can Have  a Big Impact
Foods, clothes, drinking lots of water. I've learned changing my diet helps, paying attention to how my clothes feel on and changing those if it makes me feel better, and drinking lots of water daily, all help me manage my fibro. IT really is amazing how different I feel on days that I drink a lot of water vs days I do not.

8. Surviving the Holidays
I order online for gifts (the amazon wish list is an AMAZING tool that everyone in my family now uses!) I always bring a dish/foods to get togethers that I know I can eat, and I usually try to eat a bit before I go to a get together just in case there are a lot of foods and dishes there that are on my no-no list.

9. Manage Stress
I've learned to realize what in life is worth worry about and getting upset over (not much is worth the effort and accompanying stress I've found!) and the meditation and deep breathing exercises from yoga helps calm my mind and eases stresses a lot too. I'll even listen to some calming music during times of stress, which helps refocus my energies.I'm a sucker for the Tibetan Bells music from yoga :)

10. Find Support
I have found a local support group as well as a few online that are amazing. To speak with others with the same struggles, and share stories and successes makes me feel less alone with my struggles. I highly recommend http://www.chronicbabe.com

Meditation for Fibro Pains

The yoga classes that I enjoy the most are heavy in meditation, no wonder I am addicted to them, read this article about how meditation can help ease pain:

http://altmedicine.about.com/od/meditation/a/meditation_pain.htm?nl=1

CFS Unravelled - a Book Review

Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia as often treated and talked about as one in the same. I feel that yes I do suffer from both, and whereas pain seems to be dominant in Fibro the fatigue is dominant in CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.) I feel I have been pretty good in managing the pains, and now suffer mostly from  such extreme fatigue (well of course and all the lovely other bodily functions that are disrupted by CFS/Fibro.)

This book was shared in a forum I am part of (chronicbabe.com) and so I looked into it a little bit, and even ended up purchasing it (downloading from Amazon to my smartphone Kindle App) $9 or so purchase (or FREE if an Amazon Prime Member!). And I can say the investment and read is WELL worth it if you are afflicted by CFS/Fibro!! I think even doctors trying to treat CFS/Fibro should also read.

http://www.amazon.com/CFS-Unravelled-Fibromyalgia-Discovery-ebook/dp/B00B3OCVGI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1363455517&sr=8-1&keywords=cfs+unravelled

I did a little research first, and started listening to this fibro talk radio show interviewing the author, Dan Neuffer. (Skip to about minute 10, thats when they actually introduce him and get into the book and his CFS/Fibro info)

http://ec2-184-72-220-142.compute-1.amazonaws.com/thefibroshow/2013/03/08/the-fibro-show-interview-with-author-dan-neuffer

Also here is part of the theory behind its cause explained:

http://www.prohealth.com/library/showArticle.cfm?libid=14508&site=articles

Yes, the author, Dan Neuffer, was afflicted with CFS/Fibro for years, but through his own research was able to overcome his CFS/Fibro. He is/was a physicist, so the first half of the book is a but heavy in the science behind his theory of the cause of CFS, but it is still worth the read. I didn't understand it ALL but I got the gist of it, and a LOT of it did relate to info I have already heard and read about over the years, so it did give me the confidence that I am on the right track and to keep reading the book. And I agree with the author, though its not easy to understand ALL the science, do NOT skip that part of the book, it helps to even semi-understand the science part before you start treating.

The author does emphasize throughout the book that it is up to YOU to help YOURSELF, and I think some people get offended by that. But it is true, when you are ready to tackle it, only you can help yourself, find the right resources, listen to your body, and help heal yourself. Yes, you employ the help of doctors and naturopaths, supplements, food, diet, exercise, meditation, life balancing techniques, but it IS up to YOU to take control and define your healing destiny. His book is an excellent guide as to what you are treating, and the overall key elements to hit -- again let me emphasize it is an overall program managing stress, diet, sleep, exercise (gentle yoga is especially highlighted YAY!), maintaining a positive attitude and outlook and creating a healthy life balance to move forward with.

It all may sound very simple, and yes, it is simple and logical, but again it really helped me to understand WHY the supplements that I take - like Magnesium, Malic Acid, B vitamins -- help with the CFS/Fibro. And again it gave me confidence that I am on the right track with my yoga, supplements, all natural diet and meditating etc.

I highly recommend this read. I would love to know if anyone else has also read and your thoughts on the book, the theory and the treatments discussed.

Inspirtional Quote

"Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food."

- Hippocrates

Eat to Fight Inflammation

http://altmedicine.about.com/od/antiinflammatorydiet/a/Anti-Inflammatory-Diet.htm?nl=1

Top 20 Detox Foods

Good stuff!! Whats your favorite? I love that avocado is on the list!

http://altmedicine.about.com/od/detoxcleansing/ss/detox-foods.htm

Herbal Sleep Remedies

A friend recently shared this article with me from NewsMax Health. I wanted to post the link here, as I have tried some of these but did not realize that all these aided in sleep. Very interesting. I have tried the Valerian (caution - it smells funky! :) and Melatonin (I think I built up a tolerance?) and I take Skullcap for pain (anti-inflammatory) and sometimes I sip Chamomile tea at bedtime.

These made me tired for sure, but to get my deep restful sleep I still need my Lunesta script :(

Has anyone else tried any of these?

Please don't forget to consult your doctor though before trying anything new, as even herbs like these can interact with other herbs and prescriptions.

http://www.newsmaxhealth.com/headline_health/drug_free_sleep_remedies/2010/08/05/338930.html?s=al&promo_code=A6E1-1

For details check out the article above

1. Valerian
2. Melatonin
3. Chinese Skullcap
4. Theanine
5. Lavender
6. Chamomile
7. PassionFlower

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.   

FREE Fibro Teleconference: August 3rd, 2010

I received this info & story via email from Dr. Rodger Murphree, www.treatingandbeating.com.


I really like the story below, it really supports the idea of focusing on creating an overall healthy body in order to tackle fibro.


I am going to try and remember to catch the free teleconference tomorrow nite :)


You can see what others have said about his previous teleconferences, and access archives of Dr. Murphree's teleconferences here: http://www.treatingandbeating.com/teleconferencesignin.html 

---

FREE Fibromyalgia Teleconference
Tuesday, August 03, 201,  7:30 PM CDT- 8:25 PM CDT

Dial-in Number: 1-218-936-4141 
Access Code:  986495

---

Fertile Soil Yields Best Results For Reversing Fibromyalgia

Several years ago my family and I moved into a beautiful 80 year-old house with a large, but barren backyard. Wanting to make my backyard a garden paradise I enlisted the help of a good friend and Master Gardner, William Keith.


Like a good, urban yuppie gardener, I went to Home Depot and purchased the essential tools of the trade- shiny new shovels, rakes, hoes, rubber gardening shoes, and heavy leather gloves.


The following Saturday William showed up with a truck -load of dirt. "Healthy soil yields a healthy garden," he said.


For the next several days he unloaded and redistributed rich, dark dirt throughout my backyard. Day after day I'd come home ready to plant some roses, jasmine or maybe a Maple tree and I'd find William in the backyard spreading more dirt. Finally after a week of daily dirt deliveries, William declared the yard ready for planting.


And plant we did- roses, Carolina jasmine, Confederate jasmine, wisteria, Japanese maples, peach trees, plum trees, oak leaf hydrangeas, cone flowers, lilies, salvia, rosemary, sage, thyme, and all sorts of perennials.


The result of taking the time to use nutrient rich soil was easy to see- simply plant something, anything and it grew like crazy.


Like a healthy garden our body is dependant on having the essential nutrients it needs for optimal health.


Unfortunately the typical Western diet falls short of providing the essential nutrients our bodies need to be healthy.


A U.S. Food and Drug Administration study, which analyzed over 234 foods, over two years, found the average American diet to have less than 80 percent of the RDA of one or more of the following: calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, and manganese.  Other studies have demonstrated magnesium deficiency in well over 50 percent of the population.


The only way to be sure you're nutritionally sound is to supplement your diet with the essential nutrients your body needs for optimal health.


Traditional medical doctors often scoff at the notion of taking vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to improve your health.


But does anyone suffer from a drug deficiency? Well of course not.  And yet those with chronic illnesses, like fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome and even mood disorders often end up on a medical merry-go-round, seeing one doctor after another-taking an endless concoction of life draining, potentially dangerous drugs.


Drugs to put you to sleep, drugs to wake you up, pain pills, mood drugs (for the side effects of the sleep drugs), sedatives, and muscle relaxants- it just never ends.


Drug therapy can be useful. However, merely covering symptoms with drugs often leads to further problems.


The majority of my fibromyalgia patients have seen numerous doctors, traditional as well as alternative, before consulting me. They've tried numerous drugs, yet feel little if any better. Most have also taken an assortment of natural remedies - a One a Day vitamin, fish oil, herbals, green dinks, probiotics, and other over the counter supplements. While all of these are a step in right direction, certainly a safe and healthy choice, they don't provide they foundation one needs to overcome a chronic and difficult illness like fibromyalgia.


And while nutrition oriented physicians have good intentions, they often do no more than attempt to use natural remedies to cover up symptoms- valerian root for poor sleep, St. John's Wort for depression, probiotics for their irritable bowel symptoms, and on and on it can go.


This is a common mistake. I've found that no matter what the illness laying the foundation and fertilizing the patient's cells with a good optimal daily allowance multivitamin/mineral formula is the place to start.


I encourage my patients to start taking a good multivitamin/mineral formula.


Doctors who I lecture too are often amazed at how easy it is to do this (when done the right way) and how many of their patient's symptoms improve- usually within a relatively short period of time.


Patients need to become aware of the fact that nutrients, not drugs, are what make the hormones and biochemical reactions that regulate our body. Every essential chemical in our body, including thyroid hormone, testosterone, estrogen, neurotransmitters (serotonin, norepinephrine, etc.), antibodies, adrenaline, cortisol, and white blood cells, are either made from or dependent on vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, and amino acids.


By providing the essential nutrients the body needs for optimal health you help lay the foundation for getting healthy. I've learned after 14 years of specializing in clinical nutrition to make sure each of my patients no matter the condition (from allergies to yeast overgrowth) is taking a multivitamin/mineral formula. I make sure I lay the foundation before I start planting other nutrients- CoQ10, probiotics, adrenal or thyroid glandular supplements, etc.


Taking time to get the body's inner soil healthy will always yield positive long-term results. While chasing symptoms with drugs or a hodgepodge of "hit or miss" supplements typically yields a strained bank account and fleeting results.


There is a better way.


A Message from Dr. Murphree to those suffering with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome


I've specialized in treating fibromyalgia for the last 17 years. I've been fortunate to help thousands of fibromyalgia sufferers. Are you next?


Dr. Rodger Murphree

Detox Tea Recipes

These are good, I found them here:
http://www.life123.com/health/weight-loss/detox-diet/detox-tea.shtml

There are a nice variety, and I think I can find most of the ingredient in my grocery store (does anyone know what Burdock root is?!)

Sipping on some detox tea is a great way to gently help flush your system of harmful toxins. If an item is supposed to help in detox, it is made to help detoxify your body for better general health. Detox teas take a gentle and slow approach to this process, as opposed to the harsh detox pills and powders available. They use herbs and spices that act as natural antioxidants and body cleansers to flush your digestive tract.

Green Ginger Detox Tea Recipe
Ingredients You Will Need
1 tablespoon dried mint
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon ground ginger root
1 teaspoon dried Burdock Root
2 cups - Boiling Water
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Add the herbs to a tea strainer. Place the strainer in boiling water, cover the cup and let the tea steep for 10 minutes. Remove tea strainer from cup and stir in lemon juice. Drink and detoxify.

Lemon and Cayenne Pepper Detox Tea Recipe
Ingredients You Will Need
1/2 cup lemon juice
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 cup boiling water
1 tablespoon honey
Stir all ingredients together in a mug. Do not strain cayenne pepper from water. Drink and detoxify.

Green Peppermint Detox Tea Recipe
Ingredients You Will Need
1 bag peppermint tea
1 bag green tea
2 cups boiling water

Place the tea bags in the boiling water, cover cup and let tea steep for 10 minutes. Remove tea bags, mix the tea, drink and detoxify.

Lemon, Lime and Cranberry Mint Detox Tea Recipe
Ingredients You Will Need
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 cup cranberry juice
1 bag peppermint tea
Pour lemon juice, lime juice and cranberry juice together in a microwavable mug. Heat tea in microwave until hot. Remove mug from microwave and place mint tea in mug. Cover mug and let tea steep for 10 minutes. Remove tea bag from tea and stir tea. Drink and detoxify.

Licorice Ginger Detox Tea Recipe
Ingredients You Will Need
1 tablespoon crushed, dried licorice root
1 teaspoon ground ginger root
1 1/2 cups boiling water
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Add the roots to a tea strainer. Place the strainer in boiling water, cover the cup and let the tea steep for 10 minutes. Remove tea strainer from cup and stir in lemon juice. Drink and detoxify.

Meditation Helps Ease Pain

I read this blurb in the Aug. 2, 2010 issue of Women's World Magazine:

People who meditate regularly feel less pain from chronic conditions, such as arthritis. British reasearchers suspect that meditation trains the brain to dwell on the present and not to anticipate - and therefore not feel - pain. The longer you meditate, the greater the benefit. You can leanr basic techniques for FREE at http://www.brainsync.com/

More About Supplements!

In this article you will find info on how to recognize supplements, potential risks, what to look for when purchasing supplements, and why its important to speak with your doctor and keep a supplements diary.

http://arthritis.about.com/od/supplement/a/whatdietarysup.htm?nl=1

I want to also mentioned again this website, http://www.patientslikeme.com, where you can create an account (free!) and track all treatments you are trying, how effective they are, and how your pains and fatigues etc. rate over time, and you can print out a report to share with your doctor for each visit!

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.   

What are Supplements?

I found this article talking about what exactly supplements are, on about.com, and wanted to share, since I really lean towards taking supplements for my fibro and cfs: http://arthritis.about.com/od/supplement/a/factsupplements.htm?nl=1

[I also want to mention again this website, http://www.iguard.org/, which allows you to create and account (free!) and enter everything you take - prescriptions, vitamins, supplements - and it then generates any alerts or interactions you nee to be aware of for the combintion of what you are taking. I go here and enter info BEFORE I start taking anything new, to make sure no interactions will occur. I also consult with my doctor.]

Here are some snippets, but the whole article (linked above from about.com) is very thorough.

What is a dietary supplement?

As defined by Congress in the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act, which became law in 1994, a dietary supplement is a product (other than tobacco) that

• is intended to supplement the diet
• contains one or more dietary ingredients (including vitamins; minerals; herbs or other botanicals; amino acids; and other substances) or their constituents
• is intended to be taken by mouth as a pill, capsule, tablet, or liquid
• is labeled on the front panel as being a dietary supplement

General Safety Advisory

The information in this article does not replace medical advice.

Before taking an herb or a botanical, consult a doctor or other health care provider-especially if you have a disease or medical condition, take any medications, are pregnant or nursing, or are planning to have an operation.

Before treating a child with an herb or a botanical, consult with a doctor or other health care provider.

Like drugs, herbal or botanical preparations have chemical and biological activity. They may have side effects. They may interact with certain medications. These interactions can cause problems and can even be dangerous.

If you have any unexpected reactions to an herbal or a botanical preparation, inform your doctor or other health care provider.

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.   
 

Yoga in South Florida

We all know how I love my yoga :) Is good in general for relaxing and muscle stretching and releasing toxins from your body. But it is also very good for fibromyalgia sufferers. It really helps integrate your mind and body, creating a healthier you. Even if you only do it for 5 or 10 minutes a day it can be very beneficial.


I have found several resources in my local area, South Florida, for taking inexpensive classes, listed below. Check out local public schools and MeetUp groups in your area to see what they may offer.

Namaste

The Broward Educator:
http://www.mycommunityschool.com/

The Palm Beach Educator:
http://www.pbeducator.org/

Fort Lauderdale Yoga MeetUp Group:
http://www.meetup.com/fortlauderdaleyogaclub/

Yoga for Sleep

This is a good blurb about how Yoga can help you sleep better. I love my yoga :)

http://altmedicine.about.com/od/insomnia/a/yoga_insomnia.htm?nl=1

Supplements - When They Are Not Safe

I received this article from HeadWay, my migraine info connection. He has ssome excellent tips, the article is pretty universally applicable. Always remember to please be sure to consult your physician before trying any supplements.

http://www.relieve-migraine-headache.com/HeadWay-dangerous-supplements.html


He touches on:
- Supplement Regulations
- Natural does not mean safe
- The Number of Ways a Supplement Can Be Dangerous
- Drug enhancement

TIPS - see article for details

Talk to your doctor first.  

Recognize that not all supplements are created equal. 

Look for supplements recommended by sources that you trust.  

Do your own research. 

Don't adopt a "might as well" attitude. 

DO try supplements. 

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.  

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

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!

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!