Man with Fibromyalgia Overcomes Odds

                                                          Tye Cypher | for Trib Total Media

Eight years after a quadruple-bypass surgery, Larry Shaffer (age 60 of PA), "broke state bench-press record ... and now has his eyes set on an Anti-Drug Athletes United world record. " Not only has Shaffer overcome the post-op odds of a quadruple-bypass surgery, he is doing so while battling elbow tendinitis AND fibromyalgia. 

Speaking about his condition, Shaffer stated that, “with fibromyalgia, if you let it overcome you, it will wreak havoc on your body,”  But Shaffer hasn't let that happen. He said weightlifting saved his life in 2006, the same time doctors told him he wouldn't lift again. His pure power of will allowed him to surpass the odds that were stacked against him. 

Shaffer began weight lifting later in life, beginning in his forties, and continues to do so in spite of  a diagnosis previously given by his doctors that he would never be able to lift more than forty pounds. In fact, this June, "Shaffer competed in his first competitive event since 2012 ... and his lift of 276 lbs. broke the previous state record for the 60-64 age group ... while his second lift of 282 lbs. broke the state AND national mark." 

Larry Shaffer is a testament to the power of the human mind. When you are determined to achieve a goal, the mind will destroy all obstacles that stand in your way. 

Shaffer has an important message to relay to all others who are facing challenging life circumstances. 

"“Doctors told me I'd never be able to lift more than 40 pounds,” Shaffer said. “Never let anyone tell you that you can't do something.”

Fibromyalgia is a terrible condition that is painful and debilitating to many people. I, myself, suffer from the condition and look to the success of Larry Shaffer as motivation and proof that I, too, can accomplish my goals.

I hope that the story of Larry Shaffer inspires you to believe in the power of yourself and gives you a ray of hope for a healthy future. His full story can be found at the link below.

Until next time,

Feast From Within 

Read more: http://triblive.com/sports/otherlocal/6469864-74/shaffer-lift-pounds#ixzz38xiy47Kj 
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Dangers of taking DHEA

DHEA has been referred to as the 'fountain of youth' in some corners of the health and wellness community. However, oral supplementation of DHEA can be incredibly harmful on the body. DHEA is a hormone produced natural in the body in conjunction with cortisol in the adrenal glands. DHEA is thought of as the 'immune and anti-aging hormone. [It] controls age-related disorders, helps repair and maintain tissues....and balances the activity of the immune system" (Black, Jessica*)  The use of DHEA is banned by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) because it is considered 'cheating', similar alongside the use of steroids with regards to its use for increasing of muscle mass, strength, and energy in atheletes.*

So, why are  people supplementing their natural levels of DHEA with over the counter oral hormones? The main reasons are 1) energy and 2) youth. As previously stated, athletes have been known to take DHEA for the increased energy and strength it may provide, while others are attempting to find new ways to regain their youth. However, because DHEA is said to help the immune system as well as increase energy, many people with chronic diseases, chronic pain, or chronic fatigue illnesses have considered taking DHEA. But what people don't know is that people who have normal "hormone levels in their bodies who supplement DHEA are likely to experience negative side effects,such as: acne, tumor formation, hair loss, heart rhythm problems, and insomnia" *   
Jessica Black N.D, author of The Anti-Inflammation Diet and Recipe Book, also suggests that DHEA "should not be taken as a supplement unless the patient's own bodily level of DHEA is found to be low on proper lab tests." Hormone levels can be tested by your family doctor, naturopath, or holistic doctor using a blood or urine test. "The scientific jury is till out on the subject, but it appears that normal daily DHEA production for an average person in their 20's is between 10-25 mg" *

Even though supplementation of DHEA without the reference of a doctor may be dangerous for most people, addition DHEA supplements can be beneficial for those who suffer from lupus,osteoporosis, ED, Alzheimers, MS, or HIV. *


Taking supplements to improve health can be a risky business. Before embarking on your journey to good health through the use of over the counter oral supplements, please speak with a doctor and do personal research. Some herbal supplements may interact with prescriptions, while others may not be safe or approved to be taken without testing by a doctor.

It is important to not only be proactive, but well informed about the choices you make for your health

Until next time,
Feast From Within


Sources:

1. Black, Jessica, The Anti-Inflammation Diet and Recipe Book, 2006. pg. 20
2. Mayo Clinic, <http://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/dhea/evidence/hrb-20059173>
3. Medline Plus, <http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/331.html>
4. Dr. Mercola, DHEA: Supplementing with THIS Hormone can Lead to Tumors and Insomnia. 2011. <http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/03/19/the-most-common-mistakes-in-bioidentical-hormone-replacement.aspx

Supplements for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia - Ribose

Treating Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue syndrome is still a mystery to many doctors, but new treatments and studies are being conducted into the effectiveness of supplements and alternative treatments. Lately I have been hearing a considerable amount of discussion in the Chronic Pain Community about the use of Ribose as a way to easy pain and increase energy. Ribose, " is a naturally occurring sugar made in the body from glucose and is an essential component of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the compound that stores and delivers energy in all cells." It also occurs in RNA (ribonucleic acid), "one of the main information-carriers of living organisms"  

So basically, ribose can be thought of as a sugar and is even being used in some energy or health drinks *(so keep an eye on the labels of drinks when you are considering how much ribose to add into your diet, you may already be consuming it!) As for Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue patients, a study in 2006 done by The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, noted that, "patients who took five grams of ribose three times a day for an average of 28 days reported less muscle soreness and stiffness, better ability to overcome fatigue, and simply [felt] better." (source/ source)

It is important to note that ribose supplements have not been extensively studied and that the study done by The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine did not utilize a placebo group, nor did they do a long term follow up.

I have, personally, not supplemented ribose into my diet, but plan on implementing it into my routine.
As always, supplements are to be approached with caution and a significant amount of research. Even though they are 'natural', these products may have negative side effects depending on your own personal health and if you are currently taking any other medication. Please consult and doctor/herbalists/or dietitian.

Recommended Dosage:
5 grams 3x a day

Possible Side Effects:

• Digestive problems, such as nausea, stomach ache and diarrhea
• Headache
• Low blood sugar (not recommended for diabetics because it can lower blood sugar too much when combined with medications)

Until next time,

Feast From Within

Sources:
Dr. Andrew Weil 
chronicfatigue.about.com

Simple Ways to Stock Your Gluten Free Pantry

Going Gluten Free can be very daunting! Where to start? What to buy? How much does it cost? 

When I went gluten free three years ago I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I didn't understand how to shop gluten free, which gains contained gluten, and which stores sold the most gluten free products. Buy gluten free cookbooks didn't make it much easier. Ingredients such as 'xantham gum' and 'sorgum flour' sent my head spinning! What were these ingredients? Did I get myself in over my head? 

Luckily, major chains of grocery stores are beginning to carry a wide variety of gluten free alternatives, which makes stocking your gluten free pantry much easier!!! Now, do not be dismayed by long and complicated gluten free ingredients. Through trial and error, I have found cheap and easy alternatives for gluten free baking that do NOT call for all of those previously unheard of ingredients. However, if you are a skilled baker or cook, go right ahead and begin experimenting with interesting gluten free recipes! 

Unfortunately, incorporating and cooking with new ingredients can be difficult and expensive, especially at first. So I have comprised a list of products that make living gluten free MUCH easier than diet and cook books may allow us to believe. Most of the products featured below can be found a major food stores such as Meijer, Kroger, and Walmart. 

Here are some of my favorite brands to buy:

1)  King Arthur Flours and Baking Mixes

Pricing ranges between 5-9 dollars and can be bought in stores or online

Their website also offers gluten free recipes for baking

2). Udi's

Udi's has a wide variety of great products. Not only do they offer baked goods like breads, cookies, and cakes, but they also have selections of frozen foods that you can stock up on in your freezer. 

Check out the Udi's website for further information, pricing, and coupons. 

3) Rudis

Similar to, but not the same company as, Udi's - Rudis gluten free bakery sells organic and gluten free products. Their website offers a store locator to make it easier to find their products. My favorite Rudis baked good is their gluten free cinnamon-raisin bread. Great for snacks or breakfast!

4) Food For Life - Brown Rice Tortillas

I'm a big fan of making wraps, so naturally I just HAD to find a quality gluten free wrap to use for my lunches, and the Food For Life Brown Rice tortillas have been my favorite so far. Hard to find in stores, at least stores near me, the gluten free wraps can be bought online and shipped right to your door. I usually stock up on two at a time and keep them in my freezer. Not only do I use them for making wraps, but I also use the tortillas as an easy alternative to pizza crust when I make my home-made pizzas. 

For a full list of gluten free gains, see below or check out this article about a gluten free chef based in Chicago 

I hope these products are helpful in aiding you towards stocking a gluten free pantry that is easy on the budget and simple to follow.

Until Next Time,
Feast From Within
xoxo

Getting What You Want Won't Make You Happy

Don't be shocked by the title of this post, I am a full blown optimist! But it wasn't until after I had experienced a life threatening illness, years of clinical depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts for me to realize what the heck happiness actually is.

As a child, growing up in America I idolized material culture without even realizing it. Spending time watching TV and movies informed me that success and happiness only comes from external sources like material wealth and  'things' that we can buy. We have all heard the saying, "Money doesn't buy happiness," but I'm not sure any of us reaaaaaly believe/d it. Of course money would make me happy, it sure as hell would make life a lot easier! But living in a culture that promotes the idea of external happiness through material wealth has seriously perverted our understanding of what happiness actually is and how to attain it.

First of all, let me just say, happiness isn't attained. It just IS. Happiness is the balanced and original state of humanity and life. Think of yourself as baby, rather - think of any baby you have ever come in contact with. Babies are the purest form of life. They exist in the state that we are forced to forget. Babies don't worry about bills, about success, about society, about family, friends, work, etc. They just exist as they are. Of course, existing in your purest state of happiness is easier said than done after spending years in a perspective of the world as a harsh, unruly place that only values people who have money or objects. But happiness truly is all around us, all we have to do is SHIFT our perspective in order to see us. We have to choose to see happiness.

Growing up I experienced certain kinds of childhood traumas that left me clinically depress and suicidal for years. I had developed and anxiety disorder and symptoms of PTSD without even realizing it. Through out my teenage years I was in and out of therapists and on any kind of medication that would leave me comatose to the world around me. Of course, no one saw what was really going on. I was skilled at diverting my depression through humor and jokes - always the 'class clown'. But once I got to college, and moved out of my parents house, these symptoms of depression and anxiety magically disappear (imagine that). But at the beginning of my sophomore year of college I was whisked back home by a life threatening, and mysterious, viral infection that would leave me bedridden for a year and fighting for my life. Needless to say, THIS was the darkest period of my life. With no hope from doctors, I often contemplated suicide just to end the amount of physical body pain I was experiencing through my un-treatable illness. I won't go too in depth with what I experienced during those years of my life. Mostly because it is still fresh, and too painful to relive publicly. But it taught me the most important lessons about my life, and motivated me to inspire and empower others to take control of their personal health and happiness.

After 3 years in therapy to treat my depression, anxiety, and PTSD (the mental health toll of a life threatening illness) and years of multiple doctors visits, alternative treatments, spiritual literature, diet changes, and natural supplements - I was able to heal myself from the inside out, and this journey taught me that happiness is not something that is attained by getting that job you want, or buying that car, or taking a trip to that place - it is attained by realizing it was there all along.

Think about it, how many times have you envisioned some object that you want - maybe a car - but once you attain that object, you go right back to however you felt before. This is because you have not realized the happiness within you. Objects will never be able to sustain a state of happiness, they may make us feel great for awhile, but eventually you always go right back to the way you were feeling before.

So, how do we realize that we create our own happiness? Basically, we have to stop trying to get happiness. Give up on being happy. Giving up allows you to truly let happiness into your life. If you are striving for happiness, you are ignoring the happiness that is already there - your focus is still external to yourself. Happiness isn't always easy, and we may not live in an eternal state of bliss. But accepting the happiness within you, and making an effort to change your perspective, truly allows you to be happy NOW, rather than in some imaginary future when you have everything you want.

Now is all we have, and happiness is there for the taking!
I hope this post will inspire you to make small changes through out your day that will aide you in shifting your perspective as to allow more happiness to naturally occur in your life, everyday.

Until next time,
Feast From Within
xoxo

What is Gluten? A Basic Introduction to Eating Gluten Free

A Gluten Free diet is all the rage. Everyone from your mother to Miley is going Gluten Free, but what does it really mean?

Most people don't know what Gluten actually is. Gluten is a protein found in wheat and related grains such as barley and rye. Gluten is what gives breads and baked goods that elasticity and yummy dough. Anyone who has been to Panera and ate soup out of one of their bread bowls, or had one of the baguettes, knows how goooood gluten-y bread tastes. So why go Gluten Free?

Those who suffer from Celiac disease (an autoimmune disorder)  must eat a gluten free diet due to the fact that gluten causes inflammation in the digestive system (intestines, etc) which interferes with the absorption of nutrients. Eating gluten also causes digestive problems (diarrhea, constipation, bloating, etc.) which can be very painful.

Due to the fact that gluten is present in wheat, many people with a wheat allergy often misdiagnose themselves as being Gluten Intolerant or Celiac, however the two should not be considered the same. Those with a wheat allergy are capable of eating products with Rye or Barley with no adverse reaction, while anyone with gluten intolerance or celiac disease would most likely experience internal and external side effects.

Gluten Sensitivity and Gluten Intolerance is highly debated in the medical and wellness community. There are many dietitians and doctors who discredit the notion of being gluten intolerant, stating mainly that a patient is mostly like either celiac, has a wheat allergy, or is suffering from another form of bowl syndrome- such as IBS. However, in the health and wellness community, gluten intolerance is a widely accepted idea and is often associated with similar symptoms to that of those who suffer from celiac, however, the appearance of symptoms is much less severe.

Below is a chart of Gluten Related Disorders

(via wikipedia....of course)

As one can see, diagnosing someone with Celiac Disease or a Gluten Intolerance is very difficult and nuanced. But the main thing to remember is that a gluten does affect the immune system, which is why many nutritionist and health & wellness 'gurus' suggest that anyone with a chronic illness, autoimmune disorder, or chronic fatigue goes gluten free. 

For most people with a chronic illness, chronic pain, fatigue, or any other autoimmune disorder - going gluten free often adds a state of improved health and energy to their life, either due to the lack of gluten in their diet - or possibly a placebo effect. 

I, myself, went gluten free three years ago as suggested by a family relative. This relative also suffers from fibromyalgia, and she had seen incredible benefits from going gluten free. At first, I had no idea what gluten was or how to shop for a gluten free diet. But as the trend began to pick up, I was able to find relatively affordable gluten free alternatives. 

Overall, the understanding of how gluten affects the human body is still relatively misunderstood. As with other autoimmune disorders, more time and money needs to be allocated to researching the affects of gluten on the immune system. If you think you may have celiac disease, or a gluten intolerance, speak to your health care professional - or try going gluten free and see how you feel! If you find that your body performs better without gluten in your diet, go ahead and make the change - however, if you find that cutting gluten out of your diet has no effects, then go right ahead and continue eating it! 

Until next time, 

Feast From Within

xoxo

*This is a very brief and simple overview of gluten, leaving out complex information regrading celiac disease and gluten intolerance, meaning that all information in this article should be taken with a grain of salt. Please remember to do  your research and speak to your health care professional if you have any concerns about your diet and well being. 

Supplements - Turmeric

Using natural and herbal supplements to fight disease and support the health of the body is quickly becoming more accepted in Western Culture. Of course, Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda have been doing this for centuries, but we are just now taking notice of the positive affects here in the West. Recently (this week) I have added Turmeric into my daily supplement intake and I am incredibly happy with the results!

Turmeric is most well known for it's use in curry, but it has been used for 4,000 years to treat a variety of conditions such as digestive and liver problems, cancers, inflammation, skin diseases, wounds, etc and Dr. Andrew Weil MD suggests Turmeric for patients to treat all inflammation disorders, including arthritis, tendinitis, and auto immune conditions.

The active substance in Turmeric, Curcumin, is " a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants scavenge molecules in the body known as free radicals, which damage cell membranes, tamper with DNA, and even cause cell death. Antioxidants can fight free radicals and may reduce or even help prevent some of the damage they cause. In addition, curcumin lowers the levels of two enzymes in the body that cause inflammation." (Source)

The following ways to include Turmeric (curcumin) into your diet include:
1) Capsules
2) Fluid Extract
3) Tinctures

I am currently taking one capsule of Turmeric in the morning with my breakfast, but am considering taking two. Positive effects of turmeric take time to be seen and felt, but I have already noticed less pain, strain, and muscle fatigue. I will continue taking Turmeric as a way to combat the inflammation that accompanies Fibromyalgia.

Before introducing a new supplement into your diet, always contact you physician first.

Until next time,
Feast From Within
xoxo

Book Review - Foods that Fight Fibromyalgia

There is a 'new' movement sweeping the Health and Wellness Community, and that movement is focused on the efforts to heal illness through food. As a member of this community, and a woman with Fibromyalgia, I am an avid supporter of the power to heal through food - hence the title of my Blog "Feast from Within". However, with this sweeping movement of healthy eating also comes a vast array of new diet books, each promising a way to magically cure your illness. Through out the years of my journey toward health and recovery I have devoured and read countless diet books, hoping that one will have that magical diet to cure all of my ailments. However, not all diet books are created equal. And I am here to guide you through each book I have read and add my personal input and perspective that will hopefully help you find the right diet plan for you.

So here we go!

The first book on my list, "Foods the Fight Fibromyalgia", is a well written and informative diet plan comprised by Dierdre Rawlings. The book is divided into two parts. Part I: Understanding Fibromyalgia and Part II: Winning the Battle Through Food.

What I enjoyed most about this book was all in Part I. This section of the book outlines six different chapters that each go in depth to discuss scientific causes of Fibromyalgia. 

The chapters are as follows:

1) The Causes and Cures of Fibromyalgia

2) Fighting Fibromyalgia Through Diet

3) Treating Symptoms with Food - Not Pills

4)  Focusing on Colorful Nutrition: We Are What We Eat

5) Your Lifestyle Guide: Shopping Lists and Eating Tips 

6) Balanced Living Principals

The Chapters in Part I are a great way to scientifically understand what is going on in your body and how to heal through nutrition. Understanding how our body functions is crucial in understanding how to heal. The book goes in depth to discuss genes, cellular energy, pesticides, water quality, immune dysfunction, allergies, pharmaceutical drugs, nutrient deletion, stress, mineral imbalances, and more! These 6 chapters overflow with knowledge that is usually limited to those who have studied medicine or the body, but now it is available to use for the public. This information empowers us to take charge of the state of our own health, and I definitely felt very empowered after I read it! 

There is also a large focus on gluten intolerance and other food allergies that is discussed in Part I. So be prepared to start considering a gluten-free diet!   

Overall, I found Part I to be very informative and beneficial. It far outweighs what appears  in Part II. 

Part II is dedicated all to recipes to try at home, and this is where I came up disappointed. My biggest problem with specialized diet books is the quality of recipes that appear. Each recipe claims to be 'simple' but is NOT. Anyone who suffers from Fibromyalgia knows that shopping for healthy, organic food takes time, energy, and lots of money - something that many of us may not have. Therefore, when I run into healthy diet books I am often left wanting due to the lack of realistic recipes and diet changes that one can actually implement into their life. There are many gluten-free options available in stores that are cheaper and easier to make/buy than most of the recipes listed in the book, and the list of ingredients may come up as quite foreign and difficult to find for anyone who is not familiar with vegan, gluten free, or diary free lifestyles. 

Overall, I was very disappointed with Part II of the book. I am still in search of a realistic and reliable diet book that lists common and well known gluten-free brands and alternatives, as well as recipes that are actually quick, easy, and simple to make. 

In conclusion, I would say that the book is worth the purchase, if only for the benefit of reading Part I and gaining a more in depth understanding of how our bodies function at the cellular and nutritional level. 

I hope this message finds you well. 

Please comment below if you have any other book suggestions

Until next time,

Feast From Within 

xoxo