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In honor of Fibromyalgia Awareness Week, we’ve scoured the web and compiled a list of 100 great websites for people who suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), fibromyalgia and other chronic pain disorders.

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!

Editor’s Note: This blog listing has been updated on 5/26/11 in order to provide you with the freshest material on the web! Enjoy.

1. Fight like a Girl Club…http://www.thefightlikeagirlclub.com/
2. CHRONICALLYsILLy...http://www.chroniclysilly.com/
3. Dancing with the Sandman…http://www.dancingwiththesandman…
4. Chronic Chick Talk…http://chronicchicktalk.com/
5. Fighting Fatigue…http://www.fightingfatigue.org
6. Chronic Pain/Firbro...http://chronicpainramblings.blog…
7. Planet Thrive…http://planetthrive.com/
8. Somebody Heal Me…http://somebodyhealme.dianalee.net/
9. Me&Fibromyalgia…http://talk.nhs.uk/blogs/fibromyalgia/default.aspx
10. Fibro of Oz Blog…http://fibroofoz.blogspot.com/
11. Chronic Pain Journal…http://chronicpainjournal.wordpress.com/
12. The CFIDS Association of America…http://www.cfids.org/
    
13. The Confirmed Ache…http://theconfirmedache.blogspot.com/
14. Health Matters Show…http://www.healthmattersshow.com
15. A Messy Happiness…http://www.amessyhappiness.com/
16. OneAgentForChange…http://agentforchange.blogspot.c..
17. Chronic Illness Coach Blog…http://www.chronicillnesscoach.com/blog/
18. Hope Whispers…http://kmunozbcs.blogspot.com/
19. Deb’s Fibromyalgia Blog…http://debsfibromyalgiablog.blog…
20. Looking deeper…http://www.hernameislucy.blogspo…
21. A Chronic Dose…http://achronicdose.blogspot.com/
22. InfertilityMom…http://www.InfertilityMom.blogsp…
23. Medwaymaria-poetry…http://www.medwaymaria.co.uk
24. Herdisms Blog…http://johnherd.wordpress.com/

25. Life with ME/CFS…http://www.pugilator.com/
26. It’s Time To Get Over How Fragile You Are…http://fragileannie.com/
27. Travels With Pain…http://travelswithpain.com
28. Chronic in the Kitchen…http://chronicinthekitchen.wordpress.com/
29. Health Skills…http://healthskills.wordpress.com/
30. FM CFID Trigger Points…http://FMCFSTriggerPoints.blogsp…
31. Chronically Creative…http://www.chronicallycreative.net
32. Living With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome…http://livingwithchronicfatigues…
33. Fibro and Fabulous…http://www.fibroandfabulous.com/
34. FIBRO-RADIO…http://www.fibroradio.blogspot.com
35. Sarah’s Life- Living With (and Beyond) Fibro…http://sarahbear9708.blogspot.com/
36. Sick Momma…http://sickmomma.blogspot.com/
37. 365 Days to Fibromyalgia Recovery…http://fibrorecovery.blogspot.com/
38. The Mud and the Lotus…http://www.mudandlotus.com
39. Linda Living Blog…http://lindaliving.wordpress.com/
40. Chronic Wellness Coaching…http://chronicwellnesscoaching.com/blog/
41. Ptjess’ Blog…http://ptjess.wordpress.com/
42. Smart Fibro Chick…http://smartfibrochick.blogspot.com
43. Fighting the Fungus…http://www.goodbyefungus.blogspo…
44. Phylor’s Blog…http://phylor.wordpress.com/
45. FightingFatigue.org…http://www.fightingfatigue.org/f…
46. The Healthy Skeptic…http://thehealthyskeptic.org/
47. My Autoimmune Life…http://autoimmunelife.wordpress.com/
48. Lyme is Crazy…http://www.lymeiscrazy.blogspot.com/
49. The Thing With Feathers…http://www.thethingwithfeathers.me
50. CFS News…http://www.heirscfids.blogspot.com
51. CFS/Fibromyalgia: A day in the life…http://cfsadayinthelife.blogspot…
52. One Canary Sings…http://www.jenniferlunden.com
53. Pain for Philosophers…http://dolor.blogspot.com/
54. American Pain Society…http://www.ampainsoc.org/
55. The Fibromyalgia Experiment…http://fibromyalgiaexperiment.com/
56. The Patient Experience…http://www.patient-experience.com/index.php/fibromyalgia-blog/
57. Health Diaries…http://www.healthdiaries.com/fibromyalgia.htm
58. National Fibromyalgia Association…http://www.fmaware.org/
59. National Library of Medicine…http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/fibromyalgia.html
60. Women and Fibromyalgia…http://womenandfibromyalgia.com/
61. Mayo Clinic…http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fibromyalgia/ds00079
62. Fibromyalgia Support…http://www.fibromyalgia-support.net/index.htm
63. Strangely Peculiar…http://strangelypeculiar.blogspot.com/
64. Life and Fibromyalgia…http://lifeandfibromyalgia.blogspot.com/
65. Fibromyalgia- The pain I live with everyday…http://fibro2010.com/
66. Fibromyalgia Aware Magazine…http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/fma/fibromyalgiaaware_23/#/0
67. FIBROMYWHAT?…http://missyschranz.blogspot.com/
68. The American Fibromyalgia Syndrome Assoc, Inc….http://afsafund.org/
69. The FMS Community…http://fmscommunity.org/
70. WebMD…http://www.webmd.com/fibromyalgia/default.htm
71. Simply Sugar & Gluten Free…http://www.simplysugarandglutenfree.com/
72. I’m an Organizing Junkie…http://orgjunkie.com/
73. Center for Disease Control & Prevention…http://cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/fibromyalgia.htm
74. Fibromyalgia Network…http://www.fmnetnews.com/
75. But You Don’t Look Sick…http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/
76. Chronic Babe…http://www.chronicbabe.com/
77. Shira’s Fibro Fun…http://myfibrofun.wordpress.com/
78. H.O.P.E @ Fibro Awareness…http://www.sharonostalecki.com/
79. Counting my Spoons…http://fibrokitty.blogspot.com/
80. Chronic Pain and Ramblings…http://chronicpainramblings.blogspot.com/
81. FibroDAZE…http://www.bignoise-enterprises.com/blog/
82. How To Cope With Pain Blog…http://www.howtocopewithpain.org/blog/
83. Felicia Fibro…http://feliciafibro.com/
84. Graceful Agony…http://gracefulagony.wordpress.com/
85. Oh My Aches and Pains…http://www.ohmyachesandpains.info/
86. Lila Lost in the Fibro Fog…http://lilabyrdakabirdladybyday.wordpress.com/
87. 4 Walls and a View…http://www.4wallsandaview.com/
88. Seeking Equilibrium…http://rosemaryl.blogspot.com/
89. Transform Your Chronic Life…http://transformyourchroniclife.com/wordpress/
90. Fibromyalgia — Online Support Group…http://www.livingwithfibro.org/profiles/blog/list
91. Sherlock’s Stuff…http://stuffhappens1.blogspot.com/
92. Access denied- living with multiple sclerosis…http://accessdenied-livingwithms.blogspot.com/
93. Living La Vida Lupus…http://hersilverlining.blogspot.com/
94. This Is My Life!…http://tammystruetales.blogspot.com/
95. Transform your Chronic Life…http://transformyourchroniclife.com/wordpress/
96. My Foggy Brain…http://myfoggybrain.wordpress.com/
97. Fibromyalgia Group Diaries…http://www.mdjunction.com/fibromyalgia/diaries
98. Mo is blogging…I think…http://moisbloggingithink.wordpress.com/
99. A New Kind of Normal…http://www.anewkindofnormal.com/
100. I Am FibroCathy’s Blog…http://www.maintaininghomeostasis.blogspot.com/

Tired of nagging your kids about making healthier food choices? With child obesity on the rise, a growing number of kids suffer from diabetes, heart disease and high cholesterol than ever before. Schools are trying to teach our kids to eat better (kudos to Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move program), but popular kids shows blast commercials whose only message seems to be:

Eat this (fill in the blanks) sugary snack!
Your friends will think you’re cool!
Awesome kids love our salty fried (fill-in-the-blanks)!

How are you supposed to teach them that eating vitamin-rich veggies, juicy fruit salads and low-fat chicken strips  is much cooler than stuffing your face with fluorescent French-fried cheesy snacks?

Fortunately, there are tons of entertaining health videos that appeal to kids of all ages, from retro educational cartoons from the 70’s (“You are what you Eat”), to modern PBS and Disney Channel characters your kids love, like Sesame Street, and they’re all available on YouTube, commercial-free.

Here are some great video pics that stand out from the rest, starting with two from Bill Nye the Science Guy:

Bill Nye the Science Guy – “It’s The Food Web”

This is a funny spoof of Snoop Dogg’s “What’s My Name”

Bill Nye the Science Guy – “Good Food”

Know anybody by the name of  Knute Trishan?

Sesame Street: Healthy Foods

Cookie Monster does the health food rap!

Sesame Street: Michelle Obama and Elmo – Healthy Habits

Read more about Let’s Move: Let’s Move: Michelle Obama Moving On Up the Wal-Mart Aisles

Toon Boom – VITAMIN B12!

Here’s a short yet funny example of why it’s important to take vitamin B12 supplements!

Read more about the symptoms of B12 deficiency: B12 Deficiency: Don’t Ignore the Symptoms

Put A Little Sunshine In Your Mouth

This one by award-winning James Coffey has a nice beat you can shake your hips to.

Sid the Science Kid-The Delicious Nutritious Band

This cute Jim Henson creation sings about healthy foods from all over the world!

Childhood Obesity Prevention: Be A Player, featuring Shrek and Donkey

Must see! Very entertaining clip from the Department of Health & Human Services and the Advertising Council.

Celebrate What’s On Your Plate!

Nona Hendryx and kids take it to the streets in this musical number about nutrition.

Cartoon Network – Eating Healthy,

This little gem features Wilt (Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends character) and NBA star, Steve Francis

Pirates of the Carrot & Bean Invade Breakfast

The pirate puppets arrive to make sure you eat a healthy breakfast.

Animal Crackers got milk? commercial

One of many hilarious Got Milk? commercials. Read more about milk and vitamin B12 here: Vitamin-Enriched Chocolate Milk Facing School Ban

Time for Timer- “You are what you Eat!”

Flashback to the 70’s with this nostalgic public service announcement featuring Timer!

Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue affect 5 million Americans. While there are no cures for fibromyalgia, many sufferers benefit by supplementing with vitamin B12, which supports cognitive balance and boosts stamina.

How to Tell if Chronic Pain is Fibromyalgia: 18 Pressure Point

May 12th was Fibromyalgia Awareness Day. If you suffer from fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome, learn how vitamin B12 can help alleviate some of the symptoms of fibromyalgia.

What are the symptoms of fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic neurological illness which causes excruciating pain and muscular weakness where no sign of injury or inflammation is apparent. Researchers are stumped as to the origin of this disease or how to cure it.

Chronic fibromyalgia pain is lifelong, and often takes a toll on job performance and relationships with friends and family. Medicine for fibromyalgia patients usually consists of pain medication, opiates or antidepressants.

Some common fibromyalgia symptoms are:

• Chronic, widespread musculoskeletal pain
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Irritability
• Heart palpitations
• Short-term memory loss
• Chronic migraines
• Numbness and tingling in hand, arms, legs and feet
• Nausea
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Sinus/allergy symptoms, such as runny nose, sore throat, coughing and sneezing
• Vertigo
• Chronic fatigue
• Insomnia
• Altered taste perception
• Dry, itchy skin
• Blurred vision
• Obesity
• Joint pain
• Restless leg syndrome
• Morning stiffness

Why More Fibromyalgia Patients are Taking Tai Chi

What is chronic fatigue syndrome?

Chronic fatigue syndrome, or CFS is a neurological disorder which causes profound exhaustion.

Unlike ordinary tiredness which can be slept off, chronic fatigue is not alleviated by sleep. Chronic fatigue syndrome shares many of the same symptoms as fibromyalgia, such as insomnia, muscular pain, headaches, sore throat and short-term memory loss.

Non-drug alternatives for chronic fatigue sufferers may include stress reduction, vitamin supplementation and physical therapy.

The CFS-fibromyalgia link

Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome are both neurological conditions, and it is common for individuals suffering from chronic pain and fatigue to be diagnosed with both. Studies linking fibromyalgia with chronic fatigue have confirmed a strong correlation.

• About 75% of all fibromyalgia patients experience extreme fatigue.
• 94% of individuals diagnosed with chronic fatigue also report suffering from extreme muscular pain.
• Studies linking the two conditions together have also noted that women make up the majority of both fibromyalgia pain sufferers and chronic fatigue patients.

Chronic Depression, Chronic Pain- It’s All the Same, say Experts

Vitamin B12, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue

Numerous studies have linked vitamin B12 deficiency with increased risk for fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms.

While nobody claims that vitamin B12 deficiency causes fibromyalgia, experts have nevertheless noticed improved cognitive and metabolic health when vitamin B12 shots are administered to sufferers of fibromyalgia.

Scientists have also noted low vitamin B12 levels where fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue occur, in addition to elevated levels of homocysteine, another common factor in chronic pain and vitamin B12 deficiency, and a possible risk for heart attack and stroke.

B12 Deficiency: Don’t Ignore the Symptoms

Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms are similar to many  symptoms associated with chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia, including:

• exhaustion
• depression
• insomnia
• muscular soreness, and
• numbness or tingling in hands and feet.

For that reason, nutritionists advise vitamin B12 as one of the most crucial supplements for sufferers of chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia.

B12 Deficiency can really Get on your Nerves

Teens are No Stranger to Chronic Fatigue

Sluggish? Confused? Maybe it’s the Cheeseburger.

Sources:

http://www.webmd.com/fibromyalgia/news/20110513/fibromyalgia-pain-takes-toll-on-everyday-life
http://www.livestrong.com/article/303447-b12-injection-for-fibromyalgia-chronic-fatigue/
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080407153037.htm
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9310111?dopt=Abstract
http://chronicfatigue.about.com/od/exercisenutrition/p/B12.htm
http://altmedicine.about.com/cs/conditionsetoh/a/Fibromyalgia_2.htm
http://cure4fibromyalgia.org/fibro/index.php?main_page=page&id=16&chapter=2
http://www.medicinenet.com/chronic_fatigue_syndrome/article.htm

If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s important to know your vitamin B12 levels, in order to avoid vitamin B12 deficiency, which can cause harm to your baby and also make you feel severe fatigue, depression, and early symptoms of nerve damage.

What is Vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble nutrient which your body needs to maintain a healthy nervous system, produce ample amounts of red blood cells, support brain functioning and promote good metabolism.

Vitamin B12 also monitors homocysteine, an amino acid which is associated with increased risk for heart attack and stroke.

How can I include vitamin B12 in my diet?

Animal proteins are especially high in vitamin B12. For that reason, vegans are warned to get B12 supplementation regularly in order to avoid B12 deficiency. Food sources which are rich in vitamin B12 include:

• Lean meats, particularly beef chuck and organ meats, such as liver, kidneys and heart
• Fish, including salmon and halibut, and shellfish, such as clam, crab, mussels and oysters
• Dairy products, including Swiss cheese, yogurt and milk
• Eggs
• Fortified cereals

On Becoming Vegan: Avoiding Vitamin B12 Deficiency and Others

What are the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency?

Vitamin B12 deficiency can only be diagnosed through a blood screening. It’s important to recognize vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms in the early stages, in order to prevent serious nerve damage, memory loss,  mood disorders, and increased risk for heart attack or stroke.

Some of the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency are:

• Depression
• Chronic fatigue
• Sleep difficulties
• Aggressiveness
• Hallucinations
• Weakness
• Short-term memory loss
• Heart palpitations
• Numb feeling in hands and feet
• Altered taste perception
• Decreased motor control

B12 Deficiency: Don’t Ignore the Symptoms

Are nursing mothers at risk for getting vitamin B12 deficiency?

Breast feeding mothers are more likely to suffer vitamin deficiencies than mothers who bottle-feed.  This is because they share a significant amount of nutrients they consume with their baby. In order to maintain healthy levels of vitamin B12, nursing moms must make up the difference by either taking vitamin B12 supplements or increasing their consumption of B12 in their diet.

Pregnant Moms and Low B-12 Levels: Let ‘em Eat Steak!

If I nurse often, is my baby still at risk for becoming deficient in vitamin B12?

Cow’s milk and baby formula are rich sources of vitamin B12, and so is the breast milk of a mother with healthy levels of vitamin B12.

The milk of a nursing mother who has vitamin B12 deficiency, however, will likewise have low levels of vitamin B12.

Furthermore, while an adult could harbor low B12 levels for a long time before showing any symptoms of depletion, a malnourished infant can use up his vitamin B12 stores much more rapidly, leaving a very small window of opportunity for treatment.

If left untreated, vitamin B12 deficiency in infants could lead to:

• Severe vomiting
• Lethargy
• Anemia
• Stinted brain development
• Failure to thrive
• Death

Are Vegans in France Responsible for Breast-fed Baby’s Death?

What vitamin B12 supplements are available for me and my baby?

Nursing vegan moms and pregnant women are strongly advised to supplement with vitamin B12. If vitamin B12 deficiency is diagnosed, your physician might prescribe vitamin B12 injections.

Also read:

Natalie Portman Chooses B12 over Veganism

Vitamin-Enriched Chocolate Milk Facing School Ban

Sources:

Livestrong

What is intrinsic factor, and how does it affect my vitamin B12 levels? Here are some facts about digesting vitamin B12 wit intrinsic factor, and why you might not be.

No, it’s not a new television show about bonding with your inner child-

Intrinsic factor is an essential antibody which allows you to bond with vitamin B12.

Vitamin B12 is found in many high protein foods, but unless you have intrinsic factor your body isn’t able to grab the B vitamins needed to prevent vitamin B12 deficiency.

“Does my body really need vitamin B12? Aren’t all B vitamins alike?”

No.

Many of the B vitamins complement each other, but each has its own specific task.

Vitamin B12 has some very important duties which are vital for your survival. If your body doesn’t get sufficient vitamin B12, then it will be unable to perform some of these essential functions.

Vitamin B12 is crucial for:

• Maintaining the myelin sheathe which protects nerve cells, such as those in our hands, mouth and feet
• Directing brain-to-body communication through neuron activity
• Curbing homocysteine levels, which are linked with increased risk for heart attack or stroke
• Producing red blood cells needed to carry oxygen throughout the body and protect the immune system
• DNA synthesis
• Supporting memory retention in people with early signs of age-related dementia

“Which foods are high in vitamin B12?”

Vitamin B12 occurs naturally in food sources which are high in protein. The foods that have high levels of B12 are:

• Meat, including lean beef chuck, veal and liver.
• Poultry, such as boneless chicken or turkey breast
• Fish, including salmon, tuna and halibut
• Shellfish, particularly crabmeat, clams, oysters and mussels
• Dairy products, including Swiss cheese, yogurt and milk.
• Eggs

Vegans are urged to take daily vitamin B12 supplements in order to prevent vitamin deficiency, as their diet specifically excludes food sources which are rich in vitamin B12.

Getting Enough Vitamin B12? Three Reasons Why You Might Not Be

“Okay. So, I eat plenty of protein foods. Do I still need to worry about vitamin B12 deficiency?”

Yes.  Individuals who lack intrinsic factor are unable to properly digest B12 naturally from foods and risk becoming severely deficient in vitamin B12. Some people don’t realize they have low B12 levels until they start experiencing some the characteristic symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency. These include:

• Chronic fatigue
• Depression
• Aggression
• Paranoia
• Short-term memory loss
• Sleep disturbances
• Occasional dizziness
• Difficulty with balance and coordination
• Altered taste perception
• Numbness or tingling in hands and feet

Left unchecked, severe vitamin B12 deficiency
could lead to irreversible neurological damage,
heart attack, or stroke.

“How can I find out if I’m suffering from B12 deficiency?”

The only way to diagnose vitamin B12 deficiency is through a blood screening. Some physicians don’t include vitamin B12 blood testing with yearly checkups, so it’s important to ask your doctor to check your vitamin B12 levels in order to avoid deficiency. Chronic B12 deficiency patients are advised to get their B12 levels checked on a regular basis. Also read: Worried about Low B12 Lab Results?

“Which people are at risk for developing vitamin B12 deficiency?”

There are many individuals who must supplement with B12 vitamins, either because they don’t have the intrinsic factor hormone, or because they lack the stomach acids needed to utilize vitamins such as B12; these include gastric bypass patients, people who take regular antacid medication for heartburn or individuals with autoimmune or gastrointestinal diseases, such as Crohn’s disease or AIDS. Other individuals who must take regular vitamin B12 supplements are vegans, strict vegetarians and diabetics who take metformin.

“What kinds of vitamin B12 supplements are available?”

There are several forms of vitamin B12 supplementation; these include:

• Vitamin B12 injections. For treating chronic B12 deficiency, physicians will often prescribe routine B12 shots. These injections are painful, as they must be inserted in the dense muscular flesh below the buttocks. Some patients are given one round of vitamin B12 shots once per week, for 3-4 weeks, while others with severe vitamin B12 deficiency require a more extended regimen of B12 injections.
• Sublingual vitamin B12 tablets. These are dissolvable pills which are placed under the tongue. Physicians might recommend daily B12 pills as a preventative measure against vitamin B12 deficiency. Some questions have been raised as to the effectiveness of B12 pills, and there are reports that sublingual B12 tablets aren’t absorbed efficiently enough to prevent long-term vitamin B12 deficiency.

Read more about the risks associated with vitamin B12 deficiency:

B12 Deficiency: Don’t Ignore the Symptoms

Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disorder of the intestines which causes symptoms such as diarrhea and stomach cramps, in addition to non-gastrointestinal disturbances such as arthritis, eczema, chronic fatigue and mental distraction. Some of the debilitating symptoms of Crohn’s disease may be treated naturally through dietary changes.

What is Crohn’s disease?

Crohn’s is classified as an auto-immune disease; the immune system is triggered into attacking the body’s digestive system, causing inflammation as the body attempts to counteract the symptoms of a weakened immune system.

What causes Crohn’s disease?

Scientists have noted a correlation between Crohn’s disease patients and the presence of anti-yeast antibodies. Crohn’s sufferers tend to have diminished lectin binding proteins, which are essential for utilizing mannan, a yeast derivative. Low levels of lectin combined with a compromised immune system result in production of anti-yeast antibodies which neutralize mannan, often creating a yeast infection or similar inflammation in the gut lining.

What are some natural treatments for Crohn’s disease?

Many of the symptoms of Crohn’s can be avoided by making certain dietary changes.

Here are some tips for preventing Crohn’s naturally:

• Avoid yeast products and foods which trigger allergies, such as gluten, soy products and certain nuts.
• Heavy protein foods are also to be avoided, such as meat, cheese and eggs, all of which are essential sources of vitamin B12.
• In order to avoid getting vitamin B12 deficiency, Crohn’s disease patients are strongly urged to take regular vitamin B12, as vitamin deficiency is a common symptom among Crohn’s patients who neglect to take sufficient vitamin supplements.
• For more information about avoiding B12 deficiency, read: Worried about Low B12 Lab Results?
• Nightshade vegetables such as eggplants, onions and tomatoes are known to cause stomach upset in Crohn’s sufferers, and are to be avoided.
• Omega-3 fatty acids are effective at encouraging a healthy response to inflammation which results from Crohn’s. Other natural anti-inflammatory agents are berries, ginger, turmeric, cinnamon and rosemary.
• Naturally fermented foods are helpful for producing good bacteria, and are excellent treatments for sufferers of auto-immune diseases. Vegetable dishes which promote healthy “gut bugs” are sauerkraut, kimchi and pickled cucumbers.

Also read:

Gut Bugs:Winning the Bacteria Battle

Crohn’s Disease: What You Can Do about it Now

Sources:

Natural News, US News

It’s been called “soda in drag.” Chocolate milk may soon be banned from schools, despite being high in calcium, protein and many essential vitamins. School authorities are concerned about added sugar, but others argue that flavored milk has redeeming health benefits that override the extra calories.

Child obesity has become a serious health issue in America, and school boards are doing all they can to teach school children better eating habits. By teaching kids how to read nutrition labels, removing soda machines from school campuses and providing healthier menus in the school cafeterias, various school systems are proving that they are willing to go the extra mile to reverse the tide of obesity among our children.

But is the nutritional value of a bottle of chocolate milk really equivalent to that of a can of coke? And does one cup of plain white milk really have significantly less sugar than one cup of flavored milk? Let’s compare:

• One 8-ounce serving of white milk has 14 grams of natural sugar(lactose).
• Fat-free chocolate milk has 20 grams of sugar, accounting for an extra 6 grams.
• Fat-free strawberry milk and an 8-ounce bottle of Coca-Cola each have 27 grams of sugar. But while the sugary strawberry milk at least has calcium and vitamins like vitamin B12, vitamin A and vitamin D, the Coca-Cola company can make no such claims about their soft drink.
• Also read: Vitamin B12 For Kids

You can lead a child to white milk, but you can’t make him drink it

Statistics say that chocolate milk account for over 70% of all milk consumed in school between classes. Kids are more likely to reach for a bottle of low-fat chocolate milk over a carton of plain whole cow’s milk. Both varieties are high in calcium, protein, phosphorus, riboflavin, potassium, niacin and vitamin D, vitamin A and vitamin B12. Both are healthy for strong bones and teeth, preventing osteoporosis and refueling after physical activity. But while the plain milk has 6 fewer grams of sugar, the chocolate milk wins by popular vote. According to some nutritionists, the extra 6 grams of sugar aren’t very significant in a child’s healthy diet, providing that his other nutritional requirements are also being met. An adolescent who gets enough low-fat protein, healthy carbohydrates and high-fiber fruits and vegetables isn’t going to be much affected by an extra 6 grams of sugar in his calcium intake.

Also read: Let’s Move: Michelle Obama Moving On Up the Wal-Mart Aisles

Previous attempts to ban flavored milk turned sour

School districts which are considering joining the chocolate milk ban bandwagon are Los Angeles Unified, Berkeley, and Washington. But their chances for success aren’t good, at least not if you look at previous attempts to remove flavored milk from public school facilities. According to the Milk Processors Education Program, milk consumption drops by 35% whenever school boards remove chocolate milk from the kids menu. Even the Florida Board of Education has apparently backtracked on their proposed ban on sugary flavored milk beverages.

Parents are still split on the issue. Many agree that plain cow’s milk is healthier than flavored milk, but concede that drinking a bottle of chocolate milk every day is still better than drinking no milk at all. Some point out that children can get calcium from other sources, such as broccoli. That may be true, and parents should encourage their children to eat vegetables at home that are rich in vitamin, in addition to protein sources of B12 and the like. But it’ll be a cold day you-know-where before a school kid chooses steamed broccoli at the cafeteria lunch counter over a cold bottle of chocolate milk.

Sources:

MS NBC, CNN, Fox News

Vitamin B12 deficiency can start with a few symptoms like tiredness and slight tingling or numbness in hands and feet; ignore the symptoms and low B12 levels could escalate into severe nerve damage, disease or death.

What are the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency?

Below is a list of some of the most common side effects which may arise from insufficient stores of vitamin B12.

(Please note that the severity of the symptoms may vary according to the stage of B12 deficiency.)

• Fatigue
• Depression
• Aggressive behavior
• Hallucinations
• Sleep problems
• Frailness
• Imbalance, difficulty walking with coordination
• Numbness or tingling in the hands and/or feet
• Altered taste perception
• Heart palpitations
• Short-term memory loss
• Also read: B12 Deficiency can really Get on your Nerves

B12 and your body

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble nutrient. Therefore, your body is only able to store it for a short time. Vitamin B12 has many important functions in your body.

• Vitamin B12 is essential for producing plenty of healthy red blood cells and for synthesizing DNA. A lack of B12 severely reduces your body’s ability to make sufficient red blood cells for carrying oxygen throughout your body.
• Pernicious anemia is a life-threatening condition that is often the cause of vitamin B12 deficiency.
• Your nervous system is dependent on vitamin B12, which enhances communication between the brain and your many nerve sensors, such as those in your fingertips, feet and mouth. This explains why sufferers of B12 deficiency notice a sensation similar to wearing gloves throughout the day; others report that their food tastes unusual, another clue that the body’s neurons are not operating correctly.
• A deficiency of vitamin B12 compromises your nervous system and could result in permanent neurological damage.
• Researchers have found a direct link between vitamin B12 deficiency and brain atrophy among the elderly. In one study which appeared in the Journal of Nutrition, senior citizens who had the highest levels of B12 experienced healthier cognitive functioning skills.
• Also read Now Eat This: Preventing Age Related Hearing Loss
• Vitamin B12 helps your body monitor already healthy homocysteine levels, a factor in heart health.

What diseases are associated with B12 deficiency?

There are many illnesses which occur when B12 levels are low; some conditions may be caused by vitamin B12 deficiency, while others are closely correlated. Below are some common illnesses associated with B12 deficiency, including many which most people don’t realize are affected by vitamin B12 levels.

• Alzheimer’s disease, brain deterioration, cognitive decline, memory loss and other forms of dementia
• Neurological diseases such as Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Cardiovascular disease, caused by high homocysteine levels
• Mental illness, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and psychosis
• Autism spectrum disorder
• Autoimmune diseases, such as AIDS and pernicious anemia
• Infertility

Eating Your Way Out of Depression with B-12

B12 deficiency is often misdiagnosed

According to a Tufts University study, 40 percent of people between the ages of 26 and 83 have low to medium-low B12 levels, indicating a deficiency severe enough to cause neurological disorder symptoms, while 9 percent are depleted enough to the point of irreversible neurological damage and life-threatening symptoms. Approximately 16 percent are close to becoming vitamin B12 deficient.

Why is vitamin B12 deficiency overlooked?

Only a blood test can properly determine if somebody is suffering from B12 deficiency, and most physicians don’t include a B12 screening with yearly check-ups. Also, many of the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency are similar to common health disorders, such as diabetes, chronic depression and fatigue.

How can you get enough B12?

Vitamin B12 is found in many high protein foods. Excellent sources of B12 are:

• Lean beef cuts, such as chuck and sirloin
• Poultry
• Fish, particularly salmon, tuna and halibut
• Shellfish, including crab meat, mussels, clams and oysters
• Dairy products, such as swiss cheese, yogurt, milk and cottage cheese
• Eggs

Vegans are at a high risk for developing vitamin B12 deficiency, as their diet specifically excludes food items which provide vitamin B12. Other people who are at risk of getting B12 deficiency are patients of weight loss surgery, diabetics on metformin, individuals with gastrointestinal disease, people who lack intrinsic factor and anybody taking prescription heartburn medication.

The only way to prevent becoming deficient in vitamin B12 is by constantly replenishing your body with B12-rich nutrients.

Alternatively, patients diagnosed with vitamin B12 deficiency are encouraged to take vitamin B12 supplements, such as sublingual B12 tablets, B12 shots, or over-the-counter (OTC) vitamin B12.

Find more information on preventing vitamin B12 deficiency:

Getting Enough Vitamin B12? Three Reasons Why You Might Not B

On Becoming Vegan: Avoiding Vitamin B12 Deficiency and Others

B12 vitamins are essential for health hair, strong nails and clearer skin, according to certain studies. Learn how vitamin B12 supplements can prevent age-related hair loss and premature whitening.

Vitamin B12 info:

Vitamin B12 is found in many high protein foods; great sources of B12 are lean beef, chicken, shellfish, eggs and dairy products. Vitamin B12 benefits the nervous system, red blood cells and DNA synthesis. Several studies have linked vitamin B12 deficiency with unhealthy hair, skin and nails.

What are the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency?

Some red flags which might indicate B12 deficiency symptoms are:

• Extreme fatigue
• Numbness or tingling in hands and feet
• Forgetting things more than usual
• Depression
• For more info about B12 deficiency, read: Getting Enough Vitamin B12? Three Reasons Why You Might Not Be

Look at your nails. Can you see the white moons, or have they disappeared? What about your hair; have you noticed any premature hair loss or graying?

You might not be getting sufficient vitamin B12 in your diet. Research proves that B12 is one of the best vitamins for hair, skin and nails.

Vitamin B12 hair facts

A large percentage of individuals who have low B12 levels also suffer from premature hair loss; premature streaks of white hair are another symptom. Health experts explain that it’s your body’s way of warning you to increase vitamin supplements; vitamins that are good for your inner body are also good for external skin, hair and nails.

Another B vitamin, biotin, has also been proven to reduce hair loss from aging. Biotin is essential for developing hair follicles, boosting hair growth, and generally building strong hair, skin and nails.

Read more about vitamins for hair: B Today, Hair Tomorrow

Vitamin B12 for skin

What is your skin trying to tell you about your B12 levels? Case studies have linked low B12 with skin lesions; hyperpigmentation and vitiligo are common causes of darkening or lightening of the skin, and often signal a deficiency of vitamins which are good for the skin.

Read more about vitamin B12 deficiency and skin.

Vitamin B12 and  fingernails

Poor fingernail health is another common sign of vitamin B12 deficiency; symptoms include ridged nail surfaces and disappearing of the “moon” at the cuticle. Not getting enough of the B vitamin, biotin? Brittle nails mean you need to supplement with more vitamin B complex.  Spooning of the nail bed means you need more iron and yellow nails signal lack of vitamin E.

Read more about taking vitamin B12 supplements for health: B12: Celebs Say it’s the New C

Vitamin B12 is among the best vitamins for hair growth, strong nails and vibrant skin. B12 supplements are available in the form of vitamin B12 shots or B12 pills.

Sources:

WebMD, About.com, PubMed, LIVESTRONG, FYI Living

Did your recent lab work point to vitamin B12 deficiency? A low vitamin B12 blood test is serious. Symptoms of B12 deficiency can include nerve damage, loss of red blood cells, and mood disorders.

What is vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble nutrient which your body extracts from food sources such as lean meats, dairy products, eggs and fish. Vitamin B12 is necessary for producing plenty of red blood cells, maintaining a healthy nervous system, regulating homocysteine levels and monitoring DNA synthesis. A blood test which results in low B12 levels means that some of these vital bodily functions could be malfunctioning.

What causes low B12 levels?

There are many factors which can cause your B12 levels to dip dangerously low; these include:

• Lack of intrinsic factor, a protein which is necessary for proper digestion of vitamin B12 from natural food sources
• Long-term use of heartburn or antacid medication
• Following a vegan diet, which excludes foods which are rich in vitamin B12, such as beef, chicken, milk, cheese, yogurt, eggs and fish.
• Gastrointestinal conditions, such as Crohn’s disease or gluten intolerance
• Weight loss surgery, such as gastric bypass surgery.
• Read Anorexic British Teen Regrets Gastric Bypass Surgery

My lab test results indicate vitamin B12 deficiency. Should I be worried?

Due to the fact that it dissolves in water, your body is not able to hold vitamin B12 in the system for long; vitamin B12 must be constantly replenished through protein-rich foods or vitamin B12 supplements, in order to avoid becoming deficient in B12.

Regular lab blood testing is crucial for catching vitamin B12 deficiency before it has a chance to create any lasting impairment. If left untreated, vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to life-threatening illness and irreversible damage. These include:

• Increased risk for heart attack, due to elevating levels of homocysteine
• Dementia
• Irreparable nerve damage
• Autoimmune disorder
• Read AIDS with B12 Deficiency

What are the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency?

Some low vitamin B12 symptoms are often misdiagnosed as diabetes, mental illness or thyroid disorder.

Below is a list of common symptoms caused by vitamin B12 deficiency:

• Chronic fatigue
• Depression
• Aggression
• Short-term memory loss
• Tingling or numbness in hands and feet
• Difficulty maintaining balance while walking
• Altered taste perception
• Dizziness while sitting upright
• Read: B12 Deficiency can really Get on your Nerves

Treatment

If you are not able to utilize sufficient stores of vitamin B12 naturally, then you must supplement regularly in order to avoid B12 deficiency.

For chronically low B12 levels, doctors have often administered vitamin B12 injections until symptoms abate.

Sublingual tablets are also often prescribed as a preventative measure, but recent studies indicate that under-the-tongue B12 supplements are not the most effective sources of B12, as they are not wholly digestible.

Also read:

New Study: Diabetes Drug Metformin Causes Vitamin B12 Deficiency

B12: Celebs Say it’s the New C

Sources:

LIVESTRONG