HEADACHES

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MAGNESIUM & TURMERIC VS IBUPROFEN & ACETAMINOPHEN

What are The Benefits vs The Risks? 

I’m guessing almost everyone has experienced a headache at some point in their life, for one reason or another.

There are many causes of headaches: Dehydration, Hormonal Imbalance, Illness, Physical Trauma, Tension, Eye Strain, Sinus Pressure, Migraine – are some that come to mind.

And there are many treatments too.

IBUPROFEN

As a pharmacist, my go to headache remedy was always ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil). This worked for me most of the time and logically made sense. Most causes of headaches create some type of inflammation in the body and ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID). NSAIDs, like ibuprofen, temporarily reduce the amount of prostaglandins made by your body.

PROSTAGLANDINS

What are these things called prostaglandins?

Your body releases prostaglandins when you have an injury. These hormone-like substances contribute to inflammation, which includes swelling, fever, and increased sensitivity to pain.

Great! Ibuprofen! – A simple solution for a simple problem. Right?

BENEFITS VS RISKS OF IBUPROFEN

I’ve been taught to weigh the benefits versus the risks for any medication or treatment. This is good advice for anyone contemplating a health decision.

So the next logical question: 

Does the use of ibuprofen to treat a headache outweigh the risk?

Getting rid of a headache is definitely a benefit but ibuprofen has many potential side effects.

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS OF IBUPROFEN

The more common side effects of ibuprofen are related to the  GI (gastrointestinal) system: :

  • Stomach Pain / Irritation of the Stomach Lining
  • Heartburn
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Gas
  • Constipation or Diarrhea
SEVERE SIDE EFFECTS OF IBUPROFEN

There are other side effects, they are more uncommon but more severe, and definitely more concerning risks:

  • Heart attack and stroke
    • This is a rare side effect, but your risk increases if you use too much ibuprofen or use it for too long. 
    • Your risk is even higher if you:
      • Have other risk factors for heart attack or stroke
      • Have a clotting disorder
      • Take other medications that affect how your blood clots
  • Decreased Kidney Function and Increased Blood Pressure
    • This is related to ibuprofen’s effect on prostaglandins.
    • Prostaglandins help keep the pressure in your kidneys at the right level to filter the fluids in your body and maintain blood pressure.
    • Since ibuprofen changes your body’s production of prostaglandins, this can cause an imbalance in your body fluid pressure, which can decrease kidney function and increase blood pressure.
      • Your risk is even higher if you:
        • Are an older adult
        • Have kidney disease
        • Take blood pressure medications
  • Ulcers and Bleeding in the Stomach and Intestines
    • Prostaglandins again! – they help maintain the constant repair of your stomach lining, which protects it from the stomach acid.
    • Since ibuprofen decreases prostaglandin production, it increases your risk for stomach damage such as bleeding and ulcers in the stomach and intestines.
    • This is not a common side effect, but the risk increases the longer you use ibuprofen. 
    • Other factors that increase your risk include:
      • Again, older age
      • History of ulcers or bleeding in your stomach or intestines
      • Use of oral steroids or blood thinners 
      • Smoking
      • Alcohol use
IS THE BENEFIT WORTH THE RISK?

That is a lot of potential risk for the benefit of getting rid of a headache!

What are your other options?

ACETAMINOPHEN

There is acetaminophen (Tylenol). This has not worked well for me personally for getting rid of a headache, but it is a top recommendation of many doctors and pharmacists, especially if there are reasons that a person should not take ibuprofen or NSAIDs.

It’s not fully known how acetaminophen works. It doesn’t reduce swelling or inflammation. Instead, it’s thought to block the release of certain chemicals in your brain that signal the sensation of pain.

CONCERNING SIDE EFFECTS OF ACETAMINOPHEN

Acetaminophen doesn’t have many of the more common side effects like ibuprofen but the potential harm it can do to your body’s liver is very concerning and worth considering before taking a dose for a headache.

Your liver is your main detox pathway in your body. It processes environmental toxins, pesticides or other toxins from your food and water, medications, alcohol and everything else that you put into or onto your body.

  • Severe liver damage
    • Acetaminophen poisoning can happen from taking too much acetaminophen. 
    • Your liver processes acetaminophen and converts it into a different substance. If you take large amounts of acetaminophen, your liver produces more of that substance. And when there is too much of it, that substance can damage your liver. 
    • Permanent liver damage is not likely if you take it at the recommended dose for a short period of time.
    • Unfortunately acetaminophen overuse is more common than you think. This can occur in:
      • Adults who take more than 3 g (3,000 mg) of acetaminophen in a 24-hour period – That is just 6 tablets of 500mg each.
      • Children who take more than five doses in a 24-hour period
      • People who already have liver disease or who take other medications that can damage the liver
      • People who drink three or more alcoholic drinks per day, even when they take acetaminophen at the recommended dosage

The risks of ibuprofen or acetaminophen are a lot to consider but those aren’t your only options.

MAGNESIUM

Magnesium is a vital nutrient that plays a part in more than 300 of the body’s processes. Magnesium deficiency can cause many issues, including headaches. 

MUSCLE MOVEMENTS

Because of the role magnesium plays in muscle contraction and relaxation, it can be effective for reducing tension headaches and migraines.  Magnesium has the potential to both prevent headaches as well as eliminate an existent headache.

NERVOUS SYSTEM REGULATION

Magnesium plays a role in regulating neurotransmitters, which send messages throughout your brain and nervous system. This is part of the body’s stress response system. A reduced magnesium level in the body can decrease your ability to deal with stress, which can lead to headaches, among other things.

DEHYDRATION / SWEATING

Most people aren’t consuming enough magnesium per day and some people may be more susceptible to magnesium loss. When you sweat – due to exercise, menopausal hot flashes or illness – you lose water and electrolytes (sodium, magnesium, etc). This can lead to dehydration if both water and electrolytes (sodium, magnesium, etc) are not replenished. 

MAGNESIUM IN YOUR DIET

Adding magnesium rich foods into your diet is essential. These include:  dark leafy greens, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds (almonds and pumpkin seeds), and even organic dark chocolate.

Many people are deficient in magnesium. This can be a result of eating refined and processed food, the increasing prevalence of chronic disease and because of mineral depletion in our soil, and subsequently in our food. 

MAGNESIUM SUPPLEMENTATION

Magnesium supplementation is a great option. Choose a supplement that is readily absorbed like Natural Vitality’s Calm (Mg carbonate) or Advanced Magnesium (Mg Malate, Mg Glycinate).

Magnesium is a safe and well-tolerated option for preventing headaches and can be used as an acute treatment option as well. 

Magnesium supplementation does have the potential to cause diarrhea for some people. This occurs with certain forms of magnesium that are not well absorbed, like magnesium oxide or when taking high doses of any form. 

Too much dietary magnesium is typically not a problem for healthy people, as any excess will be processed by the kidneys and be excreted in urine. 

TURMERIC / CURCUMIN

Turmeric is an herb closely related to the ginger family. It is native to India and is one of the main ingredients in curry dishes. The bright yellow color of turmeric is due to the curcumin it contains. Whether you love curry dishes, dislike them or have never tried them, the benefits of turmeric / curcumin are amazing.

Most of the research on turmeric centers on its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This can be helpful with preventing and managing headaches since Inflammation is one of the underlying causes of headaches and migraines. The research is not conclusive but it is promising. 

Most studies test the effects of curcumin — the active component in turmeric — because it’s much stronger than the powdered spice.

It’s important to know that curcumin supplements contain a much higher concentration of the beneficial polyphenols than the amount you’d get from eating curry — even if you love curry and eat it every day.

SIDE EFFECTS OF TURMERIC / CURCUMIN

There are many more benefits than side effects with turmeric / curcumin when eaten or taken in typical amounts (turmeric: consumed in teas, soups or curry dishes or curcumin: 400 – 600 mg per day) . When taken at higher doses, curcumin can cause some unpleasant side effects like nausea, diarrhea — and yes —  even headache.

Pure turmeric powders are considered safe for most people. When you are consuming turmeric, make sure you are buying it from a trusted source. Your best bet is to choose turmeric that has been certified by a reputable agency. Many powders, unfortunately, are adulterated. This means that cheaper and potentially toxic ingredients have been added and are not listed on the label.

Some commercial turmeric powders may contain fillers like barley, wheat or rye flour, which can cause adverse symptoms in people with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. Some turmeric powders may also contain questionable food colorants, which are added to improve color when the powder is diluted with flour. Some turmeric powders may also be high in lead, a heavy metal that is especially toxic to the nervous system.

CURCUMIN SUPPLEMENTS

Weighing benefits vs risks is always the best way to decide if this supplement is something that may work for you. 

Curcumin has many benefits beyond preventing or treating headaches. It has anti-inflammatory properties; inflammation is the root cause of almost all diseases. It is rich in antioxidants, promotes liver health, improves brain function, improves heart health, lowers cholesterol, lowers blood glucose and helps to prevent blood clots.

The typical daily dosage is 400 to 600 milligram of curcumin per day, this is equivalent to approximately 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder.

You can try this to prevent or manage a headache.

Because of the effect that curcumin supplements have on the different functions of the body they may conflict with other medications you are taking. If you are taking medications for various disease states, consult your physician before taking curcumin supplements.

My go to curcumin supplement is  Super Bio-Curcumin Turmeric Extract. It contains 400 mg of curcumin per capsule.

DECIDE WHAT IS BEST FOR YOU

Next time you have a headache or if you suffer from recurring headaches, weigh your options and the benefits and risks they have to offer.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not meant to offer medical advice.

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

INFORMATION OVERLOAD

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SO MUCH INFORMATION TO ABSORB

There is so much information out there (books, internet, social media, people you know) on what you should eat. Then, to add more confusion, there is even more to choose from when it comes to something specific: weight loss, autoimmune diseases, cancer, IBS/IBD, depression/anxiety, etc.

When I was healing from Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), I did so much research on my own, plus I started seeing a naturopath, I had my beloved integrative medicine physician and then I eventually added a rheumatologist to the mix. 

I read many, many books on inflammation, on gut health, on autoimmune issues, on hormones and on RA specifically. I had my Pharmacy Degree and I had recently obtained a Holistic Health Coach Certification from IIN (Institute for Integrative Nutrition out of New York) which offered a very broad education on nutrition. The education focused on bio-individuality and offered a little bit of education on everything – vegetarian, pescatarian, vegan, low fat, low carb and even breatharian models and many more. This certification opened my world up to many many teachings, many authors and gave me a lot to think about – but it didn’t give me the specific answers I needed.

I am grateful for everything that I learn and for everything that happens for me, even my RA diagnosis. My knowledge that I did have was swirling in my head, the advice I received from my health team swirled around in there too. I was dedicated to healing –  it was scary at times and the journey on that path wasn’t easy. 

I did some juicing, things I learned from the Paddison Program. I tried the AIP diet, recommended by my naturopath, I tried the Specific Carbohydrate diet, recommended by my Integrative MD. I was tested and treated for SIBO. I opted for using the herbal treatment for SIBO instead of the pharmaceutical Xifaxan. I consider myself a Paradoxical Pharmacist – I know about all of these medications but would prefer to heal naturally for so many reasons, one being the side effects that prescription medications can cause.

I was trying to follow information from books I read by Neal Barnard, Susan Blum, Steven Gundry, Don Colbert, Josh Axe, Dave Aspry, Izabella Wentz, Joel Fuhrman, Sara Gottfried, Julia Ross, Mark Hyman, Michal Platt, etc. – and I am sure there were many more in the library I collected and even more that I read or listened to online.

TRYING TO TIE IT ALL TOGETHER BUT FALLING SHORT

Ultimately I landed on a vegetarian keto version of a diet from trying to incorporate everything I had been given by the health care team. This seemed to keep some of my symptoms at bay but I continued to be extremely fatigued, was carrying some extra weight, my entire body was swollen and my hair was thinning. I felt defeated and lost. 

My blood work didn’t show the classic signs of RA, but I agreed to see a rheumatologist. With his observations of my swollen joints, all of my other symptoms and some added blood work, I received my diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis and a secondary diagnosis of hypothyroidism.

I handled that ok, as well as could be expected, but then came the choices of medications. Again, this paradoxical pharmacist did not want to take steroids or the methotrexate or the hydroxychloroquine or the injectable biologics. But ultimately, I was scared and this fear was enough to push me to agree to try the medications. I responded remarkably quickly to all of the treatments, maybe because of the diet and lifestyle I had adopted. I continued with eating my vegetarian keto dietary plan and was able to achieve medication supported remission in under a year. My Rheumatologist pushed for me to continue on the medication to ensure the remission. I agreed to stay on medication for a bit longer, but my goal was to discontinue the medications and to stay in remission. 

DIVINE INTERVENTION: A PUSH TO EXPLORE A DIFFERENT PATH

In November 2019, something stirred in me to reach out to someone I had met just once several years ago. When I met this amazing person, I had just finished my IIN Health Coach Certification and she had just finished her Health Coach Certification from HMI (Health Mastery Institute out of Kauai). I had been so intrigued by her account of her training and how excitedly she spoke of her teacher, Liana Shanti. At the time I had met with her, I just couldn’t imagine doing another Health Certification but I did enroll in one of Liana’s classes, 66 Day Health Mastery Program, and went on with my life. This program is amazing but I didn’t realize it at the time – I read through the first 4 modules to gain the knowledge but I didn’t apply the program to my life fully.

When I reached out to this amazing person, Cahira Nolani, in November of 2019, she graciously agreed to meet with me. I had a ton of questions that she patiently answered and that night I decided to enroll in HMI. To say the least, HMI has been LIFE CHANGING. 

A LIGHT OF AN OPPORTUNITY

When the world “shut down” in March of 2020, I decided to go off of all of my prescriptions. This was also prompted by fear of the unknown. I did not want to be immunocompromised in the face of an unknown virus.  I threw myself into learning everything I could from HMI. 

Not only do I attribute HMI to helping me stay in remission after abruptly stopping my medications, it also helped me understand that the high fat that I was eating was most likely the culprit for disrupting my hormones. I was already eating fairly healthy but changing up my diet by lowering the fat and increasing what I thought was “forbidden” fruit made a drastic improvement in my health and wellbeing. 

EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON

Everything happens for a reason! I truly believe that if I had done the program, 66 Day Health Mastery Program, back in 2015, I may not have been confronted with Rheumatoid Arthritis. I don’t look back at what could have been, I look back and see all of the lessons I have learned along the way. Our failures are our best teachers!

HELP IS HERE – YOU JUST HAVE TO ASK

The information I learned in HMI also provided me with more knowledge and more confidence to help others on their healing path.

Reach out if my story resonates with you and you would like guidance on your health journey.

You too can heal!!

Gina Lynn

G.E.T. Happy G.E.T. Healthy G.E.T. Whole

A LOOK AT AN ANTI-INFLAMMATORY LIFESTYLE, DIET & FATS- PART 3

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Anti Inflammatory Diet & Fats

I am excited to share another video with you this week from my friend and colleague Deanna Norelli of Tulasara Wellness.

This is the Third Video in Deanna’s Series on A LOOK AT AN ANTI-INFLAMMATORY LIFESTYLE.

In this video she looks at some of the healthy anti inflammatory fats – Olive Oil, Hemp Seeds, Nuts, Flax Seeds, etc.

I hope you find this video informative and helpful.

GET Happy – GET Healthy – GET Whole

Have a Beautiful Day!

Gina Lynn

PLANTAR FASCIITIS Taping Technique to Relieve Pain

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Guest Contributor: Stacey Roberts PT, Owner of New You Health and Wellness

Here is a follow up video from Stacey Roberts of New You Health and Wellness.

Her initial post, featured on the Morning Blend, Stacey addressed treating plantar fasciitis using the Advanced Softwave Technology.

In this video she shares a taping technique that you can implement at home to provide arch support and relief from plantar fasciitis.

I hope you find this technique helpful.

GET Happy – GET Healthy – GET Whole

Have a Beautiful Day!

Gina Lynn

Stacey Roberts

Stacey is my friend and colleague. She has been a physical therapist since 1990, specializing in outpatient orthopedics and sports medicine. 

In 2003-2004 Stacey became a master herbalist to further her knowledge in the complementary therapies that her patients were starting to use.  From 2004-2017 she owned and operated a cash based health and wellness clinic on the Gold Coast of Australia specializing in in women’s health and hormones, and couples fertility. Her interventions combined conventional knowledge with complementary treatment emphasizing lifestyle changes in her patients regarding their eating plan, supplementation programs, and stress management to help  thousands of women and men achieve their health goals as well as create and expand their families.

After returning to the United States, Stacey was hired by a national physical therapy company to grow and develop their orthopedic outpatient practice. From 2016- 2020 Stacey has been an associate clinical professor at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee’s Physical Therapy doctoral program.  Recently, in 2021, she opened New You Health and Wellness, a holistic cash based clinic where she combines her knowledge of wellness, hormone health and musculoskeletal health in the treatment of patients with issues related to musculoskeletal injuries/sports medicine, sexual health and pelvic health.

I am excited to have Stacey as a guest writer on my website.

You can find out more about Stacey at Newyouhealthandwellness.com

HAPPY NATIONAL DONUT DAY – JUNE 4, 2021

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HISTORY

HISTORY OF NATIONAL DONUT DAY

“At one point or another in our lives, we’ve found ourselves craving a donut. When we think about it, it’s not really a surprise that this treat hits the spot like no other. They pair exceptionally well with tasty hot beverages, they can be had as a quick snack or to accompany a long conversation. Most of all, there’s a donut out there for all of us; from traditional glaze to daring recipes such as maple-bacon donuts.

The origins of National Donut Day are traced to The Salvation Army’s involvement in World War I. During this time, a group of volunteers was dispatched to the frontlines with the mission of providing comforting meals for the troops. They soon found out that donuts were an effective way to provide food while navigating the difficulties of cooking in very dire circumstances. These brave volunteers would later be known as “donut lassies”. They would even use war helmets as a utensil to fry up seven donuts at a time.

In 1938 “Donut Day” was established as a way to honor the members of the Salvation Army that came to the aid of soldiers during World War I. Nowadays, National Donut Day is widely celebrated on the first Friday of June. Many donut shops are known to give them out for free, giving a good reason to take some time out of the day to enjoy this most cherished treat.”

Taken from https://nationaltoday.com/national-donut-day/

THE PERFECT FOLLOW UP TO MEMORIAL DAY

When I read the history of National Donut Day it seemed like the perfect topic to write about coming up right after Memorial Day. A fun way to remember those who came to the aid of our soldiers during World War I by making them donuts.

We all have our own unique gifts to serve our fellow human beings. The Salvation Army “donut lassies” served their soldiers by providing them with yummy donuts.

DELICIOUS CHILDHOOD MEMORIES MADE HEALTHY – A DREAM COME TRUE!

I remember eating (and loving) donuts when I was young. Crullers and French Crullers were my favorites!! Oh, and the yummy custard filled donuts covered with powdered sugar, those ones were absolutely magical to me!

I decided to try my hand at an adaptation of a “healthy” donut recipe. One that is both gluten and sugar free. I am not much of a baker, but these donuts were really good. Perhaps not quite as light and crisp as a French Cruller, but they brought a smile to my face, as I imagine the donuts brought smiles to our soldiers’ faces.

SERENDIPITY

I did not use an authentic war helmet to fry up seven donuts at a time BUT the recipe did yield me seven donuts, a welcomed serendipity.

I gave 2 of the donuts a “cinnamon & sugar” topping – my personal favorite! Two of the donuts got a traditional glaze with rainbow sprinkles, and the last three received a chocolate glaze, 2 with rainbow sprinkles and 1 without.

THE RECIPE

The recipe was adapted from this one: https://www.gnom-gnom.com/baked-gluten-free-keto-donuts/ . Thank you Gnom-Gnom!

I pretty much followed the recipe making only a few changes. I used Coconut Oil in place of the Butter, I used Lakanto Granulated Monk Fruit in place of Erythritol. I used Pink Himalayan Salt in place of Kosher Salt, Alcohol Free Vanilla and I used only two eggs because mine were quite large. And because I am lazy, I used a simple 3 ingredient  glaze: Milkadamia Milk, Powdered Lakanto Monk Fruit & Alcohol Free Vanilla. 

The cinnamon & sugar donuts were my favorite, they reminded me of a churro, YUM!!

NATIONAL DONUT DAY – HEALTHY RECIPE 

Donut:

Glaze:

Sprinkles:

Directions:

  • Preheat the oven to 425 F.
  • Grease and flour (with coconut flour) a donut pan – you could draw 3 & ½ “ circles on parchment paper and free hand the donuts – or make donut holes with dollops of dough.
  • In a medium bowl, with tall sides, whisk together almond flour, coconut flour, psyllium husk and xanthan gum. Set aside.
  • In a medium pot, heat up water, coconut oil, Lakanto Granulated Monk Fruit, and salt on medium high, just until it begins to simmer.
  • Reduce heat to low and add the flour mixture. Mix constantly. Continue to cook and stir until the dough pulls away from the pan and forms a ball, one to three minutes.
  • Transfer dough back to the medium bowl, with tall sides and allow to cool for 5-10 minutes. The temperature of the dough should be below 125 F. This took about 10 minutes for me.
  • Begin mixing with an electric mixer, adding one egg at a time until eggs are fully incorporated. Mix the dough for 2 minutes after adding the last egg
  • Mix in Baking Powder and Vanilla
  • Allow the dough to rest for about 15-20 minutes to come to room temperature. This prevents the donuts from deflating after they are baked.
  • Spoon dough into a piping bag – I used a ziploc bag. Cut the tip of the bag to about ¾ inch diameter – about the size of your thumb.
  • Pipe dough into the prepared donut pain – or onto parchment paper.
  • Wet your finger and smooth out where the ends meet – for more uniformity and more rise.
  • Bake for 15 minutes at 425 F, then lower temperature to 350 F and continue to bake for 17-20 minutes until deep golden brown.
  • DO NOT OPEN the oven door for the 1st 20 minutes – or at all if possible.
  • Allow to rest in the pan for 10 minutes before removing to a cooling rack.

For the Glaze:

  • Simply whisk the Powdered Lakanto Monk Fruit with the Milkadamia Milk and then add the Vanilla.
  • After the Donuts have cooled, dunk them in the glaze and return to the cooling rack to allow the glaze to set.

For the Cinnamon & “Sugar” topping:

  • ¼ cup Lakanto Granulated Monk Fruit
  • 1 Tbsp Ceylon Cinnamon
  • Place in a Glass Jar with Sprinkle Top
  • Before the donuts are completely cool, spread with coconut oil or ghee and sprinkle with Cinnamon & “Sugar” and move back to the cooling rack.

For the Sprinkles – Optional:

Makes Seven Delicious Healthy Donuts!!

Enjoy!!!

GET Happy – GET HEALTHY – GET Whole

Have a Beautiful Day

Gina Lynn

***As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small percentage from qualifying purchases from the links above. 

You are under no obligation to purchase from these links. I have provided them for your convenience.***

A LOOK AT AN ANTI INFLAMMATORY LIFE STYLE – Part 2

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I am excited to share another video with you this week from my friend and colleague Deanna Norelli of Tulasara Wellness.

This is the Second Video in Deanna’s Series on A LOOK AT AN ANTI-INFLAMMATORY LIFESTYLE.

Deanna gives an overview of Chronic Systemic Inflammation. She discusses Risk Factors, Symptoms, Related Diseases and Ways to Reduce Your Risk.

I hope you find this video informative and helpful.

GET Happy – GET Healthy – GET Whole

Have a Beautiful Day!

Gina Lynn

Deanna Norelli – Tulasara Wellness.

Deanna is a wellness advocate and educator. She combines her western health training in nutrition with her eastern yoga training to help her clients achieve optimal health. She has a passion for yoga, Ayurveda, digestive health, and an anti-inflammatory lifestyle. This passion provides a unique perspective on overall wellness.

Deanna offers weekly in person and virtual yoga classes, monthly virtual wellness workshops and annual wellness coaching programs encouraging each individual to be a better steward of their God-given temple.

You can find more information on her offerings at Tulasara Wellness.com

PLANTAR FASCIITIS

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Here is another great share from my friend and colleague Stacey Roberts of New You Health and Wellness.

Stacey contributed a Post a few weeks ago “WHAT IS WELLNESS?”

This week I am sharing a segment she had on The Morning Blend with Molly Fay.

Stacey and her Client Nisha talk about the Advanced Softwave Technology Treatment offered at New You Health and Wellness.

Stacey explains what plantar fasciitis is, Nisha gives her testimonial on how much this therapy has helped her get back to thriving in her daily life.

Together they demonstrate the Advanced Softwave Technology Treatment.

Stacey also explains a bit more on the other healing modalities she uses for Nisha. This includes physical therapy soft tissue work, foot wear recommendations, diet, and stretching exercises.

New You Health & Wellness is offering an Softwave Introductory Special for $49.00, this includes a consultation and an abbreviated treatment to see if it helps. You can contact Stacey at 414-519-9332 or through her website at New You Health and Wellness.

Here is the link to the FREE DOWNLOAD: 5 Steps to Eliminate Foot/Heel Pain – mentioned in the video

I hope you find this segment from Stacey informative and helpful.

GET Happy – GET Healthy – GET Whole

Have a Beautiful Day!

Gina Lynn

Stacey Roberts

Stacey is my friend and colleague. She has been a physical therapist since 1990, specializing in outpatient orthopedics and sports medicine. 

In 2003-2004 Stacey became a master herbalist to further her knowledge in the complementary therapies that her patients were starting to use.  From 2004-2017 she owned and operated a cash based health and wellness clinic on the Gold Coast of Australia specializing in in women’s health and hormones, and couples fertility. Her interventions combined conventional knowledge with complementary treatment emphasizing lifestyle changes in her patients regarding their eating plan, supplementation programs, and stress management to help  thousands of women and men achieve their health goals as well as create and expand their families.

After returning to the United States, Stacey was hired by a national physical therapy company to grow and develop their orthopedic outpatient practice. From 2016- 2020 Stacey has been an associate clinical professor at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee’s Physical Therapy doctoral program. 

Recently, in 2021, she opened New You Health and Wellness, a holistic cash based clinic where she combines her knowledge of wellness, hormone health and musculoskeletal health in the treatment of patients with issues related to musculoskeletal injuries/sports medicine, sexual health and pelvic health.

I am excited to have Stacey as a guest writer on my website.

You can find out more about Stacey at Newyouhealthandwellness.com

CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME

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WHAT IS CFS?

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a medical condition characterized by extreme fatigue or tiredness that doesn’t go away with rest and can’t be explained by an underlying medical condition.

The causes of CFS aren’t fully understood yet. Some theories include viral infection, stress, a weakened immune system, hormonal imbalances or a combination of factors. It is also speculated that some people may have a genetic predisposition to develop CFS.

At one point CFS was a controversial diagnosis but is now accepted as a medical condition. However, because no single cause has been identified, and because many other conditions produce similar symptoms, CFS can be difficult to diagnose. There are no tests for CFS. A doctor generally rules out other causes for  fatigue when determining a diagnosis.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has suggested that CFS may be the end stage of multiple different conditions, rather than one specific condition. (Source 1)

INFLAMMATION

Inflammation has been found to be the underlying cause to almost all disease from rheumatoid arthritis to cancer, heart disease to diabetes, asthma, and even Alzheimer’s. (Source 2)

One study suggests that the concentration of cytokines in the bloodstream is relevant to the acuteness of CFS symptoms. Variations in 17 cytokines were found to be connected with the severity of CFS, suggesting that the condition is essentially an inflammatory disease. (Source 3) 

WHAT CAN I DO?

Speaking from personal experience, CFS can be debilitating! I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Hashimoto’s and CFS at about the same time. I am positive that one has a relationship with all of the others. 

While, of course, the swollen painful joints, the weight gain, the cold body temperature, and the fatigue were all equally concerning, it was the fatigue that created the biggest challenge in my life. 

I typically work 10 hour shifts and I am on my feet for the entire time. I would struggle to get to my lunch break. I knew I needed to nourish my body, so I would eat my pre-planned nutritious meal in 10 minutes and then take the opportunity to close my eyes. I would typically be woken up by the sound of my alarm, unrefreshed, and would then drag myself back into work to finish my shift. 

I was very aware of the fear that had started to seep into my life; fear of not knowing how much longer I could continue working if my symptoms progressed, fear of how I would continue to mow my lawn, clean my home and many other daily things that I used to take for granted.

I was determined to find a way into remission. I had already been working with a naturopath and an integrative medicine physician before my diagnosis’. That, combined with my own research into nutrition, began to truly shed a bright light on my path to healing and my journey to get my life back.

I initially wanted to achieve all of my healing through a holistic approach. I made progress and found ways to mitigate the fatigue, but in the end I allowed conventional treatment for the RA into my life. I was scared! I weighed the fears I shared above with the fears of all the potential side effects of the medications. It was a tearful and difficult decision, and in the end the medications, for me, proved to be  helpful. 

A Plant Based Anti-Inflammatory Diet, Vitamin, Mineral and Amino Acid Supplements and strategically incorporating gentle exercise into my routine helped me to achieve remission quickly, while I was on the medications. And, I believe it was these lifestyle changes that enabled me to remain in remission once I removed the medications from my body.

Every person is different and has their own life journey to navigate. It is advised and necessary to work closely with your trusted health care professional and also to give your body the best healing environment possible.

DIET

With inflammation as a root cause of almost every disease, including CFS, a well planned nutritious Plant Based Diet can only be beneficial. 

I had a very good understanding of the Auto-Immune Paleo Diet (AIP) (for RA & Hashimoto’s), the Mediteranian Diet (for inflammation), and the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (for SIBO – small intestinal bacterial overgrowth). This was difficult and confusing at times because many things allowed on one diet was prohibited on another. But I was determined to heal.

Then I was led to the Health Mastery Institute (HMI). I was introduced to this program by an acquaintance I had met through a mutual friend. We got together once, back in 2015, and just talked about each of our respective Nutrition Certifications. I had recently received mine from IIN – Institute for Integrative Nutrition. I wasn’t ready or willing, at the time, to do a 2nd certification. However, I was very curious and was and still am so grateful for the serendipitous meeting that day. 

I purchased a program from the creator of the HMI nutrition school (Liana Shanti). The program was called “66 Day Health Mastery Program.” I was excited about the program back then and I believe I went through 4 of the 9 modules, but I was not fully committed at the time.

This program came back to my awareness 4 years later and I reached out to my acquaintance once again. She kindly agreed to meet me and we had a wonderful conversation about not only the “66 Day Health Mastery Program” but about the “HMI Nutrition Certification Program” and so many other life topics. I now consider this acquaintance a dear friend and a guardian angel of sorts. 

Both programs changed my life profoundly. We find our way to programs like these when we are ready. I had the “66 Day Program” before my RA diagnosis but I never fully embraced it until I felt I “truly needed it.” My life is unfolding exactly the way it is supposed to and the lessons I have learned along the way have been life changing..

Whatever support you can give to your body to support healing and homeostasis is priceless. Cutting out processed food, inflammatory oils, processed sugar, gluten and sometimes cutting out grains completely for a period of time can be amazingly beneficial.

I highly recommend the “66 Day Health Mastery Program.” It provides so much more than just a wonderful guide to healthy eating.

SUPPLEMENTS

There are studies that suggest a number of nutritional deficiencies may have relevance to the development and severity of CFS. These include deficiencies of:

B Vitamins

Vitamin C

Magnesium

Sodium

Zinc

L-Tryptophan

L-Carnitine

Coenzyme Q10

Essential fatty acids 

A deficiency of these nutrients in CFS patients appears to be primarily due to the illness process rather than to an inadequate diet. Improving gut health may be helpful with overall absorption of nutrients.

It is likely that even marginal deficiencies not only contribute to the clinical presentation of CFS, but are also detrimental to the healing processes. 

Identifying these deficiencies and resolving them could be a key initial step in treating CFS.

The rare incidence of serious adverse reactions to the supplements mentioned above, the difficulty in ruling out marginal deficiencies, and because some of the therapeutic benefits of nutritional supplements appear to be due to pharmacologic effects, it is reasonable to consider supplementing with the nutrients along with a Chelated Mineral Supplement, at least for a trial period. (Source 4)

I found supplements to be incredibly helpful in relieving my fatigue symptoms even before deciding to take the prescription medication for RA.

In addition to the above nutrients I also added 5-HTP, Vitamin D and methylated Vitamin B12 (in addition to the Vitamin B Complex), and I chose to take L-Tyrosine over the L-Tryptophan for many reasons, mainly because L-Tyrosine helps with depression and the increase in dopamine levels afforded me the energy to push through my day.

EXERCISE

Exercise is an important component to a healthy lifestyle. When CFS exists, exercise can seem an almost impossible task.

Even moderate exercise and cause post exertional malaise (PEM). PEM is the worsening of symptoms after even minor exertion – physical, mental or emotional. Even light and sound can create a sensory overload and can cause PEM. 

Regulating your activity can prove to be essential. This is referred to as activity management or pacing. The goal is to learn and achieve a balance between rest and activity and to avoid PEM flare ups.

It is important to find your own personal limits for physical, mental and emotional activity. Some doctors refer to staying within these limits as staying within the “energy envelope.” A great way to find your energy envelope is to keep an activity and symptom diary. Understanding your own personal limits and finding your balance between activity and rest can be a helpful coping skill. 

For some people with CFS just everyday activities like work, showering and interacting with other people may be the energy limit for the day. Another person may be able to add in walking or gentle yoga.

It is important not to push yourself too far on a good day. This may lead to a worsening of symptoms and may set you back farther on your healing journey. (Source 5)

BE KIND TO YOURSELF

Whether you have a CFS diagnosis amongst several other health conditions or you have suspicions that you may be coping with CFS on a regular basis, be kind to yourself.

Think of yourself as your own sweet child or as your best friend in the world. Love yourself, nurture yourself, support yourself, empower yourself and give yourself the encouragement to initiate helpful, healthful changes on your healing journey.

GET Happy – GET Healthy – GET Whole

Have a Beautiful Day!

Gina Lynn

DISCLAIMER 

Any statements expressed in these recommendations are for informational purposes and self-help only and are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with your health care provider before embarking on any cleansing, detoxing, or juicing program, or before beginning any new diet or nutritional program. Always consult with your personal health care physician regarding taking any supplements, as only your health care provider can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs or diagnose your particular medical history. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should never undertake a cleanse, a fast, a detox or a parasite cleanse of any kind. Also, those on medication should always have their medical doctor’s approval before making any dietary changes.

***As an Amazon Associate I earn a small percentage from qualifying purchases from the links above.

You are under no obligation to purchase from these links. I have provided them for your convenience***

A LOOK AT AN ANTI INFLAMMATORY LIFESTYLE – Part 1

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I am excited to share a video with you this week from a kindred spirit; my friend and colleague Deanna Norelli of Tulasara Wellness.

Deanna is a wellness advocate and educator . She combines her western health training in nutrition with her eastern yoga training to help her clients achieve optimal health.

Deanna offers weekly virtual yoga classes, monthly virtual wellness workshops and annual wellness coaching programs encouraging each individual to be a better steward of their God-given temple. You can find more information on her offerings at TulasaraWellness.com.

Deanna has a passion for yoga, Ayurveda, digestive health, and an anti-inflammatory lifestyle. This passion provides the unique perspective in her first in a series of videos discussing the Anti Inflammatory Life Style where she offers simple and practical tips to apply to your every day life.

Enjoy!

GET Happy, GET Healthy, GET Whole

Gina Lynn

WHAT IS WELLNESS?

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Guest Contributor: Stacey Roberts PT, Owner of New You Health and Wellness

Stacey Roberts

Stacey is my friend and colleague. She has been a physical therapist since 1990, specializing in outpatient orthopedics and sports medicine. 

In 2003-2004 Stacey became a master herbalist to further her knowledge in the complementary therapies that her patients were starting to use.  From 2004-2017 she owned and operated a cash based health and wellness clinic on the Gold Coast of Australia specializing in in women’s health and hormones, and couples fertility. Her interventions combined conventional knowledge with complementary treatment emphasizing lifestyle changes in her patients regarding their eating plan, supplementation programs, and stress management to help  thousands of women and men achieve their health goals as well as create and expand their families.

After returning to the United States, Stacey was hired by a national physical therapy company to grow and develop their orthopedic outpatient practice. From 2016- 2020 Stacey has been an associate clinical professor at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee’s Physical Therapy doctoral program. 

Recently, in 2021, she opened New You Health and Wellness, a holistic cash based clinic where she combines her knowledge of wellness, hormone health and musculoskeletal health in the treatment of patients with issues related to musculoskeletal injuries/sports medicine, sexual health and pelvic health.

I am excited to have Stacey as a guest writer on my website.

You can find out more about Stacey at Newyouhealthandwellness.com

WHAT IS WELLNESS?

My guess is since you are visiting our website and this article caught your eye that you are a person who puts your health as a top priority in your life.  You want to make healthy and responsible choices for your health.  And if that’s the truth then while striving to make these choices you undoubtedly have come across terms like holistic, natural, organic, etc.  And I am sure you have come across terms like health and wellness before.  But have you ever thought about what they really mean? 

I have to admit, though I have spent the last three decades working with men, women and children to help them improve their health, I never really gave much thought to the term wellness before.  I mean, I thought I knew what it meant until I actually tried to narrow it down to a couple sentences.  That proved to be impossible. 

Every time I thought I had a comprehensive definition and discussed it with some friends, they would usually say, ‘Yeah, but, what about….?”  What I learned is this is a word that has a much bigger and deeper meaning than I had ever considered.

So back to the original question…What is Wellness? What does it really mean? 

According to Northwestern University that one little word covers many big areas.  After reading through their website I discovered why my attempts to narrow its definition down to a concise little description for this article just wasn’t going to cut it. 

At Northwestern’s Student Affairs Department they list the following Eight Dimensions of Wellness:

  • physical
  • emotional
  • social
  • intellectual
  • environmental
  • spiritual
  • vocational
  • financial

Physical wellness is not just the absence of disease or illness but it is about creating and maintaining a healthy physical body supported by a balanced physiology.  In other words, it’s not just about having healthy muscles and joints, but physical wellness includes striving to create an optimal balance of your whole physiology.  This includes what your hormone balance is like, how your blood sugar levels are being managed through the foods you eat and the exercises you do,  and what you are doing to manage your stress levels, just to name a few.   It’s about making choices that help you feel well physically and allow you to create an enjoyable fulfilling life.  Striving for physical wellness will allow you to function at the level that gives you the most joy and satisfaction.

Emotional wellness and physical wellness definitely overlap as do all these dimensions.  When we think about how we feel emotionally, this will often affect us physically and vice versus.  But if we had to narrow down emotional wellness in a few words or phrases you might come up with being in a balanced mental state or creating a state of mental health where life can be experienced in all its ups and downs. And at the end of the day when you choose to practice things such as mindfulness, meditation, or visualization you will find a balance.  Emotional wellness is about building resiliency, experimenting with ways to cope with stressful events or people.  It’s about seeking out relationships that support your mental health and not being afraid to reach out for help when you need it.

Social wellness encompasses connection.  Connecting with your community and developing meaningful relationship within your life.  Creating a network or networks of people to communicate with in a world that makes social isolation easier than ever.  Even if you consider yourself an introvert and would rather spend time alone, social wellness is still an important part of overall health.  Connecting with the community doesn’t mean you have to be with large crowds of people.  There are many ways for example to support causes in your community without putting yourself in uncomfortable situations.  We are social beings and it’s our responsibility to find the ways that we feel most fulfilled and balanced as we interact with our community and develop supportive relationships.

Intellectual wellness reminds us to participate in stimulating environments and activities to help tap into our creativity and intellectual ability.  It also involves thinking things through, making responsible choices and understanding that learning is a lifetime journey.

Environmental wellness is taking responsibility in whatever way you can to contribute to creating a healthy and thriving environment.  To focus on this dimension if each of us strive to do even one or two things to make the Earth on which we live a little better place, this would be the best gift we can give to the next generation. 

Spiritual Wellness is taking care to nurture your connection with a higher power.  It involves being compassionate, practicing gratitude, and sitting with oneself and reflecting on how you are living life in line with your values.  Spiritual wellness involves being aware of the mind-body connection as well as tapping into the very nature of our living soul.

Vocational wellness is seeking out and participating in work that is satisfying to you and in line with our values.  It is finding meaning and personal satisfaction in the work that you do.

Financial wellness is all about the relationship we have with the money. It is so beneficial to explore the beliefs that we were raised with about money and decide whether these beliefs serve you or create more stress in your life.   Managing risks and preparing for the short and long term by educating oneself on what skills are needed to be financially responsible now or if mistakes have been made, to learn from them and find resources to help get in a more stable position financially is also a part of creating financial wellness.

When you think about it and take all of these dimensions into consideration, it may seem overwhelming or even impossible to manage.  But the truth is each day we are confronted with several or potentially all of these dimensions and if we just strive to become aware of that and aware of our thoughts and ultimately our choices each day in these areas, in a very short time we will be moving forward quite significantly towards creating optimal health and wellbeing. 

Part of doing that is also being kind to ourselves along the way.  Be okay with working on any one of these areas whenever you can.  And understand that some days will be more stressful than others. 

And always remember that being well is seeking balance in these areas over time.  Striving to be honest with ourselves as to what areas we do need to work on and congratulating ourselves on what areas we are doing well in will go a long way towards reaching our wellness goals.

It’s pretty evident that one word, with only two little syllables can have a big impact in the short and long run.

Be well 😊

Stacey Roberts PT

Newyouhealthandwellness.com