Fibromyalgia- New Findings In Chronic Problem

April 11, 2011 by  
Filed under Health & Fitness

If you’re like some of my patients who have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, you know the frustration of dealing with a chronic, and often, very painful and debilitating condition. What you might not know, however, is that new research into fibromyalgia has shed some light on why the condition may develop, what improves it and, perhaps, might cure it for good.

Fibromyalgia – What Is It?

Fibromyalgia is a complex rheumatoid disorder sometimes accompanying rheumatoid arthritis or lupus as a secondary condition. However, fibromyalgia can also be a primary condition. It affects up to 5% of the American population, most of its sufferers are women, though men do get fibromyalgia. It consists of generalized musculoskeletal pain and tenderness in at least 11 of 18 critical points on the body which is the general diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia. Lately, the drug Lyrica has been used to treat its symptoms.

Symptoms

The most telling symptoms of fibromyalgia that occur in 100% of cases are muscular pain. Second to that, are fatigue, insomnia, joint pain, headaches, restless legs, cramps, numbness and tingling. However, people with fibromyalgia may also experience memory and concentration problems and intense depression.

What Causes Fibromyalgia

Back around 1990 when fibromyalgia was given credence as a chronic condition, the cause of it was largely unknown. Yet, today in 2011, several areas of research have uncovered new, possible causes of fibromyalgia that include:

➢ Obesity: A recent (January 2011) study by the University of Utah related fibromyalgia to obesity as it seemed to be a common factor in people with the condition. Obese subjects had increased sensitivity to pain in the lower extremities, low activity levels, and frequently had disrupted sleep patterns, some from sleep apnea. When the obese subjects lost weight, their activity and sleep levels improved along with their fibromyalgia symptoms.

➢ Sleep Disorders: Research shows that people with fibromyalgia tend to sleep poorly and do not get the required 7 hours of restorative sleep. Whether fitful sleeping is due to the fibromyalgia itself or actually causes the condition is not certain. However, when fibromyalgia sufferers are able to sleep longer and more restfully, their symptoms are greatly improved. Sleep, then, is a key factor in treating the condition.

➢ Central Nervous System Disorder: Some researchers think that fibromyalgia is caused by a brain/spinal cord problem in regulating pain signals. More intense than necessary pain signals are sent throughout the body in response to light touch. Treatment consists of re-regulating the pain signals using a drug called pregabylin.

➢ Bacterial: New research lead by the Autoimmunity Research Foundation believes that a “biofilm” bacterium is actually responsible for fibromyalgia and other autoimmune disorders like Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Lyme disease, sarcoidosis. They all have inflammation as a factor thought to be caused by infection with these bacteria. Treatment involves using the drug olmesartan four times daily to stimulate the body’s immune system to fight the bacteria and reduce inflammation.

What Can You Do About Fibromyalgia?

My patients know that I am open-minded to new research into treating medical conditions, including prescription drugs and alternative medicine. However, I like to recommend to my patients that they at least try, first, a more natural approach to getting their symptoms under better control. In the case of fibromyalgia, I recommend the following:

➢ Diet/Nutrition: Fibromyalgia may be aggravated, by food sensitivities, or even allergies, which can cause inflammation/pain in muscles and joints. You might try a food rotation diet with an Allergy and Immunology specialist to see if you respond to omitting certain foods from your diet. A magnesium deficiency can keep muscles from relaxing as well.

➢ Exercise: My patients with fibromyalgia often say that it is not easy for them to exercise because of pain. What I recommend to them is swimming in a warm, indoor pool. Submerging the body in water takes tension out of muscles and greatly improves symptoms. Riding a bicycle, or doing yoga and Pilates can help with flexibility.

➢ Sleep: Getting enough sleep every night seems to dramatically improve fibromyalgia. Then, getting and staying asleep for at least 7 hours a night is key to reducing muscle tension and cramps.

➢ Far Infrared Sauna: Reduces inflammation and muscle tension. Try to spend 15 or 20 minutes at least once a week in a FIR sauna. You also sweat out toxins like heavy metals that may be aggravating your condition. Local health clubs may have them near you and usually charge about $20 for one session.

➢ Reduce/Omit Sugar: High sugar intake aggravates inflammation in the body through the acidic environment it promotes. Fibromyalgia sufferers have reported dramatic improvement in their symptoms when cutting back on sugar. Read labels and limit sugar to 20 grams tops a day. This may also help you if you are overweight.

Fibromyalgia is a condition that is difficult to live with. It can drain your enthusiasm for participating in activities and make you depressed. Take heart, though, as many of my fibromyalgia patients have greatly improved, and some even alleviated their symptoms using the above natural recommendations alone or in addition to their prescribed treatments.

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Muscle Building – Take Nitric Oxide Supplement to Build Fast and …

February 16, 2011 by  
Filed under Muscle Building

It is widespread talk among the fitness trainer and profession bodybuilder, what is the easiest way to build strong and attractive muscles. Bodybuilders and.

See the rest here:
Muscle Building – Take Nitric Oxide Supplement to Build Fast and …

When You or a Family Member Suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

January 13, 2011 by  
Filed under Fitness

My husband, who is a Vietnam veteran, was diagnosed with it a few years ago.

It is a mental disorder that happens after a traumatic event or series of events. It doesn’t occur only with those who have been to war, but to victims of natural disasters, sexual abuse, criminal attacks or accidents. Some of the Hurricane Katrina survivors, for example, are beginning to go through the stages, due to the horrific experiences they went through.

So much of the public has a misconception about this condition. I blame this, in part, on the many unfair portrayals of Vietnam war vets, on television and in films, as deranged psychos and serial killers. While it’s true that there are some individuals with such severe problems that they may do the unthinkable, it doesn’t mean that every sufferer poses a threat to anyone and many endure their pain in silence, because they fear being categorized negatively.

Those with PTSD may not even realize that they have this condition, only that they are going through physical and emotional difficulties which they can’t explain. They often feel as though they have no control over anything. Symptoms include depression, lack of concentration, flashbacks, nightmares, insomnia, paranoia, reliving harrowing events over and over again, episodes of anger, hypervigilance and social alienation.

Physical symptoms can occur as well and include chest pain, headaches, dizziness, and immune system problems. Some people with it go through substance abuse, marital and other relationship problems and social anxiety.

My husband’s experience was that he felt that he had nowhere to turn, so he didn’t get help for years, due to the stigma he believed was attached to getting counseling. He went through divorce, estrangement from his children and fear of getting too close to anybody. He developed a way of camouflaging his condition publicly, but, in private, he was suffering tremendously.

After we married, I was able to persuade him to go get assessed by a counselor at the VA, which he did and they diagnosed him. He has since been in counseling and been prescribed drugs to treat depression and insomnia.

Counseling has been extremely cathartic for him and being able to relate to others who understand what he has been going through has helped him to open up more. He is slowly, but surely, going through the healing process now and is quite relieved that he is no longer suffering quietly.

You don’t have to be a veteran to have it. If you or a loved one has experienced some trauma in life and have not been able to resolve or recover from it within a few months, then you may need to seek professional help.

Getting psychotherapy doesn’t mean you are “crazy” and it can aid you in getting better.

Treatments include personal counseling, group therapy and prescription medications for some symptoms. If you dislike the idea of being put on an allopathic medication, due to the potential side-effects, ask your doctor or therapist if you can try an alternative, natural or homeopathic remedy for your condition. Always remember to keep your doctor and/or therapist informed about anything you take, to make certain it is both safe and viable for you.

If you are the family member sufferer, sometimes it might seem as though you are getting caught up in his or her symptoms as well, but learn to be supportive, without being stressed out yourself. If it gets to the point that you are having difficulty dealing with your loved one’s, seek counseling, if you need it.

My husband and I have a happy marriage. He opens up to me now, because of a lot of prayer and because he had the courage to ask for help.

Don’t be afraid to reach out. It can help you to get better.

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Understanding the Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

January 11, 2011 by  
Filed under Fitness

Understanding post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD is important because it affects many more people then one may ever imagine. Most people tend to think of men and women who have served in the armed forces when they think of this condition. The thing is though any one can end up with this disorder as all it takes is being a part of or witnesses a traumatic experience. Of course anyone who goes through or sees something extremely terrible happens are going to have a moment in time where they are tying to get past what they experienced. The majority of people are able to deal with their thoughts and feelings and move past it.

There are people though that ends up with a much harder time in coping with what they saw or dealt with. Over time the stress of the tragic event will gradually make things in their personal life worse. The problems that come with post traumatic stress disorder can stay hidden for a while but can and will pop up at some of the most inconvenient moments. These issues can be complete and utter problem in trying to live a healthy and normal life. When the issues creep up and become something that rips apart a life, they are issues that can no longer be ignored.

While it is basically impossible to prevent post traumatic stress disorder from happening it can be controlled with proper treatment. It is when the disorder is left to grow and get out of hand that the situation becomes unbearable. If you or someone you know is a victim of a hate crime, physical or sexual assault, natural disaster, war, or major automobile or plane crash then help should be sought out. It is much better to be proactive with these situations then allowing them to get out of hand.

Noticing the Symptoms

If you are wondering whether or not what you are going through is post traumatic stress disorder then you will want to consider the following risk factors to see how many you can relate to your own life. Many people who suffer from this disorder end up with feelings of hopelessness about the future. They often times end up with relationship problems no matter how hard they try, trouble sleeping, memory problems, trouble concentrating, and end up dealing with self destructive behavior such as drinking too much, taking drugs, or being sexually overactive.

And these are just a few of the symptoms that often appear in those suffering from post traumatic stress disorder. Some people also end up dealing with flashbacks, shame, visions of things that are not really there or hearing sounds that are actually just in the person’s mind. While not every symptom will be experienced by someone dealing with this disorder, it is important to know that if you are experiencing several of these symptoms that you may very well be suffering from this stress related disorder.

Treatment

If you feel that you are in fact suffering from this disorder it is time to seek professional help. You would never want to let it go untreated because over time your symptoms could get worse. Talk with your doctor as they can usually prescribe you antidepressants which can help with everything you are experiencing. In some cases the route of medication is all that is needed. In other cases there needs to be a little something more.

Along with antidepressants many people find it helpful to have someone to talk to. Getting to a counselor who you can talk with about your stressful and tragic past may in fact help you overcome the problems you are dealing with. In time and with proper treatment you should be able to lead a normal and healthy life with no outward indication that you suffered anything traumatic in your past.

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Naturally Treat Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

January 11, 2011 by  
Filed under Fitness

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD is very real for some people, those who have experienced traumatic events in their life or very susceptible to getting PTSD. PTSD can happen if one has been involved in an accident – car, plane, etc., being a victim of a crime or abuse, or witnessing a shocking event can all lead to someone developing PTSD. Some of the symptoms of PTSD include being extremely hypersensitive to your environment; any incident or event can trigger a state of anxiety and produce an anxiety attack. Depression is common in those who have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, the feeling that life is unimportant or their future is hopeless. Flashbacks often occur that are accompanied with frequent thoughts, feelings of the traumatic event. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder not only affects ones’ mental and emotional state but also their physical state. The stomach, heart, and even the brain can be affected by PTSD, which can lead to digestive problems, hypertension or raised blood pressure, and migraine headaches.

All of these symptoms interfere with living a normal everyday life and preventing a person from engaging in normal activities or relationships. Suffering from a traumatic experience can lead to uncontrollable feelings and emotions preventing one from living a normal life. Someone who is suffering from PTSD needs to seek professional treatment to help them overcome this condition. However, there are some natural home treatments that a person can also do to help treat PTSD. There are a number of herbs to effectively treat post traumatic stress disorder and calm the nerves.

They include: Kava kava – Take 500 mg in capsule form of the extract three times day.

The Lotus Embryo – A Chinese herbal extract you can find in Chinese areas of your city. Known as Lian Zi Xin and comes in a powdered form. Take the recommended dosage. Chamomile – Take two 350 mg capsules of the powdered extract three times a day or mix a tablespoon of the chamomile flowers into a cup of tea and drink three times a day. Valerian – You can take 150 mg capsule once or twice a day or split the dosage taking a 400 mg capsule at bedtime.

Another natural treatment for PTSD is to use some flower essences. Flower essences uplift the individual by increasing their energy and enlightening their mood. Similar to the relaxing and elevating way listening to certain types of music has an effect on a person, flower essences do the same thing. You can buy bottles of the flower essences and take two drops of each essence four times a day. The different types of flower essences that can help treat PTSD are: the Star of Bethlehem, which helps reduce the memory of the traumatic event and soothes your emotions. Honeysuckle, which helps you effectively treat the condition by putting you in control of your emotions and understanding the event and what you need to do to move on. The next two, clematis and white chestnut can help treat and reduce the incidence of flashbacks. Agrimony can help you open up and discuss your emotions instead of keeping it all inside. The last flower essence to use to help naturally treat PTSD is cherry plum. Sometimes PTSD can result in a person losing control mentally, cherry plum is great for reducing these feelings.

Along with seeking treatment with a professional, these natural herbs can definitely help to treat and relieve symptoms of PTSD.

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Uncover The Long-Term Side Effects Of Sleeplessness

January 10, 2011 by  
Filed under Fitness

Insomnia is an increasingly frequent disorder. Both the young and the old are known to be subject to it. Mild insomnia can be simply overcome with easy home-made remedies. But if one suffers from prolonged insomnia, especially in the long run, are there any side effects?

In one or two contemporary case studies, it is significant to notice that as many as 200,000 car accidents in America and 1,500 deaths stem from sleepiness or drowsiness. Sleepy driving is as perilous as drunk driving. One study strongly suggested it was habitual sleepiness , however, and not just being knackered at the time of an accident that places people at higher risk.

In terms of standard of living, surveys in 2001 and 2002 reported that people with protracted insomnia deemed their quality of life is as poor as people with significant prolonged conditions such as heart illnesses. Besides daytime sleepiness, insomniacs complained of more attention and memory issues. They are more short-tempered, make more mistakes at work and have poor relationship with the people around them.

Insomnia and sleep disorder will worsen human behaviours in the following tactics :

1. Sleep deprivation can reduce the facility to concentrate.

2. Missing as many as 2 to 3 hours can significantly harm work performance.

3. The effects of shortage of sleep on learning ability are unclear. Some studies have reported issues of memorization although there isn’t any difference of test scores between people with brief sleep loss and people who have sufficient sleep.

4. Lengthened insomnia could cause depression and emotional Problems. In a number of cases, even psychiatric afflictions.

There is no doubt that insomnia can cause many damages to the body. Lack of sleep may happen to any one of us and the effect is usually exhaustion. However, if insomnia gets beyond control, then this can end up in heavy health implications.

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Depression Diagnosis

December 19, 2010 by  
Filed under Fitness

Depression is a disorder that affects millions of people every day as well as old people. In fact , old people who are depressed must be given quick attention since this disorder can lead to suicide according to studies made by the National Institute of Mental Health.

Suicide Rates and Depression

There have been studies made by Conwell and Brent that indicated the correlation of high suicide rates and depression among older adults. Adults are more likely to suffer depression than young children. In contrast to the popular belief, depression among elderly is not quite normal especially when these people have experienced great accomplishments and have enjoyed family and career during their younger years.

Aging does not mean limited activities

As people grow older, their physical functioning becomes restricted as rheumatism, high blood pressure, diabetes and other disease affect the body. Nevertheless, this should not automatically lead to depression since there are many treatments and therapies available. In fact, doctors advise seniors to enjoy life, activities, and live a full lifestyle since they are now free to pursue their hobbies considering their children are now adults.

Seek Medical help if depression is persistent

When older people start to feel more “down” or “blue” than normal, it is advisable to seek treatment. There are several symptoms of depression such as social withdrawal, changes in eating and sleeping habits, chronic bouts of sadness and thoughts about dying and death. Depression can exacerbate an illness experienced by older people and this can delay recovery.

Available Depression Treatments

Despite all these issues associated with elderly depression, there are many available treatments for depression among this group. One of the options is prescribing anti-depressant medications which can be done by a psychiatrist once assessment has been made on the patient. Due to the sensitive health condition of the elderly, newer medicines that belong to the SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are being prescribed by doctors since these can be tolerated well by the elderly. SSRIs can improve the chemical imbalance in the brain lifting the mood of a patient.

Another recommended treatment for elderly depression is psychotherapy. In this treatment method, old people can share their thoughts about death and dying to a psychiatrist who are well-trained to objectively handle such concerns. This kind of session is very therapeutic since seniors also need someone to talk with.

More importantly, mental health professionals can combine prescription drugs and psychotherapy to produce better results in combating depression among the elderly.

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Fat Around the Waist Could Be Linked To Psychological Well being

December 17, 2010 by  
Filed under Lose Weight

UK scientists have found that psychological conditions like anxiety and depressive disorders may increase fat around the waist. Additionally, individuals who suffer continuing episodes of these all-to-common mental health issues are particularly at danger.

Anxiety is documented to have an effect on around 13% of individuals in the U.S., with teenagers and also kids afflicted.

Depression is often a part of life for in excess of 20 million Us citizens, often affecting females more than males, but like anxiety is often widespread in the young as well. And while specialists think that common psychological issues such as these could boost the risks of obesity, proof to back up the thought continues to be inconclusive – some studies finding a link, while others reported no association.

With rates of obesity and both these prevalent psychological conditions going up ( recent reports propose twice as many have anxiety/depression than professionals thought), comprehending any association will likely be beneficial.

So, this is why this work, carried out through 19 years, has become so beneficial, and has given specialists the chance to look at repeat measurements of each physical and mental factors – a uncommon thing for research workers.

The investigation involved the evaluation of data originating from a series of healthcare tests conducted on just over 4300 office workers located in London who were between 35 to 55 years old.

Subjects participated in a total of 4 screenings during the review period, each involved measurements of height and weight utilised to assess a BMI, also as a standardized appraisal of mental well being that came from responses to a self-administered, 30 item basic well being questionnaire.

This particular psychological health-screening tool has shown high reliability up to now, and is often utilized in numerous population-based research.

The categories of obesity and being over weight utilized for this specific study came from the World Health Organization’s definitions – a BMI of 25.0 to 29.9 is deemed overweight, a BMI of 30.0 or over is considered obese.

The researchers identified that any person with one of the common mentalwell being problems at all 3 of the prior screenings was two times more likely to become obese in the 4th and last screening compared to the subjects that hadn’t noted any anxiety or depression signs and symptoms at prior screenings.

Adjustments were made for age, gender and body mass index at the start of the study in 1985. The research authors made a note that those that had far more incidences of one of the widespread mental well being conditions had the highest threat of putting on weightand obesity. Exactly why is this? They speculate that anxiety and depression are typically related with eating disorders, each over and under eating. Insufficient exercise is far more common in this population, and several drug treatments (tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) utilized for these mental well being conditions have unwanted side effects that that can lead to added weight.

The study strongly disputes the idea that fat across the middle results in anxiety or depression in individuals with no pre-existing symptoms of such difficulties. The researchers trust that additional study confirms the link between anxiety, depression and obesity as this could well result in improved remedies, perhaps even reliable preventive initiatives.

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Anxiety Disorders: What are The Symptoms and do I have it?

December 10, 2010 by  
Filed under Fitness

Lots of stressful medical conditions can affect depression sufferers, one of which is anxiety disorder. Various degree of anxiety disorder differently affects millions of people nowadays, with the specific disorder varying greatly from one sufferer to another. Anxiety Disorders become progressively worse without treatment, so if you suspect you may be suffering from one of these debilitating illnesses, see your medical practitioner right away.

The most prevalent kind of anxiety disorder is panic disorder. This ailment is one in which the person will experience unexpected repeated panic attacks. However, these symptom have intensities that can be controlled with treatment and behavioral control. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is also a very common kind within the range. The person who suffers from anxiety disorder have uncontrollable and undesirableurges to execute a repetitive task, such as brushing their hair a certain number of times, checking if doors are locked or closed.

Some kinds of anxiety disorder have less relativity to genetic conditions. One known example is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In this anxiety disorder patients have persistent awful flashbacks and memories of an event that were extremely stressful, such as a car wreck or military service.

Phobia also falls under the category of anxiety disorders. People with phobia can fear many and varied things, including small spaces, spiders, or any other stressful circumstances. A person who encountered the feared situation will usually engender a panic attack.

Several people suffering from an anxiety disorder are sometimes diagnosed with GAD, or Generalize Anxiety Disorder. GAD is a condition where a sufferer is experiencing anxiety and worry in disproportionately higher degree and will then result to panic attacks and other medical conditions.

Anxiety disorder is in fact an illness that can affect all people, irrespective of age, economic status, race, religion, or gender. The good news is that the medical treatment and intervention for these disorders are getting more and more effective every day. The key is to be mindful and monitor the anxiety disorder problem before it takes hold of your life. Doctors can help in the treatment of such condition. This positive action will help you regain or maintain control of your life.

Seeking a doctor’s help is very important. Each anxiety disorder presents differently, and each specific disorder manifests differently within each individual experiencing it. If you value your health well, see a doctor if you have an underlying issue of the disorder to have the possible treatment.

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The Overpowering Feelings In Situations Of Life

November 14, 2010 by  
Filed under Fitness

In general, some people do not have any problem with their overwhelming feelings. On the other hand, some people can face many dilemmas due to overwhelming feelings in job organization or in relationships.

Feelings of depression, fatigue, fear, laziness and anxiety would be the effect of such feelings. Obviously, these kinds of emotions do not prompt straight away but without any doubt, you can get annoyed by them at once. In real life, the overwhelming feelings should be taken as a warning of lessening such feelings.

In practical life, you basically search for the things and moments that can give you a true happiness and satisfaction with life. It is just your feelings and thoughts that really connect to your secret of happiness. For once you have decide to have a good life that is free from negative and overwhelming feelings, emotions and thoughts then you will notice that they will decrease gradually in natural way.

Your life can be very peaceful, relaxed and calm if you get free from your overwhelming feelings. One can observe that Sedona Method is an excellent approach to let go of the intense and negative feelings. You should explore the procedure and uses of the Sedona Method and make an attempt to buy it.

Sometimes you are insisted to do some work, that makes you depressed and irritated if you have not an adequate time for it, or sometimes you get stressed and panic regarding your relationship or your work, then you should make an attempt to liberate your intense feelings and emotions. You will see that it will not take your effort, interest, and a time a lot.

Your feeling of anxiety and depression can turn out to be self-confidence with a sense of dynamism. Consequently, you will see that your life will not associate more to your intense feelings. However, it is the secret of having good life that we all should know.

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