Poopie Jones

Food Talk

noreply@blogger.com (PJ) — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 16:54:00 +0000

Add these to your grocery list

Maple Syrup
This mineral-rich sweetener provides calcium, magnesium, zinc and potassium.

Choose 100 percent pure maple syrup rather than the corn syrup-loaded "maple flavored" syrups.

Cocoa Beans
They're high in catechins -- antioxidants that provide many benefits for heart health.

Choose an unsweetened organic cocoa powder (non-alkaline), which is available at most health food stores.

Butternut Squash

This winter squash is full of beta-carotene, a fat-soluble compound that possess antioxidant properties,

Eat with a palm-sized piece of fish or chicken and a steamed green-leafy vegetable in order to create a balanced meal.

Salsa

The tomatoes provide an excellent source of Vitamin C and the antioxidant lycopene, the peppers provide capsaicin, which may help fight bacterial infections, prevent heart disease and improve digestion, while the onions contain antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Popcorn

Treated properly, popcorn is a great high-fiber snack."With Vitamin A, calcium and potassium, this treat is also made with folic acid (a B vitamin that helps the body make healthy new cells) and phosphorus (a mineral that helps with the formation of bones and teeth).

Choose organic air-popped popcorn, which can be found in most health food stores and look for popcorn with just a one-word ingredient: popcorn.

Ricotta Cheese

This traditional Italian cheese higher in calcium and lower in sodium than cottage cheese, it contains folic acid and phosphorus, along with potassium (a mineral that is essential for proper function of all cells, tissues and organs) and magnesium.

Look for the organic version. High-calcium protein source that's low in fat, choose part-skim ricotta.

Almond Butter
Because almond butter is rich in monounsaturated fats, is extremely low in saturated fats and has no trans fats at all, this butter if definitely a heart-healthy choice.

Buy an organic almond butter with few additives.

Hummus

The main ingredient in this spread is garbanzo beans, which are low in fat and high in fiber and protein (a combo that will keep you feeling full for hours).

Enjoy two tablespoons on a serving of whole wheat crackers.

Source

Rick Springfield on Californication

noreply@blogger.com (PJ) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 01:39:00 +0000

That's right. Springfield on tv.

Eating Good for Fibro

noreply@blogger.com (PJ) — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 23:09:00 +0000

One thing that I think helps me with fibromyalgia is staying away from processed foods. No surprise, eating healthy is an important part of fibro.

Another set of steps may be taken to help support energy production in the muscles. These steps center on nutrients involved with processes taking place in specialized parts of our muscle cells called mitochondria. The mitochondria handle most of our oxygen-based energy production, and their function is critical to our muscle movement. Many of the B vitamins, vitamins C and E, Coenzyme Q, and the omega 3 fatty acids are important in this energy-production context. (You can find profiles of these nutrients, plus "best source" foods for each one in our Essential Nutrients A-Z section.

As always, work with your doctor.

Source

Fibro Flare- Lasting a Long Time

noreply@blogger.com (PJ) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 03:57:00 +0000

In May I was at a wedding, dancing and having a good time. A few weeks later I got in a fibro flare. I need to out of it!

I started to get depressed as the pain continued. This is the longest that I can remember being in a fibro flare. I didn't realize how good I was before all this.

My chiropractor said something to me- fibromyalgia is all you.

While I know for sure it is not in my mind, and that is not what he meant, I'm going to start having the attitude that I can get through this flare with my actions. I'm not going to wait for some time to go by and wait for the flare to pass.

Starting tomorrow I am making purposefully steps to get out of this!

Photo: AFP

Organic Tshirts

noreply@blogger.com (PJ) — Mon, 18 May 2009 21:34:00 +0000

These fortune tees from pie tees are adorable.

And, they're made with organic shirts.

Read up on Organic Cotton.

Food for Your Skin

noreply@blogger.com (PJ) — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 19:28:00 +0000

When I look at all the ingredients in face cleansers and lotions, I wonder why our skin needs all those things we can't pronounce. My guess is that most of them are preservatives. What are the basic things our skin needs to stay hydrated, keep it's collagen and get rid of dead skin cells? Here are some things I'm going to try.

Lemon juice. Added to water, this makes a great facial toner.

Orange slices. Just rub a slice of orange on your face, Irons says. It revives dull skin -- the acid, the vitamin C!

Vegetable shortening. This is great for eczema, Irons says. "Hospitals call it Cream C, for Crisco," she says. Heat it in the microwave for 10 seconds, then slather it on.

Egg whites. For an instant facelift, dab egg whites over your face, sit stock still until it dries, then apply makeup. Sort of a poor woman's Botox!

Avocado. Mash one up, mix in a little lemon juice, and apply to face and neck and let it dry. "A great neck firmer," Irons says.

Rice flour. This is an "old-timey" secret, Irons whispers. Put some in a compact -- it's "the best face powder money can buy."

Pumpkin. Yup, out of the can, hold the sugar and cinnamon. It's a great conditioner for the face or whole body.

Source

Well...There Isn't Non-Toxic Hair Color

noreply@blogger.com (PJ) — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 00:36:00 +0000

Not really.

There is henna. But it sounds like it slowly washes out.

There is haircolor that is low in some toxins, and there are some that don't have ammonia. I'll be looking into those.

I have to figure out how to merge them with the current color I have now.

Finding Non-Toxic Haircolor

noreply@blogger.com (PJ) — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 07:13:00 +0000

After dying my hair for years, I am on the search for a non-toxic hair color. I don't think I want to add henna to my hair. I heard you can't add other color to henna if you don't like it, and have to let it grow out. Although, I could look into it more than what someone told me.

There is an ingredient in hair color, that allegedly can trigger allergies. I have had sensitivities to chemicals for years. There may be a connection.

If you know of a good way to color my hair without toxins, let me know!

Plunging the Tub

noreply@blogger.com (PJ) — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 21:46:00 +0000

I plunged my tub. Yes, my tub. It's one of those tubs that has the useless stopper that doesn't stop any hair from going down the drain.

I have tried with a chopstick, an hanger, hot water, baking soda and vinegar, to get rid of the clog. I spent almost two hours plunging the tub on Monday.

Tuesday I could barely move my arms. Still feeling the effects of it on Saturday. That's fibromyalgia.

Being neurotic, it was all I could do to see brown fluid in my tub as I was plunging it. But I guess if hair and dirt were sitting in a drain for weeks, they're not going to turn a pretty pink.

I should've known better than to keep plunging, but I really wanted to take a clogged-free shower.

Now I'll go to the building manager and get a snake, hoping that does the trick.

SNAKE- I snaked the drain all by myself. When the big glob of hair came out I felt so accomplished.

Cosmetic Safety Database

noreply@blogger.com (PJ) — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 06:10:00 +0000

Check your products for safety with this Cosmetic Safety Database.

I was surprised how high (and high isn't good) some of my "natural" products rated.

I have no association with the database, make no claim on it's accuracy, and as with anything do your due dilligence.

Oy. I Just Googled Proactiv

noreply@blogger.com (PJ) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 01:54:00 +0000

I'm in my 30's and the acne on my chin is unstoppable. I told my dermatologist: "my zits have zits!" And she understood. But she didn't have much of a solution. Mine seemed to be a hormonal issue. And I couldn't take the pill as a method for regulating my hormones.

I looked up Proactiv, but it seems to be for controling bacteria. And as I noted- mine could be a hormonal issues. This would explain the increased acne around my period, but I do deal with acne all month long. Does this mean my hormones are all over the place, all month long?

More specifically, acne may be precipitated by androgens, male hormones present in both men and women. The oil surplus created by these hormones may be instrumental in clogging hair follicles where bacteria grows and causes acne pimples and blemishes.

Perhaps I will start a slow regimine of benzoyl peroxide and see if it helps. Last time I used something with that in it I got crunchy chin. Looked like crusted over pepperoni pizza. Not a nice image but hey, I talk bluntly about these things.

Adults with acne shouldn't use anti-acne products made for adolescents. These products may strip too much natural oil from their skin. Products containing salicylic acid, which is milder than the benzoyl peroxide found in most products for teens, is a better choice.

That's a good tip. I'll have to toss out the Clearasil. That was causing me some puberty flashbacks anyways.

Maybe I'm allergic to something I'm eating. That's one of the top reasons people over 25 get acne. Crap. It's probably something I really like.

Apple Cider Vinegar is rumored to be a good natural fix for many things. Dabbing a little on the area to kill the bacteria might be worth a try.

So in summary- it could be caused by hormones, it could be a long list of foods, it could be stress, it could be good ol' fashioned dirt. Whatever it is, I am determined to find out.

Source,source

Judy Blume Character as an Adult

noreply@blogger.com (PJ) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 01:10:00 +0000

I thought, back when I was just a young lass curled up with a Judy Blume book, that there would be a day when I didn't have the same issues that the character's in the book did- self doubt, blemishes, cramps, boy trouble. I related so much to Blume's characters and their struggles, and their abilities to deal with it. But phew! I knew I would grow up and it would be different.

But even in my 30's, I still feel like the awkward teen in Blume's books. Still with self doubt, blemishes, cramps, boy trouble. It makes me want to dig out Deenie, or Blubber, and read it again. Maybe hoping there was some answere at the end of the books.

I hope kids are still reading her books. Perhaps they've been overshadowed by fantasy, science fiction, or acne-free wizards.

Factoid: Judy Blume's birthday was last week on the 12th. She turned 71.

Did you know books like Deenie, were banned? How cool is that?
Ok, not really since it makes our society seem so uncivilized.
But, it makes me feel like I was an edgy teen.

Image

Fibromyalgia 101

noreply@blogger.com (PJ) — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 20:58:00 +0000

Food

As much as we like comfort food to help us during our tough fibro times, these comfort foods could be adding to the problem. Most comfort food I think of involves carbs and sugar- just the things that could make fibro worse, in my opinion.

You probably know that eating certain foods leads to a drop in your energy level. For thousands of years, Chinese health experts have studied how different kinds of foods affect the health of your body, organ systems, and muscles. In fact, certain foods actually increase the dampness inside the body. Excess dampness can lead to joint and muscle aches, extreme fatigue, and organs systems that do not work efficiently. Sound like many of the classic symptoms of fibromyalgia? Chinese medicine defines fibromyalgia as a pathological condition of internal dampness. This system of medicine has also defined many foods to avoid that will aggravate the symptoms of fibromyalgia.

It seems like everything is on the list of damp foods. Most of the fun foods, of course.

Eating too many foods that increase internal dampness is like having too much rain that creates a muddy quagmire or dampness inside your body. Eating these damp foods can make your fibromyalgia symptoms worse. Using the principles of Chinese Medicine to make better dietary choices, you stop putting excess dampness in your system. You know about foods that warm you up or eliminate dampness. As a result of making these changes in your diet, you get to strengthen you internal ability to dry out the dampness that can reduce your fatigue and daily chronic pain. This can also help reduce mental unclarity or fibro-fog. You actually can feel the difference in as little as a few weeks to a few days.

Keep a food diary and see how many things you eat in a week are on the damp list. Slowly make some changes, you might notice a difference. And wouldn't that be a great thing.

Source

Surviving a Layoff

noreply@blogger.com (PJ) — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 19:49:00 +0000

Unfortunately, the end of layoffs probably isn't near. And if it hasn't happened to you yet, it could- adding to the anxiety we already are collectively feeling in this country.

It helps that you are not alone. Companies are announcing layoffs daily.

But there is something you can do if you're laid off, or are having anxiety about being laid off.

How to Handle a Layoff

Photo: AP

Your Motto For the Day

noreply@blogger.com (PJ) — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 18:59:00 +0000

Set aside a block of time to do what you love, cut out other stuff from your life that take up your time, and don’t let anything interfere with that work.

Zen Habits

Recalls

noreply@blogger.com (PJ) — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 03:35:00 +0000

Is it everyday that there are recalls? You can't eat peanut butter, or lick a dish (ya know, cause of lead), or wipe your butt without some kind of recall.

Here's a list of recalls from today. Note how most are Made in China. What's made in the USA anymore?

Equal Pay For Equal Work

noreply@blogger.com (PJ) — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 03:30:00 +0000

President Obama signed a bill today for Equal Pay. Hurrah!

Why Aren't We Pissed Off?

noreply@blogger.com (PJ) — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 03:20:00 +0000

What is going on with the banks and OUR money is disgusting.

President Barack Obama issued a withering critique Thursday of Wall Street corporate behavior, calling it "the height of irresponsibility" for employees to be paid more than $18 billion in bonuses last year while their crumbling financial sector received a bailout from taxpayers.

"It is shameful," Obama said from the Oval Office. "And part of what we're going to need is for the folks on Wall Street who are asking for help to show some restraint, and show some discipline, and show some sense of responsibility."

The president's comments, made with new Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner at his side, came in swift response to a report that employees of the New York financial world garnered an estimated $18.4 billion in bonuses last year. The figure, from the New York state comptroller, drew prominent news coverage.

But what is he going to do about it? Are these CEOs going to be held accountable?

Crap

noreply@blogger.com (PJ) — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 06:54:00 +0000

Jobs are gone. Today, the jobs losses announced were in the thousands.

Home Depot, Caterpillar, Sprint were just some of the companies that are expected to lay off workers.

Photo: AP

Peppermint Helps With Stomach Troubles

noreply@blogger.com (PJ) — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 01:25:00 +0000

Peppermint oil, found in most candy canes, also appears to have health benefits. A recent British Medical Journal study, led by McMaster University researcher Alex Ford, concludes that peppermint oil should be the first line of defense against irritable bowel syndrome, a condition characterized by abdominal pain and irregular bowels that affects between 5 to 20 percent of the population.

Read More

Cause of Fibromyalgia

noreply@blogger.com (PJ) — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 00:50:00 +0000

Its nice to see articles that discuss causes, rather than just thinking that it's all in the patient's head. Fibro is painful enough, without having to have doctors look at you like you're making it up. Contrary to what skeptics may think- I don't like spending my money on doctor visits.

Doctors don't know what causes fibromyalgia. Current thinking centers around a theory called "central sensitization." This theory states that people with fibromyalgia have a lower threshold for pain because of increased sensitivity in the brain to pain signals. Researchers believe repeated nerve stimulation causes the brains of people with fibromyalgia to change.

This change involves an abnormal increase in levels of certain chemicals in the brain that signal pain (neurotransmitters). In addition, the brain's pain receptors (neurons) — which receive signals from the neurotransmitters — seem to develop a sort of memory of the pain and become more sensitive, meaning they can overreact to pain signals.

In this way, pressure on a spot on the body that wouldn't hurt someone without fibromyalgia can be very painful to someone who has the condition. But what initiates this process of central sensitization isn't known.

Source

Toxic Body

noreply@blogger.com (PJ) — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 23:48:00 +0000

For years I have said I think fibromyalgia, and other syndromes, are a result of our toxic society.

People don't like to think about our toxic society. They fear they'd have to stop eating junk food, drinking diet pop, or that they'd feel guilty about driving their car.

But Laura Ingalls (a common reference point for me) didn't eat Red #4, and she didn't see people with fibromyalgia either. There could be no correlation at all between pollution, wireless computers, cell phones, preservatives and increases in diabetes, obesity, joint replacements and fibromyalgia. But I'd be curious if anyone is studying the connection.

I signed up at We Can Solve It because I want to know more about the environment and what we can do about protecting our planet. If the pollution is damaging our environment, imagine what it's doing to our bodies.

What Fibromyalgia Is Like

noreply@blogger.com (PJ) — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 05:11:00 +0000

Yesterday I went for a nice long walk toward the water. About 50 minutes total and at a steady, but not fast, pace. Today when I got up, my body was aching.

When I've explained this before, people (not doctors) have given me the advice to strengthen my muscles. Their theory is that I have no muscle tone, therefore any exercise is a surprise to my system.

I have been active since I was young. I played soccer for ten years, danced, was on the drill team in jr. high and high school. Played recreational softball in college. When I got fibromyalgia of course I did less. I didn't feel good. But I don't believe fibromyalgia to be a matter of being out of shape.

I describe fibromyalgia like this- you know when you learn to water ski for the first time and the next day your body is sore? That is fibromyalgia, only it's not just things you're learning for the first time. It's taking a walk or cleaning the tub or lifting some boxes.

And some days you can do somethings, and then you might not be able to do it next week. You never know. And that is one of the several frustrating things about fibromyalgia.

Do You Still Have Your Prom Dress?

noreply@blogger.com (PJ) — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 04:52:00 +0000

Recently I was cleaning out my storage unit and noticed my prom dress. Does any garmet capture a decade quite like the prom dress? The design, the color, the style. A friend of mine made fun of me for still having it, so I asked a few other friends and they all said they gave theirs away. I knew just the person to call to see if she had hers.

And sure enough, mom did.

Eating Healthy at These Prices

noreply@blogger.com (PJ) — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 05:07:00 +0000

Wow. Oranges are $1.99 per pound. One oranges is what, about 3/4 pound? This seems like a lot. Is a salad going to be $10?

Trader Joe's has reasonable prices for fruits and vegetables, but in my experience they turn quickly. Actually, a lot of their perishables (like cheese) turn quick, I think due to the lack of preservatives.

Unnecessary preservatives, like food coloring, is what I like about Trader Joe's. And since the store isn't that close by, sometimes one has to eat (ha) the cost of a moldy item.