jenny cares 

Understanding Brain Fog
From About.com, written by By Adrienne Dellwo
LINK 
You can't find the right word. You can't remember how to get to the store. You forget having ever watched certain movies. Multi-tasking? Forget it! Brain fog is a tough thing to live with, but you may be able to fight it.
Brain fog (a.k.a. fibro fog, cognitive dysfunction) doesn't get enough respect and attention from the medical world, in my opinion. I know it's had a bigger impact on my ability to hold a traditional job and to write from home than any of my other symptoms have had. I can deal with pain -- heck, sometimes I write better when I'm really hurting because I have to focus more -- but I can't write through the fog!
This single symptom of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome can make people unable to keep a job, drive a car, cook for themselves, maintain relationships and more.
And yet our doctors don't know how to treat it, our researchers don't seem all that interested in it, and it's hard to find much information on how to live with and possibly improve it.
What Causes Brain Fog?
We don't yet know exactly what causes cognitive dysfunction but we have a lot of theories about possible contributing factors, including:
-- Lack of restorative sleep
-- Abnormal cranial blood flow or volume
-- Brain abnormalities
-- Premature brain aging
-- Mental distraction due to pain
.
In FMS, brain fog generally is worse when pain is worse. In both FMS and ME/CFS, it can be exacerbated when you're anxious, rushed, or dealing with sensory overload. Depression, which is common in FMS and ME/CFS, also is associated with cognitive dysfunction. Some studies, however, show that the severity of brain fog is not correlated with depression symptoms.
A lot of common medications for FMS and ME/CFS can contribute to brain fog as well
.
Common brain-fog supplements include:
N.B. Only use the following with your doctor's permission
•5-HTP •B vitamins •Carnitine •Choline •Omega-3 (Fish Oil) •Rhodiola •St. John's Wort •SAM-e •Theanine
.
Brain friendly foods:
•Fish (Omega-3) •Canola or walnut oil (Omega-3) •Eggs (Choline) •Fruits & vegetables •Carbohydrates
.
Brain Fog Symptoms 
•Word use & recall: Difficulty recalling known words, use of incorrect words, slow recall of names.
•Short-term memory problems: Forgetfulness, inability to remember what's read or heard.
•Directional disorientation: Not recognizing familiar surroundings, easily becoming lost, having trouble recalling where things are.
•Multitasking difficulties: Inability to pay attention to more than one thing, forgetfulness of original task when distracted.
•Confusion & trouble concentrating Trouble processing information, easily distracted.
•Math/number difficulties: Difficulty performing simple math, remembering sequences, transposing numbers, trouble remembering numbers.
.
Some people may also have other types of cognitive dysfunction.
Brain Fog & Learning Disorders - problems are similar to those associated with disorders such as dyslexia (reading problems), dysphasia (speaking problems) and dyscalculia (math/time/spatial problems).
.
If you believe you could have a recognized learning disorder, talk to your doctor. A diagnosis could help you get reasonable accommodation at work under or strengthen a disability benefits claim.

10 Spices That Heal: Cancer, Diabetes, and More
[link to original article] 
Research consistently shows that many spices and herbs have medicinal qualities and can help prevent everything from cancer to the common cold. Two experts–Glen Aukerman, MD, medical director of the Center for Integrative Medicine at Ohio State University Medical Center, and Ruth Knill, PhD, LAc, a Chinese herbalist–have picked the spices and herbs that best improve overall health, plus easy ways to work them into your diet.
.
Cumin: to prevent Cancer
HOW IT WORKS: Cancer rates are lower in India, where cumin is a diet staple. Studies show that the curcumin in this spice inhibits the enzymes that help cancer cells invade healthy tissue and also keeps tumours from developing the new blood vessels that help them grow.
TRY TO GET: 6 teaspoons of seeds or 1/2 teaspoon of powder a day.
USE IT: Toss a bowl of root veggies, such as sweet potatoes, parsnips, cauliflower, and turnips, with olive oil and 1 teaspoon cumin powder. Bake at 300 degrees for 25 minutes or until tender, and add salt, pepper, and chopped cilantro to taste before serving.
.
Ginger: to calm Nausea
HOW IT WORKS: Chinese medicine texts from 4th century BC tout ginger’s antinausea properties, and modern clinical studies have proved this scientifically–a substance in ginger shuts down a nerve receptor in the body that triggers the vomiting reflex.
TRY TO GET: Juice from 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger or 1/2 teaspoon dried ginger four times a day.
USE IT: Add 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger and a few drops of toasted sesame oil to your usual tuna salad recipe for an Asian-style flavour.
.
Basil: to combat Colds
HOW IT WORKS: Basil is rich in antioxidants, which help boost immunity. It’s also an antimicrobial, which fights the germs that can cause colds.
TRY TO GET: 1 to 2 tablespoons a day.
USE IT: Toss 1 tablespoon chopped basil into a shrimp stir-fry during the last 3 to 5 minutes of cooking. Or slice strawberries, toss with honey, and set aside for 15 minutes until juicy. Then top with a few tablespoons of finely chopped basil.
.
Cinnamon: to fight Diabetes
HOW IT WORKS: People with type-2 diabetes have difficulty processing insulin, the hormone that tells cells to remove excess sugar from the bloodstream. But studies show that cinnamon contains a substance that can help cells respond to insulin, resulting in a reduction of blood sugar levels by about 20%.
TRY TO GET: 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon (or one stick) a day.
USE IT: Mix 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon into 2 tablespoons peanut butter, and spread over apple slices.
.
Rosemary: to improve Memory
HOW IT WORKS: “There’s rosemary, that’s for remembrance,” Ophelia said to Hamlet. More than 400 years later, a variety of studies back up Ophelia’s claim. The ursolic acid in rosemary inhibits the breakdown of a neurotransmitter essential for memory.
TRY TO GET: 1 to 2 teaspoons a day.
USE IT: Make a rosemary-infused simple syrup by mixing 1 cup water, 1/2 cup sugar, and 2 sprigs rosemary. Bring to a boil so sugar dissolves, and let sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Drizzle over a fall fruit salad of chopped apples, pears, and red grapes. Use 1 cup syrup to 4 cups fruit.
.
Garlic: to reduce Cholesterol
HOW IT WORKS: A review of studies conducted by the Linus Pauling Institute found that people who took garlic for three months had a 6-11% reduction in total cholesterol. Because garlic is an antioxidant, it may prevent the oxidation of cholesterol in the arteries.
TRY TO GET: 3 to 5 crushed cloves a day.
USE IT: Roast up to 5 garlic cloves, and add to homemade hummus before pureeing.
.
Nutmeg: to lower Blood Pressure
HOW IT WORKS: “Warming spices” like nutmeg can bring blood from the center of the body to the skin. This helps disperse the blood more evenly throughout the body, reducing overall pressure.
TRY TO GET: 1/2 to 1 teaspoon a day.
USE IT: Steam 1 head of broccoli and one potato until soft, and then puree with 1/4 cup butter and 4 to 5 gratings of fresh nutmeg or 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg.
.
Cloves: to relieve Arthritis Pain
HOW IT WORKS: According to Chinese medicine, cloves have hot and moving properties that relieve arthritis pain caused by cold and stagnation. Cloves contain a phytochemical that interrupts the pathways of a protein complex in the body that’s been linked to inflammatory diseases such as arthritis.
TRY TO GET: 1/2 teaspoon a day.
USE IT: Saute 1 cup fresh parsley (finely chopped), 1 clove garlic (crushed), 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon pepper, and 1 teaspoon cloves in 1 tablespoon olive oil. After 3 minutes, add 4 cups shredded rhubarb chard, and fry until soft and tender, about 5 minutes. Serve hot with chicken or fish.
.
Turmeric: to curb Inflammation
HOW IT WORKS: An ancient spice that gives curry its deep golden-orange color, turmeric reduces the inflammation in the body that causes pain. Curcumin, a component in turmeric, inhibits cell enzymes that contribute to inflammation.
TRY TO GET: 1/2 to 1 teaspoon a day.
USE IT: Add a dash to organic canned soups, such as tomato, lentil, or black bean varieties.
.
Thyme: to ease Coughs
HOW IT WORKS: Thyme is an antispasmodic, which helps with bouts of nonstop coughing. Thyme’s antiseptic properties also make it very effective against inflammation of the throat, which can cause coughing.
TRY TO GET: 2 to 3 teaspoons a day.
USE IT: For a simple vinaigrette, whisk together 1 tablespoon coarsely chopped fresh thyme leaves with 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon honey, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil.
...............................................................................
Recipe ideas from Dana Jacobi, author of The Essential Best Foods Cookbook (Rodale, 2008).
[link to original article]

World Alzheimer's Day ~ Sept. 21, 2009

Every 70 seconds,
someone will
develop Alzheimer's

Memory loss that disrupts daily life
is not a typical part of aging.
It may be a symptom of Alzheimer's.
 

Give Alzheimer's Patients a Helping Hand
Just imagine having enough money to fund better Alzheimer treatments and preventions for this devastating disease, and additional help for the estimated 10 million caregivers of Americans with Alzheimer's. That exactly what Alzheimer's Breakthrough Act of 2009 is all about.
The act calls would significantly increase federal Alzheimer research funding and give both Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers a much-needed helping hand.
.
PETITION:
Fight Alzheimer's: Support the Alzheimer's Breakthrough Act
Please sign the petition to the U.S. Congress and ask them to support people living with Alzheimer's!
Urge your members of Congress to:
-- pass the vitally important Alzheimer's Breakthrough Act 
-- fund critical Alzheimer research and essential caregiver programs

RELATED RESOURCES:
.

Alzheimer's Association (America)
Know the 10 warning signs of Alzheimer's disease 
World Alzheimer's Day (Sept. 21, 2009)
Risk factors: Introduction | Risk factors |
                 Risk factors you can influence 
Inside the brain: an interactive tour 
.
Alzheimer's Myths
       click here
.
24/7 Helpline: 1.800.272.3900 (USA)

 Brain Health

 The steps you can take
 to potentially reduce
 the risk of developing
 Alzheimer's disease.







Alzheimer’s Association CareSource™
for America:
online resources that will help coordinate assistance from family and friends, locate senior housing, receive customized care recommendations and enhance caregiving skills