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Pernicious anemia (PA) and multiple sclerosis (MS) are both autoimmune disorders that cause fatigue, chronic pain, and physical handicaps, but that is where their similarities end. If that’s the case, why are so many doctors quick to diagnose multiple sclerosis before testing for simple vitamin B12 deficiency from pernicious anemia?

Pernicious anemia

Pernicious anemia (PA) is a medical condition that causes vitamin B12 deficiency. Over time, plummeting levels of vitamin B12 cause many debilitating symptoms- muscle pain, numbness, spasms, fatigue- all as a result of diminished red blood cells and impaired neurological functioning.

Without enough vitamin B12 in your system make plenty of healthy blood cells, you wind up feeling constantly tired, unfocused, disoriented, and depressed.

Vitamin B12 is also needed to produce myelin, a substance which protects your nerve cells from harm. That’s why pernicious anemia symptoms such as chronic pain, numbness, tingling in the arms and legs, and mobility difficulties may reveal a weakened nervous system caused by insufficient vitamin B12 levels.

Gradually, depleted vitamin B12 may cause further irreparable damage to the nervous system, in addition to increased risk for stroke, heart attack, and age-related dementia.

Only immediate vitamin B12 supplementation can reverse the symptoms of pernicious anemia, and prevent future relapses.

Multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis also affects the nervous system, causing severe muscle pain, paralysis, and multiple neurological problems, some of which are similar to those experienced with pernicious anemia, only on a much higher level.  People with MS struggle to manage relapses their whole lives, as it is a chronic illness that is difficult to control.

While pernicious anemia is easily treated with strict vitamin B12 supplementation, multiple sclerosis is much harder to manage, requiring various medications formulated to relieve specific symptoms.

Pernicious Anemia Misdiagnosed as MS- It Happens!

What causes multiple sclerosis?

Scientists aren’t positive exactly what causes multiple sclerosis, but they do know that Caucasian females are the highest risk factor for MS.

Like pernicious anemia, multiple sclerosis symptoms may be part of an autoimmune disorder. Scientists believe that MS may be triggered by an infection, which the immune system begins to attack. After fighting off the infection, your body continues to attack, this time mistaking your nerve cells’ myelin- the same substance supported by vitamin B12- as a threat. So the cycle continues, creating damage to the central nervous system and prolonging debilitating symptoms of multiple sclerosis.

This article continues in Part 2, including symptoms of multiple sclerosis and diagnosis…

Your turn!

Do you have any questions or suggestions?  Please leave your comments below.

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Like this? Read more:

Pernicious Anemia and Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Which Causes Which?

Can Vitamin B12 Repair Nerve Cells?

15 Chronic Pain Causes and 15 Treatments (Vitamin B12 is one)

Sources:

Multiple Sclerosis Overview

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Often, memory loss is a common sign of aging- but not always! Certain foods, health conditions, and routines actually worsen your ability to remember the important things in life. Listed are some healthy lifestyle changes to effectively (and naturally) improve your mental focus, reduce fatigue, and prevent symptoms of memory loss that sometimes occur in the under-65 crowd.

Memory loss is preventable, especially if you’re still in your 30s or 40s! Unless you’re over the age of 65, you can’t really attribute symptoms such as brain fog, forgetfulness, or fatigue to old age, not just yet.

But I’m too Young for Memory Loss…Right?

Here are some likely alternative causes of memory loss that you can avoid, regardless of age.

1- Vitamin B12 deficiency

B vitamins are essential for healthy brain functioning and energy production; vitamin B12 in particular helps your body make red blood cells needed to carry oxygen to the brain, and also assists in protecting your nerve cells from deterioration.

Which is why when vitamin B12 levels are low, as in severe vitamin B12 deficiency, some of the first signs you experience involve the brain.

Memory loss, poor concentration, brain fatigue, slow thinking, depression, and anxiety are all common symptoms of early-onset vitamin B12 deficiency.

Yet many people are deficient in vitamin B12 without realizing it, as many doctors aren’t quick on the uptake when it comes to testing and diagnosing for vitamin B12 deficiency.

Memory Loss Tips and Tricks for the B12 Deficient

Risk factors for vitamin B12 deficiency, including pernicious anemia (the autoimmune cause of low vitamin B12) include:

• Autoimmune disorders, including fibromyalgia
• Gastrointestinal disorders, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
• Family history for pernicious anemia
• Bariatric surgery
• Vegan or vegetarian dieting
• Alcoholism
• Medication for diabetes
• GERD, chronic heartburn medications
• Old age

If you think you may have memory loss from vitamin B12 deficiency, ask your doctor for a vitamin B12 blood screening. Alternatively, you can also begin taking OTC vitamin B12 supplements on your own, as there are no health risks involved with high-dose vitamin B12 supplementation.

2- Too many carbs

Eating a high-carbohydrate diet rich in trans-fats and saturated oils is another oft-cited cause of memory loss. Many researchers believe that eating an abundance of simple carbohydrates, while also indulging in fried foods, causes arterial plaque buildup, resulting in less oxygen to the brain and impaired thinking skills.

3- Dehydration

Many of us are dehydrated without even realizing it. If you don’t drink at least 6-8 glasses of water each day, plus extra on hot days or after exercising, then you may be experiencing memory loss caused by dimple dehydration.

4- Insomnia

Do you spend hours in front of the computer at night, or lay awake thinking of things you need to do tomorrow? Then you may be causing your own memory loss simply by not getting enough restful sleep at night. It’s one thing to “wing it” every now and then after a 4-hour resting period, but to maintain healthy mental skills and stay alert, and this is a no-brainer, you need to allow yourself plenty of sleep. Sleep deprivation not only causes memory loss, but also increased stress, anxiety, and depression.

Your turn!

Do you have any questions or suggestions?  Please leave your comments below.

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Like this? Read more:

Brain Fog- 7 Helpful Treatments

To Improve your Memory, Don’t Forget to Exercise!

Tired All the Time? 30 Likely Causes of Daytime Fatigue

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People often mix up irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in speech, but really they are quite different. Although IBS and IBD both cause similar symptoms- stomachaches, nausea- only one is a gastrointestinal disease that can be severely debilitating and life-threatening.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Other terms include spastic colon, irritable colon, mucous colitis, or spastic colitis.

About one out of every six people experience irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a condition that causes abdominal pain and cramping, in addition to abnormal bowel movements.

IBS may occur as a result of an infection in the intestines, or it may be caused by stress. There are no tests to diagnose IBS, rather several diagnostic procedures to rule out IBD, colon cancer, or celiac disease.

Also see: Crohn’s- 9 Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD) Myths to Ignore

Symptoms of IBS:

People with irritable bowel syndrome suffer from the following symptoms at least three times per month, for at least three months:

• Stomach pain
• Gas
• Bloating
• Uncomfortable fullness
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) refers to a set of gastrointestinal illnesses that are chronic or very frequent, and occur because of an autoimmune disorder that causes damage to the stomach and intestines.

Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are the two most common types of IBD, and both can result in ulcers, inflammation, and other types of stomach damage.

Crohn’s disease causes inflammation, sores, and ulcers all along the gastrointestinal tract, including the esophagus, but most often occurs in parts of the small and large intestines.

Ulcerative colitis causes similar damage and ailments in the large intestines and rectum.

Read this- Gastrointestinal Surgery for Crohn’s (IBD) and B12 Warnings

Symptoms of IBD:

Chronic symptoms of Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis may include:

• Intense stomach pains, cramps
• Uncontrollable frequent diarrhea
• Bloody stools
• Rectal pain
• Unexplainable weight loss
• Nausea
• Fever, chills
• Vomiting
• Mouth sores
• Joint pain
• Liver disease

Complications

There are no complications involved with IBS, which is more of a functional condition of the stomach that causes no perceivable damage.

With IBD, flare-ups, a worsening of symptoms or long-time illness may cause several comorbid conditions or complications, including:

• Infected fistula caused by deep ulcers
• Colon rupture caused by toxic megacolon
• Anemia caused by low iron or vitamin B12 deficiency, resulting in too few red blood cells.

Conclusion

IBS is distressing and uncomfortable, but it causes no actual damage to the gastrointestinal tract, and is not life-threatening. To treat, avoid foods that irritate the stomach, and eat small frequent meals, in order to prevent overstuffing.

With IBD, portions of the intestines and stomach are diseased and vulnerable to rupture, which can be deadly. Diagnosis may require colonoscopy, X-ray, barium enema, blood tests, MRI, and CT scan.

Depending on the severity of IBD symptoms, treatments may include medications, restrictive diet, vitamins, including vitamin B12 supplements, and possibly, surgery.

Your turn!

Do you have any questions or suggestions?  Please leave your comments below.

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Like this? Read more:

7 Natural Remedies for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Four Reasons to check your Vitamin B12 Levels with Crohn’s Disease

Sources:

Irritable bowel syndrome- PubMed Health

Ulcerative colitis- PubMed Health

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

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Want to boost energy, prevent fatigue, and restore mental alertness? In addition to taking daily vitamins and minerals, and preventing vitamin B12 deficiency, it’s important to make sure you’re eating the right foods for maximum energy.

For more energy throughout the day, you need to fill up on foods with high-octane, complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, and soluble fibers for normal digestion.

Look for energizing foods that provide antioxidants, minerals, and plenty of B vitamins for stamina, neurological integrity, and healthy metabolism.

Below is a list of the best healthy foods that provide the most energy.

1. Apples– healthy fiber, fructose, vitamin C, antioxidants, and boron for alertness
2. Bananas– B-vitamins, calcium, iron, magnesium, healthy fiber, and potassium
3. Red bell peppers– vitamin C, healthy fiber, phytochemical lycopene, and vitamin B6.
4. Carrots– healthy fiber, Beta-Carotene
5. Celery– water, fiber, vitamin C, B-vitamins, potassium and sodium
6. Tomatoes– vitamin C
7. Sweet potatoes– vitamin A, vitamin C
8. Pumpkin– potassium, fiber, vitamin A
9. Spinach– iron, vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, and folate
10. Cantaloupe– B-vitamins, potassium, fructose, and water
11. Watermelon– B-vitamins, potassium, fructose, and water
12. Pineapple– Vitamin C and bromelain
13. Mango– Vitamin C
14. Sea vegetables– calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium
15. Dried figs– iron, potassium
16. Raisins– iron, potassium
17. Strawberries– vitamin C, soluble fiber, antioxidants
18. Blueberries– antioxidants
19. Sauerkraut– probiotic balance
20. Tossed leafy green salad– iron, vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, and folate
21. Kidney beans– soluble fiber, vitamin B, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc and calcium
22. Hummus– protein, soluble fiber, iron, vitamin C, vitamin B, magnesium, potassium, zinc, calcium and folate.
23. Soy– soluble fiber, vitamin B, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc and calcium
24. Lean meats– vitamin B12, tyrosine
25. Lentils– soluble fiber, vitamin B, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc and calcium
26. Crab– vitamin B12, lean protein
27. Salmon– vitamin B12, low-fat protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and Coenzyme Q10
28. Low-fat yogurt– protein, calcium, and vitamin D
29. Omelet– healthy protein, vitamin B12, tyrosine, iron, and yolks contain choline for mental energy
30. Iron-fortified cereals– iron, healthy fiber, B-vitamins, and magnesium
31. Brown rice– healthy filling fiber, manganese , magnesium, B vitamins
32. Quinoa– soluble fiber, complete protein, vitamin B, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc and calcium
33. Oatmeal– B vitamins, soluble fiber, and boosts energy
34. Dark chocolate– flavanols, iron and magnesium
35. Pumpkin seeds– protein, tyrosine, iron, vitamin K, magnesium, calcium, and Coenzyme Q10
36. Nuts– selenium, B- vitamins, copper, vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, tyrosine, magnesium,  manganese, iron, and Coenzyme Q10
37. Lemon-mint water– vitamin C, prevents dehydration and fatigue
38. Coconut water– electrolytes to prevent dehydration and fatigue
39. Green smoothie– combined energy-boosting nutrients of yogurt, leafy green vegetables, apples, and bananas
40. Tea– caffeine, L-theanine

Your turn!

What foods do you think provide the most energy?

What nutritional supplements do you take for stamina, memory, and mental focus?

Do you have any questions or suggestions?  Please leave your comments below.

Share with your friends!

If you found this article helpful, then please share with your friends, family, and coworkers by email, Facebook, or Google+.

Like this? Read more:

Will Vitamin B12 Boost Energy if I don’t have B12 Deficiency? YES!

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Fight Chronic Fatigue with Vitamin B-12, plus 10 Energy Tips!

Sources:

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Foods to Fight Fatigue

Food For Energy: 16 Foods That Will Wake You Up

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What is fibromyalgia, and what type of pain symptoms does it cause? Unlike other types of chronic pain, fibromyalgia includes a wide variety of seemingly-unrelated debilitating ailments.

If you suffer from arthritis, then you experience joint stiffness and muscle pain in certain targeted areas of the body. Likewise, people with chronic headaches suffer intense head pain and several other physical complaints.

Fibromyalgia, on the other hand, is more like a full-frontal assault on the body, by the body; an autoimmune condition in which you experience multiple types of chronic pain symptoms in various “hot spots” around the body.

There are three specific types of pain symptoms associated with fibromyalgia; they include:

Hyperalgesia

Hyperalgesia is defined as increased sensitivity to pain, resulting from peripheral nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy). With fibromyalgia, you typically experience pain on a much deeper level than others, as your reaction to pain is more severe, amplified by over-reactive nerve cells.

Causes of hyperalgesia may include severe vitamin B12 deficiency, as vitamin B12 is crucial for sustaining healthy neurological functioning, especially where the peripheral nervous system is concerned.

To ensure proper neurological health with fibromyalgia, it’s crucial to maintain normal vitamin B12 levels at all times.

Allodynia

Allodynia is severe pain caused by a normally-nonirritating stimulus that only affects the sufferer.

With fibromyalgia, you have difficulty finding comfortable clothes and sleeping restfully at night under heavy blankets, primary because allodynia makes certain tactile sensations unbearable. Scratchy shirt tags, tight waistbands, and itchy sweaters can be torture for somebody with severe allodynia.

For tips on dressing with fibromyalgia pain, read Choosing Pain-Free Clothes with Fibromyalgia

In addition to tactile hypersensitivity, you may also experience fibromyalgia pain resulting from non-severe hot or cold temperatures.

Paresthesia

Paresthesia is painful numbness and prickling sensations, usually in the hands and feet, also resulting from peripheral neuropathy.

If it seems like your arms and legs are constantly falling asleep, and you feel “pins and needles” while sitting, then it could be peripheral neuropathy.

Paresthesia is also one of the earliest symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency, as well as a common type of fibromyalgia pain. For that reason, doctors often fail to catch low vitamin B12 levels in fibromyalgia patients.

Since vitamin B12 deficiency is often a comorbid condition of fibromyalgia, doctors recommend checking your vitamin B12 levels regularly, in order to prevent severe depletion of vitamin B12.

Your turn!

Do you suffer from fibromyalgia, in addition to vitamin B12 deficiency? If so, what advice can you offer our readers?

Do you have any questions or suggestions?  Please leave your comments below.

Share with your friends!

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Like this? Read more:

Vitamin B12 Deficiency and Fibromyalgia Pain Types

Can Vitamin B12 Repair Nerve Cells?

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Sources:

Understanding Fibromyalgia Pain

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Many people get brain fog every now and then, but for some people, mental lethargy, “spacing out,” is a constant everyday struggle, and often a sign of an underlying condition requiring immediate treatment. Listed are 7 helpful treatments for brain fog, including vitamin B12 supplementation.

As mentioned in the previous article, Brain Fog- 7 Likely Causes, there are many reasons why you may be having trouble focusing on work, finding your car keys, or remembering names for things that used to be on the tip of your tongue.

Brain fog may be a sign of chronic pain, vitamin B12 deficiency, or a number of other underlying illnesses. Brain fog may also signal the need to change your diet or reduce stress.

Listed are some helpful treatments for brain fog:

What helps brain fog?

1- Vitamin B12

If vitamin B12 deficiency is the cause of constant brain fog and other signs of cognitive impairments, then only quick and immediate supplementation of vitamin B12 will reverse the symptoms.

Often, several consecutive doses of vitamin B12 shots or other forms of non-dietary vitamin B12 are required, followed up with a lifelong regimen of monthly vitamin B12 supplementation.

Other excellent nutrients that support healthy brain functioning include zinc, coenzyme Q10, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids.

2- Exercise

Daily exercise is one of the best natural treatments for most ailments, especially brain fog caused by stress, depression, or chronic pain. Talk to your doctor about choosing an activity that boosts energy and promotes healthy circulation without causing stress on your joints.

To Improve your Memory, Don’t Forget to Exercise!

3- Treat depression

Brain fog is comorbid with many types of emotional instability, including depression. Ask your doctor to suggest an antidepressant which complements your specific needs. Alternatively, ask your doctor about natural mood enhancers, such as SAM-e (S-adenosylmethionine).

4- Take melatonin

If insomnia or lack of restorative sleep is behind chronic brain fog, then ask your doctor if taking melatonin supplements are a good option for solving your sleep problems.

5- Wean off caffeine and alcohol

Excess amounts of caffeinated beverages and frequent alcohol usage are both common causes of daily fatigue and brain fog. As a rule of thumb, limit yourself to two cups of coffee each day, and don’t drink any in the afternoon. At parties, try alternating between alcoholic drinks and tall glasses of water.

6- Avoid artificial sweeteners

Fake sugar, artificial preservatives, and chemically-produced flavorings are all toxic to our system, as our body doesn’t recognize them as verifiable food items. Brain fog, headaches, and respiratory problems are sometimes symptoms of toxicity from artificial ingredients.

7- Slow down

To prevent brain fog from overstimulation, try not to plan too many activities in one day. Relieve stress by practicing relaxation techniques, such as controlled breathing, positive affirmations, and mindfulness. Schedule meetings, pickup times, and other important dates in a daily calendar; that way, you won’t feel pressured to keep them on your mind the whole day.

Your turn!

Do you have any questions or suggestions?  Please leave your comments below.

Share with your friends!

If you found this article helpful, then please share with your friends, family, and coworkers by email, Facebook, or Google+.

Like this? Read more:

4 Ways to Energize your Brain

Tired All the Time? 30 Likely Causes of Daytime Fatigue

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Many people get brain fog every now and then, but for some people, mental lethargy, “spacing out,” is a constant everyday struggle, and often a sign of an underlying condition requiring immediate treatment. Listed are 7 possible causes of brain fog, including vitamin B12 deficiency.

With brain fog, you often have difficulty staying alert and “on the ball.” You keep forgetting where you left your cellphone, and you find yourself looking for things that were right in front of you all along.

Lack of spatial awareness, memory loss, and the feeling that your brain is always in “autopilot” are all signs of episodic brain fog.

Brain fog is a common symptom of most chronic illnesses, including chronic pain, autoimmune disorders, and depression.

Additionally, there are several other factors that may contribute to constant mental fatigue and disorientation, underlying conditions that may escape your doctor’s attention.

What causes brain fog?

1- Vitamin B12 deficiency

Brain fog is one of the earliest signs of vitamin B12 deficiency, a type of anemia that may linger undetected for years. In most cases, physicians don’t test for vitamin B12 deficiency or pernicious anemia until the signs of severe depletion of vitamin B12 levels become apparent.

Symptoms of early vitamin B12 deficiency often include:

• Brain fog
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Memory loss
• Painful tingling and numbness in the hands and feet
• Muscle spasms

Brain Fog from Pernicious Anemia- Telltale Signs

2- Stress

Stress, anxiety, and even electronic media devices can contribute to a prevailing feeling of brain fog.  Our brains can only handle so much stimulation before our nerve cells call it quits. As a result, our brains go in autopilot, or brain fog mode, when stress levels are high or we have spent an inordinate amount of time in front of the television or computer.

3- Chronic pain

Chronic pain is distracting- when you suffer from constant headaches, aching back muscles, or frequent stomach cramps, then obviously, you have a hard time focusing on anything else.

Brain fog is a comorbid condition of illnesses such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, Crohn’s disease, and many other forms of chronic pain and autoimmune disorder.

4- Lack of restful sleep

Another side effect of chronic pain, and consequently a cause of brain fog, is the inability to sleep peacefully throughout the night.

People with chronic fatigue often wake up already feeling exhausted, and rarely feel refreshed in the morning, even though they slept a good six or eight hours the night before.

Lack of restorative REM sleep, more so than insufficient sleep time, directly affects your ability to think clearly and stay alert throughout the day.

5- Depression

Brain fog is often a comorbid condition of emotional illnesses such as depression and severe anxiety disorder.

As many conditions are comorbid of each other, it’s worth noting that depression and brain fog are also common symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency, and are sometimes misdiagnosed as chronic mental illness. A simple vitamin B12 blood screening usually indicates if low vitamin B12 levels are a factor.

6- Medication side effects

Sometimes, brain fog is a result of a medication’s side effects, or occurs when two or more medications are used at the same time.

7- Dementia from old age

Brain fog is also one of the earliest signs of Alzheimer’s disease dementia, or other forms of brain atrophy. Often, symptoms of early aging and dementia are exacerbated by plummeting levels of vitamin B12, as evidenced by several scientific studies on vitamin B12 deficiency in patients of age-related dementia.

Your turn!

Do you have any questions or suggestions?  Please leave your comments below.

Share with your friends!

If you found this article helpful, then please share with your friends, family, and coworkers by email, Facebook, or Google+.

Like this? Read more:

7 Tips for Managing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)

But I’m too Young for Memory Loss…Right?

Vitamin B12 Deficiency Symptoms that Mimic Aging

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Foods that prevent chronic pain: Previously, we discussed foods that cause chronic pain by triggering the inflammation response. Here are foods that help to prevent chronic pain by preventing an autoimmune inflammatory response.

Inflammation is natural

As mentioned in our earlier post, 6 Foods that Cause Chronic Pain, your body responds to foreign invaders by causing pain, inflammation. This is a normal healthy reaction to injuries that could become life-threatening if left untreated, like an open sore or a bacterial infection.

With chronic pain, people often suffer from inflammation as part of an autoimmune reaction to foods that your body doesn’t recognize, and labels as “dangerous.” These foods should be avoided, especially if you suffer from autoimmune disorders like fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, or pernicious anemia.

Eat this!

At the same time, certain foods help to actually improve your body’s response to inflammation by serving as antioxidants and promoting “good” bacteria for digestive health.

You should try to include these foods as part of your natural chronic pain management strategy:

1. Dark leafy greens– Green lettuces like romaine, spinach, kale, and arugula are excellent anti-inflammatory agents that contain natural antioxidants.
2. Spices– Certain seasonings such as turmeric, ginger, red chili pepper, and cinnamon are renowned for their ability to fight inflammation and relieve chronic pain symptoms caused by arthritis, sinusitis, and digestion problems.
3. Blueberries– Blueberries are among the richest sources of natural antioxidants that fight chronic pain by supporting your body’s healthy inflammation response.
4. Avocados– avocados contain healthy fats, in addition to carotenoids that fight inflammation.
5. Probiotics– To improve digestion and prevent chronic pain caused by ulcers, acid reflux, or diarrhea, eat foods containing probiotics that enhance gut flora, detoxify, and reduce inflammation.
6. 6. Omega-3’s– Flaxseed and fish oils contain healthy fatty Omega-3 acids which reduce inflammation and also support healthy brain functioning.

Your turn!

Do you have any questions or suggestions?  Please leave your comments below.

Share with your friends!

If you found this article helpful, then please share with your friends, family, and coworkers by email, Facebook, or Google+.

Like this? Read more:

Acid Reflux Medication Warning: One Big Reason to avoid PPIs

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Sources:

9 Foods that Cause Inflammation and 9 Ways to Fight it

Photo courtesy of threelayercake/flickr

Certain foods cause chronic pain by triggering inflammation throughout your body- bad news if you already suffer from fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, or rheumatoid arthritis. Find out which foods to avoid, in order to prevent chronic pain flare-ups.

The inflammation response

It’s normal to feel pain when you sustain an injury- inflammation is your body’s healthy response to the danger of infections, a broken rib, or even a cut finger.

It’s easy enough to spot a visible injury and treat it. But what about when chronic pain occurs as a result of inflammation that spreads inside your body, throughout your organs, muscles, and digestive system? Invisible sources of chronic pain can be much harder to detect.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency and Fibromyalgia Pain Types

Food and chronic pain

Sometimes, inflammation results from foods that we eat every day- foods that raise our blood sugar levels, trigger autoimmune reactions, and upset our natural biochemical functioning.

Don’t eat this!

The following food items are to be avoided, as they trigger an unhealthy inflammatory response. If you already suffer from chronic pain due to autoimmune disorders such as fibromyalgia, lupus, or pernicious anemia, then you should cross these foods off your list.

Check food label ingredients at the supermarket before you buy any packaged item, and don’t be afraid to ask at a restaurant if they use any of the following ingredients:

1. Processed foods– If it doesn’t occur in nature, then your body doesn’t recognize it. When we eat processed foods containing artificial preservatives, food colorings, and other additives, your body reacts to the “foreign invader” by producing an inflammatory response that triggers symptoms of chronic pain.
2. Refined sugar– this is a hard one to avoid, understandably. However, in many studies, refined starches like white sugar consistently cause chronic pain by elevating blood sugar and upsetting your body’s response to insulin.
3. Dairy products– Our bodies were not meant to process the protein (casein) or sugar (lactose) from milk very well, and as a result a large number of people experience inflammation as a result of including milk, cheese, and cream in their diets.
4. Gluten– For many people, gluten is a dangerous allergen that creates an inflammatory immune response. Gluten can be found in wheat, rye, and barley, in addition to many packaged condiments and snack foods.
5. Trans-fat– Hydrogenated oils contain low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) that cause inflammation and trigger chronic pain.
6. Peanuts– One of the most common food allergens, peanuts are coated with natural molds that may create inflammation, even in people who don’t suffer from peanut allergies.

Your turn!

Do you have any questions or suggestions?  Please leave your comments below.

Share with your friends!

If you found this article helpful, then please share with your friends, family, and coworkers by email, Facebook, or Google+.

Like this? Read more:

Prevent Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Beyond Nutrition

Is Vitamin B12 Deficiency an Autoimmune Disorder? Yup.

Sources:

9 Foods that Cause Inflammation and 9 Ways to Fight it

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Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a recognized condition that affects hundreds of thousands of people, regardless of age. Overwhelming tiredness, relentless body aches, and persistent illness make it difficult to manage daily activities. Here are some helpful pointers for dealing with constant fatigue.

Recognizing chronic fatigue syndrome

There’s a big difference between fatigue from life and fatigue from chronic illness. It’s normal to feel tired in the morning, and want to crawl back to bed and call in sick for work.

If you have difficulty motivating yourself to become more physically fit, then…well, you’re just like the rest of us.

However, if you suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), then you’re not just tired some mornings; you usually wake up feeling worn out, as if from a long day’s work, though the clock just struck 6:30 am and you slept the whole night through.

People with chronic fatigue can’t imagine running a marathon; it’s hard enough just to walk around the block.

1- Acceptance is the key

Don’t delay getting treatment by putting off symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome, thinking they’ll go away. You can’t get better until you accept that the amount of exhaustion and pain symptoms you experience on a daily basis is not normal, and requires treatment.

By opening the doors of acceptance you open the doors to a new beginning…

2- It’s a mind-body experience

Chronic fatigue is a combination of physical and emotional ailments combined. Symptoms of CFS can include:

• Overbearing weariness
• Headache
• Aching joints
• Muscle pain
• Hypersensitivity to scents, textures, noise, and light
• Frequent colds and flu
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Brain fog
• Memory loss
• Digestion problems

Vitamin B12 Deficiency and Fibromyalgia Pain Types

3- Be your own advocate

Talk to other people who have CFS, and join the network of chronic illness awareness on Facebook, Twitter, and advocacy sites.

If chronic fatigue syndrome is making it impossible for you to work, find out about special accommodations or benefits that you may be entitled to according to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

4- Find a chronic pain specialist

Seek a professional who has experience with patients of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia, and discuss treatment options.

5- Communicate with friends and family

Don’t try to sweep chronic illness under the rug. Let the people closest to you know that it’s okay to discuss why you’ve been feeling tired all the time, and ways in which they can help out.

40 Things NOT to say to a Fibromyalgia-Chronic Fatigue Sufferer

6- Work your day around CFS

Schedule your day by the hour, and calculate how much time you’ll need to recuperate from certain tasks ahead of time.

Use the Spoonie philosophy to realistically plan your day, acknowledging that doing three loads of laundry in a row may wipe out your energy for the rest of the day.

Energy is finite, so don’t waste it!

Chronic Fatigue and House Work- Motivating Tips for Success

7- Consider natural preventive medicine

Managing chronic illness requires a multi-pronged approach that incorporates both conventional medicine and complementary alternative treatments.

For chronic pain, discuss prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications with your doctor. Sometimes, antidepressants can improve the effectiveness of analgesic medications by reducing stress and providing emotional balance.

Natural alternative treatments may include vitamin supplementation, as underlying vitamin B12 deficiency or other forms of malnourishment are often comorbid with CFS and fibromyalgia, exacerbating symptoms of fatigue, depression, and chronic pain.

Other good preventive treatments to try include:

• Homeopathy
• Acupuncture
• Restrictive dieting
• Physical therapy
• Meditation

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Sources:

Managing chronic fatigue syndrome (myalgic encephalomyelitis)

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