Muscular Aches and Pains

Missy's Little Things in Life ~ A Talk About Blood Pressure Monitors

One Year Ago Today....

....I had a heart attack.  Yep, healthy fit me had a 'mild' head scratching type heart attack.  The small clot had to be dissolved.  That took 4 or 5 days in CVICU.  I had a reaction to the meds used to sedate me. They made me very sick.  When they dissolve a clot, you have to remain very still.  They leave the Cathe wire in you.  If it breaks, you can bleed out.  So they sedate you.  And I had to have phenegren (I know I spelled that wrong) with every dose.  So I slept for 4-5 days.  I know that I was in CVICU for 5 days total.  Then 4 more days in a private room on the cardiac floor.  I still had and unexplained pain that to me, was severe.  I had it some time before the heart attack and for a week before going to the hospital, I was very uncomfortable.  At times it was very severe.  My only description of it is that pain you feel with acute gallbladder issues or that gas pain you feel for a day or two (if you do not take you pain meds) after gall bladder surgery.  (I had my gallbladder removed 5-6 years ago.)

The pain was actually a small tear beginning in the aorta.  That was diagnosed on December 7th.  Several months later.

To an inexperience eye (That eye usually comes from a Radiologist, sometimes a Cardiologist.) aortic dissections are difficult to diagnose.  A Cat Scan or an MRI  with dye contrast is the only way that they can see it.

I still believe that is what caused my mild heart attack.  I also believe that the meds slowed down the tearing process.  Shortly after my heart attack, I went back to training as though I was rehabbing for a heart attack.  Totally unaware of the aortic dissection.

As I have said in my previous posts, aortic dissections are a bit rare and heard to diagnose.  In the US there are about 2000 a year.  1/2 of all aortic dissections are diagnosed on the autopsy table.  If you have lived with an aortic dissection, it is by the grace of God that you are able to tell about it.

And I give all glory to God.  I am here because He has a purpose for me.  You are here and reading this because He has a purpose for you.  I do not believe in coincidence or happenstance, only in divine ordination and intervention. 

I am so blessed.  When the dissection was found, it was a tear from the internal wall the the medial wall (the aorta has 3 layers in it's wall).  I was in what the surgeon called stage 4.  I had not totally torn through and  bleeding out, nor had ripped up into the heart.  The goal for the next 2 days in CVICU was to keep my blood pressure down (very low) in order to keep the other two scenarios from happening.  

When you get home, you sit, walk around, fold clothes, put dishes in the dish washer, and that is about it!  You move around to keep from getting sedindary, but very limited.  After a few weeks, 30 minute-1mile walk was the max exercise I was allowed to do. 

Some of you may or may not know, I am a professional photographer by profession.  I have been for 20 years.  That is a workout in itself!  Of course, I could do little work.  Again, God provided.  Expenses for a business do not change just because you are sick.  I still had bills and my fixed costs to take care of.  I did maternity sessions, business portraits, etc.  And God was always there for me.

My restrictions have been lifted.  I am blessed to not have surgery.  I have read so many stories about  people who go into the ER in my condition, wake up 5 days later with a zipper down their chest.  I recently heard of a success story of a very fit woman who is also a cardiac therapist.   She is in Decatur, Alabama.  While on a trip to the beach, felt something happening and knew exactly what was going on in her body.  Her aorta was ripping.  It was so quick that she had a total tear through and was bleeding out by the time the paramedics got to her.  She survived surgery, healed, became a bride and is back to cycling.  Her passion.  So there is life after aortic dissection.

How does an aortic dissection happen in a younger to middle aged, fit person?  Good question!

• Hypertension can start setting in.  Not bad, but that blood pressure starts inching up. 
• Genetic.  Something we like to blame everything on.
• In most stories I read, many people had one or more high sodium meals within 12 to 24 hours of an extreme workout or sports game.  Sodium raised the blood pressure and stayed in the system.  The workout raised it even more.  Beyond what the walls of the aorta could handle.  
• 13 year old girls....  OK, so that is an inside joke at our house.  LOL!

I want to leave you with a couple of links
Medline Plus
Ritter's Rules

God has a reason for me being here and a reason for you being here as well.  Seek His glory and honor and guidance.  It might be to raise your children, encourage others, lead others to Him, write a blog, what ever it is, seek Him first and everything else will fall into place.   

A healthy eating lifestyle is a must if you want to maintain or lose weight.  Two of the most important tips I can give anyone would be:

• Avoid eating at your desk or place of work (Get out of the office or building even if you bring your lunch to work. Fine a place to enjoy your meal outside and walk to it if you can.)
• Avoid snacking while you work.  This applies if you work out of your home, a SAHM (stay at home mom... or dad), retired and especially applies if you work in an office where someone is bringing goodies  in everyday.

I have to add a few more:

• Avoid eating meals or snacks in front of the TV.  It can cause mindless eating and distraction.
• Plan your meals and snacks and plan where you will be (ie: sitting at the kitchen table, park bench, break room, etc.) when & while you eat.  

You will be surprised at how many calories you will cut out of your day when you follow these simple, common sense tips.  

Hugs,

Missy

What is Your Sodium Intake?

WoW!  Good question.  That hand full of chips or snack crackers can increase your intake by 100-300 mg.  Processed low-fat foods have extra sodium in order to increase flavor.  What about when you eat out?  Restaurants always seem to have increased salt in their menu items.  You can eat a days recommended amount (2300 mg) in one meal. Even "healthy choices" are very high in sodium.

A few tips for a lower sodium diet (for home and eating out):

• Decrease your amount of dressings & condiments
• Use oil & vinegar or squeeze a slice of lemon on your food/salad
• Don't add salt to your coffee 
• Don't add salt to your food at the table
• Read labels and avoid items high in sodium
• Order dressing & sauces on the side
• Go online or call the restaurant and read the sodium & fat content of the menu items
• When eating out, request "lite sodium" options.  Many chefs will prepare your food with little or no salt.  This is wonderful!  Especially if you are a heart patient.  Stix Japanese Steak House is an example of this.  One of our favorite Chinese restaurants will do this for us as well, and we have found that the food is much better!  We love it!
• Purchase low sodium foods.  Read the labels.  You will find that there are many good and healthy options out there right on your market shelf.
• Eat fresh veggies and fruit
• Cook from scratch and modify your ingredients.  Recipes, especially those from older cook books, do not call for a lot of sodium.  Just enough to bring out the flavor.
• Avoid fast foods
•  Use a common sense approach to your diet (I know, it is a 4 letter word!)

 Be aware of what you put in your body.  You only have one and need to take care of it! :-)

Have a blessed day!
Hugs,
Missy

Editing to add: The American Heart Association has so much information on their website as well.  Especially about eating healthier for your heart.  They even have a pamphlet called "Shaking the Salt Habit".  They are wonderful to help you in anyway that they can.  

Tips for Lowering Stress and Blood Pressure

Last week was some week!  I started w/a sugar fast.  And did not have the discipline to hang in there.  I will try again though.  Not sure when.  I did not begin with a prayerful purpose.  In the past, I always did that and God lead me through the fast. 

I also had a check up w/the cardiologist.  He is pleased w/my progress and told me I can increase my cardio getting my heart rate up to about 120 - maybe even 130!  That will help with some of the fluid retention and weight gain. 

Blood pressure medicine will cause fluid retention. So will a sedentary life or day in your life.   Staying busy is key.  And it is great to finally have the energy and stamina to stay busy.  Including being able to more than dusting, light house keeping and .... as most of you know (or may not know) I am a freelance photographer.  While editing is sedentary, shooting is almost an athletic event.  LOL!  Especially with a 1 or 2 year old child.  LOL! 

Today I have some tips for lowering blood pressure and stress:

• A walk.  Just at your own pace.  Check with your doctor first and make sure he/she clarify how much, etc.
• If you are able to care for one, get a pet.  There is nothing that will bring blood pressure and de-stress you like petting and loving a pet.   Do keep in mind that house-training a dog or puppy can increase your stress and blood pressure. 
• Stretching exercises.  Lite Pilates or Yoga.  Anything like that.  Nothing intense.
• Working on a hobby, craft, cooking.  I find cleaning my kitchen counter tops relaxes me. 
• Gardening.  
• Spending quality time with your family/spouse.
• A trip.  (We went to Walt Disney World the week of Thanksgiving. We enjoyed it at a slow pace and we loved it!)
• Walk away from business that will be "not worth it".  If you can tell in the initial client interview/consult that they will be high maintenance, don't take them as a client.  I know, hard to do in this economy, but you will be glad that you did.
• Take your meds.  Everyday and on schedule.
• Lower your sodium intake.  We only need about 2300 mg a day.  The average American takes in 3500 mg or more a day.  A heart patient could stand to take even a tad less than 2300 mg a day.  Read your labels.  You will be surprised at how much you will take in w/processed foods.  
• Let it go!  That is any bitterness, anger, etc. that you might be harboring.  Just let it go.  Give it to God.  Let things, words, etc. roll off of you.  If there is a person who gets under your skin (deliberately or otherwise), just stay away from them. 

If you have other tips for lowering blood pressure and stress, please feel free to share them by posting them in the comments section.

Have a blessed day!
Missy

Recovery and "White Fast"

My recovery is continuing and doing great!  My energy is returning, I have less pain and really beginning to feel great!  I covet your prayers and if you are going through the same thing, please post a comment so that I and others reading this blog can pray for you.

A couple of months ago, I told someone that I was cutting back on caffeine.  She told me the best thing I could do is cut out my sugar intake.  If you read older posts, you will see that I do believe in cutting out sugars in ones diet.  However, if you love sugar, like I do, it is very hard to do.  I went w/out sugar and 'white stuff' (starches, etc.) for about 6 weeks.  After a 2 week slump of feeling like I was starving all the time as I was working out quite a bit, I started feeling better than I have ever felt!  Today I am starting that same diet.  In fact, I am not going to call it a diet, I am calling it a 'Lifestyle Change'. Because I will need to eat this way forever.  Now I do eat healthy, I simply love fro yo, ice cream, sweet tea, flavored creamers to add to coffee.... Well you get the idea.  Snack crackers are good as well.  I love them!

To read details on Sugar Fasting or better yet, I now like to call it "White Starch Fasting" read this post.You will find a good bit of information.  I do not include white potatoes & dairy in a white fast.  I have read and heard that corn should be considered a 'white starch' and it does make sense.  Corn syrup and many other sugars are derived from corn. 

I always encourage a "treat day".  No more than once a week.  And it this is tempting to 'fall off the wagon', then don't do it.  Increase your calories with fruits and veggies.  I will say that it takes a lot of fruits and veggies to add up to the same caloric intake as a piece of cake or an ice cream cone.

Have a great and blessed day!  If you have questions, just post or email me.
Hugs,
Missy

Recovery & Rehab for a Torn Aorta

I have some really great news! My aorta is healing just like the Drs. want it too. :-) Yeah!!!!  It does take patience and time. Remember, the information I post here is not to be medical advice of any kind. But instead, a resource and to encourage those who have been diagnosed with torn aorta otherwise known as a dissected aneurism of the descending aorta type B. 

If you have been diagnosed with this condition and are reading my post on this blog, then consider that you are able to do so by the grace of God through the Lord Jesus Christ. Most people are diagnosed on the autopsy table. Once diagnoses is made, your recovery chances are very high. I have a level 4. Level 4 and lower are typically treated medically. Mainly getting the blood pressure down through scripts, etc. The first few weeks are more critical than later on in the recovery process. It will get better. :-) My GP put it the way, "slow down and smell the coffee." 

This experience has brought my husband and I closer together. We cherish time together, with our daughter and as a family. We are not letting 'little things' bother us. We just let it 'roll off'. If you are not doing that, you need to learn. It will do wonders for your attitude and blood pressure. 

Yes, we are told to exercise. When your Dr. tells you to go on a regular exercise routine. Make sure you get clarification on that. Before they knew I had a torn aorta, I was released to go back to exercising "build up slowly to what you used to do.." And I could go back to lifting weights. It would almost make me sick. So I slowed down. I still did not seem to get any better. Then they found the torn aorta. Rehabbing for a torn aorta is different from rehabbing for a heart attack. Really, you do not need to 'work up a sweat' if you know what I mean. Forget intensity. The most I can do is to work up to a 30 minute mile for 4 months. After that I can start lifting again and build from there. 

Then why exercise???? While the 30 minute mile seems like nothing, one walk will lower my blood pressure by 10-20 points for a couple of days. It has something to do w/the constant moving and blood flow. I know it seems boring if you are used to Hi Intensity, lifting, cross training, etc. But you have to do it. The walking needs to be on a treadmill or a flat even surface. My neighborhood is full of hills, way too much intensity so not a good place to walk. We have school tracks nearby that I can walk at before or after school. Our church has a wonderful rec center that I go to and walk on the treadmill. 

OK, a 30 minute mile only burns about 73 k calories. And I know from personal experience that you will start spreading like butter. I have increased almost 2 dress sizes w/out gaining more than 3 lbs or so. What that means is I am going to have to cut back on food intake. Smaller portions, and this is so hard to do, but cut sugar out of my (your) diet. I can do this for a short period of time, but it is very hard long term. 

About Sugar... If you read much of this blog you will see that I am in favor of sugar fasts. Or rather a 'white fast'. Sugar can stimulate (very temporary) your heart rate and raise your blood pressure more than caffeine will. In addition, what is not burned up for energy will be stored in fat. Not a good thing. I have been saying for years that if you want to see a difference in your body, cut out the white stuff and just cut back on your fat intake. You will see more results whether you are training or rehabbing. It works! 

I will post more about additional exercise that you can do as time goes on. Have a blessed day for now! By the way, non spammed posts are welcome here. I have to moderate b/c of the spam, but myself and others would love to read of your recovery journey's as well. 

Hugs! 
Missy

Physical Healing Continues

How do you heal from a 'torn aorta'? Rest, do what it takes to lower blood pressure, emotial & physical stress. Our December and the beginning of January was not what we would have liked. It started out w/me in the hospital and ended w/my father in law (who we all deeply loved) in the hospital. He passed away the third of January. God is so good. He has given us the grace that we need to see us through this trying time. My Father In Law's life celabration & homegoing. He is with the Lord, my sweet Mother In Law and others who went before him. Healing is coming along well. We now have my blood pressure under control. I rest, limit my activity in order to have no strain on my body. I have a CT scan later on in the week and see a Thorastic Surgeon the following Monday. I feel eager to start exercising (more than walking on a flat surface and light house keeping) and I have photography sessions set up, which will put me back to work. My husband will be assisting me in these sessions. Some photography shoots can be quite physical. I give God the glory for the progress in my healing. Hugs, Missy

It has been a long time since I have posted. Much has happened. For a year or more, I have not felt my best. Chalked it off to being older. Last summer I started having some adominal discomfort. Pain moved to my chest. I went to the ER and diagnosed w/a heart attack. Still experienced pain & adominal discomfort. 5 months later I am back in the ER and I have a dissected anurism of the aorta type B. Also called called a "Torn Aorta". Can you say "John Ritter"? "Lucille Ball"? Apparently it is hard to diagnose. It was missed last summer. 50% of patients are diagnosed on the autopsy table. God is Good! Currently I am being treated medically. The goal is for the aorta to heal on its own, creating scar tissue to reinforce the wall. At this time, there is absolutly nothing on the internet that offers any personal experiences or encouragement on this condition. Currently, I have to be very careful. Keep my blood pressure down. The goal is to heal. For the forseeable future, I plan to use this blog to post my recovery. Not meant to be medical advice in any way, but to have some information out there to offer encouragement for future patients. These last few months would not be possible w/out our personal realtionship with the Lord Jesus Christ. To know that be be "absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." means to much to me. God has sustained us throughout. I will post more later! Missy

Soreness

If you exercise, whether regularly or not, while cutting out white stuff, you will find yourself a tad more sore than usual.  Perhaps a lot more sore. 

• Increase you simple carbs (fruits and veggies)
• Increase water intake

I had a charlie horse in my calf in the middle of the night.  Woke me up.  Very sore this morning.  This is caused by toxins.  Sugar, fried foods, snack crackers, candy bars, cakes, etc. are all full of toxins.  As you start a complete fast on these items, by day 2 your body is reacting.  It is not a bad thing.  Just drink more water to flush it out.  And increase your sugar intake by eating MORE FRUITS & VEGGIES which is what God intended for us to do. 

You will feel better for it!  I promise!

God bless!  Let us pray for each other.
Hugs,
Missy.

Need a snack?

Chopped up fruit, veggies, lowfat cheese, cottage cheese, old fashion rolled oats, almonds, all of these are acceptable.  One protein one carb.  Small portions and that will stave off hungar. 

When I go on a fast like this, a serving of melon or a spoon of honey on a slice of multi grain toasted bread is a life saver to get you through those first few days, especially if you exercise a good bit. 

God is good!

A New Sugar Fast!

For our better health. 

On Monday, I want to start a new sugar fast for better health.  I am copying and pasting from an older post guidlines to follow.  Anyone who would like to join and pray w/me for strengh to follow thru is free to join me. 

I do not want this to be a mandatory prayer fast unless you feel lead to.  I personally do not feel lead to at this time.  I simply want to exercise it for better health.  Will you join me? 

Feel free to post prayer needs and words of encouragement. 

I always start out w/a treat day in the beginning, but you will find it makes you feel yucky as the weeks go on. 

Remember to exercise!  God made our bodies to move!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
And I am so excited!



If you have never done a Sugar Fast before, there are a few things you might want to be aware of. The first week will be a tad bit hard. Days 3-5 will be the hardest. Day 7, you are home free and will begin to feel great!


I know that I mentioned that you could have a 'treat' on the 7th day, but if you can refrain from that for at least another week, you will reap many benefits. This fast is only for 28 days and that is not long.


Speaking of benefits of Sugar Fasting here are a few that I have listed:


Lower blood sugars


Lose weight


Reduce insulin resistance


Reduce symptoms of PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome-annoying & uncomfortable)


Improved endurance training and sports performance


Reduce heart disease


Lower lipids


Prevent diabetes


Prevent heart disease


Reduce hunger


I took the above right off of this web site that you can go to for more information - http://www.diabetes-blood-sugar-solutions.com/glycemicdiet.html and something I want to add from personal experience is


ADDED ENERGY!!!!


Days 3-5 you will feel zapped or tired. But that will begin to improve on day 6. Day 7, you will feel great.


MONDAY Weigh and measure your waist. I hope that you have a prayer journal, either a written one or one on the computer. But have one somewhere. When we fast, we pray. God may lay one need, person, situation on your heart, He may lay dozens. You might want to write them down. I am finding that I need to write them down. Start to pray over these needs written in your journal. Ask God to remind you of them throughout the day. He will. Especially when you have that desire for that Mocha Cap, Sweet Iced Tea, Scoop of Ice Cream, that little piece of candy, etc. As you fast on that sugar, pray. When you put sweetener in your coffee, pray. As you prepare healthy foods for you and your family to eat, pray. You will be ministering to the Lord and you will see Him move.


What is included in the Sugar Fast?


Obviously-white sugar, refined sugar (that includes brown sugar. It is just white sugar with molasses added to it.)

Anything with sugar added to it.


White breads


White crackers and ... snacks. Yep. Full of white flour and yeast and sugar


Most cold cereals, especially those with the 2nd and 3rd ingredient listed "sugar" or "corn syrup" or "fruitose" or other fancy words for hidden sugars. Read the labels.


Anything with "..ose" tacked on the end of an ingredient they are mostly fancy words for hidden sugars. By the way, "Fat Free" items are full of "sugars".


Now your whole wheat breads and whole grain breads sold in the stores are cut with white flour. That is mostly what I purchase. It is better than the solid white bread. But if you want to be a purist go with pumpernickel bread. Sweet potatoes better than white potatoes. The occasional white potato is fine, just be careful of what you put on it. Same with sweet potato.


More on what you can eat:


Fresh Fruits and Veggies!


Fresh Frozen Fruits


Fresh Frozen Veggies


Meats


Eggs


Cheese


Milk & other Dairy


Whole Wheat and Whole grain products


Nuts


Brown Rice


Whole grain pasta


There is plenty out there to eat. Just read the labels! :-)


Love y'all!


Sugar Fast Scripture Theme: Acts 13:2 While they were ministering to the Lord and fasting , the Holy Spirit said , "Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them. "

I will also add honey to my tea.  It does not seem to have the same effect as sugar. 

Y'all are probably wondering...

...where I have been?  Well busy.  And it seems like this blog attracts spam.  From the first week this blog opened, from being emailed to doing product reviews for merchandise I consider being inappropriate, to spam posts for merchandise (script drugs to rolex watches), seems like we get hit several times a week to several times a day. 

Are spammers the only people reading this blog?

Sorry if this post seems "down". 

Are You Strapped For Time?

Often times find yourself w/out enough time to exercise? I mean a good cardio workout. One that will make you sweat.

Jump. Yep, that's right. Jump! Jump rope, skip rope. To start out jump for 1-3 minutes then step touch for one minute. Then jump rope again.

Do you get the rope tangled up in your feet and ankles or does it hit your head a lot? Me too! So I cut off the rope and just hold the handles. :-) Hey, it works!!! 15-20 minutes later, you are done. You may need a shower, but you are done.

Warm up first. I do some calf raises, a few squats, quad, calf and ham stretches. To cool down, I walk around or step touch for a few minutes then stretch again.

Another fun thing to do is 'Skip it'. You can pick these things up in the summer activity toy section at Walmart. It is a flexible stick about a couple of feet long. There is a circle on one end that you slip your foot through and it gently stays around your ankle. The other end has a counter weight ball. Once you have the "Skip It" around your ankle, using your foot and ankle, you swing the ball around. With the 'free' foot you 'skip' over the flexible stick being brought around by the ball. Be sure to swap legs from time to time. This is really fun to do.

Two similar ways to get a wonderful cardio workout.

Blessings,
Missy

MSG, Migraines and General Health

Other wise known as Monosodium Glutamate. I have discovered is one of the main triggers to my migraines.

I may or may not have shared with you before, but I have severe migraines. Ocular Migraines, Cluster Migraines, Sinus Headaches and Migraines that will last for days. An MRI showed I have something called White Matter Disorder. There is a lot of white matter around the grey matter in my brain. Neurologists know little about this other than the people who have this disorder have Migraines, motion sickness, occasionally being off balance and a few other things in all common.

I have found several triggers. Sun, can't do anything about that. Scents/smells, I try to limit my exposure to those. Stress will sometime bother me, but most of the time it does not. And of course, hormones. For Ocular Migraines the weather and barometric pressure plays a big part. Cannot control that. If I eat something with MSG, the weather changes causing an ocular headache or if there is any other type trigger with when I ingest MSG, I am in for days of a migraine.

I get warning auras, sometimes 24 hours in advance. This always helps and I can prepare myself.

I have been on a neuro medicine for 1 1/2 years as a preventive. My Neuro and I want to start tapering me off the medication. But since taking the meds, it has made a difference in the quality of my life. The script does not completely get rid of headaches, but they are less occurring and more manageable.

Months ago, I read an article in my AFAA (Aerobic Fitness Association of America) American Fitness magazine about MSG. The different ailments and woes that MSG can cause for those who are sensitive to it. And how it is in general unhealthy to most people. I started making an effort to read labels and exclude MSG in our diet.

Guess what? My headaches decreased! I would even get auras, an ocular head ache in one eye and it would move to the other eye and then it was gone.

In fact, when I took MSG out of our diet, I rarely needed more than an a couple of aspirin, if even that. In other words, my headaches were fewer and fewer, very mild and only lasted a few minutes. Many times, went away on their own. At first, I did not fully realize the decrease in migraines was because of taking MSG out of our diet. Then one day we went to one of our favorite deli's and I got my favorite deli sandwich in all the world. I had a 4 day migraine that started in the parking lot when leaving the deli. It was horrible!!!! The sandwich meats were full of MSG's and all kinds of sulfates.

Now my whole family read labels to help me out. My family love me so much. They do not want me to have these headaches. The ones that put me to bed and cause me to have an upset stomach. They will even speak up at a restaurant asking about MSG use in cooking the food if I do not.

My neurologist has decreased the dosage of my script by 50%. Even told me I can 'experiment' now if I want. I am on a safe dosage to do that.

Hidden MSG~
Reading labels is not enough. No it is not. FDA does not require products to list MSG on a package as MSG or Monosodumium Glutamate. A "Healthy Snack" will be full of hidden MSG. FDA allows manufactures to list the ingredients of MSG instead of MSG or Monosodumium Glutamate. Sun Chips is an example. There may be only one or two ingredients of MSG in the product, but if you are sensitive & allergic to it, you are still going to have a reaction.

Here are a few ingredients to look for in all lables:

• Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
• Hydrolyzed Protein: (plant, vegetable, any kind)
• Sodium or Calcium Caseinate
• Autolyzed Yeast, Yeast Extract
• Yeast Food, Yeast Nutrient
• Textured Protein
• Glutamic Acid
• Monopotassium Glutamate
• Gelatin

I took the above off another MSG/Migraine Research site. I question the Gelatin. Some of the yeast I question as well. If you do a Google search, you will find different research papers. Most of them have at 6 of the above ingredients in common as hidden MSG triggers. Including "Healthy Snacks" and foods. I have found whey protein and wheat on lists as MSG ingredients and Migraine triggers. These do not seem to be an issue with me.

I have looked at other research concerning MSG and foods to avoid and it almost reads like it is for someone with celiac disease instead of an intolerance to MSG. I suppose to a degree, many people have to go by a trial and error.

MSG and ingredients that make up MSG are used in inexpensive foods to: preserve, enhance flavor, tenderize, etc. They are in all prepackaged bakery mixes, prepackaged foods, most canned meats and soups. Dales Steak Sauce (a southern delight) is full of it. :-( So are most package salad dressings.

How do you avoid MSG? Read labels. Eat fresh fruits and veggies. Never assume a 'Healthy Snack' is w/out the preservatives. Read the labels. Cook from scratch.

Here is a link to an interesting study that tells more about MSG and explains not only how it effects migraines, but other issues that people may suffer from, including obesity.

I hope that you will find it helpful. MSG & Migraines

God Bless. I hope that everyone is enjoying the summer!

Edited to add this.... MSG & Hypothyroidism. I just happen to be hypothyroid....

Boot Camp

I was in a Boot Camp Certification Workshop all day today. It was really good. I was a little worried when I got the material a few months ago. But the certifying instructor was fantastic. She added so much more than what was in the material. This was the first time she has taught the certification course, but she has been teaching Boot Camp for a while and Kick Boxing for years. Really knew what she was doing, talking about, modifications, etc.

Occasionally I will sub a Boot Camp class so I needed the certification. But I really wanted the training to incorporate in the classes that I already teach to increase variety for the participants.

Has anyone tried The Firm Wave or T-Bow? Both look like a lot of fun, but pricey.

I have been terribly busy and have not been able to post as much as I would love to.

I hope that everyone is doing well, staying on track, staying focused to "finish the race." The Greeks and Romans loved sports for entertainment. Paul used many athletic metaphors in his letters. In his letters, he was encouraging the churches to steadfastly finish the race. Stay strong, discipline themselves like an athlete. The race is the task that God has for you, Christian, the task He has for you to do while on this earth. And that task will increase His Kingdom and Glorify Him.

What you do to make yourself healthier, should also be for the Glory of God. Without Him we can do nothing. Our strength and desire comes though Him!

Have a Blessed Lord's Day,
Love,
Melissa

Congratulations Nina!!!

Nina has lost 15 lbs! And she is now working out at a gym.... Y'all have to go read about it on her blog. What an evangelistic opportunity for them! Pray for her and Michael as they serve the Lord in Portugal. God is good and His timing is perfect! Go read Nina's post today and Nina, congratulations!

Congratulations Dani Joy!

I just want to take a moment to congratulate Dani Joy on losing 10 lbs! Yes! 10 lbs! She was faithful and committed. Made a plan, stuck to that plan. Asked God for strength. She follows this blog along with several others. She was "disciplined to finish the race..."

Congratulations Dani Joy! We are proud of you! Go by her blog and say "Hi"!

Love,
Melissa

More on Supplements

There are two great supplements that everyone should keep and use on a regular basis. Both can be found at any health food store.

• Barley Green- No special brand, just the kind with plain green powder made from pure barley grass. No additives. Some brands add kelp, rice, etc. You do not need all that. Just get the plain kind. Now it is not all that tasty. I mix a little with watered down organic or natural apple juice, hold my nose and swollow. A great nutrition supplememt and colon cleanser.
  
• Refrigerated Multidolphilus- (I think I spelled that wrong) I use Solaray brand. This keeps the intestinal floral balanced. Increases your immune system, etc. It is like eating a ton of plain notfat yogurt without the bad taste.

There are different recommendations for these supplements. For the Multidolophilus, one in the morning and one in the evening on and empty stomach for 2-4 weeks. After that, one or two on an empty stomach once or twice a week is all you will need. BTW, you may catch a stomach virus, but will not be symptomatic. Just a tad gasy and a little temp. You are still contagious! According to my Doctor....

Barley Green needs to be taken once a day. Juicers like to mix it with their juice. I am not a juicer. You do have to build up to it. A 1/4 teaspoon for a few days and build up to a full dose. Otherwise it will clean you out very fast. You do not want that either! LOL!

Today's Tip:
Barley Green and Refridgerated Multidolophilus. Two great supplements for your immune system and overall health.


1 Cor 6:
19.Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own ?
20For you have been bought with a price : therefore glorify God in your body.

Our bodies are not our own, but God's. We need to take care of it as best as we can for His purpose for the time He has us remaining on earth.

God Bless,
Love,
Melissa