Category: fibromyalgia

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What is Oxidative Decomposition

It can be said that we are all slowly dying. Edging toward the end of our years day by day. With every breath that keeps us alive, there is an equal action taking place in our bodies that lead us towards death.  Its a little complicated but basically a molecule with one or more unpaired electrons in its outer shell is to blame. This is extra electron is called a free radical. According to the National Institutes of Health free radicals are described as follows. Free radical reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species are generated by our body by various endogenous systems, exposure to different physiochemical conditions or pathological states create destructive free radicals. A balance between free radicals and antioxidants is necessary for proper physiological function. If free radicals overwhelm the body’s ability to regulate them, a condition known as oxidative stress ensues. Free radicals adversely alter lipids, proteins, and DNA and trigger a number of human diseases. Not only do we create free radicals from normal cell metabolism, but air pollution, cigarette smoking, radiation, and some medications can also contribute to free radicals.

Oxygen is an element indispensable for life. When cells use oxygen to generate energy, free radicals are created as a consequence of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production by the mitochondria. Oxidative stress plays a major part in the development of chronic and degenerative ailments such as cancer, arthritis, aging, autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Like fibromyalgia which is catagorized as an autoimmune disease.

Also, phagocytes (neutrophils, macrophages, monocytes) found in blood release free radicals to destroy invading pathogenic microbes as part of the body’s defense mechanism against disease.

So what can we do to keep free radicals at bay and under control? Eat a well balanced diet full of fruits and vegetables. Blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries and cranberries are among the top fruit sources of antioxidants. So are other fruits, such as apples grapes and most citrus fruits. Eat more stone fruits, or fruits that have a large hard seed inside like (peaches, nectarines, apricots, cherries) plus artichokes, kale and bell peppers top the list of vegetables high in antioxidants. Other options include asparagus, beets, broccoli, red cabbage and tomatoes and prunes. Even pomegranate and olives contribute. Sweet potatoes are good sources of antioxidants, too. Walnuts, pistachios, pecans, hazelnuts and almonds are some of the top nuts for antioxidant content. Not crazy about nuts? Try sunflower, sesame or ground flaxseed in recipes. And lets not forget  kidney beans, edamame and lentils.

There are also a host of great supplements out there to help you to get the antioxidant load that you need to help combat oxidative decomposition. Bon Appetite!

 

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Why Your Health Matters

Why Your Health Matters

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It has been an amazing spring season so far. The valley has received much needed rain, the trees and flowers are doing what they do best, entertaining us with their timeless beauty. How do you feel on a warm sunny day with new life everywhere around you. The way you feel and react to what you see, feel, touch and hear affects your health. Your health matters because you matter.  I want to help you get on your way to feeling your best, no matter what season of life you are in. www.mydoterra.com/onehealthylemon
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Try and get some Sunshine for SAD

Try and get some Sunshine for SAD

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     With most of the country in a self describe “deep Freeze” it can be hard and or challenging to do things like get some sunshine. There is a condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This is a mood disorder in which people who have normal mood throughout most of the year exhibit depressive symptoms at the same time each year, most commonly in the winter. People may sleep too much or have little energy. The condition in the summer can include heightened anxiety. Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression thats related to changes in seasons. SAD begins and ends at about the same times every year. If you’re like most people with SAD, your symptoms start in the fall and continue into the winter months, making you feel tired, sapping your energy and making you feel moody. It can in extreme cases cause depression in the spring or early summer. Keep a healthy diet that includes multivitamins to supplement vitamins D and C. If you can get outside and walk do it, if not find a treadmill or walk vigorously around your home. One idea that is highly recommended is a happy light or phototherapy. This type of light mimics the suns rays without the harmful UV side effects. https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=happy+lights+&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Ahappy+lights+
One also may seek psychotherapy or in extreme cases medication.
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Get up go for a walk…..they say

Get up go for a walk…..they say

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Walking is a great way to exercise for those suffering with fibromyalgia. If you can convince yourself to walk for 30 minutes three times a week, you will reap the health benefits of added activity. When you struggle with fibromyalgia, getting out of the house and going for a walk can be challenging. It isn’t simply go for a walk. It is move, get dressed, put on walking attire; which involves moving arms and legs in awkward painful positions, which means more pain. It involves bending over putting on shoes…pant pant. It involves getting yourself socially ready in case you run into someone you know on your walk or God forbid someone you know drives and shouts hello. Which on a good day is welcome. But this may not be a good day. You may not be feeling social on most days. For someone suffering with fibromyalgia the struggle to be social and get out can be overwhelming. Here a some helpful tips for your walk.
1. Get a pair of stretchy pants (aka yoga pants)
2. Slip on shoes (I suggest GoWalk by Sketchers)https://www.skechers.com/en-us/styles/shoes/performance/gowalk
3. Put on a pair of large sunglasses to disguise yourself in case you do not want to be identified.
4. Focus on your steps and your surrounding enjoy the day!
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You and Fibromyalgia

The American College of Rheumatology defines Fibromyalgia as follows: Fibromyalgia is a common neurologic health problem that causes widespread pain and tenderness (sensitivity to touch). The pain and tenderness tend to come and go and move about the body. Most often, people with this chronic (long-term) illness are fatigued (very tired) and have sleep problems. The diagnosis can be made with a careful examination.

Fibromyalgia is most common in women, though it can occur in men. It most often starts in middle adulthood but can occur in the teen years and in old age. You are at higher risk for fibromyalgia if you have a rheumatic disease (health problem that affects the joints, muscles, and bones). These include osteoarthritis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or ankylosing spondylitis.

Fibromyalgia is a neurologic chronic health condition that causes pain all over the body and other symptoms. Other symptoms of fibromyalgia that patients most often have are:

  • Tenderness to touch or pressure affecting muscles and sometimes joints or even the skin
  • Severe fatigue
  • Sleep problems (waking up unrefreshed)
  • Problems with memory or thinking clearly

Some patients also may have:

  • Depression or anxiety
  • Migraine or tension headaches
  • Digestive problems: irritable bowel syndrome (commonly called IBS) or gastroesophageal reflux disease (often referred to as GERD)
  • Irritable or overactive bladder
  • Pelvic pain
  • Temporomandibular disorder – often called TMJ (a set of symptoms including face or jaw pain, jaw clicking, and ringing in the ears)

Living with Fibromyalgia

Even with the many treatment options, patient self-care is vital to improving symptoms and daily function. In concert with medical treatment, healthy lifestyle behaviors can reduce pain, increase sleep quality, lessen fatigue, and help you cope better with fibromyalgia. With proper treatment and self-care, you can get better and live a more normal life. Here are some self-care tips for living with fibromyalgia:

  • Make time to relax each day. Deep-breathing exercises and meditation will help reduce the stress that can bring on symptoms.
  • Set a regular sleep pattern. Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day. Getting enough sleep lets your body repair itself, physically and mentally. Also, avoid daytime napping and limit caffeine intake, which can disrupt sleep. Nicotine is a stimulant, so those fibromyalgia patients with sleep problems should stop smoking.
  • Exercise often. This is a very important part of fibromyalgia treatment. While difficult at first, regular exercise often reduces pain symptoms and fatigue. Patients should follow the saying, “Start low, go slow.” Slowly add daily fitness into your routine. For instance, take the stairs instead of the elevator, or park further away from the store. As your symptoms decrease with drug treatments, start increasing your activity. Add in some walking, swimming, water aerobics, and/or stretching exercises, and begin to do things that you stopped doing because of your pain and other symptoms. It takes time to create a comfortable routine. Just get moving, stay active, and don’t give up!
  • Educate yourself. Nationally recognized organizations like the Arthritis Foundation and the National Fibromyalgia Association are great resources for information. Share this information with family, friends, and co-workers.
  • Look forward, not backward. Focus on what you need to do to get better, not what caused your illness.

Essential oils that work well with fibromyalgia

Juniper Berry, Black Pepper, Ginger, Cedarwood, Spearmint, Rosemary, Roman Chamomile.