Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a common condition characterized by long-term, body-wide pain and tender points in joints, muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues. Fibromyalgia has also been linked to fatigue, morning stiffness, sleep problems, headaches, numbness in hands and feet, depression, and anxiety.

Fibromyalgia can develop on its own or along with other musculoskeletal conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

The cause of this disorder is unknown. Physical or emotional trauma may play a role in development of the syndrome. Some evidence suggests that fibromyalgia patients have abnormal pain transmission responses.

It has been suggested that sleep disturbances, which are common in fibromyalgia patients, may actually cause the condition. Another theory suggests that the disorder may be associated with changes in skeletal muscle metabolism, possibly caused by decreased blood flow, which could cause chronic fatigue and weakness.

Others have suggested that an infectious microbe, such as a virus, triggers the illness. At this point, no such virus or microbe has been identified.

Pilot studies have shown a possible inherited tendency toward the disease, though evidence is very preliminary.

The disorder has an increased frequency among women 20 to 50 years old. The prevalence of the disease has been estimated between 0.7% and 13% for women, and between 0.2% and 3.9% for men.

Symptoms

The overwhelming characteristic of fibromyalgia is long-standing, body-wide pain with defined tender points. Tender points are distinct from trigger points seen in other pain syndromes. Unlike tender points, trigger points can occur in isolation and represent a source of radiating pain, even in the absence of direct pressure.

Fibromyalgia pain can mimic the pain that occurs with various types of arthritis. However, the significant swelling, destruction, and deformity of joints seen in diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis does not occur with fibromyalgia syndrome alone.

The soft-tissue pain of fibromyalgia is described as deep-aching, radiating, gnawing, shooting or burning, and ranges from mild to severe. Fibromyalgia sufferers tend to wake up with body aches and stiffness.

For some patients, pain improves during the day and increases again during the evening, though many patients with fibromyalgia have day-long, unrelenting pain. Pain can increase with activity, cold or damp weather, anxiety, and stress.

Specific symptoms:

Multiple tender areas (muscle and joint pain) on the back of the neck, shoulders, sternum, lower back, hips, shins, elbows, knees.

Fatigue

Sleep disturbances

Body Aches

Reduced Exercise tolerance

Chronic facial muscle pain or aching

While there is nothing to 'cure' Fibromyalgia at this point, there are many natural remedies and supplements that many fibromyalgia sufferers claim to provide them with relief. Joining a support group in your area or online can help you on your journey.

You Can Protect Your Kids

The National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP)
can help you keep diabetes from being a family affair.

BY KALIA DONER

JUDITH FRADKIN, M.D., is a member of the NDEP executive committee
and director of the Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases
of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).
She is leading the charge to stop diabetes from damaging adults' and children's health

DIABETES FOCUS: How widespread is the risk of diabetes?
DR. FRADKIN: We know that nationally 57 million people have prediabetes, and
many of these individuals are not aware of it. We want to identify people with
prediabetes and to actively work to prevent it from turning into full-blown
type 2 diabetes. Clinical trials have shown that modest changes in weight and
activity can dramatically reduce diabetes risk. We call this "Small Steps. Big Rewards."

DF: How do people know if they are at risk for prediabetes?
DR. F: The first thing is to find out if there is a history of diabetes in your family. Women
are at increased risk if they have had gestational diabetes or a baby weighing nine pounds or more. Some ethnic minorities, such as American Indians, African Americans, Latinos and Hispanics, are at increased risk, as are people who are obese or sedentary or have high
blood pressure.

DF: What is prediabetes?
DR. F: Prediabetes is characterized by blood glucose levels that are higher than normal but
lower than levels that indicate diabetes. A person has prediabetes when glucose levels run
consistently between 100 and 120.

DF: Is prediabetes increasing?
DR. F: Yes, and there are a couple of reasons for that. First, the population is getting older
overall, and we know that about 20 percent of all older folks get diabetes. Second, we are
becoming an ever more sedentary society that doesn't always eat properly.

DF: Does prediabetes carry any of its own risks or complications?
DR. F: Absolutely. Prediabetes is often accompanied by high blood pressure and unhealthy
lipid levels. People with prediabetes are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease,
although that risk is not as high as for those with diabetes. And some people with prediabetes
start to develop changes in the eye that are signs of early retinopathy. So prediabetes is
serious and risky too.

DF: What percentage of people who have prediabetes convert to full-blown
type 2 diabetes?
DR. F: In a study called the Diabetes Prevention Program, 11 percent of those with prediabetes developed type 2 each year. People with prediabetes who lost about 15 pounds reduced the
risk of diabetes by more than half, and some even reversed prediabetes and returned to
normal glucose levels.

DF: What about the phenomenon of children developing type 2?
DR. F: Now, what use to be a disease of adults is affecting teens after puberty. But if they
get diagnosed early and establish good glucose control, they can reap long-term benefits
not only from developing good health habits for the rest of their lives but also because the
body has a "metabolic memory" that keeps it on track when good habits are established
early on.

For more information on diabetes from the National Diabetes Education Program,
visit RemedyLife.com/NDEP

Information was taken from an article in the Summer 2009 issue of 'Diabetes Focus'

All links have been added by the blogger to direct consumer traffic to wellness products
that could be beneficial to ones health.

Eating Raw Contributes to Personal and Planetary Health

Eating raw foods is all the rage and has been gaining popularity at a remarkable momentum. The raw food diet participants claim they feel more energetic after eating meals and snacks that haven't been heated or cooked.

Who doesn't need more energy? Geez, gimme' some of that!

With all the talk and concern about our environment these days, let's take a look at how a raw diet can have a positive impact on our planet by lowering energy consumption. We all know it takes a lot of energy to heat and bake our food. Most stoves found in American homes use more electricity or gas than a washer and dryer combined. Plus, carbon dioxide levels increase when we cook and that has a negative impact on our planet.

Kitchen cleanup is kept to a minimum for those who eat raw and that means you're not using as much water to clean pots and pans and you're not adding chemical soaps to the environment. Every drop of water counts!

Packaged foods contribute to a large part of the landfills. When you eat foods like salads, seeds, fruits and vegetables, you are instantly reducing the amount of packaging that would normally be found in the dump. Just think about how much plastic wrap, cardboard boxes, trays and bags are being used to package processed foods. Eating raw will greatly benefit our environment and just about everything eaten by a raw foodie can be composted. Nothing ever has to go into the trash!

When eating raw, you will be improving your personal health as well as taking a huge burden off our planet. When purchasing organic foods that are grown in an environment free of petrochemical pesticides and fertilizers, you aren't exposing yourself to harmful chemicals that have been linked to a myriad of health defects and these foods have been minimally processed. Even better!

So eating raw foods is one of the best decision you can make, both for your personal health as well as the health of our planet.

Got a Minute? 10 Quick and Simple Ways to Improve Your Health and Well-Being

1) Strengthen Your Thighs

Good balance, flexibility and endurance are all
based upon your lower body strength. Strengthening
your thighs will protect you against frailty during
your later years and will also boost fat burning.
Who doesn't want that?

2) Do a Posture Check

Good posture is important to your overall health
in many ways. In order for you to use your muscles
correctly, you need to keep your bones and joints in
proper alignment. The chances of injury and muscle
strain are greatly reduced when your body is properly
aligned, allowing your muscles to operate efficiently.

Unfortunately, the majority of people spend nearly
eight hours a day sitting and this is by far the biggest
predator for poor posture. Make sure you take the
time to investigate the correct way to sit and try to
get up often throughout the day.
3)Give Someone a Hug

You may not be aware of this, but there is a really
cool thing that happens when we hug someone! A
hormone called oxytocin is released and this little
guy is known as the 'feel-good' hormone. So go hug
someone special today! Spread the love!

4) Drink Water Often

At one time it was popular to try to guzzle 64 oz of
water in a day. Now I've been hearing from several
experts in the field that we should be drinking 1/2
our body weight in water per day. So, if you weigh
150 lbs, you should be drinking 75 oz of water per
day. Drinking water will help your metabolism
because when we are dehydrated, we are most likely
burning fewer calories each day. Add a few ice cubes
to burn more calories.

5) Reach Your Hands High and Stretch to the Sky

Not only does stretching feel good, studies show
it also helps prevent headaches and reduce pain.
Take a break every few hours during the day to
perform stretches that make your body feel good.
Your body will thank you!

6) Low on Vitamin D?

Feeling a bit sluggish these days? You may want
to have your doctor test your vitamin D levels. I
had mine taken recently and was surprised to find
out I needed to start taking supplements to the
tune of 2,000 IUs per day. I was also shocked to
discover all the diseases that can crop up from
not having enough vitamin D. When looking for a
supplement, I've been told to take vitamin D3.

7) Speed Walking

You can boost your calorie burn by 51% if you
just speed walk for 1-5 minutes during your workout.
You can do this any place and any time. Go get 'em!

8) Take Your Pulse

You want to make sure your pulse is between
60-80 beats per minute. You can do this any time
you have a spare moment. Anything above 80 beats
should be mentioned to the doctor.

9) Floss Your Teeth

Not only does flossing your teeth twice a day get
rid of decay-causing bacteria, but it also can
benefit your heart. Germs from the mouth can
enter your bloodstream and contribute to heart
blockages. Other studies indicate that periodontitis
can increase the risk for heart disease and stroke.

10) Smooth Out Your Wrinkles with Vitamin C

Vitamin C is known to be the wrinkle reducer. Try
eating just two clementines a day and you'll be
supplying your body with 96% of your daily needs.
Those mini-oranges are to die for!

The Amazing Mangosteen Berry

The mangosteen berry provides amazing nutritional benefits. The majority of the juice derived from the mangosteen berries comes from South East Asia, due to the warm climate and sufficient energy supply.

The mangosteen berries are picked by the local people during the middle of summer at the first site of berries dropping on the ground. It is very important to begin picking immediately as the berries will generally go bad within a few days. For this reason, the best option is to produce mangosteen juice and store it in the refrigerator or simply freeze the berries to preserve them.

The mangosteen juice provides numerous health benefits but it's important to note how the juice is processed. To receive the most health benefits, the juice should be made by pulping the entire fruit, straining it and pasteurizing the juice. Most of the health benefits can be found in the hull, therefore, it is important to get juice that is made from the entire fruit.

Mangosteen juice provides the richest and most powerful antioxidant called xanthones. Since antioxidants work at the cellular level they improve the health of the entire body system. While no one is certain as to what all the health benefits are, there are many studies being done regarding the nutritional properties and the benefits of drinking the juice.

PROVEN BENEFITS OF XANTHONES - YOU CAN FEEL THE DIFFERENCE

1.) Anti-fatigue
2.) Anti-anxiety
3.) Anti-depression
4.) Anti-obesity
5.) Anti-Alzheimer’s
6.) Anti-allergenic
7.) Anti--periodontic (gum disease)
8.) Anti-arthritis
9.) Provides protection agains skin disease
10.) Anti-fever
11.) Anti-Parkinsonism
12.) Anti-diarrhea
13.) Anti-neuralgia (nerve pain)
14.) Helps with dizziness
15.) Anti-glaucoma
16.) Anti-pain (for example, dental pain)
17.) Anti-inflammatory
18.) Anti-ulcer, including ulcers of stomach, mouth, small bowel, large bowel

One thing we do know for certain is the locals in South East Asia have been drinking mangosteen juice for centuries and are known to have higher than normal energy levels, despite the physical demand that is placed upon them on a daily basis.

In addition, we are aware the mangosteen juice contains an incredibly high percentage of antioxidants. Amazingly, this little berry hosts more antioxidants than any other fruit or vegetable on the planet. For this reason alone, the mangosteen juice is believed to be beneficial in increasing a persons life expectancy.

With the cancer rate on the rise, more and more Westerners are interested in seeking ways they can improve their overall health. For this reason, mangosteen juice has been of great interest. The antioxidants are constantly removing free radicals that have been produced from various sources and help to fight the good fight in lowering the chances of cell mutation and possibly cancer development.

The Acai Berry

The acai berry (pronounced “ah-sigh-ee”) is a small grape-sized berry that grows in the Amazon Rain Forest of Brazil. For hundreds of years, natives of the region have harvested this berry as part of their daily diet.

Amazingly enough, the acai fruit equates to only 10% of the actual berry. The remaining 90% is comprised of the seed or pit. The acai berry is put through a harvesting process that separates the pulp from the seed, producing a delightfully thick and edible puree.

Plus, this awesome little berry has a flavor that is best described as a delicious blend of berries and chocolate. It has an unparalleled flavor.
America Discovers the Acai Berry

The acai berry has only recently become popular in the United States and positive research has spread to Doctors, scientists, nutritionists and numerous media outlets who are raving about the countless nutritional qualities and health benefits of the acai berry. Oprah and Rachael Ray are just a few of the celebrities who are waving the flag in favor of this little berry.

The acai berry has been called "the number one super food in the world". While this may sound like a bunch of hype, this view is being embraced by those who have done the research and stand behind their claim. This little berry is packed full with free-radical fighting antioxidants. The acai berry is also considered to have the best overall nutritional value of any known fruit.

The USDA has a special way of measuring antioxidant capacities of the various foods we eat. They call this the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity, also known as 'ORAC' for short. The other fruits, while popular, certainly pale in comparison in relation to value.

The Power of the Acai Berry

So we can throw words like 'nutritional value' and 'antioxidants' around, but what exactly does that mean to you and I? It's simple really. The acai berry can be very helpful:

* Improves digestion
* Aids in weight loss ....do I hear an 'AMEN'?
* Supports the immune system
* Increases libido
* Promotes healthy sleep
* Increases energy & stamina
* Reduces pain and soreness
* Fights aging & inflammation
* Lowers blood pressure
* Fights cancer & disease
* Protects against heart disease

Acai and Weight Loss

This berry is packed full of nutrients and companies have realized the potential in the weight loss industry. Therefore, the acai berry is the newest fad diet and you can go online and see all sorts of advertisements by companies that are claiming all sorts of fabulous results from their products.

While many of these claims by individual companies are exaggerated, there is scientific evidence that the acai berry contains several key ingredients that aid in suppressing appetite, building muscle tone and boosting the metabolism.

The Mighty Soybean

Soybean actually means "greater bean" in the Chinese language. This little bean was discovered nearly five thousand years ago on the wild, windy plains of eastern Asia. The beans have been tamed and grown by early Chinese farmers. The bean eventually spread to Japan and later was brought to the European countries.

The soybean has gained the attention of the western world, as research has shown there are many promising health benefits. First, soy is very high in fiber. Many Americans consume less than half the recommended daily amount. Second, the soybean has been compared to meat and dairy products due to the high levels of protein. Some types of soybeans also have very generous amounts of calcium that is easily absorbed by the body.

As women, we can celebrate this little bean for the exciting benefits that soy has to offer us as we approach our 'golden years'. Studies have shown the soybean provides (1) relief from menopausal symptoms; (2) helps promote a healthy heart; (3) helps promote bone health.

As with anything else, moderation is key. Too much soy has been shown to have adverse effects on the body.

Homeopathic vs. Manufactured Pharmaceuticals

I found some interesting information regarding the use of homeopathic medicines rather than over-the-counter or prescription pharmaceuticals used to treat medical conditions.

Interestingly enough, the process of manufacturing synthetic drugs emits well over 177 MILLION pounds of untreated pollutants. These pollutants go into the air we breath, the water and our soil resources each and every year.

Think about it. Not so hot, is it!

Now, what can you and I do about it?

If just 5% of the population would use a homeopathic remedy for 1/2 of their medicinal needs, including over-the-counter, there would be fewer pollutants that would make it into the water system.

How much? Try 4.4 MILLION pounds worth!

Listen, if you're unfamiliar with homeopathic remedies just check out your local health food store. There are many wonderful people who would be happy to share their knowledge with you.

Natural Alternatives to Combat High Blood Pressure

FACT: More than one in three Americans needs to be concerned about maintaining healthy blood pressure.

While a healthy diet and regular exercise can help, this is not always enough to remedy the problem.

My husband is 49 years of age and has been living in denial that he has high blood pressure. It actually runs on his mothers side of the family, yet he just didn't want to face the facts.

A few years went by and he was once again forced to take notice of his rising numbers. He could no longer deny there was a problem after his blood pressure was routinely at 180/110, sometimes even higher.

I had heard about some natural supplements that had positive results and I asked him to give it a whirl before he went to the doctor. The doctors would just end up putting him on medicine and I personally would rather try the natural route first. To my surprise, he agreed.

This particular product is patented, therefore, there is scientific evidence that the product actually works and we can both have confidence that when he takes a pill he is getting a specific amount each time.

Well, after 6 weeks his blood pressure was reading within the normal range. My husband use to be a complete sceptic when it comes to natural products. However, he takes his supplements faithfully because the results have been so drastic, without the help of medication.

What makes this product unique? It's simple.

Tripeptides - Derived from cultured milk, they are clinically proven and validated by 12 human studies over the last 10 years to help promote healthy blood flow. *

Potassium - An element critical to helping your body maintain the proper balance of potassium and sodium necessary for optimal health of the heart and blood vessels.*

Passionflower - Recognized for its natural stress-relieving and relaxing abilities.*

Pomegranate - Powerful antioxidant that has been shown to aid in stress relief. A three year study found that pomegranate helps with the promotion of healthy blood flow. *

We're personally excited we are able to maintain heart health and live with peace of mind. Plus, there are no side effects and that speaks volumes to us!

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Always consult your physician if you are under medical care and before discontinuing any prescribed medication.

So What Makes the Cranberry So Special?

For those of us who have suffered with urinary tract infections, we are all too familiar with the benefits of the cranberry. If you haven't heard the good news, you've found a goldmine in this little berry.

However, most of us may not be aware of the history of this little berry. European settlers in North America referred to the berry as a "crane berry" because the vine bared a close resemblance to the head, bill and neck of a crane. After some time, the berry soon became knows as the "cranberry" and has been known to contain a number of key nutrients, including:

• anthocyanins - these are responsible for the deep red color of the cranberry
• proanthocyanins - research shows this to be the antioxidant that is an effective compound in maintaining the overall health of the urinary tract
• quercetin - a beneficial flavonoid that aids in urinary tract health

In 1994, the Journal of the American Medical Association announced a groundbreaking study which showed that the phytochemicals in cranberries are indeed beneficial for the urinary tract. This was confirmed by yet another study published in the British Medical Journal.

In addition, there were two more studies that produced applause for this little berry. In 2002, the Canadian Journal of Urology published their research to have shown that frequent consumption of fresh cranberry juice was associated with maintaining proper urinary tract health. This information was also published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2003.

While the cranberry is known for its benefits for urinary tract health, it is also noted to have numerous other health benefits, including:

• promotion of healthy gums and teeth
• promotion of a healthy stomach
• promotes cognitive thinking by protecting the brain cells
  from free radical damage
• protection of overall heart health by inhibiting LDL
  (the 'bad' boys) cholesterol oxidation

Experts agree that there are various diet and lifestyle changes that can be very helpful for maintaining overall urinary tract health and health and wellness. The following list includes various other things you can do to maintain the health of your urinary tract:

• Drink plenty of fluids each day
• Urinate when you feel the urge, preferrably every 2 hours
• Women should wipe from the front to the back to prevent fecal bacteria from
  being introduced to the urinary tract
• Avoid carbonated drinks, caffeine and alcohol
• Cleanse the genital area daily and before sexual intercourse
• Urinating after sexual intercourse is helpful for ridding any bacteria that
  may have been introduced
• Little girls should avoid taking bubble baths or using scented products that may
  cause irritation

There are some fantastic products on the market today containing cranberry extract. However, not all products are equal. Research indicates that one should consume 1,000 mg a day for optimal benefits. This is equivalent to 10 oz of pure, undiluted cranberry juice. Can you say "pucker up"?

I find taking a cranberry supplement to be very affordable and convenient, without all the sugar!

Unfortunately, I have suffered over the years and have carried the burden of having had numerous urinary tract infections due to a related kidney disease. I can personally attest to the fact that not all cranberry supplements are created equal. So many of the products on the shelves are filled will cheap ingredients and just aren't as effective as I would like them to be.

If you're interested in finding out how to purchase a cranberry supplement that I believe is superior to what is sold at the local markets, feel free to contact me. You'll save some money and be so thankful to have found a product that actually does what it says it's going to do.

Sabrina Coffin

Are You Eating Enough Fiber?

The American Heart Association recommends a total dietary intake of 25-30 grams of fiber per day. Unfortunately, most people only get about 15 grams of fiber per day. This statistic is alarming when we consider the many health benefits linked to a diet high in fiber.

If you're like most people, you probably struggle to eat enough fiber during your daily routine. Let's put things in perspective for a moment. When was the last time you sat down and ate 40 baby carrots? How about 17 prunes, or better yet, 17 cups of spinach? Well, if you're anything like most people, the answer is probably 'never'!

The fiber is literally stripped from our fruits and vegetables when the seeds, pulp and peels are removed. Folks, this is a problem to say the least.

Recent studies show there are several benefits to consuming the recommended amount of fiber in our diet. A recent study in the Journal of Nutrition showed a decrease in the risk of developing cardiovascular disease for those who consumed a higher intake of dietary fiber. Fiber also aides in the digestion process, balancing regular bowel movements and intestinal maintenance.

With so many fiber supplements on the market, which one is the right one for you? Well, I personally want one that tastes good but also gets the job done! Look for a product that contains the herb Psyllium as it is one of the best sources of heart healthy soluble fiber. Studies have shown psyllium fiber to reduce the the total levels of cholesterol significantly when combined with a low-fat diet.

It's also important to note the amount of soluble fiber and insoluble fiber contained in the fiber products you purchase. Insoluble fiber is found in oats and rice and passes through the digestive tract collecting toxins and waste along the way. This fiber 'expands' in your waste material and helps to relieve the occasional bouts of constipation and other digestive concerns. Remember to drink the recommended daily allowance of 64 oz of water as this will also guard against constipation with your increase in fiber intake.

With so many health benefits to a high fiber intake in your diet, it's no wonder so many people are increasing their awareness and taking action to make some significant changes in their future. Kick-start your day with a good source of delicious tasting fiber for breakfast and make an investment in your future!

Here's to a Healthier You!


Sabrina Coffin