Tag Archives: Chronic fatigue

Could Coffee Help You Live Longer?

coffee, lengthen life, health

If you’re like me, the day does not begin until I have had my cup of coffee. Whether it be the aroma, the caffeine, or the wake up signal to my digestive system, my body craves coffee from the moment I rise from my evening slumber.  Over the years, there have been mixed reviews about whether or not this common habit was helping or harming us. However, a recent report has found that coffee may actually help you live longer.

Coffee and Health

Caffeine may be the first benefit you think about receiving when consuming your cup of joe. However, research has found that energy is not the only good thing that comes from consuming this beverage. Three cups of coffee a day has been found to be the magic number that can provide lower risk of many health conditions including:

  • Heart disease
  • Diabetes
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Uterine and liver cancer

The only exceptions to these positive findings include some studies of unfiltered forms of coffee. French press or espresso, which contain the substances cafestol and kahweol, may slightly increase cholesterol levels.  However, the decreased risk of many health conditions seems to outweigh such negative findings. A 2015 study found that consumption of the beverage is linked to an approximate 8 to 15 percent reduction in risk of death, with more benefits linked to those who drank more.  In addition, a June 2016 report by the World Health Organization removed coffee from its list of potentially carcinogenic foods.

Coffee and Longer Life

A recent report has found that moderate consumption of coffee, or about three cups a day, has been linked to:

  • lower risk of cancers of the prostate, endometrium, skin and liver.
  • decreased risk of type 2 diabetes and better insulin and blood glucose control.
  • decreased risk of liver disease, gout, and gallstones.
  • Lower incidence of cognitive conditions such as dementia, Parkinson’s, depression, and Alzheimer’s.

The health benefits of decreased heart disease and diabetes risk have been linked to the antioxidant effect of chlorogenic acid.  Also, the coffee lipids cafestol and kahweol have been linked to possible lower risk of certain cancers and liver disease.

Researchers are not sure of the exact component of the beverage that provides the most health benefits. Also, there is no solid proof that coffee lowers risk of any disease. However, the link between decreased incidence of death and coffee intake is suggested to be a good enough reason to add a bit of the beverage to your daily routine.

Other ways to Improve Length of Life

Besides drinking coffee, there are many small things you can do each day to help improve your quality and quantity of life.

  • Eat a fiber-rich diet of fruits and vegetables. Sounds simple enough, but unfortunately just 12-percent of Americans actually eat the suggested 2 cups each of fruits and vegetables each day.  Not only do these types of foods contain digestive-friendly fiber, but also contain phytonutrients. Phytonutrients have been found to provide many anti-inflammatory benefits that have been found to help lower risk of chronic disease.
  • Stop smoking and lower alcohol intake.  Any substance that your body sees as a toxin will put strain on a your health. Smoking in particular constricts blood vessels, therefore increasing risk of heart disease. On the other hand, alcohol can put a strain on your liver since it will have to work extra hard to filter this toxin from your body.
  • Reduce stress and get plenty of sleep. Stress can affect sleep and lack of sleep can be stressful. Therefore, it is important to manage one to help the other.  Relaxation breathing, yoga, or talking to someone can help you manage stress. For sleep, talk to your doctor about specific medications or supplements, such as melatonin, that may help you catch some more Z’s.
  • Take vitamins and supplements daily.  If you are not getting enough nutrients from the food you eat, a vitamin and supplement regimen may help. A recent study in China has found a potential link between the health of the gut and longer life.  A probiotic supplement daily, such as Biovia 30X by Vita Sciences, may help improve diversity of gut bacteria in your body and promote improved digestive health and immune support.

-written by Staci Gulbin, MS, MEd, RD, LDN

Sources:

Bian, G., et al. (2017) “The Gut Microbiota of Healthy Aged Chinese Is Similar to That of the Healthy Young.” mSphere, 2 (5): e00327-17 DOI: 10.1128/mSphere.00327-17

Harvard Health Publishing: Harvard Medical School (January 2012) “What is it about coffee?”

Harvard Health Publishing: Harvard Medical School (September 25, 2017) “The latest scoop on the health benefits of coffee.”

Harvard Health Publishing: Harvard Medical School (September 2014; reviewed and updated October 31, 2017) “How to boost your immune system”

Medline Health News (November 30, 2017) “Could Your Coffee Habit Lengthen Your Life?”

Medline Health News (November 16, 2017) “CDC Wants America to Eat Its Fruit and Veggies”

 

100 Best Sites for Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Patients- the Master List

Great for fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue advice, inspiration, or just connecting with fellow  FMS/CFS (fibromyalgia/chronic fatigue syndrome) sufferers. Lots of great blogs here from people with migraines, rheumatoid arthritis, as well.

fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue, chronic pain, migraines, spoonies, arthritis, lupus

Below is a conglomeration of personal blogs, government sites, forums and medical pages- some are funny and insightful, some provide lots of great tips on coping with the pain in your life, and some are inspirational…all are gems that we know you will appreciate.

Pick a few titles that look interesting, and stop by again to see all the other great sites we’ve posted here.

Remember, knowledge is power!

Help for Fibromyalgia

and Chronic Fatigue

The (best!) blogs out there!

Editor’s Note: This blog listing has been updated in order to provide you with the freshest, most relevant material available!

Please feel free to share this list and save it for future reference. Do you have a favorite chronic living blog that’s not listed here? Please comment below. Sharing is caring! <3

  1. A New Kind of Normal A New Kind of Normal is about to living boldly with chronic illness. Living boldly means standing
  2. A Picnic with Ants My life disABLED with Chrnoic Ilnnesses, it just IS. Taking one moment at a time. My journey with chronic illness, focusing mainly on Meniere’s Disease and Chronic Migraine.
  3. And then you’re at Jax  Always looking for the fun in the rheum. A unique perspective on having both Rheumatoid Arthritis and Type 1 Diabetes. Trying to find positivity and humor each day while dealing with painful, exhausting autoimmune diseases.
  4. Back Pain Blog UK  A PERSONAL JOURNEY OF A CHRONIC BACK PAIN SUFFERER. MY SITE IS FULL OF THE LATEST TREATMENTS, PRODUCT REVIEWS, THERAPIES, DRUGS, TIPS AND WEBSITES ON BACK PAIN, FIBROMYALGIA AND ARTHRITIC CONDITIONS.
  5. Being Fibro Mom Helping fibro sufferers become fibro thrivers.
  6. Being Matt Living the life you’re given. Journey of living with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and other unknown illnesses”
  7. BitterSweet Diagnosis Pancreatically challenged- Young Leader in Diabetes-  PhD student- Accredited Practising Dietitian. A blog on living life with diabetes, while completing my PhD in diabetes education and working as a dietitian.”
  8. Blooming Beauty Just a spoonie blogging about my life and experiences
  9. Body in Mind Research into the role of the brain and mind in chronic pain.
  10. Brainless Blogger The blog covers the experience of living and coping with chronic migraines and fibromyalgia. I generalize many posts to simply talk about chronic pain and chronic illness as well. The blog posts research in those two areas as well.
  11. But You Don’t Look Sick We believe that our medical circumstances have put us in a unique and understanding position, so that we can help each other through similar difficult times. We hope the information and community on our site can aid people in leading better lives through knowledge, networking, friendship and most of all support.
  12. Capture Life’s Little Moments I blog about the day to day struggles of mental illness as well as chronic pain associated with having Fibromyalgia, chronic back pain and chronic neuropathic pain among other issues.
  13. Center for Disease Control & Prevention CDC Fibromyalgia page
  14. Charleigh Aleyna Raising Awareness for Functional Neurological Disorder
  15. Chronic Babe I created Chronic Babe to help you have an amazing life in spite of illness. I’ll help you gain new confidence, boost your career, nurture lifelong friendships, have great sex, save more money, and in general, be more fabulous.
  16. Chronic Illness Support More than anything, I hope this personal web site will connect us on a deeper level and find out more about how your illness may be more than a thorn — even an asset!
  17. Chronic Leigh’s Fibro Diary Based on a painfully true story. Fibromyalgia and chronic pain, SpoonSplained by someone who gets it.
  18. Chronic Mom A day in the life of a mom living with Fibromyalgia and Lyme disease
  19. Chronic Pain and Ramblings A day in the life of someone with debilitating pain.
  20. Chronic Pain Journal A journal, resource, and support for family, friends and patients of those who suffer from chronic pain
  21. Chronic Sex A safe place to discuss and ruminate on self-love, self-care, relationships, sex, and sexuality with chronic illness.
  22. Chronically 20 Something The adventures of a chronically ill twenty something year old woman. #spoonie. A little bit cynical but always hopeful blog about being chronically ill and twenty something.
  23. Chronically Ridiculous Invisible illness education, tips, and life experiences about living with chronically ridiculous illnesses.
  24. Chronically You… no matter how you feel COPD, Fibro, Chronic Pain, Heart Disease
  25. Claire’s Comfy Corner Life with Fibromyalgia.
  26. Confessions of a Fibro Mama The blog of a mama living, loving and being well with Fibromyalgia.
  27. Counting my Spoons Inspiring those living with chronic illness to live happily.
  28. Cranky Fibro Girl Harnessing the healing power of snark.
  29. Crazy Spoonie Life Living with fibromyalgia, hypothyroidism, IBS and depression.
  30. Cripple, baby! Mostly write about my illnesses and diagnosis but like to be able to laugh at myself too and have fun with it. Life is depressing enough so I enjoy mixing it up a little and write about good things too: My pets, vegan recipes, my charity, crafting, etc.
  31. Dangerously Normal Spoonie While battling Chronic Illness as well as Invisible Illness, I want to help others and make them aware that they are NOT alone!
  32. Diagnosed Not Defeated This is an informative blog about Type 2 diabetes. It features inspirational posts, travel tips, meal options, and so much more.
  33. Discovering Charlotte I’m a lifestyle blog while also living with fibromyalgia, depression and IBS.
  34. EDS Info Research and articles related to living with Chronic Pain from EDS & Fibromyalgia.
  35. Elaine4Queen Living with chronic migraine and fibromyalgia, and my dog, Poppet.
  36. Fed Up With Fatigue Living better with Fibromyalgia and ME/CFS/
  37. Fibro and Fabulous Fibro and Fabulous™ is a blog about my life, my Fibromyalgia, and my feeling fabulous despite my condition. Come feel fabulous with me!
  38. Fibro and M.E. Living with chronic conditions.
  39. Fibro Daze Attempting to make sense of the senseless: a Fibromyalgia diagnosis.
  40. Fibro Flutters Support Group Weblog for people with Fibromyalgia, Chronic Pain, EDS/Hypermobility, Mental health, Chronic fatigue/Me & Invisible Illness in NE UK.
  41. Fibro Jedi Blogs and discussions surrounding Fibromyalgia, but also how I use gaming as a coping mechanism through the pain.
  42. Fibro Men Raising Awareness of the condition of Fibromyalgia among men.
  43. Fibro of Oz Blog  Following the yellow brick road in search for the answers of living with chronic illness.
  44. Fibro Warriors – Living Life The challenges of living with the up and down rollercoaster of living with a Chronic Pain Disease.
  45. FibroCathy’s Blog  Chronic pain is a challenge to your spirit, but a challenge that can always be faced and your situation improved.
  46. Fibromyalgia Action UK Fibromyalgia Action UK (FMAUK) is a registered charity raising awareness & making evidence-based information about Fibromyalgia easily accessible.
  47. Fibromyalgia Group Diaries Fibromyalgia Support Group- Member’s Diaries
  48. Fibromyalgia Support Free, Unbiased Sources of Information for Fibromyalgia sufferers and their caregivers.
  49. Fight like a Girl Club To provide a loving, comfortable environment where women battling cancer and other life-limiting diseases, survivors, and loved ones can come together to share stories, experiences, advice, encouragement, and hope with one another. Men are warmly welcomed, as well.
  50. Fighting Fatigue FightingFatigue.org is a top resource site for information on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Interstitial Cystitis, and other chronic illnesses.
  51. FM CFID Trigger Points MAY OUR SPIRIT FILL US WITH UNDERSTANDING OF VICTORY AND DEFEAT, THE GIFT OF COLLABORATION, THE WISDOM TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT PATH, AND OPPORTUNITIES TO INSPIRE HOPE.
  52. Healing Well Get on the road to healing well – join HealingWell.com, a thriving support community. You’ll find information, resources, and support, plus full access to the forums and chat rooms. And it’s all FREE!
  53. Health Skills For health professionals working in chronic pain self-management.
  54. Holding Your Spoons A blog about loving and supporting my husband in his fight against fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome/
  55. Hope for Heather Cowden Syndrome and Lhermitte-duclos disease are words not sentences.
  56. Hope Whispers A mother and wife and animal lover. Who just so happens to be on the liver transplant list. Sharing the good, the bad and the crazy.
  57. How To Cope With Pain Blog Chronic pain is a challenge to your spirit, but a challenge that can always be faced and your situation improved.
  58. Infertility Mom Bridging 2 very different worlds of 10+ years of infertility (including 3 miscarriages and 7 failed adoption attempts) followed by motherhood of 3 living miracles, InfertilityMom Jenni Saake shares about her daily life writing, juggling stroke recovery and chronic health challenges.
  59. Kirsty Ralph Lifestyle blog from blogger with diabetes and migraines.
  60. Knocked Over By A Feather IT WAS A BIG FEATHER…Living life with fibromyalgia, depression and anxiety.
  61. Laurie Erdman Freedom is only possible when love motivates your choices.
  62. Life and Fibromyalgia I teach music and sewing to the most amazing kids in the world. I also love reading blogs about other people’s life. I hope you enjoy reading mine. I also have fibromyalgia and arthritis.
  63. Lila Lost in the Fibro Fog I’M ALL A LONE, IN MY OWN LITTLE WORLD, BUT IT’S OK…. THEY KNOW ME HERE……..
  64. Living With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome I am a 26 year old male who has suffered from Myalgic Encephalomyelitis for over 8 years. This blog will focus on what I am trying to do to overcome this illness.
  65. Living with Fibro Online Support Group  We are patients living with fibromyalgia, here for your support.
  66. Living, Being, Doing with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome This is a blog aimed at providing information and support to those with the above conditions. I write about issues that affect all chronically ill people such as money, relationships and self-esteem.
  67. Make It, Bake It, Fake It Baking, creativity, and faith amidst a life with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
  68. Mama Sick My blog focuses on parents with chronic illnesses and the challenges they face raising children.
  69. Mayo Clinic Diseases and Conditions- Fibromyalgia
  70. mini2z – Journey With Me Journey with me on my journey with Hashimotos, LADA Type 1.5, Lupus and Fibromyalgia and learning to find my new normal with invisible illness.
  71. Mrs. Jeeby’s Survival Kit Sharing My Chronic Health Story – Helping You Share Yours. Chronic Illness/ Spoonie Blog sharing experience with have a chronic condition (Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension.)
  72. My ADHD Life I am a blogger with ADHD. As Paul Simon sings, “I have a short little span of attention.” My interests change all the time – currently, mine are crocheting, sewing, organizing living spaces, and putting planners together.
  73. My Foggy Brain Invisible illness… visible me; living with fibromyalgia, depression and ADD.
  74. My Migraine Life The life of a chronic migraine sufferer. A mom, wife, friend and more trying to find health and balance in the most positive way possible.
  75. National Fibromyalgia Association Welcome to the NFA’s new and updated web site to keep you AWARE of all the most important information on fibromyalgia and related topics, and much, much more!
  76. National Library of Medicine MedLine Plus page for fibromyalgia. Trusted health information for you.
  77. Once Upon a Fibro Time Living life with Fibromyalgia and Joint hyper-mobility syndrome.
  78. Only in This Head My journey’s through chronic illness, Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, POTS and Fibromyalgia. From personal musings to stuff I’ve tried to help with my illnesses, this blog is a very realistic portrait of one whom is way too young for that.
  79. Rockin RA To bring awareness, support and knowledge to those suffering from chronic pain and inflammation such rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia.
  80. Seeking Equilibrium HOW I DEAL WITH LIFE FROM THE WORLD OF FIBROMYALGIA AND CHRONIC PAIN.
  81. Simply Sugar & Gluten Free My food cravings, migraines, and depression vanished and was able to maintain a 60+ pound weight loss.  Join me as I create healthier food that’s SS&GF and delicious.
  82. Skillfully Well and Painfully Aware This blog is about living the chronic lifestyle, and trying to live it chronically well. I have various types of chronic pain (fibromyalgia, vulvodynia, and endometriosis).
  83. Survivor Living life with chronic pain, mental illness, and the ghosts of an abusive past.
  84. The American Fibromyalgia Syndrome Assoc, Inc Funding research on fibromyalgia. Improving the lives of millions.
  85. The CFIDS Association of America Make ME/CFS understood, diagnosable, and treatable.
  86. The Fibro Fog Those who suffer from any chronic illness, but main focus is on Fibromyalgia.
  87. The Fibromyalgia Experiment Fighting Fibro and Being Awesome…Taking Control of My Chronic Illness.
  88. The FMS Community Caring – Sharing – Understanding.
  89. The Hippy Geek  One woman’s experience of balancing nature and nerd.
  90. The Invisible F A blog about living with fibromyalgia and depression
  91. The Laundry Pile You never know what you will find in a pile of laundry…I blog about motherhood, Bible study, book reviews, and I share how I live life each day with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue.
  92. The Life and Adventures of Cateepoo Living with rheumatoid arthritis has been a learning experience for me. I have followed several different paths that have taken me down a 100% alternative route as well as a conventional route.
  93. The Mud and the Lotus “There is the mud, and there is the lotus that grows out of the mud. We need the mud in order to make the lotus.” -Thich Nhat Hanh.
  94. The Sick and the Dating Navigating online dating while dealing with chronic illness.
  95. The Unbroken Smile Chronic pain lifestyle blog offering tips, stories, and support written by warriors who have went through it.
  96. WebMD Fibromyalgia Health Center.
  97. Women and Fibromyalgia Living with an invisible Dis-ease.
  98. Word Droppings Words about things. Here and there. Knitting. Cats. Writing. Current Events. Random. Allergies. Food. People. Chronic Illness. Marriage. Comics. Society.
  99. WriteMeWell Adventures of a clinical trial subject, life with celiac disease, fibromyalgia, and now after hysterectomy (and oophorectomy).
  100. Zebra Life Blog  When you hear hoof-beats, think horse not zebra…..not always!! Dealing with life with chronic illness-CVID & Fibromyalgia.

 

Is your blog listed here? Grab our badge and post on your site!

100 Best Sites for Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Patients- the Master List

<div class="grab-button" style="width: 200px; margin: 0 auto;">
<img src="http://blog.vitasciences.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/badge-1.png" alt="grab button for Vita Sciences" width="200" height="259">
<div style="margin: 0;
padding: 0;
border: 1px solid #dcdcdc;
background-color: #ffffff;
color: #000000;
width: 200px;
height: 259px;
overflow: scroll;">
&lt;div class="vita-sciences-button" style="width: 200px; margin: 0 auto;">
&lt;a href="http://blog.vitasciences.com/uncategorized/100-best-sites-fibromyalgia-chronic-fatigue-patients-master-list/" rel="nofollow">
&lt;img src="http://blog.vitasciences.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/badge-1.png" alt="Vita Sciences" width="200" height="259" />
&lt;/a>
&lt;/div>
</div>
</div>

Overcome Fibromyalgia Pain with 11 Powerful Natural Supplements

Fibromyalgia is a musculoskeletal disorder that causes widespread “fibromyalgia pain,” in addition to crushing fatigue, insomnia, and problems with memory and mood. Often, vitamin deficiency occurs with fibromyalgia. For maximum health, always include these essential vitamins and minerals.

 

Overcome Fibromyalgia Pain with 11 Powerful Natural Supplements

Fibromyalgia pain management

People with fibromyalgia experience excruciating muscular soreness in the absence of apparent inflammation. Because the symptoms of fibromyalgia are “invisible,” most sufferers have difficulty getting a diagnosis or needed treatments in time to prevent devastating illness.

If you have fibromyalgia, then you may experience a combination of

  • wracking pain
  • numbness
  • tiredness
  • bloating
  • nausea
  • itchiness
  • anxiety
  • feverishness

Supplements that help

Fibromyalgia often occurs with comorbid conditions, such as gastritis or rheumatoid arthritis.  For optimal health, you should follow a regimen of natural supplements, in addition to your prescribed medications.

Note: if you suffer from fibromyalgia or other forms of chronic pain, please speak to a doctor for treatment options. This article is not intended to provide medical advice or a cure for fibromyalgia.

Capsaicin (Cayenne)

Capsaicin is a natural muscle relaxant that occurs naturally in many pepper varieties, but most abundantly in cayenne pepper. Capsaicin cream is used by people with chronic pain from shingles, fibromyalgia, peripheral neuropathy, and back pain.

Dose: When desired, you may apply liberal amounts of capsaicin cream.

Nervex Chronic Pain Management Cream

Nervex has Capsaicin, vitamin E, vitamin B12, vitamin D3, and other powerful inflammation-killers.  Buy it now!

Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)

If your body had a battery, Vitamin B1 would be the juice that keeps you ticking.  Vitamin B1 helps your body manufacture adenosine triphosphate, or ATP, an essential molecule that gives your body the energy it needs to keep your heart pumping and your lungs breathing.

Dose: For fibromyalgia, Crohn’s disease and folate deficiency, take at least 200 mg of thiamin per day.

Melatonin

Melatonin is a natural hormone produced by the pineal gland that promotes restful sleep. Melatonin supplements are helpful for people who don’t produce enough melatonin at nighttime and suffer from sleep disorders as a result. If fibromyalgia pain is keeping you up nights and causing insomnia, taking 3 mg of melatonin ½ hour before bedtime might help you get back to a normal sleep schedule, according to this report on melatonin in patients with fibromyalgia.

Maxasorb melatonin sleep cream

Take Maxasorb Melatonin Cream, and get to sleep quicker. Get it here.

Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that is only found in protein foods like meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and cheese.  Your body needs vitamin B12 for red blood cell circulation, nervous system maintenance, DNA synthesis, healthy cognitive functioning, and energy production.

If you have fibromyalgia, then you need to watch for vitamin B12 deficiency, since gastrointestinal disorder symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting that are common with fibromyalgia, and can interfere with vitamin B12 absorption.

Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency are constant fatigue, depression, confused thinking, painful tingling-numbness in the hands and feet, sleeplessness, frequent clumsiness and stumbling, and sore, burning tongue.

Dose: For fibromyalgia and vitamin B12 deficiency, 1000 mcg of non-dietary vitamin B12 supplements per week provide optimal health.

Get more B12!

Maxasorb vitamin B12 skin cream lotion

Maxasorb vitamin B12 cream- 320 mic of B12 in 1 dose.

Magnesium

Like vitamin B1, magnesium is another nutrient that helps your body produce ATP for energy.  Magnesium aids in muscle relaxation and keeps calcium from entering the blood supply.

Magnesium is highly recommended to relax muscular tension in people with fibromyalgia, migraine headaches, and PMS.

Dose: Take 600 mg daily for optimum health.

Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol)

Your body needs two forms of vitamin D to survive- Vitamin D2, which is manufactured by plants, and vitamin D3, which your skin produces upon exposure to sunlight.  Vitamin D aids in calcium absorption for building strong healthy bones and retaining bone mass.

Dose: For fibromyalgia and other autoimmune diseases, take 1,000 IU per day for optimum health.

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)

DHA occurs naturally in fatty fish, and is essential for healthy brain development in infants and cognitive functioning in adults. DHA is also used successfully to life the mood and increase mental clarity in people who suffer “brain fog,” as evidenced by this study on Health benefits of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

Dose: For fibromyalgia, depression, rheumatoid arthritis, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), take 900 mg per day for optimum health.

D-ribose

D-ribose is a sugar that your body produces.  For people who suffer from fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue, taking extra D-ribose supplementation is helpful for boosting energy and building strong muscles.  D-ribose is also taken for improving endurance levels for sports and for muscular flexibility after strenuous workouts or with symptoms of fibromyalgia.  Additionally, D-ribose increases muscular strength for people with heart disease.

Dose: For fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome and coronary artery disease, take 500 mg three times per day for optimum health.

S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe)

Pronounces samm-ee, SAMe is a compound that your body produces for various essential functions, including maintaining your immune system and accessing important brain chemicals like serotonin, melatonin, and dopamine.  If you suffer from vitamin B12 deficiency, folate deficiency or methionine deficiency, than your SAMe levels are probably low.

SAMe is healthful for people suffering from fibromyalgia symptoms such as muscular pain, chronic fatigue, and depression, according to many studies, including this double-blind study on oral S-adenosylmethionine in primary fibromyalgia.

Dose: For fibromyalgia, vitamin B12 deficiency and chronic fatigue, take 800 mg per day for optimum health.

5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)

5-HTP is a chemical that your body produces from tryptophan, which is then converted into serotonin, which your brain uses throughout the day to transmit messages within the nervous system.

5-HTP is useful for promoting good health in people with chronic depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, obesity, migraine headaches, and chronic pain associated with fibromyalgia, as evidenced by this double-blind study.

Dose: For depression and fibromyalgia pain, take between 100 to 300 mg three times daily for optimum health.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that destroys free radicals.  Vitamin E is recommended for heart health.  Other studies suggest that vitamin E supplementation might be helpful for people with restless legs syndrome, immune disorder, and chronic pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis, peripheral neuropathy, and fibromyalgia.

Dose: For fibromyalgia, take between 50 IU and 800 IU daily for optimum health.

Sources:

The effect of melatonin in patients with fibromyalgia: a pilot study.

Health benefits of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)- PubMed, NCBI

Oral S-adenosylmethionine in primary fibromyalgia. Double-blind clinical evaluation- PubMed, NCBI

Double-blind study of 5-hydroxytryptophan versus placebo in the treatment of primary fibromyalgia syndrome- PubMed, NCBI

10 Reasons why you’re Tired all the Time- the First will Surprise you

You try to get your 8 hours sleep, but you’re still tired all the time- from morning until evening. You’re not alone. Many people suffer from constant fatigue, even after getting plenty of shut-eye. There are several underlying conditions that can cause you to feel exhausted, reaching for that coffee cup before noon, including anemia from vitamin B12 deficiency.

10 Reasons why you’re Tired all the Time- the First will Surprise you

This is why you’re tired all the time:

It’s a common misconception that to beat tiredness, you just need to get more sleep. If you stay up late watching television or chatting on Facebook, then yes- you need to turn off all electric media and get to sleep.

But for many, chronic fatigue lingers throughout the day, every day, even despite following all the rules of good sleep hygiene. You wake up feeling hung over, sluggish. You never get that feeling of refreshed wakefulness that most people feel when they get up in the morning.

Here are some reasons for that.

Vitamin B12 deficiency

Sometimes referred to as pernicious anemia or vitamin B12 anemia, vitamin B12 deficiency can make you feel overwhelmingly tired, lethargic, and slow. This is due to reduced levels of red blood cells which are needed to deliver oxygen to your brain and other parts of the body.

Fatigue is one of many early signs of vitamin B12 deficiency; others include brain fog, memory problems, painful numbness and tingling, and dizziness.

The best thing you can do is to start taking vitamin B12 immediately. While the B12 blood tests are helpful for detecting severe pernicious anemia, they are often unhelpful in diagnosing medium to low ranges of vitamin B12 serum levels that still cause debilitating symptoms.

Cure Vitamin B12 Deficiency in 12 Steps

There is no danger of taking too much vitamin B12, as any unused amounts are excreted in the urine. A good rule of thumb is to take at least 1000mcg per week. Vitamin B12 helps to boost energy, so most people notice good results almost immediately.

Chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and fibromyalgia (FM) are separate illnesses that are often grouped together because they share common symptoms, including daily crushing fatigue and chronic pain.

Because many people with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue also suffer from gastrointestinal distress, vitamin B12 deficiency is often also a comorbid factor. If you are diagnosed with either CFS or FM, then it’s a good idea to increase vitamin B12 supplementation for increased energy and mental focus.

Sleep disturbances

Sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome can be making it difficult for you to get quality sleep, causing you to feel tired all the time.

Diabetes

Constant tiredness can be a sign of pre-diabetes, due to sugars in the blood not being digested properly and used for energy.

Also, if you take metformin for diabetes, then you are at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency, as metformin and other medications inhibit your ability to digest vitamin B12, leading to vitamin B12 malabsorption and eventual deficiency.

Thyroid condition

A sluggish thyroid and, surprisingly, an overactive thyroid can cause severe fatigue.

Prescription medications

Constant fatigue is a common symptom of long-term use of painkillers and antidepressants. This can be a side effect of the drug, a sign of misuse, or it can result from vitamin B12 malabsorption.

Depression

Overwhelming sadness such as that occurs in chronic depression can make you feel tired and disoriented.

Stress

Over time, built-up nervous tension without relief can make you feel wiped out before the day is done.

Obesity

Morbid obesity carries many health concerns, including chronic fatigue.

Inactivity

Do you work in an office or other occupation where you are sitting most of the day? Sedentariness is risk factor for obesity, heart disease, and fatigue. Doctors recommend taking breaks throughout the work day, even just to stretch your legs. Also, to boost energy, commit yourself to some form of light exercise 20-30 minutes per day.

What else can you think of?

Do you suffer from a condition that makes you feel tired all the time?

Do you know of any other ways to beat constant tiredness and boost energy?

How has your life improved since you started taking regular vitamin B12 supplements?

Image by David Castillo Dominici

Vitamin B12- Because you just need Energy

Experiencing an energy crisis? You may just need more vitamin B12. Fatigue, muscle weakness, and mental brain fog are all symptoms of a hidden vitamin B12 deficiency, which can be easily treated with regular supplementation of vitamin B12 (cobalamin).

Untreated, vitamin B12 deficiency can worsen, resulting in severe pernicious anemia, causing irreversible nerve damage. To catch it early, it’s important to recognize the symptoms, such as loss of energy, difficulty thinking straight, and arms or legs always “falling asleep.”

Vitamin B12 deficiency is epidemic

It’s normal to get the blah’s every now and then, but if it seems like your life has been one endless cycle of tiredness, depression, and allover yucky feelings, then you may be a candidate for vitamin B12 deficiency. In fact, vitamin B12 anemia often slips past the radar, as people often assume that if they eat healthy, then they are immune to vitamin deficiency.

Not so- read more to learn why.

Signs of Vitamin B12 deficiency

Your body needs vitamin B12 for energy, good metabolism, cognitive health, nerve cell protection, and red blood cell production.

When your vitamin B12 levels dip to an unhealthy low, you may experience some of the following telltale symptoms- many of which can be misdiagnosed as chronic depression, adrenaline disorders, or multiple sclerosis (MS).

Signs of vitamin B12 deficiency include:

  • Constant overbearing tiredness, despite sleeping well
  • Loss of mental clarity (brain fog)
  • Confusion
  • Memory problems
  • Dizziness
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Paranoia
  • Unusual aggression
  • Painful tingling and numbness in the hands and feet
  • Weakness in the muscles
  • Muscle spasms and pain
  • Difficulty controlling arm and leg movements
  • Constantly dropping things
  • Frequent falling

How did this happen?

First, it’s important to understand that even if you eat lots of foods containing vitamin B12, such as beef, chicken, fish, eggs, and dairy products, you still run the risk of becoming deficient in this essential nutrient.

The absolute richest sources of vitamin B12 are organ meats and shellfish.  Eat any fried liver or stewed clams lately? I didn’t think so.

Secondly, there are a host of medical conditions that can interfere with  vitamin B12 absorption– your ability to digest vitamin B12 properly from the protein foods that you do eat, and many of these medical scenarios are becoming more commonplace.

They include:

  • Bariatric surgery
  • Medications for diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, and depression
  • Autoimmune illnesses, such as Crohn’s disease, celiac, lupus, and chronic fatigue syndrome
  • Gastritis from GERD, fibromyalgia, migraine, or colitis
  • Old age

Finally, if you follow a strict vegan diet, then you will not replenish vitamin B12 stores without constant supplementation. There are no rich dietary sources of vitamin B12 that are plant-based. Zilch.

How can I boost Vitamin B12?

If you’re low in vitamin B12 despite eating healthy, then you will need to add it to your blood supply in a non-dietary form. There are many products on the market that boost energy and contain high doses of vitamin B12 without the need for painful B12 injections.

Get more B12!

Vitamin B12 Patch Box

The Vitamin B12 Patch is a topical B12 patch that was developed by leading scientists… Read more

 

Maxasorb Vitamin B12 Cream

Maxasorb™ B-12 Serum by Vita Sciences is a highly absorbable Vitamin B-12 Cream containing a superior form of B12 (methylcobalamin) for maximum effectiveness.  Read more

 

Nervex Neuropathy Support Cream

Nervex™ Neuropathy Pain Relieving Cream by Vita Sciences is a highly effective, clinically tested , deep penetrating cream. Read more