Irreplaceable Spark

Benefits of Drinking Lemon Water

2014-09-27T07:08:00.003-07:00

I was introduced to lemon water benefits from a friend of mine. He told me that I should consider drinking it every morning as a way to detox my body and alkalize. I usually have a slice of lemon with my tea, but I have never considered drinking it first thing in the morning.

I took his advice. First thing every morning after getting out of bed I have been consuming 32 ounces of lemon water (1 whole lemon squeezed into water) since July 2014. It is now September so I feel I have been doing this long enough to testify to its benefits.

So far, I have noticed the following benefits:

Clear skin
No premenstrual acne breakouts. ABSOLUTELY NONE! I used to get that one huge pimple before my period
Better energy during the morning hours
Body feels detoxed, cleaner, and I feel lighter

The only CON to drinking the water is the frequent urination. But that's a good thing! Your body spends all night renewing and refreshing. The best thing you can do for your body in the morning is to flush it. So, you will use the restroom often during the morning hours. This is another reason why I chose to keep this a morning routine. It's easy to remember, I just put the water next to my bed and in the morning I drink it right away. I tried doing this in the evening and I was up all night running to the restroom.

There are great benefits to drinking lemon water, you might want to give it a try!

Adrenal Fatigue

2014-09-27T07:01:00.000-07:00

Adrenal fatigue is the most common cause of fatigue amongst adults. It seems like we're all tired! Everyone I know is TIRED!

At work, the most tired of us are dependent on coffee and energy drinks. Little do we know, those 2 drinks that we believe help us function and make it through the day is actually CAUSING our fatigue!

Here is some information about adrenal fatigue: http://www.adrenalfatigue.org/what-is-adrenal-fatigue

My experience with fibromyalgia, depression and fatigue has encouraged me to take a close look at the habits that I have developed over the years. In my younger years, I was full of energy, my memory was sharp, and I had a very positive, upbeat attitude. I have been slowly removing caffeine, energy drinks, alcohol, chocolate, and other stimulants from my diet. It has been a little over 2 weeks and I ALREADY FEEL BETTER!! I had the cravings, headaches, etc - but overall I am feeling better! I was up at 7:00am this morning (Saturday) and this hasn't happened in over 2 years!

Testing out L-Tyrosine

2012-09-05T16:27:00.000-07:00

Today, after much thought and consideration about Vyvanse I have decided that I would like to consider other methods of treating my inability to concentrate in the evenings after a long day at work. For me, the day continues once I get home, there's dinner, sports activities, kid and their homework, and lastly my homework.

It must take a while for Vyvanse to exit the system because I'm still feeling a bit snappy at times. It's becoming less and less noticeable, but little things can still make me feel like I want to snap at people.

DAY 1:

Ok, so....this evening around 5pm I took 500mg of L-tyrosine. It's 7:25pm and I feel calm. I feel like I am able to concentrate fully. I don't feel any other symptoms.

Update: March 27, 2015

For the past two weeks I have been taking 1,000 mg of Tyrosine twice per day. I am taking it mainly to help with symptoms from Firomyalgia. I feel calmer, sleep better, feel less bodily pain, and my brain feels less foggy.

Update: April 16, 2015

I'm still taking Tyrosine everyday. I can report better mood, more energy to focus, less pain throughout my body and a bit more motivation to get up and get out of the house. I normally take about 1,000mg per day. I was taking 1,000mg twice a day. I sleep much better as well. I may start taking B12 with it. I am happy with the results. When it stops working and I build a tolerance, I will detox and start again.

Update: June 9, 2015

I have continuously taken Tyrosine for the past few months and I love it! I feel calmer, accomplish more, sleep better and my mood is way better! I almost feel like myself again.

Vyvanse - BE CAREFULL!!!

2012-09-05T14:48:00.001-07:00

Vyvanse!

Adult Attention Deficit Disorder seems to be a diagnosis that is becoming somewhat similar to the diagnosis of the common cold. If you have a number of symptoms, then you have ADD! Doctors are more apt to prescribe a medication rather than get to the real cause of your problem.

About 2 years ago, I went to the neurologist to find out why I was having so much difficulty concentrating, staying on task, and remaining motivated. I’m a single mother so I thought that maybe I was overwhelmed with work, school, and the kids with their activities.

After about 2 minutes with the doctor, he told me that he was going to prescribe me a new ADD medication labeled “Vyvanse”. He told me this before he even told me that I may have ADD in the first place. So, because I desperately needed something to help me get through the day, and studying in the evening I thought I’d give it a shot.

I was prescribed 30mg, which is to be taken once a day. I started the dose on a Monday, and would continue taking it during the week with weekends off.

Vyvanse works really well after the first couple of days. I noticed a change in my ability to concentrate, get things done, and feel motivated. But, at the same time I became less social and wanted to just sit and get my work done. There is a period of about 1 to 3 hours after taking it where you feel euphoria. I felt more talkative, energetic, happy to be around others….then that fades away and you just want to sit quietly and work alone. It even got to the point where I felt like I couldn’t relay messages to people. My speech became strained for some reason; getting a thought expressed verbally becomes especially challenging.

I had so much trouble sleeping at night, so I had to switch to taking it every other day rather than daily. The first week was full of sleepless nights. By the weekend, I was completely exhausted! I gave the medication a break for a few days…..then BAM! I felt extreme exhaustion, irritability, sensitivity, depression, stomach upset, hot flashes…and the list can go on and on!

I felt as though I was having withdrawal symptoms – BUT WAIT! I WAS having withdrawal symptoms!

That following Monday, I took Vyvanse early in the morning, hoping for a better night’s rest. Everything went fine until around 5pm. I started to feel apathetic, tired, irritable, and sick to my stomach. I was snapping at my kids for asking the simplest questions. I couldn’t stand listening to my daughter talk, which she does every evening to update me about her day. I’m usually very excited and interested in listening to her talk about her day!

I wanted to know what the heck was going on with me. I felt very disappointed with the negative side effects of this medication because it really does help me concentrate better. I decided to do a little internet research to find out exactly what was causing this extreme transition between feeling good, and feeling plain ole’ terrible!

I am going to try my best to explain this in simple language. Well, what I learned about Vyvanse is that it causes the dopamine levels in your brain to spike/increase. But, instead of the dopamine passing between receptors, it’s being recycled so it keeps building up over time. Those poor receptors aren’t able to do their job so they give up and wither away. When you stop taking the medication, you not only have less dopamine in your system, but you also have less receptor to uptake the dopamine!

According to the knowledge spread across the internet, dopamine is essential to brain function in terms of concentration, motivation, excitement, and even movement. Too much or too little dopamine in the system can cause very noticeable differences in the way we behave.

My symptoms of low dopamine following just 1 day of stopping the medication cause symptoms that were very similar to menopause!

What’s worse, the cause of most of our ADD symptoms derives from not having enough dopamine in our system, and so the purpose of prescribing and taking ADD medications in the first place. There are other, safer means of leveling the amount of dopamine that is in the system. They may not have the immediate affect that medications have, but they are by far safer and longer lasting. I don’t know about you, but I like having a balanced mood! I don’t enjoy going from feeling extremely happy and ready to take on the world, to feeling like the world is a terrible place!

Here is some information from the Integrative Psychiatry website which discusses ways to help maintain normal dopamine level with alternative uses.

Dopamine : Natural ways to Increase Dopamine Levels

Dopamine is an excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitter, depending on the dopamine receptor it binds to. It is derived from the amino acid tyrosine. Dopamine is the precursor to norepinephrine and epinephrine, which are all catecholamines. The function of dopamine is diverse but plays a large role in the pleasure/reward pathway (addiction and thrills), memory, and motor control. Dopamine, like norepinephrine and epinephrine, is stored in vesicles in the axon terminal.

Symptoms of Dopamine Deficiency

Low dopamine levels can cause depression, loss of motor control, loss of satisfaction, addictions, cravings, compulsions, low sex drive, poor attention and focus. When dopamine levels are elevated symptoms may manifest in the form of anxiety, paranoia, or hyperactivity.

Do you often feel depressed, flat, bored, and apathetic?
Are you low on physical or mental energy? Do you feel tired a lot; have to push yourself to exercise?
Is your drive, enthusiasm, and motivation on the low side?
Do you have difficulty focusing or concentrating?
Are you easily chilled? Do you have cold hands or feet?
Do you tend to put on weight too easily?
Do you feel the need to get more alert and motivated by consuming a lot of coffee or other "uppers" like sugar, diet soda, ephedra, or cocaine?

If you answered yes to any of the above you could have low dopmine levels.

What causes low dopamine levels?

Dopamine levels are depleted by stress, certain antidepressants, drug use, poor nutrition, and poor sleep. Alcohol, caffeine, and sugar all seem to decrease dopamine activity in the brain.

Foods that increase Dopamine

Food sources of dopamine increasing tyrosine include almonds, avocados, bananas, dairy products, lima beans, pumpkin seeds, and sesame seeds.

Dopamine is easily oxidized. Foods that are rich in antioxidants such as fruits and vegetables may help protect dopamine-using neurons from free radical damage. Many healthcare professionals recommend supplementing with vitamins C, vitamin E, and other antioxidants.

Foods such as sugar, saturated fats, cholesterol, and refined foods interfere with proper brain function and can cause low dopamine. Consumption of saturated fats and cholesterol should also be reduced because they can clog the arteries to the brain, heart, and other organs.

Caffeine must also be avoided by persons with depression. Caffeine is a stimulant which initially speeds up neurotransmission, raises the amount of serotonin, and temporarily elevates mood.

Increase dopamine production through the use of dopamine precursors.

Dopamine precursors are specific amino acids that our brains utilize to manufacture dopamine. Neurotransmitters are frequently not supplied in great enough levels by our modern diet or in the way our brain best utilizes them. As stress further depletes supplies it is difficult, if not impossible, for the brain to restore necessary amounts to proper levels. Dopamine supplements are required to increase dopamine and other neurotransmitter supplies. Dopamine supplements increase dopamine naturally with little to no side effects.

Knowing and understanding your medications and how they work can be an essential tool in identifying your symptoms and know what to do to fix them. We live in a medicated world people! Empower yourselves with knowledge so that you don’t suffer, and the people around you don’t suffer! Vyvanse is a very helpful medication, but it can also become a deadly one if the side effects are not monitored.

Stay safe everyone! PEACE!

UPDATE: 02-01-2014

In my personal opinion, and as a person who was prescribed this medication; I do not feel it is a safe medication for overall well being. It is a short-term medication which has the ability to assist you in meeting your short-term goals in focus and concentration, but I believe it degrades your natural ability to focus over time. Currently, I am unable to read as quickly as I was able to before this medication, and I also have short term memory problems. I thought I needed this medication before I started it, but now I know that I should have taken more natural approaches - example: DISCIPLINE and HARD WORK. This med has changed my chemistry for the worst, and I will never recommend this medication unless you have no other means.

UPDATE: 09/24/2014

I have been doing some research on my recently diagnosed condition (fibromyalgia) and came across some information about ADRENAL FATIGUE.
After doing some basic research concerning adrenal fatigue, I have learned that the use of Vyvanse and other amphetamine type meds WILL increase your risk of adrenal fatigue. It takes 6 to 12 months to recover from this.

My Experience with Diatomaceous Earth

2012-09-04T16:30:00.000-07:00

For More Information about the DE that I use: http://www.earthworkshealth.com/human-use.php

Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is a silica-based product that has many different uses. The type of DE that I have been using is for HUMAN USE. Please be aware that there is a difference!
DE has many benefits to health, and I would like to share my personal experience with it rather than copy and paste what others have posted about the product.
I first came to know about this product after reading about it on one of my favorite forums. I was a bit skeptical about it at first because I was a bit worried about its intended use.

A powder that's supposed to kill bugs and parasites is supposed to be good for my body? Wha?

Well, since I'm a bit of an adventurer, and I like to test products just to see how well they actually work I decided to buy my first jar of DE.

I started taking DE in 2010. My goals were to lower my cholesterol, gain more energy, strengthen my very brittle and weak nails, and most of all.......relieve from arthritis pain.

I opened my jar, looked in...felt some hesitation (I mean, come on!! The stuff kills bugs!), and dipped my tablespoon in and took the first plunge. I decided to put it in orange juice to make it easier to swallow. I really did think it was going to be the grossest tasting concoction ever! I mixed it up and took the first sip.......not bad at all. No taste really. The most noticeable thing about drinking DE is the texture. It has a grainy texture, almost like drinking very, very fine sand.

I did this every morning for about 1 month. It was a very easy transition from drinking coffee every morning to switching to a healthier means of gaining energy to get the day started. I was surprised when I didn't have any headaches after I stopped drinking coffee cold-turkey. Come to find out, DE also helps relieve headaches. My energy levels slowly increased, my nails actually started to grow stronger. Those were the two most obvious benefits to drinking it daily.

I stopped taking DE daily after 1 month and started taking it when I remembered to take it, which was still at least 4 times per week. I continued taking DE on a regular basis and in January 2011 I had my cholesterol checked along with other health screenings. I have been unable to locate my previous readings for cholesterol, but I can assure you these numbers are much lower now. I'm a single mother who works full time and is taking classes online, and a terrible back condition that keeps me from getting the exercise that I should be getting. I am also a lover of meats and southern comfort foods!

Cholesterol Results:
Total: 159
Triglycerides - 29
LDL - 56
HDL - 79

According to the Mayo Clinic's website, here are the ideal numbers for each reading:
Total: Below 200 mg
Triglycerides - Below 150 mg
LDL - Below 70 mg
HDL - 60 mg or above for women
I plan to continue maintaining DE as an essential routine in my diet. I am hoping to have another cholesterol screening done in the near future and hopefully it will manifest better results!

There are many other uses for DE, you should check the site out if you think this may be something that you're interested in trying for yourself.

I would recommend this product if you are trying to improve your health. As always, make sure you consult your physician before trying any new supplements.

Forks Over Knives Documentary

2011-09-25T20:14:00.001-07:00

Www.forksoverknives.com

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

August 2011 - Facet Syndrome

2011-09-25T14:10:00.000-07:00

My experience with Facet Syndrome:

Since November 2010, I have been "suffering" from pain in my lower back that has significantly affected my life. For 8 months I made countless trips to the emergency room and to the doctor's office with hopes of finding out what caused the pain, and how to manage the pain. It wasn't until August 2011 that I was finally diagnosed! What a relief! Facet Syndrome is very difficult to diagnose. I was having pains in my abdomen, right hip, and lower back. My gynecologist diagnosed me with having a uterine fibroid, which made sense because of the location of the pain. I was scheduled to have a procedure done called endometrial ablation (http://women.webmd.com/endometrial-ablation-16200) to help with other symptoms of the fibroid.

I didn't trust the diagnosis to be honest, and I wanted to make sure that the procedure was necessary because I desire to have more children. I sought 2 other opinions from different doctors, and it was brought to my attention that my pain was originating from either my bones, joints tendons, or ligaments. After a visit with the chiropractor, the diagnosis was confirmed: Facet Syndrome. I felt so relieved! It's emotionally taxing when you're experiencing pain and don't know what is causing the pain. At one point, I thought my pain was a result of some psychosomatic disorder! Turned out, the pain caused me to feel depressed! Now that I know what is wrong, I can take steps to improve my pain, and my life!

Some information about Facet Syndrome:

Delicious Avocado Lettuce Wrap

2011-09-21T16:18:00.000-07:00

Here is one of my most favorite raw food wrap! This wrap is very easy to make, and it is filling.

Ingredients:
2 ripe avocados
1 - tablespoons lime juice
1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves
1/4 cup minced onion (red is good)
1/2 medium Roma tomato
1/4 cup chopped basil leaves
1 minced jalapeno pepper
black pepper and salt to taste

Method:
1. Combine mashed avocado, chopped tomato, onion, and pepper into a bowl and mix.
2. Whisk together lime juice, cilantro, basil and black pepper, pour over the avocado mixture, and scoop into wraps.

Coffee Replacement!

2011-09-10T14:37:00.000-07:00

I've recently come up with a perfect replacement for coffee!
1. Carrot Juice
2. Kyo-Green Powdered Drink Mix for Energy (contains: young barley grass, young wheat grass, brown rice, chlorella, kelp and FOS)

I mix these two together in the morning and have a 10oz glass while I get ready for work. I've noticed a change in my energy level and sustained energy levels that last throughout the day!

Things I've Noticed About My Body Since Going 75% Raw Foods

2011-08-29T15:47:00.000-07:00

1. I don't yawn as much as I did before starting the change.
2. I have the same energy level throughout the day. I don't have that 3pm fatigue that makes you feel like you want to curl up under your desk and nap.
3. I can stay up later, but when I want to fall asleep I have no problem.
4. I've noticed that I think more clearly and can focus on tasks longer than before.
5. Overall, I'm happier and I don't feel the physical responses to stress as strongly as I did before. I feel more relaxed.

Healthy Eating Transformation

2011-08-27T16:23:00.000-07:00

My children and I have been eating very clean foods over the past week, and we have all noticed a significant difference in our moods, energy levels and well-being. For the past week we've been eating 75% raw foods and 25% cooked/processed foods. My oldest daughter has been complaining about embarking on this new eating adventure, but today she noticed that she didn't feel crabby or annoyed at 6pm like she usually does.
Since starting this new eating transformation, I also decided that caffeine was also going to be cut from my menu. Caffeine background: Coffee or an energy drink have been a daily morning ritual of mine for a very long time. The first 2 days were terrible for me. I had caffeine withdrawal that sent headaches, body-aches, and bad moods my way. But today is day 6 and I feel WONDERFUL!
One important thing to remember when taking on a diet such as this, is that your body will go through a detox period that will send your body into a frenzy! You may feel very tired and irritable. Is it that bad? Really? Are the foods we consume on a daily basis that bad for us? Well, after researching it and through personal experience.....YES! Processed foods, hormone injected meats, overcooked vegetables are all doing nothing for our health or well being. Raw fruits and vegetables are full of micro-nutrients and have the capability to revive and heal our bodies like nothing that man can create.

Our plan: Since we are trying to make a permanent change in the way we consume foods, we will take things slowly and make gradual changes along the way. Right now, we try to eat raw fruits and vegetables for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a small serving of cooked food on the side. Sunday will be our day to eat a fully cooked meal if we're feeling up to it.

Eating raw is expensive, yes. But, I no longer require energy drinks or coffee to make it through the day. We don't eat cooked meat everyday anymore, which cuts that expense also. The biggest bonus: FEELING BETTER, thus having less visits to the doctor's office for my children and myself! I will be posting some of the delicious recipes that I try along the way.

Recent Books: Your Inner Awakening by Byron Katie

2011-08-27T15:52:00.000-07:00

If you're looking for a great book to read about ways to transform your thinking, Your Inner Awakening is a wonderful book. I really enjoyed reading this book, I've also listened to it on audio just to get a better feel for it.
My favorite aspect of the book is the Work's four power questions or turnarounds that help you transform a situation or a thought into a positive.

The four questions are:

1. Is it true?
2. Can I absolutely know that it is true?
3. How do I react to that thought?
4. Who would I be without that thought?

What a fine way to challenge our minds, right?

I use those 4 questions on a daily basis. When I don't use these questions, I notice a difference in my mood, my behavior, and my outlook on life in general.

For more information about this book, go to your local library......or visit www.thework.com.

Embarking On a New Journey Toward Health and Wellness

2011-08-25T12:49:00.000-07:00

“Do not let your fire go out, spark by irreplaceable spark in the hopeless swaps of the not-quite, the not-yet, and the not-at-all. Do not let the hero in your soul perish in lonely frustration for the life you deserved and have never been able to reach. The world you desire can be won. It exists.. it is real.. it is possible.. it's yours.”
― Ayn Rand, Atlas Shrugged

Today is a new day! I'm so glad for that!

The realization that health is a serious subject, and our habits create our well being has motivated me to make a permanent change in the way I treat my body and spirit. I am going to share with you my journey towards better health and wellness.

Thanks for joining me!