The August meeting of our Fibromyalgia Support Group was extremely powerful! Dr. Candace Corson is a tremendously inspiring and gifted speaker. Her enthusiasm is truly contageous. It seems the more we learned, the more we wanted to know!
Dr. Corson is a Yale-trained Medical Doctor who has spent the past ten years focusing her energies on healing through teaching others about the importance of proper nutrition for health, something that was not addressed in her medical training, nor in her residency in New York. Not until she began working for the Public Health System via the National Health Services Corporation, and witnessed first-hand the major health problems that are so preventable with basic nutritional information, that she knew where she wanted to focus her life's work.
In the 1990's while a consultant for the Healing Arts Center in Mishawaka, events and specific cases to this point led her to begin seriously delving into all aspects of nutrition, supplements, and natural healing, complementing and adding to her medical knowledge. She began studying the works and information of Dr. Johnathan Wright and of Dr. Allen Gaby who is the current President of the American Holistic Medicine Association and one of the foremost authorities in nutritional and natural medicine.
Dr. Corson now works tirelessly at speaking, teaching, training and encouraging others to learn more about nutrition and the importance of a plant-based diet. That is, a diet who's base is plants, using meat and dairy as the "extras on the side," rather than the other way around. Our Western diet has long been basing meals on meat and dairy with the plant world taking a distant third or even fourth place, following sweets! This is what has led our rich country to sit at 47th place in health throughout the world--while we experience record and rampant chronic and degenerative diseases-- even to our children!!!! By the way, the Netherlands - Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden - are among the most health conscious and healthiest people in the world!
With this background of Integrative Medicine (a combination of Western and natural medicine), Dr. Corson has been sharing her knowledge and expertise in seminars, talks and a variety of venues just like this. Tonight she shared with us three of the most important things we can do for ourselves to help our bodies get back on track, with a solid base, that supports healing. The top 3 things we can do are:
1) most crucial of all, is to get ourselves back to a plant-based diet with loads of fruits and vegetables - lots of phytonutrients;
2) add Omega 3 EPA-DHA essential fatty acids - found in deep sea cold-water fish and/or good quality supplements, wild or free-range animals (who've NOT been fed grain), sea vegetables like kelp and other seaweeds, walnuts, and Omega 3 ALA in the form of flax seed;
3) add Vitamin D - which is not really a vitamin at all, but a very necessary hormone!
--> A plant based diet is crucial to everyone's health. Not only are plants balanced in vitamins, minerals, enzymes, probiotics, fiber, phytonutrients and more, but the antioxidants within neutralize free radicals! Free radicals are not only eaten in our foods, but they enter our body through air, water, noise, physical contact with certain things, electromagnetism - free radicals are everywhere...and they are NOT Fibro-friendly! Free radicals are also created by your cells when they function normally - they are the waste product that occurs after a successful transaction within the cell. You cannot get away from them.
When you eat a diet full of fruits, veggies and berries, you are keeping up with the constant creation and bombardment of these free radicals. When your diet is low in fruits, veggies and berries, these free radicals are allowed to run amok within your body, acting like razor blades in your blood stream, attacking organs, muscles, brain and heart tissue, and if allowed to grow there unchecked, without the proper nutrients to neutralize them, they can create very serious chronic and degenerative problems, up to and including cancerous tissue.
In the past, 5-9 servings of whole fresh fruits, veggies and berries were recommended. But today with so much more "stuff" added to our air and water and so much more electronic "static" around us, the recommeded servings are now 7 to 13 servings a day. But even more would be better, especially if you are living with a chronic illness like Fibromyalgia, Diabetes, Multiple Sclerosis, Lupus, Chrone's Disease or any other chronic illness. All the stress put on your body by having these conditions, creates even MORE free radicals within your body.
The moral of the story is to eat a wide variety of fruits, vegetables and berries - the more the better! This not only protects against free radicals, but also inflammation, heart disease, diabetes, toxicity, premature aging, cancer and all those other degenerative diseases described above.
--> Dr. Corson shared with us samples of flax seed so we could all see and taste them. She described how flax is like a wash cloth to our intestines and how, over time with regular use, it has been found to help heal diverticulitis (a serious intestinal disorder). The delicious nutty-tasting seeds are eaten raw, sprinkled over yogurt or cereal or salad, added to a smoothie, or green tea, etc. But because the outer shell is so dense/hard, flax seeds are best used when ground up to release all the beneficial nutrients within. Then they should be stored in the fridge for up to one week. After that they can oxidize and create free radicals. So grind as much as you'll need per day or per several days at a time and then store it in a jar in the fridge.
Flax seeds also help clean the blood vessels and arteries, again acting like a wash cloth to gently scrub loose bad cholesterol (LDL), as well as toxins, helping to flush and clean out those arteries like a good fiber and lignan should. Flax seed is very nutriant-rich-- very high in fiber, a number of B-vitamins, Omega 3 ALA, magnesium, manganese and phytonutrients, including antioxidants. They are also very filling as a few of our group can attest, having nibbled on them during the evening.
You may want to ease into this treat gently as it can have a powerful laxative effect if you're not used to it, because it is so high in fiber. Start with a little, then graually increase the amount used to prevent overflow (diahhrea).
Omega 3 EPA-DHA essential fatty acids are absolutely necessary to our diet. That's why they are called essential fatty acids. This Omega 3 is found in deep sea cold water fish, wild or free-range animals (who've NOT been fed grain), sea vegetables like kelp and other seaweeds, walnuts and free-range (or cage-free) chickens and their eggs.
This EPA-DHA is what coats the cell walls of each and every cell in our body. EPA and DHA make the cell walls flexible and porous and act as an conduit, enabling nutrients and oxygen to enter the cells which then create energy (ATP), among other things. When there is not enough EPA-DHA, the cell walls will use saturated fat. This makes these walls much harder, making it more difficult to to allow nutrients and oxygen in, causing stress to all of your cells, and by extension to your entire body. It is clearly better to add these essential fatty acids.
There is concern over eating too much fish or ocean fish due to contamination by mercury and PCB's, so many have begun to rely on supplements, which have been purified (not processed). Several brands which have repeatedly proven safe are Carlson's, Nordic Naturals, Barlean's, Coromega and others. Check the labels for the amount of EPA-DHA within each capsule for the proper dosage, not the amount of fish oil per capsule. Suggested doses are 1,000 mg to 1,500 mg of EPA-DHA per day for inflammation, pain, heart issues, eye care, and so much more.
--> Most people are low in Vitamin D - the sunshine vitamin. Dr. Corson highly recommends everyone have their Vitamin D level checked. Ask your doctor, or go to Any Lab Test Now at 207 N. Main St. in South Bend, IN where you can just walk in and request this test (and others, like B12, etc) at any time.
Proper levels of Vitamin D (D3 specifically) helps pain, osteoporosis, diabetes risk, heart attack risk, helps balance blood pressure, helps Reumatoid Arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis and so much more.
Most people north of the equator (and south of the equator) are extremely low in this hormone, especially older adults, those with darker pigmented skin, people who spend most of their time indoors and people who live in the northern or southern latitudes. Even if you do get outside regularly, for nine months out of the year your body cannot make sufficient Vitamin D due to the sun's being so low in the sky during those winter months.
On the first warm, sunny summer day when you do get outside for fifteen to twenty minutes, your body will make an average of 25,000 IU of Vitamin D all by itself! Because your body uses Vitamin D every day, in so many ways, you need to replenish it every day. But during the fall, winter and spring you may need to replenish this vitamin with a supplement. Dr. Corson recommends 2,000 to 6,000 IU per day. Vitamin D3 supplements are available nearly everywhere now, but Dr. Corson recommends Carlson's brand of liquid drops, where one drop in water or juice is 2,000 IU.
Aside from a great discussion on all of the above, Dr. Corson also discussed gluten and lactose intolerance and the fact that oats have been proven to have no gluten - rather any gluten reaction to oats may be due to the processing machines that may have gluten residue embedded in it. Many migraine headaches may be helped by doing an elimination diet - eliminating gluten and/or lactose for a period of time. [Also, hydrating has been shown to help relieve some migraines.] The nasty long-term effects of excess soft drinks was described by Dr. Corson from her personal experience while working with the Public Health System. (It wasn't pretty!!!) The benefits of juicing was discussed and importance of Vitamin B12 (sublingual tablets). She spoke of the Engine 2 Diet, the book written by a fireman named Rip Esselstyn who writes about the importance of a plant-based diet.
She spoke on all of the above and much more, but already there is here a very long epistle...Use your search engine to find out more about any of these topics...The more you know the better you can help yourself - knowledge is power!
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Monday, July 26, 2010
Fibromyalgia and Reflexology
Our July Fibromyalgia Support Group Meeting was graced by Charlene. I was very pleased to once again feature Charlene Books, a wonderful healer in the arts of Reflexology and Reiki.
Charlene has had many clients with Fibromyalgia, both in the hospital in Chicago where she worked for several years, and here at The Advanced Healing and Reflexology Center on Emmons Rd in South Bend, IN. She understands that each and every case of Fibromyalgia is different and each needs to be addressed specifically for the person she is working on at the time. This alone tells us she knows how to help an individual’s pain. This is an important factor in choosing a Reflexologist.
Charlene spoke of stress. Not just the stress we all know about – the emotional stress — but also the stress the body holds just by being chronically ill. Someone who falls down and skins their knee, breaks a bone or has a cold is experiencing stress (physical stress, body stress)along with the emotional stress of the original condition. When you have a chronic illness (or two, as is often the case in those with Fibromyalgia) this creates physical stress on your body, along with the emotional stress of all that comes with it. So what we have here in a nutshell, as people with Fibromyalgia, is Emotional, Physical and Chronic Stress!
All this stress settles in your body adding insult to injury by creating knots, blockages and clumps of toxins collected at key locations within the body. This stress tightens up and blocks up nerve, muscle and system pathways, literally creating more pain, adding to that of your chronic illness!
Charlene had once explained that these blocks and knots are like traffic jams at the nerve endings. The nerves begin at the feet and end in the head and thus travel all through the body. But when there are traffic jams (blockages and knots), it’s like a tourniquet has been applied to stop the proper flow of energies to release those toxins that have built up.
These toxins and blockages build up in virtually everyone during a normal day or week, but most especially in those with Fibromyalgia. These blockages are often in the form clumps of lactic acid and other toxins in the muscle and other tissues, literally tying knots at the nerve endings. This is why regular treatments are necessary…they build up on a daily basis and must be released regularly, especially in those with Fibromyalgia due to the chronic nature of the condition.
Reflexology works well in tandem with other healing modalities, such as acupuncture, Charlene says. In fact, while in Chicago, she often had clients who had finished their acupuncture treatment, and then came across the hall to her for their Reflexology treatment. Not only are toxins released (during both of these two treatments) but, relaxation of muscles and mind are among the prime benefits. Reflexology treatments can loosen and relax all internal systems so that other therapies can work to their full potential – acupuncture, massage, chiropractic, etc!
Your feet are direct reflections of your body — a mirror image so to speak — as are your hands. As Charlene pointed out in her chart, each reflex area on the feet corresponds to each organ or part of the body. Stimulating and working the nerve endings in each of these areas of the feet (or hands) not only improves circulation in each organ, gland and the entire body, but also unblocks those nerve impulses where stress has caused a traffic jam. Working these traffic jams loose, allows the toxins to break loose and the blocked systems to begin flowing freely and return to normal function.
[Charlene demonstrated foot Reflexology on Terry, and hand Reflexology on Jo Ann, so that everyone could see just how it was done. This is a hands-on therapy with no other instruments or devises needed, so here in our library meeting room, it was quite easy to demonstrate. Terry and Jo Ann were most grateful for the demonstration!]
Releasing these stresses and tensions unblocks the free flow of many of the body’s systems, improves circulation throughout the body, improves nerve impulses and normalizes these systems within the body, all of which in turn stimulate the body’s own healing system.
Reflexology, like acupuncture, massage, etc, is a maintenance and preventative measure, working to help your body help itself. With regular treatments, once a month or more, stresses and toxins don’t have a chance to build up to a critical mass, which can cause unbearable pain and inability to function.
Drink Water afterwards. This is a key point to remember after each session (acupuncture, massage, etc too). Once these toxins are broken loose, and the highway is free and clear, you must flush the toxins out of your body by drinking at least one bottle or more of water. If you don’t, these loose free-flowing toxins will latch onto another muscle of organ or gland and begin creating more havoc right away. The idea here is to get rid of the toxins!
The release of knots and toxins can be a huge help for Fibromyalgia pain. Try it!
Charlene Books is a Certified Reflexologist who has been practicing this 5,000 year old therapy since 1990. She had practiced Reflexology and Reiki in Chicago for several years at the Galter Lifecenter, and has returned to this area to open The Advanced Healing and Reflexology Center, at 52303 Emmons Rd., Suite # 25, South Bend, IN 46637. Call her at 574-277-2323.
Charlene has had many clients with Fibromyalgia, both in the hospital in Chicago where she worked for several years, and here at The Advanced Healing and Reflexology Center on Emmons Rd in South Bend, IN. She understands that each and every case of Fibromyalgia is different and each needs to be addressed specifically for the person she is working on at the time. This alone tells us she knows how to help an individual’s pain. This is an important factor in choosing a Reflexologist.
Charlene spoke of stress. Not just the stress we all know about – the emotional stress — but also the stress the body holds just by being chronically ill. Someone who falls down and skins their knee, breaks a bone or has a cold is experiencing stress (physical stress, body stress)along with the emotional stress of the original condition. When you have a chronic illness (or two, as is often the case in those with Fibromyalgia) this creates physical stress on your body, along with the emotional stress of all that comes with it. So what we have here in a nutshell, as people with Fibromyalgia, is Emotional, Physical and Chronic Stress!
All this stress settles in your body adding insult to injury by creating knots, blockages and clumps of toxins collected at key locations within the body. This stress tightens up and blocks up nerve, muscle and system pathways, literally creating more pain, adding to that of your chronic illness!
Charlene had once explained that these blocks and knots are like traffic jams at the nerve endings. The nerves begin at the feet and end in the head and thus travel all through the body. But when there are traffic jams (blockages and knots), it’s like a tourniquet has been applied to stop the proper flow of energies to release those toxins that have built up.
These toxins and blockages build up in virtually everyone during a normal day or week, but most especially in those with Fibromyalgia. These blockages are often in the form clumps of lactic acid and other toxins in the muscle and other tissues, literally tying knots at the nerve endings. This is why regular treatments are necessary…they build up on a daily basis and must be released regularly, especially in those with Fibromyalgia due to the chronic nature of the condition.
Reflexology works well in tandem with other healing modalities, such as acupuncture, Charlene says. In fact, while in Chicago, she often had clients who had finished their acupuncture treatment, and then came across the hall to her for their Reflexology treatment. Not only are toxins released (during both of these two treatments) but, relaxation of muscles and mind are among the prime benefits. Reflexology treatments can loosen and relax all internal systems so that other therapies can work to their full potential – acupuncture, massage, chiropractic, etc!
Your feet are direct reflections of your body — a mirror image so to speak — as are your hands. As Charlene pointed out in her chart, each reflex area on the feet corresponds to each organ or part of the body. Stimulating and working the nerve endings in each of these areas of the feet (or hands) not only improves circulation in each organ, gland and the entire body, but also unblocks those nerve impulses where stress has caused a traffic jam. Working these traffic jams loose, allows the toxins to break loose and the blocked systems to begin flowing freely and return to normal function.
[Charlene demonstrated foot Reflexology on Terry, and hand Reflexology on Jo Ann, so that everyone could see just how it was done. This is a hands-on therapy with no other instruments or devises needed, so here in our library meeting room, it was quite easy to demonstrate. Terry and Jo Ann were most grateful for the demonstration!]
Releasing these stresses and tensions unblocks the free flow of many of the body’s systems, improves circulation throughout the body, improves nerve impulses and normalizes these systems within the body, all of which in turn stimulate the body’s own healing system.
Reflexology, like acupuncture, massage, etc, is a maintenance and preventative measure, working to help your body help itself. With regular treatments, once a month or more, stresses and toxins don’t have a chance to build up to a critical mass, which can cause unbearable pain and inability to function.
Drink Water afterwards. This is a key point to remember after each session (acupuncture, massage, etc too). Once these toxins are broken loose, and the highway is free and clear, you must flush the toxins out of your body by drinking at least one bottle or more of water. If you don’t, these loose free-flowing toxins will latch onto another muscle of organ or gland and begin creating more havoc right away. The idea here is to get rid of the toxins!
The release of knots and toxins can be a huge help for Fibromyalgia pain. Try it!
Charlene Books is a Certified Reflexologist who has been practicing this 5,000 year old therapy since 1990. She had practiced Reflexology and Reiki in Chicago for several years at the Galter Lifecenter, and has returned to this area to open The Advanced Healing and Reflexology Center, at 52303 Emmons Rd., Suite # 25, South Bend, IN 46637. Call her at 574-277-2323.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Fibromyalgia and our Health Coach
Fibro Notes for Dec 2009 - Our guest speaker was Cindy Cohen, RN and Health Coach. As expected, she was a veritable fountain of information. Our meeting went 45 minutes overtime, and we still weren't ready to leave.
Cindy first covered the risk factors for FMS. Then the Immune System Triggers. These need to be repeated here because these are the things we need to watch out for and consciously work at avoiding... The triggers that stress out our immune system are: Overexertion, Stress, Lack of Exercise, Too Much Exercise, Anxiety, Depression, Lack of Sleep, Physical Trauma, Emotional Trauma, Extremes of Temperature and/or humidity, Infectious Illness, Genetics, Emotional Family issues. All of these things are aggravators for Fibromyalgic symptoms, of course, but importantly they are triggers for running down and weakening our immune system. Good Whole Real foods build UP your immune system.
Cindy stresses that no one else cares as much about you, as you do. You must take responsibility to help heal yourself. Controlling your thinking about foods and deciding to eat healthy, nourishing foods can make a huge difference in your symptoms. Something as simple as saying over and over to yourself, "I will only eat foods that are good for me" will eventually put that thought in your mind.
We inherently know that whole nurtitious foods will help heal us; studies have shown that even cancer can be healed or prevented by eating only whole healthy foods--foods that grow in trees, bushes, in the earth, etc. REAL foods. Fruits and vegetables and foods with fiber like nuts, beans, legumes, whole grains, etc. But even at that, we also need supplements like Omega 3, Vitamin D, and others because the earth doesn't have the same nutrients that it did 100 years ago and some some foods are left wanting in vitamins and minerals. Even the Food Pyramid has changed because of this lack. We are now told that we need 9-13 servings (6 cups) per day instead of the 4-5 that we used to need.
Avoid the inflammatory foods--the ones that create inflammation and pain. These are trans fatty foods and saturated fats, as well as refined white sugar and flour and high fructose corn syrup. Avoid an overabundance of nightshade plant foods - tomato, potato, green peppers, eggplant. They have alkaloids that can trigger nerve and joint pain when eating two or three of these foods at one time. Try eating only one of these foods at a meal.
Cindy is also a Juice Plus+ distributor and that's because of the health benefits that she experienced with her own family. The nutrients in this product provide 13-15 servings of fruits and vegetables a day. She is a firm believer that good nutrition and good food is a major help for any condition, including Fibromyalgia. Starting with a good food diet makes Fibromyalgia and any other chronic illness much easier to deal with because you have a good base with less going wrong in the body.
During the Q & A she told of gluten and lactose intolerance being typical for everyone on the planet because humans have not evolved to have the enzymes to break these foods down sufficiently. Also it is a matter of degree, it shows up strongly in some people and hardly at all in others--until much later, that is, when they contract an autoimmune condition due to their system's inability to deal with these foods that we were never meant to eat anyway...gluten and cow's milk.
Cindy gave a couple of websites for quick videos to learn about the food industry--real eye openers! www.FoodMatters.TV and http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi2494759449/ , a video from Food Inc.
And "Super Size Me" at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7Tv_mihMBA
Also a quick video about a very special book and movie called The Secret. The idea that thought can create reality has been around for many centuries. Thoughts are things. Quite literally. Controlling your thinking, such as repeating "I eat only healthy foods," can indeed create that condition within you. Go to http://www.thesecret.tv/movie/trailer.html
This was an excellent meeting and we're definitely going to have her come back.
Stay well everyone. Come and say Hi on Facebook! Pati* Chandler *:)
Cindy first covered the risk factors for FMS. Then the Immune System Triggers. These need to be repeated here because these are the things we need to watch out for and consciously work at avoiding... The triggers that stress out our immune system are: Overexertion, Stress, Lack of Exercise, Too Much Exercise, Anxiety, Depression, Lack of Sleep, Physical Trauma, Emotional Trauma, Extremes of Temperature and/or humidity, Infectious Illness, Genetics, Emotional Family issues. All of these things are aggravators for Fibromyalgic symptoms, of course, but importantly they are triggers for running down and weakening our immune system. Good Whole Real foods build UP your immune system.
Cindy stresses that no one else cares as much about you, as you do. You must take responsibility to help heal yourself. Controlling your thinking about foods and deciding to eat healthy, nourishing foods can make a huge difference in your symptoms. Something as simple as saying over and over to yourself, "I will only eat foods that are good for me" will eventually put that thought in your mind.
We inherently know that whole nurtitious foods will help heal us; studies have shown that even cancer can be healed or prevented by eating only whole healthy foods--foods that grow in trees, bushes, in the earth, etc. REAL foods. Fruits and vegetables and foods with fiber like nuts, beans, legumes, whole grains, etc. But even at that, we also need supplements like Omega 3, Vitamin D, and others because the earth doesn't have the same nutrients that it did 100 years ago and some some foods are left wanting in vitamins and minerals. Even the Food Pyramid has changed because of this lack. We are now told that we need 9-13 servings (6 cups) per day instead of the 4-5 that we used to need.
Avoid the inflammatory foods--the ones that create inflammation and pain. These are trans fatty foods and saturated fats, as well as refined white sugar and flour and high fructose corn syrup. Avoid an overabundance of nightshade plant foods - tomato, potato, green peppers, eggplant. They have alkaloids that can trigger nerve and joint pain when eating two or three of these foods at one time. Try eating only one of these foods at a meal.
Cindy is also a Juice Plus+ distributor and that's because of the health benefits that she experienced with her own family. The nutrients in this product provide 13-15 servings of fruits and vegetables a day. She is a firm believer that good nutrition and good food is a major help for any condition, including Fibromyalgia. Starting with a good food diet makes Fibromyalgia and any other chronic illness much easier to deal with because you have a good base with less going wrong in the body.
During the Q & A she told of gluten and lactose intolerance being typical for everyone on the planet because humans have not evolved to have the enzymes to break these foods down sufficiently. Also it is a matter of degree, it shows up strongly in some people and hardly at all in others--until much later, that is, when they contract an autoimmune condition due to their system's inability to deal with these foods that we were never meant to eat anyway...gluten and cow's milk.
Cindy gave a couple of websites for quick videos to learn about the food industry--real eye openers! www.FoodMatters.TV and http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi2494759449/ , a video from Food Inc.
And "Super Size Me" at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7Tv_mihMBA
Also a quick video about a very special book and movie called The Secret. The idea that thought can create reality has been around for many centuries. Thoughts are things. Quite literally. Controlling your thinking, such as repeating "I eat only healthy foods," can indeed create that condition within you. Go to http://www.thesecret.tv/movie/trailer.html
This was an excellent meeting and we're definitely going to have her come back.
Stay well everyone. Come and say Hi on Facebook! Pati* Chandler *:)
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Information about our Fibromyalgia Support Group is on my Facebook page, as well as my website, www.managing-fibromyalgia.com. I am pretty new at this particular feat, so have a little patience with me. I am a work in progress! *:) Always!
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Fibromyalgia and the weather
I've not been blogging for a while, and as you can see I've changed "the look." I love nature and it seems that with this particular thought on my mind, I ought to bring a bit of nature along with me.
Do you hear doctors telling you that weather doesn't affect Fibromyalgia? Or Arthritis, for that matter. I do. But I don't find that true for me. I find that when the barometer is changong from up to down OR down to up, I get achy, more tired more easily and generally get a downturn in mood and a few other unnecessary symptoms. That is, it used to. I've found some things that have helped me turn this around.
I am very fortunate in having found my "right combination" - a balance - of supplements, diet, including lots of antioxidants, exercize, pacing and so on that I can live a mostly normal life. As long as I keep the stress down and pace myself appropriately I am literally in no pain.
However. The weather is one of those things that throws a monkey wrench in the works, throwing that balance out of whack. Because of this, I have learned to pay close attention to The Weather Channel . I am nothing if not a good little Gril Scout. Be Prepared. That's my motto. And it really is a good motto for all of those with Fibromyalgia. When you know rain or snow or dampness or humidity or heat or whatever is coming, you can prepare for it.
Clothing is of course a factor- too much or not enough. Staying indoors in the blazing heat, or the extreme cold is helpful. But I fortify as well. I take more Malic Acid when the humidity is up or the heat or cold is extreme. Malic acid helps my muscle pain - it helps magnesium absorb into the cells. Of course I take magnesium as a matter of course for my Fibromyalgia pain, but the Malic Acid helps it absorb better even in low oxygen conditions if I haven't been exercizing enough - which, I'm sorry to say is too often.
I also take Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA). This also fortifies the body because it is a super-duper antioxidant! (See previous blog for more about ALA.)But it is a great help to my nerve pain and those electric-shock-like zaps I get periodically in my wrists, hips, ankles etc. I don't get them very often any more, but when the weather is "electric" my body seems to do the same. So I take an extra dose of ALA.
With the three of these--Malic Acid, magnesium, Alpha-lipoic acid-- along with extra antioxidants, pacing myself and staying out of the heat, I am doing pretty good on the pain scale during these days of rain and humidity and heat. I hope you are all doing well too.
Do you hear doctors telling you that weather doesn't affect Fibromyalgia? Or Arthritis, for that matter. I do. But I don't find that true for me. I find that when the barometer is changong from up to down OR down to up, I get achy, more tired more easily and generally get a downturn in mood and a few other unnecessary symptoms. That is, it used to. I've found some things that have helped me turn this around.
I am very fortunate in having found my "right combination" - a balance - of supplements, diet, including lots of antioxidants, exercize, pacing and so on that I can live a mostly normal life. As long as I keep the stress down and pace myself appropriately I am literally in no pain.
However. The weather is one of those things that throws a monkey wrench in the works, throwing that balance out of whack. Because of this, I have learned to pay close attention to The Weather Channel . I am nothing if not a good little Gril Scout. Be Prepared. That's my motto. And it really is a good motto for all of those with Fibromyalgia. When you know rain or snow or dampness or humidity or heat or whatever is coming, you can prepare for it.
Clothing is of course a factor- too much or not enough. Staying indoors in the blazing heat, or the extreme cold is helpful. But I fortify as well. I take more Malic Acid when the humidity is up or the heat or cold is extreme. Malic acid helps my muscle pain - it helps magnesium absorb into the cells. Of course I take magnesium as a matter of course for my Fibromyalgia pain, but the Malic Acid helps it absorb better even in low oxygen conditions if I haven't been exercizing enough - which, I'm sorry to say is too often.
I also take Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA). This also fortifies the body because it is a super-duper antioxidant! (See previous blog for more about ALA.)But it is a great help to my nerve pain and those electric-shock-like zaps I get periodically in my wrists, hips, ankles etc. I don't get them very often any more, but when the weather is "electric" my body seems to do the same. So I take an extra dose of ALA.
With the three of these--Malic Acid, magnesium, Alpha-lipoic acid-- along with extra antioxidants, pacing myself and staying out of the heat, I am doing pretty good on the pain scale during these days of rain and humidity and heat. I hope you are all doing well too.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Fibro Notes - EFT
In October of '09, our Fibromyalgia Support Group proudly hosted Dr. Kevin Hancock, a very special Chiropractor in the Mishawaka area, who is so very dedicated to helping his patients that he has incorporated a few very helpful and somewhat unique methods of treatment into his repetoire.
One treatment is Oxygen therapy, which incorporates the intake of oxygen through a nasal tube as the patient exerts her muscles. This adds oxygen to the blood flow which in turn oxygenates the muscles helping to relieve muscle pain. Very Healing, indeed. Kudos Dr. Hancock!
Another Kudo comes from his use of EFT, as a very effective adjunct to his chiropractic and oxygen therapies. EFT is being used by a number of professionals, including psychologists, ministers, Osteopaths, Medical Doctors and social workers, all over the world. Anyone can use EFT. Even you.
What is EFT? Well, simply stated it is "an emotional, needle free version of acupuncture...." where one uses the tips of the fingers to tap on specific accupuncture meridian points, while reciting a specific statement, or affirmation, regarding your particular emotional dilema of the moment.
It has become common knowledge that our emotions (particularly stress) affect our well-being, indeed our overall health, especialy in the case of Fibromyalgia. When overwhelmed with specific stressful events, one can become ill almost instantly - ulcers, stroke or heart attacks are the most talked about, but headaches, backaches, intestinal issues and so on are also common. Using EFT, one can literally release the emotional hold on these specific acupuncture points, freeing the blockage that occurrs at these key sites.
This is a gross oversimplification, but the correct process and usage of this "tapping" has helped thousands of people with a wide range of issues, including cravings for smoking, soft drinks, sugar, and overeating in general, also for helping headaches, backaches, migraines, mild depression, anxiety, phobias such as fear of spiders, fear of flying, and much more.
This treatment method may not cure Fibromyalgia, but it can certainly help stresses that can aggravate symptoms. It may help recurrent headaches, sinus blockages, backaches, or stress when dealing with family members, or the boss at work, or calming the mind before going to sleep, or any number of things that crop up in a-day-in-the-life-of-a-Fibromyalgic.
Dr. Hancock's presentation provided us with a new and valuable tool. One that he uses for his patients when necessary, and one that we can also learn to use for ourselves. We really appreciated his insight and demonstration of this wonderful treatment method.
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) or "Tapping" is a remarkable Mind-Body method of treatment. Find out more at www.Emofree.com or Google "Emotional Freedom Technique" or "EFT." You can even download a free training manual at some of these sites! It's easy to learn and may help immeasurably!
I am finding every day that there are more things in heaven and earth that are out there just for our use...we need only find them and apply them. One or more of them is bound to help our particular style of Fibromyalgia...The more we learn, the better we can choose.
Keep Smiling Everyone! It's Important! *:)
One treatment is Oxygen therapy, which incorporates the intake of oxygen through a nasal tube as the patient exerts her muscles. This adds oxygen to the blood flow which in turn oxygenates the muscles helping to relieve muscle pain. Very Healing, indeed. Kudos Dr. Hancock!
Another Kudo comes from his use of EFT, as a very effective adjunct to his chiropractic and oxygen therapies. EFT is being used by a number of professionals, including psychologists, ministers, Osteopaths, Medical Doctors and social workers, all over the world. Anyone can use EFT. Even you.
What is EFT? Well, simply stated it is "an emotional, needle free version of acupuncture...." where one uses the tips of the fingers to tap on specific accupuncture meridian points, while reciting a specific statement, or affirmation, regarding your particular emotional dilema of the moment.
It has become common knowledge that our emotions (particularly stress) affect our well-being, indeed our overall health, especialy in the case of Fibromyalgia. When overwhelmed with specific stressful events, one can become ill almost instantly - ulcers, stroke or heart attacks are the most talked about, but headaches, backaches, intestinal issues and so on are also common. Using EFT, one can literally release the emotional hold on these specific acupuncture points, freeing the blockage that occurrs at these key sites.
This is a gross oversimplification, but the correct process and usage of this "tapping" has helped thousands of people with a wide range of issues, including cravings for smoking, soft drinks, sugar, and overeating in general, also for helping headaches, backaches, migraines, mild depression, anxiety, phobias such as fear of spiders, fear of flying, and much more.
This treatment method may not cure Fibromyalgia, but it can certainly help stresses that can aggravate symptoms. It may help recurrent headaches, sinus blockages, backaches, or stress when dealing with family members, or the boss at work, or calming the mind before going to sleep, or any number of things that crop up in a-day-in-the-life-of-a-Fibromyalgic.
Dr. Hancock's presentation provided us with a new and valuable tool. One that he uses for his patients when necessary, and one that we can also learn to use for ourselves. We really appreciated his insight and demonstration of this wonderful treatment method.
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) or "Tapping" is a remarkable Mind-Body method of treatment. Find out more at www.Emofree.com or Google "Emotional Freedom Technique" or "EFT." You can even download a free training manual at some of these sites! It's easy to learn and may help immeasurably!
I am finding every day that there are more things in heaven and earth that are out there just for our use...we need only find them and apply them. One or more of them is bound to help our particular style of Fibromyalgia...The more we learn, the better we can choose.
Keep Smiling Everyone! It's Important! *:)
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Fibro Notes- Immune Support
Our Fibromyalgia Support Group met on November 10 this year. And because the news had been full of fears over the pandemic Swine Flu, I chose to discuss the Immune System and ways that we can boost it and give ourselves an edge. Those of us with Fibromyalgia are completely familiar with aches and pains and feeling lousy in general, and we know whithout a doubt that getting the flu on top of it would be downright devestating!
It is to our advantage to find the best means and methods to protect ourselves. The Flu shot is one alternative, but not by any means the only one. For some people the flu shot is maniditory and they wouldn't think of going a single year without it because it affords them the protection they need to be sure of not getting the flu.
For others, the flu shot is not an option, for any number of reasons. So they choose to protect themselves naturally. How? The ways of our ancestors... fresh whole fruits, vegetables (with additional onions and garlic), nuts, whole grains, legumes (beans), dark leafy greens, herbs, especially elderberry, lots of water and living smart during the season. All of these are antioxidants by the way, so adding even more antioxidants in the form of the newer "hot" antioxidants like Mangostene Juice, Acai Juice, Pomegranates, etc...GO FOR IT! Take all the antioxidants you can get! The more the better.
Frozen and dried fruits and veggies are also an option. Cooked is the last option-they loose a lot in the translation. But get them any way you can. When cooking, add extra onions, garlic, sage, basil, rosemary and thyme...each of these herbs are antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral! Again, all are antioxidants too!
Be sure to tell your doctor of any supplements you are taking.
There are herbs and supplements that are especially helpful for boosting your immune system. Astaragalus, Eleuthero, Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, Basil and American and Asian Ginseng are commonly used as normalizers and/or stress busters...physical and body stress specifically. They help the body deal with hot and cold temperatures, the stress of illness, the stress of hormones going haywire, etc. These herbs are often called adaptogens because they help your body adapt to mild or even severe internal adjustments such as during an illness or hormonal shifts. It's also handy that they are antioxidants as well.
Elderberry, Olive Leaf Extract, Oil of Oregano are all extremely helpful at fighting off nasty germs, bacteria and even viruses. Elderberry is available in capsules, syrups, lozenges etc. Olive Leaf Extract and Oil of Oregano are available in liquid and capsules.
If you have heard of Juice Plus+, you probably already know they they are fruits and veggies in a capsule (or now also adlut-strength gummies). These are antioxidants "on-the-hoof" as it were. If you don't have access to or the wherewithall to eat 13 servings of fruits and veggies every single day, this is a good way to get them .
Getting antioxidants naturally through eating fresh whole foods, REAL foods and herbs like sage, Basil, etc is the number one way to boost your immune system, then there are the adabtogens and the supplements for even more boost. Wash your hands frequently and drink lots of water, preferably with a pH of 7 or above.
Stay well everyone and Keep Smiling! It's Important!
It is to our advantage to find the best means and methods to protect ourselves. The Flu shot is one alternative, but not by any means the only one. For some people the flu shot is maniditory and they wouldn't think of going a single year without it because it affords them the protection they need to be sure of not getting the flu.
For others, the flu shot is not an option, for any number of reasons. So they choose to protect themselves naturally. How? The ways of our ancestors... fresh whole fruits, vegetables (with additional onions and garlic), nuts, whole grains, legumes (beans), dark leafy greens, herbs, especially elderberry, lots of water and living smart during the season. All of these are antioxidants by the way, so adding even more antioxidants in the form of the newer "hot" antioxidants like Mangostene Juice, Acai Juice, Pomegranates, etc...GO FOR IT! Take all the antioxidants you can get! The more the better.
Frozen and dried fruits and veggies are also an option. Cooked is the last option-they loose a lot in the translation. But get them any way you can. When cooking, add extra onions, garlic, sage, basil, rosemary and thyme...each of these herbs are antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral! Again, all are antioxidants too!
Be sure to tell your doctor of any supplements you are taking.
There are herbs and supplements that are especially helpful for boosting your immune system. Astaragalus, Eleuthero, Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, Basil and American and Asian Ginseng are commonly used as normalizers and/or stress busters...physical and body stress specifically. They help the body deal with hot and cold temperatures, the stress of illness, the stress of hormones going haywire, etc. These herbs are often called adaptogens because they help your body adapt to mild or even severe internal adjustments such as during an illness or hormonal shifts. It's also handy that they are antioxidants as well.
Elderberry, Olive Leaf Extract, Oil of Oregano are all extremely helpful at fighting off nasty germs, bacteria and even viruses. Elderberry is available in capsules, syrups, lozenges etc. Olive Leaf Extract and Oil of Oregano are available in liquid and capsules.
If you have heard of Juice Plus+, you probably already know they they are fruits and veggies in a capsule (or now also adlut-strength gummies). These are antioxidants "on-the-hoof" as it were. If you don't have access to or the wherewithall to eat 13 servings of fruits and veggies every single day, this is a good way to get them .
Getting antioxidants naturally through eating fresh whole foods, REAL foods and herbs like sage, Basil, etc is the number one way to boost your immune system, then there are the adabtogens and the supplements for even more boost. Wash your hands frequently and drink lots of water, preferably with a pH of 7 or above.
Stay well everyone and Keep Smiling! It's Important!
Friday, February 5, 2010
Oops...Forever Learning
Hi everyone! I just learned that I didn't enable a few buttons on my blog, one of which was the button that enables comments. This was unintentional, I assure you. It is now enabled. You can now post away...Please be kind...*:) Keep Smiling! It's Important!
Saturday, January 30, 2010
A Cosmic 2 X 4...Alpha Lipoic Acid
A Cosmic 2 X 4 is an attention-getting mechanism from Spirit, God, or the heavens above that ensures I "get the message." Picture a 2 X 4 banging me over the head until the message sinks in.
This often comes in the form of a word or a phrase coming at me (just showing up) repeatedly, sometimes for days, until I finally "get it." I'll open a magazine--there's that word. I'll get a phone call and someone will have a question about that word or topic. An "accidental" click of the mouse, an over-heard conversation, a TV comercial, a piece of paper falling off my desk face-up and there it is...again!!
All of these not-so-subtle hints usually means that I need to do something with this word. In this case, talk about it... The word? NERVE PAIN.
Twelve years ago, when I decided that I was unwilling to be subject to permanent prescriptions for this syndrome, I chose to use a natural approach and began researching supplements, herbals and trial and erroring multiple treatments like acupuncture, chiropractic, and much more. After the first month of research I began taking Magnesium, Malic Acid, Omega 3 EPA-DHA and a multi-vitamin. And I read that antioxidants were helpful too. The anti-oxidant I chose was Alpha Lipoic Acid because it is generally considered a super-antioxidant. It actually cleans up Vitamins C and E, then puts them back to work. Being a fat soluble AND water soluble antioxidant, it can do it's job anywhere and everywhere in the body, unlike other territory-specific antioxidants.
This combination of supplements, along with the other alternative therapies I was doing (and some things I was NOT doing any more) proved to be quite beneficial for my particular brand of Fibromyalgia symptoms, especially the pain.
But it wasn't until I began doing even more in depth research for my book, Managing Fibromyalgia - Getting to know Your Aggravators that I discovered how I had "accidentally" (if you believe in accidents) stumbled onto the one supplement that had helped my NERVE PAIN ten years earlier. I had assumed that my sizzling, tingling and burning skin, numb and tingling fingers and toes, and electric shock-like zaps of pain shooting up my legs and down my arms had been helped by just the right the combination of everything I had chosen to use, and do.
But in my research, I found out that this antioxidant, Alpha Lipoic Acid, had been used for 30 years in Germany, Switzerland and most of Europe for Diabetic Neuropathy...NERVE PAIN. It's not only used for diabetics, though. In fact, there are more than one hundred different types of periferal nerve pain according to the National Institute of Health (NIH), and Alpha Lipoic Acid is used for many of them in Europe, and by many Naturopathic, Holistic and knowledgeable Physicians here in the states.
An interesting note by Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum in his book Pain Free 1-2-3, tells that Benedryl, the antihistamine, also helps nerve pain for some people, although they don't really know why. He says Capsaicin also helps some people because it helps neutralize Substance P.
For more information about Alpha Lipoic Acid:
check out Univ.of Maryland Medical Center at
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/alpha-lipoic-000285.htm.
Or check out the article on About.com, http://altmedicine.about.com/od/alphalipoicacid/a/alphalipoicacid.htm
Or check out the Mayo Clinic
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/peripheral-neuropathy/DS00131
NOTE: before taking any supplements please ask your doctor if they may be right for you. Please tell your doctor all the supplements you may be taking in order to avoid any unwanted interactions.
Keep smiling everyone! It's Important! *:)
This often comes in the form of a word or a phrase coming at me (just showing up) repeatedly, sometimes for days, until I finally "get it." I'll open a magazine--there's that word. I'll get a phone call and someone will have a question about that word or topic. An "accidental" click of the mouse, an over-heard conversation, a TV comercial, a piece of paper falling off my desk face-up and there it is...again!!
All of these not-so-subtle hints usually means that I need to do something with this word. In this case, talk about it... The word? NERVE PAIN.
Twelve years ago, when I decided that I was unwilling to be subject to permanent prescriptions for this syndrome, I chose to use a natural approach and began researching supplements, herbals and trial and erroring multiple treatments like acupuncture, chiropractic, and much more. After the first month of research I began taking Magnesium, Malic Acid, Omega 3 EPA-DHA and a multi-vitamin. And I read that antioxidants were helpful too. The anti-oxidant I chose was Alpha Lipoic Acid because it is generally considered a super-antioxidant. It actually cleans up Vitamins C and E, then puts them back to work. Being a fat soluble AND water soluble antioxidant, it can do it's job anywhere and everywhere in the body, unlike other territory-specific antioxidants.
This combination of supplements, along with the other alternative therapies I was doing (and some things I was NOT doing any more) proved to be quite beneficial for my particular brand of Fibromyalgia symptoms, especially the pain.
But it wasn't until I began doing even more in depth research for my book, Managing Fibromyalgia - Getting to know Your Aggravators that I discovered how I had "accidentally" (if you believe in accidents) stumbled onto the one supplement that had helped my NERVE PAIN ten years earlier. I had assumed that my sizzling, tingling and burning skin, numb and tingling fingers and toes, and electric shock-like zaps of pain shooting up my legs and down my arms had been helped by just the right the combination of everything I had chosen to use, and do.
But in my research, I found out that this antioxidant, Alpha Lipoic Acid, had been used for 30 years in Germany, Switzerland and most of Europe for Diabetic Neuropathy...NERVE PAIN. It's not only used for diabetics, though. In fact, there are more than one hundred different types of periferal nerve pain according to the National Institute of Health (NIH), and Alpha Lipoic Acid is used for many of them in Europe, and by many Naturopathic, Holistic and knowledgeable Physicians here in the states.
An interesting note by Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum in his book Pain Free 1-2-3, tells that Benedryl, the antihistamine, also helps nerve pain for some people, although they don't really know why. He says Capsaicin also helps some people because it helps neutralize Substance P.
For more information about Alpha Lipoic Acid:
check out Univ.of Maryland Medical Center at
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/alpha-lipoic-000285.htm.
Or check out the article on About.com, http://altmedicine.about.com/od/alphalipoicacid/a/alphalipoicacid.htm
Or check out the Mayo Clinic
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/peripheral-neuropathy/DS00131
NOTE: before taking any supplements please ask your doctor if they may be right for you. Please tell your doctor all the supplements you may be taking in order to avoid any unwanted interactions.
Keep smiling everyone! It's Important! *:)
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Fibro Notes, Acid-Alkaline Factor
"Fibro Notes" are born from our local Fibromyalgia Support Group, which meets the second tuesday of each month.
September of last year (2009) I invited A wonderful couple to come speak at our Fibromyalgia Support Group, and demonstrate their Kangen Water Filter. Not only did they inform us of the acididty of our local water and numerous bottled waters, they also stressed the importance of the antioxidant nature of alkaline water. We had all brought small water bottles to take home samples, but they had brought 20 or so clean, empty milk jugs to give us even more free samples! This alkaline water was much appreciated by all who took it home-- which was everyone, of course!
Chronic illness and diseases of all kinds, Fibromyalgia, osteoporosis, arthritis, even cancer included, tend to run amok in a body that is acidic. In fact, Acidity breeds illness. And it makes it much harder for ANY kind of treatment of bring the body back to "normal."
The correct balance of acid to alkaline in the diet is 25% acidic foods (and drinks) to 75% alakline. The problem lies in our Western diet where these percentages are dramatically askew! With powerful acidics such as soft drinks, hydrogenated foods, trans fats, sugar, artificial sweeteners, and the everyday "normal" stuff like coffee, white bread, meats and refined-everything, it's nearly impossible to keep up that alkaline percentage!
Alkaline water helps raise the body's alkalinity, as do most fruits and vegetables (maybe that's one reason we're always told to "eat our fruits and veggies"). Onions and garlic, parsley and olive oil are all alkaline, as are green tea and herbal tea. A slice of lemon or lime added to your regular drinking water or tea will also help. Even though these and other citrus fruits like oranges are acidic to start with, once they enter the body they are converted to bicarbonates - Alklines. There is a new 0 calorie sugar substitute called Just Like Sugar, which has a pH of 8 that will help add to your alkalinity.
A few websites that tell more about the importance of acid-alakine balance are: http://www.acidalkalinediet.com/Alkaline-Foods-Chart.htm,
http://www.thewolfeclinic.com/acidalkfoods.html
http://www.womentowomen.com/digestionandgihealth/acidalkalinefoodchart.aspx
http://www.rense.com/1.mpicons/acidalka.htm
Keep smiling everyone! It's important! *:)
September of last year (2009) I invited A wonderful couple to come speak at our Fibromyalgia Support Group, and demonstrate their Kangen Water Filter. Not only did they inform us of the acididty of our local water and numerous bottled waters, they also stressed the importance of the antioxidant nature of alkaline water. We had all brought small water bottles to take home samples, but they had brought 20 or so clean, empty milk jugs to give us even more free samples! This alkaline water was much appreciated by all who took it home-- which was everyone, of course!
Chronic illness and diseases of all kinds, Fibromyalgia, osteoporosis, arthritis, even cancer included, tend to run amok in a body that is acidic. In fact, Acidity breeds illness. And it makes it much harder for ANY kind of treatment of bring the body back to "normal."
The correct balance of acid to alkaline in the diet is 25% acidic foods (and drinks) to 75% alakline. The problem lies in our Western diet where these percentages are dramatically askew! With powerful acidics such as soft drinks, hydrogenated foods, trans fats, sugar, artificial sweeteners, and the everyday "normal" stuff like coffee, white bread, meats and refined-everything, it's nearly impossible to keep up that alkaline percentage!
Alkaline water helps raise the body's alkalinity, as do most fruits and vegetables (maybe that's one reason we're always told to "eat our fruits and veggies"). Onions and garlic, parsley and olive oil are all alkaline, as are green tea and herbal tea. A slice of lemon or lime added to your regular drinking water or tea will also help. Even though these and other citrus fruits like oranges are acidic to start with, once they enter the body they are converted to bicarbonates - Alklines. There is a new 0 calorie sugar substitute called Just Like Sugar, which has a pH of 8 that will help add to your alkalinity.
A few websites that tell more about the importance of acid-alakine balance are: http://www.acidalkalinediet.com/Alkaline-Foods-Chart.htm,
http://www.thewolfeclinic.com/acidalkfoods.html
http://www.womentowomen.com/digestionandgihealth/acidalkalinefoodchart.aspx
http://www.rense.com/1.mpicons/acidalka.htm
Keep smiling everyone! It's important! *:)
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