Posts tagged Health

Fibromyalgia can develop in children; however, onset typically occurs during early to middle adulthood, and incidence increases with age. It is estimated that fibromyalgia affects 900,000 Canadians, or approximately 3% of the population. Women are estimated to be four to nine times more likely to develop the disease than men because women have a greater biological need for iodine as breast and ovaries accumulate significant quantities of iodine and lack of iodine causes hormonal imbalances.

Fibromyalgia is a condition involving chronic musculoskeletal pain accompanied by excessive fatigue and exhaustion.  The disorder is chronic, widespread, and can trigger extreme discomfort: even a gentle touch can cause a fibromyalgia patient to experience severe pain.  In the medical community, there is substantial controversy surrounding the disease. Historically, fibromyalgia has been classified as a musculoskeletal disease, but recent research points to potential causes within the central nervous system. Although the precise cause remains unknown, it is believed that the brain is responsible for this disorder. 

Typically, the pain is located in the muscles and soft tissues surrounding the joints and in skin and organs throughout the body. Often onset is subtle, possibly affecting only one area, but over time, multiple sites are affected. The most common sites of pain include the neck, back, shoulders, arms, and legs, but any body part can be involved. Although symptoms vary in intensity and pain can be very severe, fibromyalgia is not life-threatening, nor does it lead to muscle or joint damage.

The causes of fibromyalgia are unknown, but several contributing factors, such as an infectious illness or trauma, have been hypothesized. Exposure to a physical, emotional, or environmental stressor may act as a trigger in predisposed individuals (genetic factors appear to play a role) and also tend to cause exacerbation of the symptoms. Chemical abnormalities in the brain may result in pain amplification (due to abnormal sensory processing). It has also been suggested that sleep disturbances are not only symptoms, but a potential cause of fibromyalgia.

The proper combination of healthy food and exercise will help you live a healthy, prosperous life.

Foods to eat: Foods high in antioxidants, such as berries, cherries, tomatoes, bell peppers. Use only healthy oils such as extra virgin olive oil or coconut oil. Flaxseed is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which help the body alleviate pain.  Greens such as kale, spinach, and BarleyMax along with other veggie juices provide high nutrients.

Foods to avoid: processed foods, baked goods such as breads and pastry, foods high in sugars, foods with additives

Veggies & Exercise for Pain Relief: Exercise may be one of the most important factors for Fibromyalgia sufferers to consider when searching for ways to reverse their symptoms.  Regular exercise and/or aerobics are, in fact, even more important for people with Fibromyalgia than for those without it—and may actually help to reduce the pain. Aerobic exercise is known to raise the body’s serotonin levels, which in turn stimulates endorphin production. Endorphins are brain chemicals that act as the body’s natural pain killers, whose effectiveness has been compared to morphine. Thus, with more exercise come more endorphins and the potential for less pain.

More information: you can get the full article in my book FULL DAY MENU PLANS by Judy Fleming, where I have gathered information about this disease as well as eight other major diseases and then full day menus incorporating the foods that will help us to prevent these diseases.  Mention this article and get 10% off Judy’s books that will give you over 200 recipes for a Healthier Diet.

Try this recipe for a breakfast that is both raw and healthy! 

Flax Seed Cereal with a Nut butter Smoothie – try this recipe from the book

Ingredients: this makes enough for 2 people – put the following in a blender and blend well until creamy:
1 ripe banana sliced
2 tbsp your favorite nut-butter
1 tsp honey
1 cup cold water (or raw almond milk)
1 cup ice cubes (if your banana is frozen you do not need)

Pour this mixture over ¼ cups freshly ground flax seed and mix into a porridge consistency.