Archive for July 2012
It is estimated upwards of six million people suffer with Fibromyalgia in the United State. Worldwide the numbers clam 4% of any countries population.
At this time Health Care Providers have difficulty diagnosing this condition. Currently there is no specific testing available to identify this disorder. (MRI, X-rays, or Blood Test) There is also the possibility other conditions maybe involved and causing systems.
Common complaints associated with Fibromyalgia are pain and tenderness throughout the body.
Researchers are continuing to examine and determine the cause of this condition. Increased levels of Substance P. Stress or Trauma. Lowered pain thresholds due to a lack of Serotonin.
Important Factors to consider.
Sleep: Proper sleeping habits. A good night sleep always has a positive effect on health.
Exercise: Keeping our muscles in action and increasing blood flow has a positive effect. Pain can hinder our desire to move. Lack of motion can have a negative effect our muscles and joints. Remember your heart is a muscle too.
Nutrition: Inflammation is one of the leading causes of pain. So many foods have an anti-inflammatory factor. Incorporating these types of foods into you diet can only help. Food is fun and enjoyable.
Oral Pain Medications: Classified as NSAIDs (Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs). These drugs are used by million of people. Because they cause a further build up of Substance P, which may already be a part of the problem, I always question their use when dealing any type of pain. There are so many negative side effects associated with these drugs. Liver damage. Stroke. Heart Attack. Addiction.
As Health Care Providers and people dealing with this condition become increasingly educated and researchers discover more about the cause, treatment will improve. Trust in yourself to share your successes with your Doctor. Surly he or she will be interested in what you have to say.
Besides Pain Medications Antidepressants and Anti-seizure drugs maybe prescribed by a physician.
Lyrica has been the first pharmaceutical to be approved by the FDA for treatment of Fibromyalgia. Found to relieve nerve pain it is also used for treatment of pain for shingles and herpes.
Neurontin is also used. Helpful in epilepsy and some types of seizures besides nerve pain.
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Ice cold Watermelon. How can you pass that up.
The one big surprise, when you cut into a watermelon, is there’s a party inside. Kids of all ages have a great time with the melon. Of course it’s best to have this party outside. The party can tend to be a little messy. The sweet flesh and the juice running down your chin. The seeds are great for spitting. I say if there is one food to have a good time with 
it’s this one. I don’t recall ever seeing a child that didn’t laugh and giggle enjoying watermelon. A fun run through the sprinkler is a good idea after and adds to the fun.
The melon, which is actually considered a berry by some and a vegetable by others, originated in Africa. There are over 1200 varieties with 50 found in the USA. From 1 lb. and up to 200 lbs. in weight. In the Guinness Book of World Records the largest known was 262 lbs.
A great source of vitamin C, and A. Also high in Beta- Carotene. Low in Saturated Fat, Cholesterol and Sodium. As you may guess from the juice running down your chin, by weight, it’s mostly water.
Considered one of the fat-fighting foods there are reports it may also lower blood pressure.
Lycopene, an antioxidant, that may reduce the chances of cancer and other conditions.
In recent years studies are saying watermelon has “The Viagra Effect.” Because of Citrulline, a nutrient that has the ability to relax blood vessels.
Now try the melon in more ways than just by the slice. There is a stir-fry where the rind is used. Use it in drinks and add some to a salad. Try the melon in a salsa. On ice cream or in yogurt. Pickled and then there’s the wine. Now I see it deep-fried and other ways to cook it too.
We have been doing watermelon a little more this year since it’s been so hot. Salsa is next on my list.
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It is a well-known fact aromas affect our emotions. Some smells are happy and others not so much.
The bouquet of bread baking in the oven has always been one of my favorites. Opening a jug of milk that’s spoiled never gets a smile.
Aromas can take us to a better place. Like the smell of baking bread. I enjoy bread a lot and besides giving me that hungry feeling both my grandmothers baked and a warm slice of bread with butter and jam was, and still is, a treat.
I suppose somewhere in that thick skull of mime I’m back with grandma enjoying bread with her.
Now you say will aromas help ease pain. There is evidence it can. Aroma Therapy has been around across the ages of time. Even though the scientific community hasn’t devoted a lot of time on the subject evidence still supports positive effects.
Essential oils from plants are typically used. Flowers, spices, and herbs. The relaxing effect from a fragrance, reducing anxiety and stress, is a big pulse. It’s sort of rejuvenation of the soul. Who doesn’t work up a smile when enjoying the scent of a flower. The fragrant smells of herbs and spices coming from the kitchen when cooking.
Lemon and citrus. I am more inclined to Oranges. Citrus is such a fresh clean smell.
Shown to help with depression, fatigue, and anxiety. Also add frankincense, peppermint and jasmine the list.
Smelling jasmine may help you stay asleep and some say your mental performance will show improvement the next day.
Green Apples may help with the pain of Migraine Headaches.
Migraines are troublesome for many and they report some scents may even trigger a headache.
Vanilla. May help steady heart rate and blood pressure.
There certainly are countless essential oils we can benefit from. You local Natural Store will be able to help.
There are people who are dedicated to this practice and have spent their lives working on formulas they feel work on many conditions. Raising plants in their own backyards and extracting the oils.
Although the effects of Aromatherapy maybe more of an emotional response every bit helps when it come to the trauma and anxiety caused by pain. These scents can be added to a bath or select a spot on your clothing and carry it with you for the day.
Our good friend and physician Dr. Oz recommends trying some of these aromas for pain, relaxation, and rejuvenation.
These essential oils are also used in massage therapy and are proven to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
We here at Forget The Pain and Real Time Pain Relief take full advantage of these natural oils and ingredients.
References
Aromas Cope With Pain
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Certain unapproved drugs that contain oxycodone have been instructed by the FDA to be removed from the market and the manufacture is to Stop.
A strong narcotic, oxycodone is a pain reliever. With all the risks of any opioid. The exact method on how this drug works is not fully understood by medical science.
This drug saw approval by the FDA in 1976 and since has become one of the most addicting and dangerous drugs on the market. It causes more deaths than cocaine and heroin combined.
Trade names: Oxycontin, Roxicodone, M-oxy, ETH-Oxydose, Oxyfast, and OxyIR.
All of the reading on this matter is somewhat vague. The FDA states:
Companies with certain products that are subject to this action are expected to stop manufacturing the products within 45 days and stop shipping the products within 90 days. Products that are subject to these timeframes are products that:
- were introduced onto the market before Sept. 19, 2011
- were listed in the FDA’s Drug Registration and Listing System before July 6, 2012, and
- were being commercially used or sold before July 6, 2012.
It’s the usual story, profits ahead of public interest.
I have a couple friends who have been prescribed this drug. One has degenerative spin disease. They all report tolerance to the drug and have been increasing the dose as the days go by. I certainly worry about them and overdose.
The side effect comprise an extensive list. Memory loss, constipation, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, light headedness, headache, dry mouth, anxiety, itching, and heavy sweating. Dimness in vision, loss of appetite, nervousness, abdominal pain, diarrhea, urine retention, dyspnea, and hiccups. Rare reports of the drug causing impotence, enlarged prostate gland, and decreased testosterone secretion.
As with any opioid signs of overdose include shallow breathing or respiratory arrest, cold, clammy skin, rise in blood pressure, pupil constriction, circulatory collapse, and death.
There are many ways to deal with pain and this opioid should be avoided at all costs except for extreme measures. Oxycodone is a large problem with recreational drug users. Addiction has become rampant.
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You know I’m always saying real food can have a positive impact on our health and how we feel. Food is fun too.
Now I have discovered Kale. A friend was posting on Facebook about her dinner. Kale Chips. I wasn’t familiar with the green. I have seen it in the market. It’s a member of the cabbage family of plants. Broccoli, cauliflower, collard greens, and brussels sprouts. They all have high nutritional value and many health benefits. High in beta carotene, vitamin K, vitamin C, lutein, zeaxanthin, and reasonably rich in calcium. It doesn’t lose these nutrient when cooking. Said to be sweeter after freezing. Sounds amazing.
There are also flowering varieties that look great in the garden. These are also edible.
As I was saying about the freezer picking in fall after the first frost also tends to sweeten the taste.
I started looking around and recipes for Kale abound.
Do you recall when I said food can even manipulate our genes? Kale in on the list.
Antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Sulforaphane, a chemical with potent anti-cancer properties especially present when minced.
I am starting with the chips. The recipe calls for Tamera. With wheat free Tamara it’s gluten free. Soy Sauce will do for me.
I found this on the Kroger’s website.
2 Tbs. olive oil. 1 clove garlic, minced (or more). 1 tsp. minced fresh ginger. ¼ cup slivered almonds.
1½ lb. kale, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces. 2 Tbs. low-sodium vegetable broth
1 Tbs. wheat-free Tamara.
Heat large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil, garlic, and ginger, and sauté 30 seconds. Add almonds, and cook 1 minute more. Add kale, broth, and Tamari. Stir-fry 5 minutes, or until kale is wilted but not soggy.
Borecole, as it’s also called, can be enjoyed in many ways. I say grab a bundle next time you shop! Plant some in the garden too.
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Blueberries have been showing up at the Farmers Market.
As the weather warms up the Blueberry begins to ripen. Surely we have had no shortage of warm, even hot, weather this year.
There are several states known for their Blueberries and Michigan is one. Maine is at the top of the list.
The Blueberry is a plant native to North America. Native Americans used the plant, and the berries, in many ways. They revered the plant as a gift from the great spirit and creator. The word they used for the fruit translated to The Star Berry.
The plant was used as food, a flavoring, and a medicine from the root to the fruit.
I discovered a salsa last week made with the berry and apples. I am sure I will be able to duplicate this at home.
I used it on a pork butt for the 4th of July. Coating the pork butt with it before I put it on the smoker it and then as a dipping sauce as we ate it. Superb. I’m sure it will do well with beef too.
I was out picking Blueberries with my mother and sisters almost every summer growing up. I remember the heat and hot sun. Most of all the berries. My mom would freeze them and made jam. On a hot summer day taking a bag of frozen berries from the freezer and munching then was a cooling treat. As a child who knew the Blueberry was so good for you.
Today many consider the Star Berry a supper food. High in antioxidants and they have anti-inflammatory and anti-ageing properties. (Want healthy skin? Eat the Blueberry.) Vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin K and dietary fiber. They also have a minimal effect on blood sugar, even lowering it. Positive effects on blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Whether you’re going to go and pick them yourself or buy them at the market or a road side stand enjoy some Blueberries. They freeze well and are a healthy and tasty treat for children as well as adults. Enjoy then all year-long.
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