Meditation for Fibro Pains

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

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

How to Read Basic Lab Tests / Results

This is good info on reading the results from basic lab results and what they may mean:

http://www.amarillomed.com/howto

CFS Unravelled - a Book Review

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dr. Oz & Fibromyalgia

Interesting, thought I'd share:

http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/fibromyalgia-real-illness-pt-1

http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/fibromyalgia-real-illness-pt-2

Comments?

Low FODMAP Marinara & Taco Meat Recipes

I just found two more FODMAP recipes I am enjoying, as they help with foods I eat a lot but usually have garlic :/

For simple Marinara sauce here is a recipe: http://tummylovin.wordpress.com/2012/06/19/no-garlic-no-problem/
Good to also freeze some for later.

And here is a recipe for easy taco meat: http://motivatedbyfood.com/blog/2012/8/15/august-14-2012-low-fodmap-taco-beef

Inspirtional Quote

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

- Hippocrates

Eat to Fight Inflammation

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

Top 20 Detox Foods

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

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

55 Responses to "But You Look So Good"

This is GREAT!! I love it. I do get this a lot, "but you look so good" and I am always stumped at what to say so I just smile and move on, irritated. Even though I don't look sick, I still am sick and suffer! In an effort to try and live a semi-normal life unfortunately I engage in masking my symptoms, pains, illnesses, trying to remain positive and have a good outlook. I hide it from most everyone, no one knows what I go through on a daily basis. Some of these are gentle reminders for when people think I "look good" and might be "cured."

http://invisibleillnessweek.com/2012/08/14/you-look-so-good/

My 3 favorite are:


- Thanks I wish I felt better
- I'm very good at pretending
- Goo becasue if I looked like I feel I'd scare you to death

Top Five Tips When Facing Fibromyalgia

My Top 5 pieces of advice for helping tackle fibro, for the newly diagnosed as well as the chronic sufferers:

(I know, these sound very simplistic, but these are what gets me through and are the BIGGEST factors in helping me!)

1. 2 Books: FibroWhyalgia & How To Be Sick -- they helped me get mental clarity, calmness and strength to tackle the fibro (amazon.com)

2.  www.chronicbabe.com - check out the forums, this is the BEST place for constant doses of positivity and support and advice from others with similar issues!

3. Yoga &/or Massage! The gentle stretching is AMAZING for my body, and helps me sleep. Yoga is a gentle form of exercise that really, really helps with my fibro if I keep up with it (twice a week); I also get a massage 1-2 times a month, it has similar effects as yoga, muscle stretching and relaxing, cleansing and revitalizing.

4. Write a Letter for close Friends & Family - Here is a link to one I wrote when I was diagnosed. I sent it to close F&F, I felt like it helped explain things that are complicated to explain, and I wanted them to know what I was going through and that I really needed their support, and this told them exactly what they could do to help me. Please feel free to copy this and make it your own! http://adayinthelifeoffibro.blogspot.com/p/my-letter.html

5. Supplements & Fresh Foods - look into some that can help - Magnesium, Ginger... many others. They take longer to start to work, but are all natural, and have no side effects, and most are available at your local drugstore inexpensive! Keep to all healthy - eating too! No chemicals or additives - fresh fruits, veggies etc!

BONUS: Aim for a balanced life!

Easy Meal Planning on a Budget - gluten free and vegetarian too!

I stumbled upon this site, its a great idea for easy meal planning and healthy cooking weekly (especially for a family.) $49 for a year of dinner recipes and weekly grocery lists, all featuring fresh foods on a budget for a family of 4! They have classic meals, vegetarian and gluten-free! http://www.thefresh20.com/ or try 3 months for $5/month!