Guest post: Eye health
Today we've got a guest post from Emily Joseph on eye health.

This is a topic of interest to me because I, like many people with autoimmune diseases, have Sjogren's symptoms (Sjogren's causes very dry eyes and mouth) and lately my nearsightedness seems to be worse, and, oddly, I can't read my iphone screen unless I take my glasses off. These are minor inconveniences, but I am concerned about any loss of vision, because loss of vision means loss of independence.  Please chime in, in the comments section, with your thoughts and experiences.

Lifestyle and Diet Tips to Keep Your Eyes Healthy

We go out of our way to try to keep our waistlines trim, our skin looking good, and our hair shiny and smooth, but not very many people think about one of the most important parts of their body - their eyes!

Other than those people who grow up with eye problems that require glasses or contacts, the vast majority of us barely think about our eyes even though we use them every day as our primary way to interact with the world. We know that eye problems can develop over time, but no one ever mentions that it might be possible to prevent or slow down some of the ways that our eyes can start to break down on us as we get older by eating better and living smarter.

It's true! Things like cataracts and macular degeneration can be slowed, and some diseases - like diabetic retinopathy - are directly related to poor eating habits. So if you want to keep yourself clear eyed and ready to face the world for as long as possible, try following these tips.

Give those peepers the nutrients they need. That means plenty of leafy greens, fruits - especially citrus fruits, oily fish like tuna and salmon, and protein that doesn't just come from meat (e.g. nuts, beans, eggs, and so on). Why these foods? Because they're high in the things your eyes crave: zinc, lutein, zeathaxin, vitamins E and C, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Wear sunglasses. We all know that UV rays from the sun are dangerous. Heck, many of us lather up our bodies in ridiculous amounts of sunscreen even if we're just walking down the block. So if you're going to be that careful with your skin, why wouldn't you do so with your eyes? Good sunglasses can block both UVA and UVB rays, and should even be worn by people who have UV contact lenses because the glasses will protect your sensitive eyelids as well.

Just say no to nicotine. As if smokers didn't have enough problems, here's another one: smoking has been linked to things like damage to your optic nerves, cataracts, and macular degeneration. On the flip side, having healthier eyes is yet another benefit that you'll get by finally managing to quit and stay tobacco-free.

Stay fit. Eating a healthier diet should help with this, but it's important to exercise as well. Why? Because fatty tissue itself might actually be harming your eyes if you have too much of it because it can soak up nutrients that would otherwise go to protecting your eyes.

Keep your blood pressure down. The American Academy of Ophthalmology says that macular degeneration is more likely to occur in people with high blood pressure. There's no definitive reason why, but many experts believe that blood vessels can be damaged when there is too much pressure in the body, which would make it harder to get blood to flow to your eyes. Less blood means that free-radical debris will stay in your eyes longer and it will be more difficult for them to get the nutrients they need.

Use protective glasses. Obviously you can't see if you poke your eyes out or allow some kind of damaging material to fly into them, so always make sure that you use protective glasses when working in any kind of environment where your eyes could be put in danger.

About the Author: Emily Joseph has been covering eye care topics including laser eye surgery for over a decade. When she isn’t writing, you can find her spending time at home or training for her upcoming triathlon.

About the blog host: Carla Ulbrich is The Singing Patient, a medical musical comedian who performs for patients, caregivers, healthcare workers, and even "earth people." She is frequently heard on Dr. Demento and Sirius XM's Laugh USA. www.thesingingpatient.com

Benefits of Laughter

As many of you know, I'm an afficianado of laughter. I love to both partake of a good laugh and help others do the same at every possible opportunity. I love to laugh. I always have. It's one of my "vices." I also love chocolate. And I love staying up until 5am. And I love gambling. But thankfully, laughter has none of the consequences of my other vices. I've never blown $70 at a laughter table in Atlantic City, laughter doesn't give me zits or make me gain weight, and having a good laugh doesn't leave me sleep-deprived. Au contraire, my friends.

Laughter is rife with wonderful health benefits. It is a "vice" that actually makes my life better. In fact I only call it a "vice" in jest, as it is actually a virtue. But if I call laughter a virtue, we won't want to do it... :)

What's really therapeutic is when I can laugh at my troubles. It really puts them in their place. It gives me back my power. Many of you have read my book or heard my Sick Humor CD and you know that is what a lot of my writing is about- taking back the power by finding the funny in the pain. For example:




But often, I need some time to pass before I can joke about something that is causing me anxiety or frustration. In those times, I laugh at something else. For example, when my husband was under a tremendous amount of stress this past spring, and there was nothing left for me to say that would help, I would sometimes ask if I could turn on some standup comedy while we were in the car. I chose comedians who were light, and not sarcastic or negative (we both love Mitch Hedberg, for one). Over time, as things improved, we were able to joke about his actual situation too.

But you don't have to have comedy to laugh. Laughter clubs all over the world use laughter exercises. They just laugh at nothing! Thanks to insurancequotes.com for this great infographic on laughter benefits. It relates the benefits to stress reduction. But laughter can also be helpful in prevention, not just cure. True health is about maintaining a state of wholeness, joy, and radiant being. What makes you laugh? When was the last time you laughed so hard you thought you'd wet your pants? Where do you get your funny? Wishing you a laugh-filled day-

Carla
The Singing Patient: Author, Survivor, Humorous Songwriter and Entertainer

www.thesingingpatient.com
www.facebook.com/TheSingingPatient
www.twitter.com/singingpatient
www.youtube.com/user/carlaulbrich
www.linkedin.com/in/carlaulbrich
http://tinyurl.com/348hroc - Carla's book "How Can You NOT Laugh at a Time Like This?"

 

guest post: diet that prevents cancer

Today we have a guest post from Jillian McKee on cancer prevention through diet.

Now I know that most of us with lupus do not have cancer, although it is possible to end up with both. And in fact, most of us with an autoimmune disease have more than one autoimmune diagnosis and we all (all of us in the modern world) have risk of cancer.

 

When I was first diagnosed in 1993, there was no internet (not for the public anyway) and little to nothing in terms of books and options, even in the world of complementary medicine, for lupus. Everything I did find that seemed promising seemed to contain the specific warning "contraindicated for systemic lupus" (AUGH!). 

 

I found I often just wound up reading books aimed at cancer patients and then adapting that info to fit my situation. After all, healthy food is healthy food, and a healthy mindset is a healthy mindset, right? Well, mostly yes. There are some things that work for almost everyone, like get enough rest, eat real food (not junk), drink water, and have happy thoughts.

So, even though this is a "cancer" post, some of this info may be of help to you. As with all blog posts, take what you need and leave the rest. And here we go:

A Healthy Diet Can Help Prevent Cancer

According to the National Cancer Institute, 35 percent of cancer-related illnesses are linked to malnutrition. When the body is not receiving proper nutrients, the immune system cannot fight free radicals and other carcinogens. When the body is under stress or ingests harmful substances, the risk of cancer increases. Cancer patients should improve their nutrition to prevent cancer and reduce the risk its spreading throughout the body.

If smoking and a sedentary lifestyle are also accompanying a poor diet, cancer risk can be as high as 85 percent. Cancer patients must constantly monitor what they eat. Diet not only affects physical health, but also affects our energy levels, self-esteem, and mood. Cancer patients must make positive choices to refrain from exacerbating their condition. Treatments for mesothelioma and others cancers can cause side effects, which can be alleviated through a healthy diet.

What Is Recommended?
In general, patients should select foods that are high in fiber, vitamin C, omega-3s and lycopene. Each plays a role in fighting free radicals known for causing cancer.

Green leafy vegetables, for instance, are high in fiber. Fiber reduces “colon transit time” and reduces the time that any carcinogens are in contact with the colon wall. With carcinogens leaving the body, friendly bacteria can easily replace harmful bacteria in the body. Americans should eat between 25 to 35 grams of fiber per day, but most only eat 10 grams. Though leafy green vegetables are a common source of fiber, fruits, beans, nuts, seeds, pastas, whole grain cereals and breads are also recommended. Fiber should be included in a healthy diet.

Fish high in oils are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Salmon, tuna, halibut, herring and mackerel are all great choices that should be consumed three times each week. Polyunsaturated fatty acids such as DHA and EPA play a role in cancer prevention. Berries, brussel sprouts, and mushrooms are also good sources of these acids.

Antioxidants, anti-carcinogens, and bioflavonoids each are beneficial in preventing cancer. Foods rich in phytonutrients include dark green leafy vegetables, berries, legumes, citrus fruits and whole grains.

Soy protein is recommended for those at risk of breast and prostate cancer. Soy also contains phytonutrients that fight hormone-sensitive cancers. Genistein, daidzein, Bowman Birk inhibitor, and lecithin all play a role in the cancer fighting process.

Cancer patients should select foods based on the 80:20 rule. Eighty percent of food items selected should be from the plant kingdom and 20 percent from the animal kingdom. Patients who adhere to this rule are generally healthier.

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Bringing a wealth of personal and professional experience to the organization, Jillian McKee has worked as the Complementary Medicine Advocate at the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance since June of 2009. Jillian spends most her time on outreach efforts and spreading information about the integration of complementary and alternative medicine when used in conjunction with traditional cancer treatment.

Read more: http://www.mesothelioma.com/blog/authors/jillian/bio.htm#ixzz216cMrxrt

guest post: helpful tips on living with lupus

Today we have a guest post from author and lupus veteran (26 years and counting!) Mida Giragosian. I'm always interested in the insights of people who have lived with lupus (or any disease) for a long time. 26 years with a chronic illness will most certainly teach you something.

Here is her post:

Hi, my name is Mida Giragosian.

I was diagnosed with Lupus at the age of 21, and now I’m 47. Yes, I had a lot of life-changing problems in between those years, but now I look, feel, and sound better. We can all help each other get through hard times. I lived by these tips:

·      Live by FAITH, one day at a time

·      Write down things that make you happy. The list can motivate you every time you look at it

·      Always dress up as if you’re going to a party. If you look good, you feel good
More tips can be found in my book, but it is most important to wake up every day and to remind yourself: I WILL OVERCOME. Remember that everyday is a blessing, and that your disease does not define YOU!

For more information you can visit: www.youwillovercomethebook.com
Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YourWillOvercome

What are your thoughts on these tips? And if you were to boil down your own lupus/ wellness wisdom to a few sentences, what advice you would give to other people dealing with lupus? What helpful tips would you offer them?

Leave your comments below!

'Til next post-

 Carla

Carla Ulbrich

The Singing Patient - humorous speaker, songwriter, and author

www.thesingingpatient.com

Guest blogger: Eat to Beat Inflammation and Pain

Today we have a guest blogger, Katie Brind’Amour, on the topic of anti-inflammatory foods.

Eat to Beat Inflammation and Pain

Let’s be honest – swollen joints and aching muscles just plain suck. Modern medicine has a host of helpful treatments for these ailments, but so does Mother Nature. Try chowing down on some of the foods below to reduce inflammation and ease joint and muscle pain, particularly if you suffer from lupus.

Fab Foods to the Rescue

Eat your vegetables and whole grains. Vegetables and whole grains (like brown rice, whole wheat, quinoa, and other grains) can offer a host of antioxidants and nutrients that can help your body fight fatigue and inflammation. In addition, the Vitamin E that naturally occurs in some veggies (like tomatoes, spinach, carrots, and sweet potatoes) may help reduce pain, protect your eyes, and heal weak or damaged skin.

Add some (healthy) fat to your meals. Omega-3 fatty acids are widely touted for their ability to cure just about everyone of everything. What you should care about, though, is that omega-3 fatty acids – like the ones found in fish, olive oil, nuts, and avocados – help reduce morning stiffness, joint pain, and functional limitations in individuals with inflammation caused by an autoimmune disorder.

Snack on nuts and seeds. Nuts and seeds are a powerhouse combination of healthy fats, essential nutrients, and powerful antioxidants that will help fight tissue damage, boost energy, and even reduce swelling or pain. Incorporate a small handful of walnuts, pumpkin seeds, or your favorite nut butter into your daily routine for the most benefit.

Don’t forget your dairy. The calcium in milk, cheese, yogurts, and green leafy vegetables (yes, I know they aren’t dairy) can help promote bone health and prevent osteoporosis, which is good news if you suffer from joint pain, bone deterioration, or skeletal weakness. {note: many people with lupus, including me, fare better on a gluten-free, dairy-free diet- Carla}

Bring some citrus into your diet. Early research in animals shows that citrus peels and extracts may significantly reduce swelling and pain (perhaps even better than morphine, which is saying something!). Even if this doesn’t have equally significant effects in humans, it can’t hurt to get some extra vitamin C and antioxidants in the diet.

Watch sodium intake. If you suffer from inflammation or swollen joints because of retained water, sodium may be your enemy. Try cutting back on processed foods like lunch meats, frozen dinners, and canned soups while simultaneously drinking more water – the combination should ease pain and swelling if sodium was aggravating your symptoms.

Make Anti-Inflammatory Foods Part of Your Routine

Try keeping a list of these foods near your refrigerator or in your wallet to remind you about the easy ways to incorporate natural pain management and anti-inflammatory treatment into your diet. After all, everybody eats (I hope), and simply making some trades or tweaks ought to start relieving some pain and inflammation in a few days to weeks.

If you are even more eager to put your new dietary savvy to the test, try keeping a food diary to track what you eat and the type and severity of symptoms you experience. Then discuss the journal with a physician or dietitian to brainstorm on other potential changes you can make to help get the most out of your food (and potentially avoid some unpleasant symptoms).

If you have chronic pain or inflammation, you owe it to yourself to try a few natural treatments for symptoms of lupus or other auto-immune disorders. You may find that personalizing your diet is the key to making your disease more manageable day to day, improving both your short- and long-term health and functional abilities in the meantime. Eat up!

Katie Brind’Amour is a Certified Health Education Specialist and freelance health and wellness writer. She enjoys blogging about friendship and life in the not-so-fast lane while chipping away at her PhD in Health Services Management.

Thanks, Katie, for the great post! I always love to hear about natural ways to decrease inflammation and improve health, especially low-cost practical ways, like adding in new foods. There are lots of great suggestions here. I would only advise caution to people with lupus in regards to dairy. In my personal experience, my inflammation would not let up until I eliminated dairy. For me, and many people with autoimmune disorders, it is an aggravating food. Otherwise, I have to agree with the overall approach to using food to reduce inflammation, because using drugs to control it, over the long-term, can lead to other problems, some of them quite serious. Food journaling is a great tool, and I especially like your tip of keeping a list of good anti-inflammatory foods handy, on the fridge and in the wallet. A helpful hint for implementing these tasty healthy ideas. Thanks again!

Carla

Carla Ulbrich, The Singing Patient

http://tinyurl.com/348hroc - Carla's book

www.singingpatientwellness.com - health coaching- visit this site to get a free e book on nutrition! 

www.thesingingpatient.com tour dates, videos, CDs, books

www.youtube.com/user/carlaulbrich- funny medical songs