Dear Fibromyalgia

Category: Fibromyalgia Supplements

Discover the best supplements for Fibromyalgia, including vitamins, minerals, and natural remedies that can help manage symptoms and improve overall well-being.

  • Why You Need A Good Probiotic When You Have Fibromyalgia

    Why You Need A Good Probiotic When You Have Fibromyalgia

    Probiotics are the good bacteria that line your digestive tract and support your body’s ability to absorb nutrients and fight infection. Therefore, it is important to restore the proper balance of healthy bacteria in your digestive tract with a high-quality probiotic supplement.

    Disclosure: I have been given Schwartz Bioresearch Probiotic 40 Billion CFU in exchange for this review. Although the product was a gift, all opinions in this review remain my own and I was in no way influenced by the company.

    When we have an overgrowth of bad bacteria, toxins start to build up, causing inflammation, pain, digestive problems, autoimmune disease, and even anxiety.

    Several studies connect fibromyalgia with problems in the gut, emphasizing a strong relationship between fibromyalgia and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO ). For example:

    Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

    • A study in 2008 found a relationship between alterations of the intestinal microbiota ( gut flora ) and fibromyalgia.
    • Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center found that 100% (all 42) of fibromyalgia patients they studied had small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).
    • SIBO is often associated with increased intestinal permeability (leaky gut) . In this study of 40 patients with fibromyalgia, 28 (70%) had leaky gut. 12 of the 28 patients with leaky gut had no digestive symptoms.
    • A Spanish study in 2009 found that 98% of FM patients had at least one functional gastric disorder.

    Along with fibromyalgia, many health issues, including IBS, colitis, diabetes, autoimmunity, asthma, chronic fatigue syndrome, heart disease, depression, anxiety, eczema, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus have all been shown to be associated with gut health.

    Health Benefits of Probiotics

    Probiotics offer many health benefits which have been proven by research. For the purpose of this blog, I am going to list the most important benefits for those of us with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. These benefits include:

    • Boosts the immune system
    • Helps heal from leaky gut syndrome and inflammatory bowel conditions like IBS, colitis, and Crohn’s disease
    • Increases ability to absorb nutrients from food
    • Increases energy from the production of vitamin B12
    • Helps break down and eliminate toxins
    • Helps prevent and treat urinary tract infections
    • Suppresses yeast overgrowth (Candida)
    • Naturally treats skin issues such as eczema and psoriasis

    How To Restore Healthy Probiotic Bacteria

    Probiotics are essential for optimal digestion of food and absorption of nutrients. They also help your body produce vitamins, absorb minerals, and eliminate toxins. Gut bacteria are very vulnerable to lifestyle and environmental factors, such as processed foods, chemicals and pesticides, antibiotics, and stress.

    Here are 7 tips to restore and maintain your gut health:

    • Avoid sugar and processed foods that promote unhealthy bacteria and yeast in your gut.
    • Eat fermented foods such as sauerkraut, kimchi, and pickles, as long as your gut is not aggravated by them.
    • Eat plenty of fiber in the form of vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds.
    • Drink plenty of water which helps to keep your bowel movements regular and healthy bacteria thriving.
    • Avoid foods that trigger inflammation such as gluten, dairy, and eggs that can disrupt your healthy bacteria.
    • Minimize stress by implementing the stress remedies that work best for you.
    • Take a high-quality probiotic supplement

    What To Look For In A Probiotic Supplement

    Probiotic formulas are available with many different types of bacterial strains. The most important probiotic bacteria come from two species, Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, although there are many others. Each group of probiotic bacteria has different species and each species has different strains that have slightly different functions.

    Probiotic supplements that contain multiple strains tend to be more effective overall than products containing an extremely high concentration of just one or two strains. A good-quality probiotic supplement should also have a clearly labeled expiration date and shelf life potency guarantee.

    Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

    Why I Like Schwartz Bioresearch Probiotic

    I may be one of those people with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth who doesn’t have any digestive symptoms. Once in a while, I have gas, bloating, and constipation but not often. And those symptoms are usually mild. I have more problems with sinusitis, pain, fatigue, allergies, and asthma which can also be signs of a leaky gut.

    A little over a month ago the kind folks at Schwartz Bioresearch sent me a bottle of their Probiotic 40 Billion CFU to try. I have been taking a probiotic for the last couple of years so I wasn’t sure I would notice any difference. But after taking Probiotic 40 Billion CFU for 30 days I have seen some improvements.

    For one, I haven’t had any digestive issues at all. I felt lighter, less tired, and less congested. I wasn’t even using my inhaler as much. Now it could be a coincidence but I ran out about a week ago and the congestion is back and so is the fatigue.

    I just want to say, I am extremely careful about what supplements I take. I don’t want to waste money on products that don’t contain what is claimed on the label. And even more important, I don’t want them to contain harmful additives. So before I take any supplements, there are some safety guidelines I follow.

    I feel comfortable recommending Schwartz Bioresearch Probiotic 40 Billion CFU for the following reasons:

    1. Schwartz Bioresearch Probiotic 40 Billion CFUs is a blend of 4 scientifically studied Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus strains which include:
      • L. Acidophilus – supports overall digestion, nutrient absorption, immune health, and urinary health, and may also provide some benefit for cardiovascular health by reducing cholesterol.
      • L. plantarum – supports overall digestion, and immune health, and may also reduce gastrointestinal side effects associated with antibiotics.
      • L. paracasei – supports liver health, boosts energy levels, and could be helpful for fighting infections.
      • B. lactis – supports overall digestion, immune health, and bowel health, and may also support healthy cholesterol levels.
    2. Schwartz Bioresearch probiotics have a guaranteed shelf life of 18 months. They are one of the very few who can guarantee potency until the expiration date. They guarantee high-quality, shelf-stable probiotic strains which maintain at least 10 billion CFU until expiration date .and survive harsh stomach acids to reach the intestinal tract where they exert their greatest benefits.
    3. Schwartz Bioresearch Probiotics are made with 100% natural ingredients and are free of gluten, lactose, soy, wheat, nuts, iron, sugar, chemicals, artificial colors, binders, and fillers.
    4. Schwartz Bioresearch Probiotics are third-party tested for potency, purity, and content. Each batch of probiotics is extensively analyzed by professionals before its release.

    https://fibromyalgia-6.creator-spring.com/
    https://www.teepublic.com/stores/fibromyalgia-store

    Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

    For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

    References:

    Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

    Click here to Contact us Directly on Inbox

    Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

    Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

    Fibromyalgia Stores

    Click here to Visit Fibromyalgia Store

  • Finding Someone to Treat Fibromyalgia

    It isn’t always easy to find someone to help you because there’s not just one type of doctor who treats fibromyalgia. But it’s important to find a doctor who understands your condition and will work closely with you to manage your symptoms and help you feel better. How do you find the right doctor for you? 

    Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

    Know your options.

    Some people with fibromyalgia are treated by their primary care doctors or internal medicine doctors. However, you may want to ask whether you should see a specialist. Specialty doctors who most often treat the condition are rheumatologists. Rheumatologists treat inflammatory, often painful conditions that affect the joints, muscles, bones, and other organs. Pain specialists and neurologists may treat fibromyalgia, too. 

    There’s no rule as to what type of doctor you should use to help you manage fibromyalgia. However, make sure he or she has an interest in and knowledge of fibromyalgia treatment. 

    Expand your horizons.

    Finding a doctor who can lead your care and help you manage fibromyalgia is your first priority. But you may benefit from working with a team of healthcare providers that can help you manage specific symptoms. The team might include a physical therapist, sleep specialist, massage therapist, acupuncturist, cognitive-behavioral counselor, and others. 

    Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

    Look for a clinic.

    Getting recommendations from friends, family, other physicians and your insurance provider is one way to find a doctor. Another is to see whether you have a pain or rheumatology clinic in your area. Oftentimes, these clinics offer care from several members of the fibromyalgia treatment team all in one location.

    Ask the right questions.

    Just because a doctor or other type of healthcare provider knows about fibromyalgia doesn’t mean he or she is the right doctor for you. A few questions you can ask to help you decide include: 

    Many people with fibromyalgia check out a number of doctors until they find the right one. It’s worth the effort. You can greatly improve your symptoms when you have a knowledgeable and focused doctor, along with your own participation and motivation. In addition to asking your insurance provider, you can search Healthgrades.com for providers who treat fibromyalgia.

    https://fibromyalgia-6.creator-spring.com/
    https://www.teepublic.com/stores/fibromyalgia-store

    Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

    For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

    References:

    Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

    Click here to Contact us Directly on Inbox

    Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

    Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

    Fibromyalgia Stores

    Click here to Visit Fibromyalgia Store

  • Getting a Better Night’s Sleep With Fibromyalgia

    A good night’s sleep is as important to your health as eating right and exercising regularly. That’s especially true when you have fibromyalgia. Getting enough quality sleep can ease the pain of this arthritis-related condition and help you feel refreshed. 

    Fibromyalgia can change your brain wave patterns, which can rob you of slow-wave sleep, the deepest stage of sleep. It can also bring on other problems, such as restless legs syndrome, which can make sleeping through the night a challenge. When you don’t sleep well, fibromyalgia can feel even more uncomfortable. 

    Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

    Don’t let fibromyalgia steal your sleep. There are strategies you can try to help yourself get the rest you need to feel your best:

    • Be as active as possible. Exercising during the day is one of the best ways to help you get a good night’s sleep. It is also one of the best things you can do to treat fibromyalgia. Start with walking. Gradually and over time, try going farther and faster. Avoid working out within three hours of bedtime, though, so you have enough time to wind down. 
    • Darken your bedroom. Light can keep your brain awake, making it harder to sleep. If streetlamps, moonlight, or early morning sun peaks in through your windows, invest in room-darkening bedroom shades. If you get up during the night to use the bathroom, use a nightlight to show the way rather than turning on a bright overhead light.
    • Go to bed at the same time every day. Try to get up each morning at the same time too, even on weekends and when you’re traveling.  
    • Limit caffeine and alcohol. Avoid caffeine in the afternoon and evening. It can keep you from sleeping soundly. As for alcohol, you may be able to enjoy a glass of wine with dinner and still sleep well, but skip the nightcap. Alcohol around bedtime can make you drowsy, but cause you to wake up in the middle of the night.  
    • Nix long naps. For some people, a short midafternoon nap can improve their day, but for others, it’s the recipe for lost sleep at night. If you’re among those who doze off during the day, don’t nap for long. To prevent your nap from affecting your sleep at night, set your alarm for an hour, and get up when it goes off. 
    • Reserve your bed only for sleeping. Watching TV or working on your laptop in bed can make it tough to fall asleep. 
    • Talk with your doctor. If you are having trouble sleeping despite all efforts, ask your doctor about participating in a sleep study. It can help identify any other disorders you have that may be disrupting your sleep. It’s thought, for example, that people with fibromyalgia may experience the same breathing pauses during sleep that affect people with sleep apnea. If this is the case for you, a CPAP machine (which increases air pressure in the throat to hold it open during sleep) may be helpful. Your doctor can also prescribe sleep medicine, if necessary.

    https://fibromyalgia-6.creator-spring.com/
    https://www.teepublic.com/stores/fibromyalgia-store

    Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

    For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

    References:

    Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

    Click here to Contact us Directly on Inbox

    Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

    Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

    Fibromyalgia Stores

    Click here to Visit Fibromyalgia Store

  • 6 Tips for Coping With ‘Fibromyalgia Fog’

    Managing Fibromyalgia’s Effects on the Brain

    Doctors often focus more on the physical symptoms of fibromyalgia, such as pain, fatigue, and stiffness. However, many people with the condition also have trouble focusing, concentrating, or thinking quickly in everyday situations. In a recent study, women with fibromyalgia ranked so-called ‘fibro fog’ among their five top complaints. Openly discussing these symptoms and how they affect you can help you and your doctor address them. Here are other ways to reduce the impact of fibro fog on your daily life.

    Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

    Take note of any thinking or learning problems you have. You may want to write down when you experience them—and how severe they are—on a chart or calendar. Share this with your doctor. Together, you may be able to pinpoint what makes your fibro fog better or worse and develop strategies to minimize it.

    In addition to easing pain, therapy for fibromyalgia often helps with brain-related symptoms, including depression. Your doctor may write you prescriptions for pain medications or antidepressants. When you have less pain to deal with, you can focus more on living your life and doing things you enjoy. Alternative and mind-body therapies, such as massage and tai chi, also show promise.

    Trouble sleeping counts as a primary symptom of fibromyalgia. But the more restful your slumber, the clearer your thinking. Most adults need seven hours of restorative sleep to perform their best. Take steps to reach this goal by keeping a regular sleep schedule. Avoid alcohol and caffeine late in the afternoon and at night. Try to go to bed and get up at around the same time every day. And avoid daytime naps, especially in the afternoon. If you must take them, limit them to one hour.

    Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

    Moving your body helps ease pain and stiffness—and also may benefit your mind. After working out, you may feel sharper and more alert. Physical activity also improves sleep, if you time it right. Schedule your gym session in the morning or during the day, if possible; working out at night can keep you awake. If you do work out later in the day, aim to finish about three hours before hitting the sack. This gives your body enough time to wind down.

    Some studies suggest people with fibromyalgia perform just as well on memory tests that involve one problem at a time as do people without the condition. That means minimizing multitasking could boost your brainpower. Try and focus on completing one task at a time. Along with tracking your symptoms, make a ‘to-do list and update it every day or so to help stay on track. Each time you complete a task, cross it off the list and congratulate yourself. Take it one step at a time.

    • 6. Make changes at work.

    Many people with fibromyalgia can continue to work. But there may be times when you struggle with balancing work when you have chronic pain. You might find that working fewer hours or having flexible hours helps you better handle the demands of your job. Or you might need to switch your role to one that plays more to your strengths than your weaknesses.

    https://fibromyalgia-6.creator-spring.com/
    https://www.teepublic.com/stores/fibromyalgia-store

    Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

    For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

    References:

    Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

    Click here to Contact us Directly on Inbox

    Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

    Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

    Fibromyalgia Stores

    Click here to Visit Fibromyalgia Store

  • 8 Inspiring Reminders When Fighting Fibromyalgia Fatigue

    Was this helpful?

    • Living with fibromyalgia fatigue on a daily basis can really get you down and leave you struggling to find motivation. At times, it feels like there’s no way to keep going, maintain focus, and stay inspired to live positively or to live at all. However, inspiration surrounds us at every turn as these eight quotes remind us.
    • Keep trying—you have not failed.

    “To fall is not to fail. You fail when you don’t try.” – Superchick, “Get Up”

    Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

    It’s easy to think of yourself as a failure when fibromyalgia has taken so much away from you. But you are not a failure. You prove that every day by continuing to try. This song quoted above is about persistence and is a wonderful anthem for those who struggle with the chronic pain and fatigue of fibromyalgia. Keep trying, persist, and continue to be the success that you are.

    • Remember that tomorrow is a new day.

    “With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

    No matter how overwhelming your fibromyalgia symptoms are today, tomorrow is a new day. Every tomorrow is an opportunity to start over and to have a better day. Allow yourself and your body to rest on bad days, and don’t think about the things you aren’t doing. Just know that if you rest now, you are more likely to have the strength to do things tomorrow.

    • Just keep swimming.

    “When life gets you down, you know what you gotta do? Just keep swimming.” – Dory, Finding Nemo

    When fibromyalgia fatigue takes over, it often feels like you are swimming–upstream. Finding Nemo is full of inspirational gems to help you remember why you are here and that although obstacles will get in the way, you don’t give up. You just keep moving forward. Keep swimming even when it feels like you aren’t making any progress. After all, this isn’t a race. If you need a smile and some inspiration on a day when fatigue has taken over, pull out this movie and give it a watch.

    • Look to your faith for strength.

    “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” – Martin Luther King, Jr

    Holding onto your faith could improve your quality of life. Without faith, it’s virtually impossible to get through the dark days that often come with the fatigue and pain of fibromyalgia. Faith can take many forms, from religious belief to faith that a treatment will work, to having faith in your support system and community to be there for you.

    Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

    • Rise up like the day.

    “In spite of the ache
    I’ll rise up
    And I’ll do it a thousand times again” – Andra Day, “Rise Up”

    Fibromyalgia hurts. It leaves you feeling lost and fatigued and like there is no coming back, but you will rise up again. Look how many times you’ve already risen with the new day. If you are ever unsure of whether you can push through another day, just consider how many days you’ve already survived.

    • Stay focused on your goals.

    “I don’t focus on what I’m up against. I focus on my goals and I try to ignore the rest.” – Venus Williams

    If you allow yourself to get lost in the pain and fatigue, you will lose sight of all that is important—of your goals, your hopes, and your dreams. Focus on the endgame, on all that you still have in front of you. Strive for your goals and keep working towards them, even if the steps you take towards reaching those goals are small ones.

    • Play the hand you were dealt.

    “It doesn’t matter what has happened to you, it matters what you do with what has happened to you.” – Regina Brett

    You are not a victim: You still have control of your life and what comes in front of you. You can’t change the past, you can’t undo chronic illness or regain the time you’ve lost, but you can still choose the life you will live despite the pain and fatigue of fibromyalgia.

    • Remember that it’s not the end.

    “Everything will be okay in the end. If it’s not okay, it’s not the end.” – John Lennon

    It’s difficult when you live with the chronic pain and fatigue of fibromyalgia to remember that your life is not over and that there are good things yet to come. But, there is still a great deal of life yet for you to live and many things for you to do. Your plans may have changed, but there is still a plan in place.

    • Stay Inspired

    You have many sources of inspiration that surround you. Look to your family and friends and remember why you are here. Focus on the things that motivate you and keep those front and center on the bad days when fatigue tries to take over.

    Was this helpful?

    https://fibromyalgia-6.creator-spring.com/
    https://www.teepublic.com/stores/fibromyalgia-store

    Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

    For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

    References:

    Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

    Click here to Contact us Directly on Inbox

    Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

    Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

    Fibromyalgia Stores

    Click here to Visit Fibromyalgia Store

  • Homeopathic Remedies for Muscle Adhesions

    At a recent appointment with my naturopath,  to the wonderfully named Dr. Love, the topic of recurrent muscle pain flares came up. Anti-inflammatory interventions and nervous system calming remedies had not broken the cycle of muscle pain I experience. My pain predominantly occurs in my upper back/shoulder blades on either side and my glute muscles/SI joints. Even though I stretch and strengthen, which helps, I have not broken out of these painful cycles. My naturopath asked what my osteopath had to say about whether my muscles are particularly restricted and not very responsive to treatment. My osteopath said that my thoracic spine and pelvis area were particularly restricted.

    Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

    Dr. Love explained that tightness and restriction can occur when muscles are contracted for a long period of time, leading to adhesions in the connective tissues. Adhesions are a form of scar tissue that causes connective tissues to stick together in a way that restricts normal movement and function. There is evidence that adhesions in the fascia (a network of connective tissue throughout the body, like a soft skeleton) can contribute to fibromyalgia pain.*

    Dr. Love felt that it might be helpful to give me some support for breaking down adhesions, to complement the work of my osteopath and physiotherapist. She prescribed a homeopathic remedy with two ingredients. The first was theosinaminium, which is a derivative of mustard seed oil. It is used as an internal solvent for dissolving scar tissue, fibroids, tumors, and adhesions.** The other ingredient was silicea, which  “can stimulate the organism to re-absorb fibrotic conditions and scar-tissue”.***

    In the last month, I have experienced decreased nighttime back pain, and greater resiliency in my upper back/shoulders (for example, I have been able to type this entire post without pain, when usually I use voice-t0-text technology). I am not sure if this supplement is the only reason, but since it has no side effects, I am happy to continue to take it to see if it will help me further!

    https://fibromyalgia-6.creator-spring.com/
    https://www.teepublic.com/stores/fibromyalgia-store

    Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

    For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

    References:

    Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

    Click here to Contact us Directly on Inbox

    Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

    Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

    Fibromyalgia Stores

    Click here to Visit Fibromyalgia Store

  • The Fibromyalgia Crusade

    The Fibromyalgia Crusade

    I am launching THE FIBROMYALGIA CRUSADE! I am a Fibromyalgia patient, not a doctor, scientist, researcher, or Ph.D. I am a real woman living a real-life with a real disease that receives little to no respect or understanding from the world at large. I became ill in 2005 and have devoted the last 5 years of my life to overcome the debilitating and miserable reality that is living with Fibromyalgia.

    My medical history is complex. My journey is fraught with as much failure as success. I have worked harder than I ever have for anything in my life to regain a quality worth living, and with an amazing support network is amazed to say that not only do I survive, I thrive! But my heart is breaking…

    Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

    I started this blog, “Chronicles Of Fibromyalgia”, last March. It was a way for me to dissect and therefore begin to understand how life had deposited me in the strange and foreign land I found myself residing in. I also dream of a career as a writer and utilize the blog as an outlet to exercise those skills. But I was private, I was unsure. I was embarrassed by the truth of my reality and kept it to myself, all the while progressing emotionally and physically in leaps and bounds as I began to unravel the tangled ball of yarn that my life had become.

    And then at the end of July, mere days before my 34th birthday, I had 2 strokes. I nearly died, came within a hairsbreadth, but have miraculously recovered and with treatment am going to be just fine. This near-death experience woke me up! It renewed in me a responsibility to my fellow man, Fibromyalgia–sufferers specifically. I stopped caring about acceptance or judgment and went public with very intimate and private details of my struggle. I utilized Facebook and my blog as a way to reach out to other normal everyday folks trudging through the grim and dismal misunderstood darkness that each day is when one lives with Fibromyalgia.

    The response has been overwhelming! People have been crawling out of the woodworks to link up and gain support, a sympathetic ear, a shoulder to lean on that truly understands how awful life can become when one is forced to live sick in a world of healthy expectation. I have knitted together a small network of fellow fibrates that are all singing the same song, just to a different tune. As I have become aware of the story after story following the same devastating outline I have become enraged! There is too much loss and suffering and ignorance surrounding this condition. With every beat of my heart, I want to change the reality of living with Fibromyalgia. Take it from a doubted and questioned condition and give it the validity it deserves. Making people recognize the suffering and loss and devastation is indeed real, as real as the air we breathe, and I believe if the THOUSANDS of Fibromyalgia patients out there came together, stood strong as 1 voice, it can be done!

    https://fibromyalgia-6.creator-spring.com/
    https://www.teepublic.com/stores/fibromyalgia-store

    Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

    For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

    References:

    Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

    Click here to Contact us Directly on Inbox

    Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

    Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

    Fibromyalgia Stores

    Click here to Visit Fibromyalgia Store

  • Mindfulness Meditation for Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain

    Mindfulness Meditation for Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain

    Meditation is a way to practice being present. According to Jon Kabat-Zinn, a pioneer in the field of meditation and medicine, meditation is a practice of cultivating mindfulness, which means “paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgmentally.”

    For this post, I wanted to look at some recent research on mindfulness meditation programs involving participants with chronic pain. The purpose of these studies was to assess whether mindfulness can lower pain, reduce depression, and improve quality of life.

    The Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program created by Jon Kabat-Zinn to teach mindfulness meditation to patients had demonstrated remarkable benefits for reducing chronic pain as well as anxiety and depression. I personally have found that this approach has helped me to reduce my anxiety, improve my quality of life, and manage my pain. The MBSR intervention is structured so that participants attend weekly sessions where they learn “different types of formal mindfulness practice, mindful awareness during yoga postures, and mindfulness during stressful situations and social interactions” (p. 227, Grossman et al., 2007).

    Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

    Researchers investigated the effect of MBSR programs for participants with mixed chronic pain conditions and the significance of at-home practice for pain management. The study measured results in terms of bodily pain, quality of life, and psychological symptoms for each chronic pain condition (neck/back pain, arthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic headache, and two or more coexisting conditions). The researchers discovered that the degree of benefit of participating in mindfulness programs varied depending on the chronic pain condition, but that overall improvement was seen in almost every category (Rosenzweig et al., 2010).

    Rosenzweig (2010) suggests different possible causes for how meditation practice can improve chronic pain conditions:

    • First of all, nervous system pathways to parts of the brain associated with stress can be inhibited through mindfulness practice.
    • Secondly, reducing psychological symptoms like anxiety and depression can help because those symptoms can amplify the perception of pain.
    • Third, mindfulness practice can help improve emotional regulation and coping skills in stressful situations.
    • Fourth, mindfulness contributes physical self-awareness which could help lead to better self-care.
    • Finally, mindfulness can help activate nervous system function associated with rest and calm (parasympathetic nervous system), which in turn can lead to deep muscle relaxation that may reduce pain.

    Similar results were found in a study of the effects of participating in an MBSR course for people with fibromyalgia (Grossman, et al., 2007). Significantly, the researchers interviewed about half of the original participants from the mindfulness training group 3 years later and found sustained long-term benefits among those who continued their mindfulness practice (Grossman et al., 2007).

    One research review compared 38 studies involving a total of 3500 participants. It examined previously published studies that investigated the effectiveness of mindfulness meditation as a treatment for chronic pain. They found that “mindfulness meditation was associated with a statistically significant improvement in depression, physical health-related quality of life, and mental health-related quality of life” (Hilton et al., 2017). In this review, participants showed promising outcomes on pain symptoms, but the degree of improvement was limited.

    Research reviews like this are limited in their ability to compare and contrast different studies. Different meditation techniques were used in the different studies, such as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness–Based Cognitive Therapy. In addition, the studies investigated outcomes in patients with different conditions, like fibromyalgia and migraine – which is like comparing apples to oranges. This highlights the need for more high-quality studies that include a greater number of participants with the same condition, using the same type of meditation program.

    When it comes to trying mindfulness meditation, for people with chronic pain, there is nothing to lose and everything to gain. Prescriptions rarely offer total relief and come with unpleasant side effects. The only cost of meditation is a little bit of time. while the potential benefits are less pain, better mood, and a greater quality of life.

    https://fibromyalgia-6.creator-spring.com/
    https://www.teepublic.com/stores/fibromyalgia-store

    Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

    For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

    References:

    Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

    Click here to Contact us Directly on Inbox

    Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

    Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

    Fibromyalgia Stores

    Click here to Visit Fibromyalgia Store

  • 3 Months to Recovery for Fibromyalgia Patients

    Another fibromyalgia patient just recently has reached that level of recovery that most of you only dream of. I’m talking about no pain and being able to plan to begin living and enjoying life. This young lady is 30 years old and was literally nonfunctional when her parents brought her into our clinic. With doubts and apprehension, she decided to give one more program a chance, and three months later she is a hiking, fishing, and planning on her “new” life.

    Three months you say? Impossible! Well, although all of our patients are not as successful, it has been more common than not for patients to reach pain-free levels in three months’ time. The fibromyalgia protocol is that successful. It takes determination and a strong will to follow exactly what we outline for your program. That often is the difference between success and failure. You cut corners and you will fail. Our protocol is not painful or filled with mental gymnastics. The program requires you to get out of your comfort zone of life and diet and follow what really is a simple step-by-step program. The best part is you have me to help guide you so you do not fail.

    Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

    Try our protocol or check the website for patient videos on their success.

    Recently I completed a number of “video blogs” better known as “vlogs” that explain a number of steps in our protocol that might require a video in order for you to understand more clearly about fibromyalgia and our program. When completed they will be available on Youtube. We also plan on a regular series of video presentations that will include information and also a question and answer session for you and the general public. We will notify you as to when this will begin.

    Due to the number of fibromyalgia patients in so many different states requesting assistance in starting our fibromyalgia protocol, we will be visiting a number of states training doctors in our program in order that you have direct contact with a trained fibromyalgia physician in your area.

    We will notify you as to the dates and locations of training seminars for your doctors.

    Wishing you all a very healthy weekend.

    https://fibromyalgia-6.creator-spring.com/
    https://www.teepublic.com/stores/fibromyalgia-store

    Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

    For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

    References:

    Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

    Click here to Contact us Directly on Inbox

    Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

    Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

    Fibromyalgia Stores

    Click here to Visit Fibromyalgia Store

  • Harnessing your fibromyalgia anxiety with mindfulness meditation

    “Breathe and let be”, Jon Kabat-Zinn

    Within the last two decades, the concept of mindfulness meditation has been adopted by schools, hospitals, businesses, police, and even the military. Those who teach/mentor MM to people in the huge business of organized sport, the corporate world, and the military, no doubt live with some degree of contradiction in their lives.

    It is not a practice that is focused so much on ethical issues in big business or professional sport (considered by many to be legitimated violence as in many sports such as boxing, football, and hockey and is integral to commercial enterprise, with an emphasis on competition and a ‘killer’ instinct). Too, many are amazed that military personnel who are taught about killing would benefit from MM, but those who suffer from PTSD, the after-effects of their experiences, could be helped greatly from their difficult military experiences.

    I have likened PTSD elsewhere to fibromyalgia sufferers. It is what was once described as ‘shell shock. Who better to be taught a contemplative practice to help ease the burden of their flashbacks? Police and military personnel have jobs that are necessary to society and having resources to them that allow a mindful approach to their daily lives is paramount.

    None of this is to say that those who are professional athletes or in the corporate world are not worthy of learning about ways in which to develop more empathy for themselves and others. Empathy and compassion are integral to MM. No one ‘owns’ this individual practice. While mindfulness is not regarded as a practice that has a political agenda it is seen as a way of listening to oneself as well as to others. In an indirect way, it can help with the current chaos and despair that permeates societies in this century with an emphasis on less aggression and anger.

    Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

    MM won’t save the world from the many wrongdoings of the corporate world or the military machine complex and its wars (but it can be of great help in peacekeeping). In schools of various kinds, especially with children, in the field of medicine and health, and most directly in our own personal lives, no matter how we chose to live them, quietly contemplating our thoughts and actions can have a profound effect on society.

    The toll booth ticket takers, cleaners, garbage collectors, computer analysts, farmers, nurses, secretaries, doctors, teachers, volunteers, housewives and househusbands, and daycare workers among thousands of other people are all subject to various kinds of anxieties and fears.

    The journal Mindful is one that presents the practice in a variety of settings and is a valuable source of information regarding issues of MM.

    What exactly is so easy, yet so difficult about being mindful and practicing mindfulness meditation? If someone was disciplined to ‘sit’ quietly for a few minutes each day and gradually increase the time to 20 minutes on a daily schedule it is believed to actually change the neural pathways of the brain. I have written many blogs on this site encouraging readers to embark on this journey so I beg the reader’s forgiveness for repeating myself once more.

    Many have asked me about the difference between meditation and mindfulness. I am far from an expert on the subject and have struggled with the concepts over many years. I am not diligent about daily meditation sitting but I am getting better at reminding myself on an almost hourly schedule to bring attention to my thoughts and focus at that moment on my breath.

    Can one incorporate mindfulness and meditation? How is that accomplished? They are in fact the same thing, but being mindful is not just about sitting quietly while allowing our thoughts to come and go while labeling each of them ‘thinking’ and then turning attention to the breath.

    Being mindful is practicing the art of ‘living in the moment—while eating, dressing,  brushing our teeth, cleaning the house, attending a meeting, playing an instrument, writing on this blog …any of the daily activities of living. Many years ago I took a contemplative photography course which changed my view of photography as an art. To stop, breathe, and think of the subject matter in a deliberate way was an extraordinary experience.

    It is not just sitting quietly meditating for a few minutes each day. It is an awareness of what we are doing on a moment-by-moment basis. THIS IS NOT AN EASY TASK! Many are confused by the label of mindfulness meditation but many more are challenged by the process itself as it is so difficult. One cannot say “There! I’ve meditated for twenty minutes, now I’m finished for the day”. Meditation does not become easier, nor is there a ‘good’ or a ‘bad’ experience of the practice…it just is.

    Thoughts are constant and meditation is not to suggest that we can ‘stop’ thinking as it is ongoing. But for those of us with ruminating anxious thoughts meditation can be a way of looking at ourselves through a different lens. It is a way of paying attention, on purpose, moment to moment. We can learn to have self-compassion, to be nonjudgmental about our thoughts, and to make friends with our minds rather than struggle with fear, depression, anxiety, anger, and other negative and frightening emotions no matter what our lot is in life.

    Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

    However, I want to point out that for those privileged by not suffering from racism, sexism, homophobia, classism, poverty, or ageism every day their lives are often (but certainly not always) less fraught with challenges and struggles. Still, even the privileged among us suffer from anxieties and depression and can be subject to fibromyalgia. Mindfulness meditation does not cure anxiety or depression. It allows us the space to not struggle against it.

    The chronic anxiety of fibromyalgia can be helped with a program called ‘Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy’ which has been found to be extremely useful. The goal is to help the person to focus less on reacting to incoming stimuli and to accepting them without judging and without struggling against them. fMRIs have shown that practicing mindfulness meditation increases activity in the prefrontal cortex of the brain and brings about greater self control. 

    MBCT programs have become highly regarded as effective for people with anxiety and depression. It is a form of therapy that incorporates mindfulness and meditation (please note I am uncomfortable about separating mindfulness and meditation).

    I have called my anxiety by name. She is “Hortense” and I chide her often. I say:” Don’t come back for a few hours, ok? I will listen to you then but for now I am not ready. I need a time out”. Sometimes I laugh at her as she is working hard to bring frightening thoughts to my mind. Hortense is the name of a beautiful flower.

    How can something as beautiful as that send me into a catastrophic thought? For me, meditation focuses on the quiet. It is about hearing. It is: “The Sound of Silence”. It is about hearing our own minds and practicing to hear the voices of others. I think of these lines: “People hearing without listening” (lyrics by Paul Simon, recorded in March 1964, “The Sound of Silence”).

    We hear our minds, but we often don’t listen. We need silence to do so. TVs and radios constantly blaring, phones ringing, computers and smartphones being attended to almost minute by minute do not allow us to hear ourselves. The world is filled with noise pollution. Fibromyalgia is basically a hyper-aroused central nervous system. Noise is a huge trigger for those of us subject to this malady. Quiet is soothing to our sensitive selves.

    Mindfulness can be practiced in a waiting room, on a bus, waiting in a cashier’s line, or anywhere. Could this woman be meditating?

    *photo of this painting from the private collection of a friend. It is an untitled oil on canvas 36×24″, Evgenia Makogon (artist), 2004.

    Do read many of the books, journals, articles, and websites, or listen to podcasts or CDs on Mindfulness Meditation. The experts are many. But, it is not just theirs; MM belongs to us all if we chose to incorporate this gift into our lives.

    https://fibromyalgia-6.creator-spring.com/
    https://www.teepublic.com/stores/fibromyalgia-store

    Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

    For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

    References:

    Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

    Click here to Contact us Directly on Inbox

    Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

    Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

    Fibromyalgia Stores

    Click here to Visit Fibromyalgia Store