​You may have heard about the sea moss “superfood” recently. It’s being touted by celebrities as an immune-boosting, skin-healing, digestive aid, but like most declared superfoods, sea moss has actually been consumed for centuries.

Although the research on sea moss is limited, there are reports of the seaweed possessing brain-protecting, immune-boosting and digestion-aiding properties. Plus, we know that seaweed is an excellent source of health-promoting nutrients.

So is sea moss all it’s cracked up to be? Let’s find out.

What Is Sea Moss?Sea moss, also known as Irish moss, is a red seaweed with the scientific name Chondrus crispus. It’s been consumed by humans for thousands of years, found mainly on rocks along the North Atlantic Coast.

Today, it’s planted and processed in several coastal countries, including the U.S., China and Ireland, and used for its carrageenan content.
​
Carrageenan is commonly used as a food additive for its binding, thickening and stabilizing effects. It’s used in food products including almond milk, coconut milk, hemp milk, creamers, yogurt, canned soups and frozen pizzas.

Carrageenan is also an active ingredient in some conventional medicine solutions.
Sea moss is also valued for its algal polysaccharide, which is extracted from carrageenan and has medicinal and health-related properties. Studies propose that algal polysaccharide aids:

• immunity enhancement
• antioxidant effects
• antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities
• tumor inhibition
• hypertension prevention
• high cholesterol prevention
• blood sugar control

In addition to its carrageenan and algal polysaccharide content, sea moss is also rich in:

• proteins
• peptides
• amino acids
• lipids
• pigments

The potential health benefits of this red algae are linked to its neuroprotective and immune-boosting constituents.

BenefitsThere are some potential benefits of sea moss, but the studies evaluating these effects have been done in labs or on animals. There certainly isn’t a clear understanding of how Irish moss may improve the health of humans, but the nutrient content in the seaweed is promising.

1. Aids Digestion

Irish moss works as a prebiotic, allowing it to influence the composition of our gut microbiota. It’s also a mucilaginous food that has a sticky texture and helps stool move through the gastrointestinal tract more easily.

In a study published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, rats fed Irish moss showed significant improvements in gut microbiota composition.

Researchers suggest that, based on these findings, sea moss may help improve gut health and immune modulation. It was able to increase the population of beneficial bacteria and decrease harmful bacteria, including Streptococcus pneumoniae.

2. May Boost Neurological Health

Studies suggests that red seaweed may have neuroprotective effects because of its ability to alleviate oxidative stress. For this reason, researchers indicate that C. crispus may be a promising ingredient in pharmaceutical applications for potential novel anti-neurodegenerative drugs for humans.

3. Boosts Immune Function

Research published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology indicates that red seaweed enhances host immunity and suppresses the expression of what’s called “virulence factors,” or molecules that are produced by bacteria, fungi and viruses.

This study was conducted in a lab, but researchers concluded that its results suggest that components of C. crispus may play a health-promoting role in animals and humans.

4. Increases Satiety

When combined with liquids, Irish moss has a gel-like texture that is thick and sticky. It acts as a soluble fiber that helps keep you full longer.

Adding Irish moss to meals may increase satiety and, therefore, possibly cut down on the amount of calories you consume. There isn’t scientific evidence to back this up, but the idea is that sea moss works similarly to chia seeds and aloe in this respect.

5. May Have Anti-Tumor Effects

There are some lab studies suggesting that Irish moss has anti-tumor effects that are due to its algal polysaccharide content. Researchers don’t have definitive answers about why this occurs in lab trials, but they indicate that it may be due to polysaccharide’s ability to enhance the body’s immunity and improve its antioxidant activity.

6. Rich in Iodine

A study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that iodine in C. crispus is high and bioavailable. Both low and high iodine intake levels can increase the risk of disease, so it’s important to consume the right amount.

Iodine-rich foods support thyroid function, healthy metabolism and brain health. Your thyroid, for instance, must have high enough iodine levels to make thyroxine, a key hormone that works to regulate important, everyday biochemical reactions.

Thyroid disorders that may arise from low-iodine levels can lead to symptoms like sluggish appetite, heart issues, mood changes, weight fluctuations and appetite changes.

7. May Boost Skin Health

Sea moss is used in skin care products because of its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s also rich in nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A and magnesium.
Using sea moss topically may help hydrate and soothe your skin, while fighting damage and infections. There isn’t any scientific research on the benefits of Irish moss for skin, but its vitamin and mineral content alone is promising for promoting healthy aging.

How to Use

You can find sea moss in raw, dried or gel form. It’s also available as a powder or capsule, and it’s used as an ingredient in some skin care products.

You may have a hard time finding sea moss at your local grocery store, so purchasing it from a reputable company online is another option.

Irish moss is pretty much flavorless, so it can easily be added to smoothie, juice and soup recipes. Remember that it works as a thickener, so it also works well in sauces and even baked goods.

Like algae, you have the option to supplement with sea moss pills and sea moss powder. However, keep in mind that the science on humans is lacking, so check with your health care provider first. This is especially true if you have hypothyroidism.

Risks and Side Effects

When consumed in normal amounts, sea moss is generally safe and may have health benefits. Excessive consumption of Irish moss, however, can mean that you’re ingesting too much iodine.

Too much iodine can cause thyroid disorders, so you need to be careful not to take in too much of the nutrient. If you have Hashimoto’s, thyroiditis or other issues related to hypothyroidism, speak to your doctor about limiting iodine foods.

It can happen to anyone.  It happened to me.  COVID-19 came to my front door and pushed its way through without any type of warning and infected us all.  

It began with my son fending off a 103.5 fever early morning on a Tuesday.  I began the coconut oil routine. Within an hour he had collapsed on my bathroom floor unresponsive.  From there the ambulance was called, and we made headway to the hospital in minutes.  With fluids from the hospital, his fever quickly reduced, and he was discharged.  

My other son and I quickly began our coconut oil routine taking a rounded house teaspoon every 2-3 hours.  We had seen how quickly it had dropped the fever of my first son, so we quickly followed.  I had been aware of the health benefits of coconut oil for 10 years now and use it faithfully daily.  Now the COVID test was at hand, and we prayed it would have the same benefit.  All three of us tested positive for COVID-19 in two days.

We felt awful for about two weeks.  But neither my son or I had fevers the entire time. But, we started the regime the minute we felt like crap. Neither did we have coughs.  I had no sore throat, but both of my boys did.  Coconut oil regime was mandatory for two weeks to get us out of this dilemma.  

At 61, and with chronic health issues, I was saying my prayers.  I had friends who ended up on ventilators around the same time. 

I am no doctor, nor do I harbor any medical knowledge, so please do not take me at face value.  I only share what I know can help.  You need to be seen by a professional if you test positive. 

From there the following was implemented daily first thing in the morning: 

Coconut oil every 2-3 hours, one teaspoon
yogurt with walnuts, coconut flakes, and probiotic powder
Fibromyalgia Juice Recipe
Fibromyalgia Smoothie

​Both sons were good in less than a week.  Me, on the other hand, took an additional 7 days.  

Other professional advice to follow:

If you have coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and you're caring for yourself at home or you're caring for a loved one with COVID-19 at home, you might have questions. How do you know when emergency care is needed? How long is isolation necessary? What can you do to prevent the spread of germs? How can you support a sick loved one and manage your stress? Here's what you need to know.

At-home treatment

Most people who become sick with COVID-19 will only experience mild illness and can recover at home. Symptoms might last a few days, and people who have the virus might feel better in about a week. Treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms and includes rest, fluid intake and pain relievers.

Follow the doctor's recommendations about care and home isolation for yourself or your loved one. Talk to the doctor if you have any questions about treatments. Help the sick person get groceries and any medications and, if needed, take care of his or her pet.

It's also important to consider how caring for a sick person might affect your health. If you are older or have an existing chronic medical condition, such as heart or lung disease or diabetes, you may be at higher risk of serious illness with COVID-19. You might consider isolating yourself from the sick person and finding another person to provide care.

Emergency warning signs

Carefully monitor yourself or your loved one for worsening symptoms. If symptoms appear to be getting worse, call the doctor.

If you or the person with COVID-19 experiences emergency warning signs, medical attention is needed immediately. Call 911 or your local emergency number if the sick person can't be woken up or you notice any emergency signs, including:

• Trouble breathing
• Persistent chest pain or pressure
• New confusion
• Bluish lips or face
• Inability to stay awake

Protecting others if you're ill

If you're ill with COVID-19, you can help prevent the spread of infection with the COVID-19 virus.

• Stay home from work, school and public areas unless it's to get medical care.
• Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing services or taxis.
• Stay isolated in one room, away from your family and other people, as much as possible. This includes eating in your room. Open windows to keep air circulating. Use a separate bathroom, if possible.
• Avoid shared space in your home as much as possible. When using shared spaces, limit your movements. Keep your kitchen and other shared spaces well ventilated. Stay at least 6 feet (2 meters) away from your family members.
• Clean often-touched surfaces in your separate room and bathroom, such as doorknobs, light switches, electronics and counters, every day.
• Avoid sharing personal household items, such as dishes, towels, bedding and electronics.
• Wear a face mask when near others. Change the face mask each day.
• If wearing a face mask isn't possible, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or elbow when coughing or sneezing. Afterward, throw away the tissue or wash the handkerchief.
• Frequently wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Protecting yourself while caring for someone with COVID-19

To protect yourself while caring for someone with COVID-19, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend:

• Keep your hands clean and away from your face. Frequently wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after being in close contact or in the same room as the sick person. If soap and water aren't available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Consider wearing a face mask. If you need to be in the same room with the person who is ill and he or she isn't able to wear a face mask, wear a face mask. Stay at least 6 feet (2 meters) away from the ill person. Don't touch or handle your mask while you are using it. If your mask gets wet or dirty, replace it with a clean, dry mask. Throw away the used mask and wash your hands.
• Clean your home frequently. Every day, use household cleaning sprays or wipes to clean surfaces that are often touched, including counters, tabletops and doorknobs. Avoid cleaning the sick person's separate room and bathroom. Set aside bedding and utensils for the sick person only to use.
• Be careful with laundry. Don't shake dirty laundry. Use regular detergent to wash the sick person's laundry. Use the warmest setting you can. Wash your hands after putting clothes in the dryer. Thoroughly dry clothes. If you are handling clothing that has been soiled by the sick person, wear disposable gloves and keep the items away from your body. Wash your hands after removing the gloves. Place dirty gloves and masks in a waste bin with a lid in the sick person's room. Clean and disinfect clothes hampers and wash your hands afterward.
• Be careful with dishes. Wear gloves when handling dishes, cups or utensils used by the sick person. Wash the items with soap and hot water or in the dishwasher. Clean your hands after taking off the gloves or handling used items.
• Avoid direct contact with the sick person's bodily fluids. Wear disposable gloves and a face mask when providing oral and respiratory care and when handling stool, urine or other waste. Wash your hands before and after removing your gloves and mask. Don't reuse your mask or gloves.
• Avoid having unnecessary visitors in your home. Don't allow visitors until the sick person has completely recovered and has no signs or symptoms of COVID-19.

Ending isolation

Talk to the doctor about when to end home isolation, especially if you have a weakened immune system. The CDC recommends the following guidelines for ending home isolation after you think or know you had COVID-19.

• If you won't have a test to determine if you're still contagious, you can leave your sick room or home if at least 10 days have passed since your symptoms started, at least 24 hours have passed with no fever without the use of fever-reducing medicine and other symptoms are improving. Loss of taste and smell might last for weeks or months after recovery but shouldn't delay ending isolation.
• If you'll be tested to determine if you're still contagious, your doctor will let you know when you can be around others based on your test results. Most people don't need testing to decide when they can be around others.

The CDC also recommends that, as the sick person's caregiver, you stay home for 14 days and watch for common signs and symptoms, such as fever, cough or shortness of breath.

Coping with caregiving stress

As you or your loved one recover, seek emotional support. Stay connected to others through texts, phone calls or videoconferences. Share your concerns. Avoid too much COVID-19 news. Rest and focus on enjoyable activities, such as reading, watching movies or playing online games.

As you take care of a loved one who is ill with COVID-19, you might feel stressed too. You might worry about your health and the health of the sick person. This can affect your ability to eat, sleep and concentrate, as well as worsen chronic health problems. It may also increase your use of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs.
If you have a mental health condition, such as anxiety or depression, continue with your treatment. Contact your doctor or mental health professional if your condition worsens.

To care for yourself, follow these steps:

• Maintain a daily routine, including showering and getting dressed.
• Take breaks from COVID-19 news, including social media.
• Eat healthy meals and stay hydrated.
• Exercise.
• Get plenty of sleep.
• Avoid use of drugs and alcohol.
• Stretching, breathe deeply or meditate.
• Focus on enjoyable activities.
• Connect with others and share how you are feeling.

​Caring for yourself can help you cope with stress. It will also help you be able to support your loved one's recovery.

Life has a host of speed bumps along the way to slow us down and add a bit more challenge to our lives.  It's not like we don't have enough on our plate with a chronic illness, already of course.

But the nuances of life keeps rearing its horns at the most inopportune times.  Sometimes there are days we don't expect like an aging parent that comes with little or no other family support. An aging parent can put quite a strain on your daily routine and when it starts you must seek help.

But where do you go?  

I was talking to a friend the other day when I found this website. She stated her mother, 93, already had an "aging policy" insurance that has kicked in.  She gets in-house nursing care, physical therapy, cleaning, and cooking.  I was shocked.  How many of us will have the same luck our parents had that particular insight? You can bet those numbers are low.  So, many of us will be scrambling these last years ensuring our loved ones are taken care of. 

Then there comes a point where you realize you can't possibly do it all to physical inadequacies and/or present responsibilities. You may not know, but ever state has a department that caters to the aging.  It was predominately established to keep our elderly at home and independent as long as possible.   I'm going to share a little of what Florida offers.

​Florida is home to nearly 5.2 million residents age 60 and older and currently ranks first in the nation for the 65+ populations. As our senior population continues to increase, Florida’s future is linked to the financial, health, and physical security of our elder population.

The Department provides most direct services through its Division of Statewide Community-Based Services, which works through the state’s eleven Area Agencies on Aging and local service providers to deliver essential services to a vital segment of the population. The Department also directly administers a wide range of programs, ranging from the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, Office of Public and Professional Guardians, and Communities for a Lifetime to SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) and CARES (Comprehensive Assessment and Review for Long-Term Care Services).

The Department recognizes that individuals age differently, and therefore the state’s residents do not each need the same kind of care or services as others the same age. Some individuals may suffer from chronic conditions that began long before they reached age 60, while others may be able to live their entire lives without ever needing long-term medical or social services. One of the Department’s highest priorities is reducing the need for many elders to be placed in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities.

Ultimately, the goal is to efficiently use resources to ensure that the greatest number of elders possible get to spend their golden years living healthy, active, and fulfilling lives in their communities.

Mission Statement: To help Florida's elders remain healthy, safe, and independent.

Vision: All Floridians aging with dignity, purpose, and independence.

Goals:

Ensure that any Floridian in need of long-term care services receives a timely and appropriate assessment of need by applying a fair, objective, and transparent priority scoring methodology.

Protect vulnerable Floridians and their families by establishing the Office of Public and Professional Guardians.

Promote compassion and awareness for Floridians affected by dementia by expanding the Dementia Care and Cure Initiative (DCCI) across Florida.

Complete all federal and state statutory and regulatory requirements effectively by maximizing the number of elders served.

Let me tell you there is a whole host of services widely available. They are linked up with virtually every elder care facility in the state to offer assistance in your area.  All you have to do is call for an assessment.  It is that easy!  There is a 30 minute screening interview.  They will ask you your loved once physical state, present income, and areas you feel there is needed assistance. There is no need to provide proof of income at this point in time.  That will depend on other services he/she qualifies for.

Once you are done, the Department will send you a summary of your phone interview and the services your loved one qualifies for at this point in time.  You can update it each year.  Also, if at any point that person's state of health declines, you can call immediately for an update to more services.  

If you are in a situation with an elderly family member that is putting a strain on your own well-being, please seek out your department for the elderly in your state.  Have peace of mind.  The last thing we need to is cause our own health decline when this happens. 

Here's a list of what services are available locally for me:

​Home and Community-Based Programs and Services

• Adult Care Food Program
• Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative
• Community Care For the Elderly (CCE)
• Comprehensive Assessment & Review for Long-Term Care Services (CARES)
• Congregate Meal and Nutrition Sites
• Elder Farmers Market Nutrition Program
• Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program (EHEAP)
• Health & Wellness
• Home Care for the Elderly (HCE)
• Medicaid Long-Term Care Services
• Memory Disorder Clinics
• National Family Caregiver Support Program
• Nutritional Education for Older Adults
• Nutrition Programs
• Nutrition Services Incentive Program
• Older Americans Act (OAA)
• Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
• Respite for Elders Living in Everyday Families (RELIEF)
• Senior Companion Program
• Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care Program (SMMC LTC)
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

Other Programs and Services

• Adult Protective Services
• Communities For a Lifetime
• Comprehensive Assessment & Review for Long-Term Care Services (CARES)
• Disaster Preparedness
• Elder Abuse Prevention Program
• Elder Helpline
• Hospice and End-of-Life Care
• Insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid
• Intergenerational Connections
• Housing
• Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
• Nursing Home Services (Agency for Health Care Administration Website)
• Public Guardianship
• Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)
• Senior Legal Services & Senior Legal Helpline
• Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders (SHINE)
• Silver Alert and ListServ
• Transportation

The role of inflammation in fibromyalgia has been the topic of debate for decades. In fact, the condition used to be called “fibrositis,” which means “fibrous-tissue inflammation.” Due to an apparent lack of inflammation, the name was replaced with fibromyalgia (fibrous tissue and muscle pain) because it was believed to be more accurate. But now many researchers are finding connections with chronic inflammation that may contribute to the pain and fatigue of fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia is frequently referred to as an arthritis-related condition. However, it does not cause joint damage or inflammation, as arthritis does. Nor does fibromyalgia cause damage to muscle and other tissues. Because of this, it was believed that fibromyalgia was not an inflammatory condition.

In recent years, multiple studies have revealed several markers of inflammation in people with fibromyalgia, including high levels of C-reactive protein and pro-inflammatory cytokines.

C-reactive protein is produced by the liver. The level of C-reactive protein can be measured in your blood and increases when there is inflammation in your body.

​Cytokines are proteins that are produced by cells which act as communicators in the immune system. There are both pro-inflammatory cytokines and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Pro-inflammatory cytokines promote systemic inflammation and play a key role in persistent and exaggerated pain states.

What Is Inflammation?

Inflammation is part of the body’s healing process. Without inflammation, infections and wounds would not heal. But inflammation can also be potentially harmful. There are two types of inflammation, acute and chronic.

Acute inflammation comes on suddenly from an injury or infection. It presents classic symptoms such as swelling, redness and pain. Acute inflammation is temporary, lasting from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the cause of the inflammation.

Chronic inflammation is long-term inflammation that lasts for months and years. It comes about slowly and sets the stage for chronic diseases. Heart disease, autoimmune diseases, neurological diseases, diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer’s, arthritis and many other conditions are linked to chronic inflammation.

The causes of chronic inflammation include poor diet, stress, lack of exercise, chronic infections, and allergens or toxins from food or the environment.

Inflammation In Fibromyalgia

For decades it was believed that fibromyalgia was not an inflammatory condition because it doesn’t appear like most inflammatory disease. Joints don’t look swollen and typical tests for inflammatory markers generally reveal normal or only slightly elevated levels in fibromyalgia. Whereas, diseases such as lupus and arthritis present high levels of inflammatory markers.

Fibromyalgia research has been focusing on the possible contribution of inflammation to disease progression, and is finding some interesting results. We now have evidence suggesting inflammation may play a role, after all.

These are some of the findings:

• Skin Cells – A study from 2010 showed elevated levels of mast cells – which release inflammatory chemicals in response to various triggers – in the skin of people with fibromyalgia.
• Fascia – Another study in 2010 suggests that it could be the fascia (a thin layer of connective tissue) that’s inflamed in fibromyalgia. The research concludes that fascial dysfunction and inflammation may be what leads to central sensitization, which is believed to be a core feature of fibromyalgia.
• Stress Response – In 2012, researchers found that there was an inflammatory state that seemed to be tied to an abnormal response to stress. They were unable to determine whether inflammation leads to stress dysfunction or stress dysfunction leads to inflammation.
• Mitrochondria – In 2013, Spanish researchers theorized that inflammation in fibromyalgia could be the result of dysfunction in the mitochondria (cells that break down nutrients to create energy).
• Brain Inflammation – Scientists have discovered that brain inflammation caused by chronic nerve pain can affect signaling in the regions of the brain associated with mood and motivation. This discovery suggests there is a mechanism that connects chronic pain with symptoms of depression and anxiety.
• Poor Sleep – Poor sleep quality and short sleep durations are associated with higher levels of inflammation. Scientists at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia, found in a study that sleep deprivation or poor sleep quality raises inflammation.

​Fibromyalgia Inflammation Treatment Options

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID’s) and steroids are the primary treatments for inflammation. Unfortunately, anti-inflammatory medications have been tested in people with fibromyalgia and do not improve symptoms.
The options we have to lower our inflammation are listed below:

• Massage – Manual therapies that target the fascia may be effective. That includes trigger point therapy (myofascial release) and a deep-tissue manipulation called rolfing.
• Exercise – Exercise can suppress the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In separate studies, gentle exercises such as warm-water exercise and yoga have been shown to reduce cytokines in people with fibromyalgia.
• Supplements – Anti-inflammatory supplements include:
  • Ginger
  • CoQ10
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids
  • Rhodiola rosea
  • Turmeric (curcumin)
• Diet – Many doctors recommend an anti-inflammatory diet for inflammatory conditions. Although we don’t have research on whether it works for fibromyalgia. I have been following an anti-inflammatory diet for the couple of years and it has helped me.

Conclusion

Although there is no visible inflammation in fibromyalgia, the inflammatory factors are there and they are measurable. Multiple studies have revealed several markers of inflammation in people with fibromyalgia. Preliminary evidence suggests excess cytokines may be responsible fibromyalgia symptoms. These findings are uncovering new possibilities for fibromyalgia causation, as well as treatment options. Hopefully, in the not too distant future, we will have more answers and treatments that actually work. -Shared by FibroDaze

Are you getting enough vitamin D? According to recent studies, there’s a good chance you aren’t. In 2009, researchers reported levels of vitamin D in the U.S. population had dropped between the years of 1988 and 1994, and then again between 2001 and 2004. Not only had average levels dropped, more than 75 percent of the people studied had inadequate levels of vitamin D in their blood.

Vitamin D deficiency is linked with an increased risk for serious diseases. Reduced levels of the vitamin are associated with cancer, cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis, and autoimmune disorders. Deficiency is also linked with multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, depression, fibromyalgia, and more. That’s why it’s so import to get enough vitamin D. But identifying vitamin D deficiency can be tricky.
Our bodies don’t make vitamin D, so we have to get it from our environment. The primary source of vitamin D is the sun, but we can also get it from some foods. Lifestyle, race, age, and other factors can put you at risk for vitamin D deficiency

The truth is that it’s extremely difficult to tell whether you have a vitamin D deficiency. The only way to be absolutely sure is to take a blood test. Most people with a vitamin D deficiency won’t be aware of it. It doesn’t usually produce noticeable symptoms. However, symptoms are possible. If you are vitamin D deficient, you may experience:

• muscle/joint pain and weakness
• bone pain
• tiredness or fatigue
• depression

​Your body is designed to get the vitamin D it needs by producing it when your bare skin is exposed to sunlight. The part of the sun’s rays that is important is ultraviolet B (UVB). This is the most natural way to get vitamin D.

​Large amounts of vitamin D3 are made in your skin when you expose all of your body to summer sun. This happens very quickly; around half the time it takes for your skin to turn pink and begin to burn. This could be just 15 minutes for a very fair skinned person, yet a couple of hours or more for a dark skinned person.
You don’t need to tan or to burn your skin in order to get the vitamin D you need. Exposing your skin for a short time will make all the vitamin D your body can produce in one day. In fact, your body can produce 10,000 to 25,000 IU of vitamin D in just a little under the time it takes for your skin to turn pink. You make the most vitamin D when you expose a large area of your skin, such as your back, rather than a small area such as your face or arms.

The assumption that vitamin D supplements will protect you against diseases associated with low vitamin D levels is incorrect, according to Australian researchers. The report found that vitamin D supplements are immunosuppressive and may actually make diseases worse. 

Vitamin D Nuclear Receptor (VDR) influences the expression of over 1,000 genes, including those associated with diseases such as cancer and multiple sclerosis. According to the new study, supplemental vitamin D actually blocks VDR activation, which is the opposite effect to that of sunshine. Instead of positively impacting gene expression, vitamin D supplements appear to suppress your immune system.

Vitamin D has a remarkable role to play in your health, influencing nearly 3,000 of your 25,000 genes, and playing a critical role in your immune response. Vitamin D could rightly be described as a “miracle nutrient” for your immune system, as it enables your body to produce well over 200 antimicrobial peptides, which are indispensable in fighting off a wide range of infections.
​

Well, the benefits are in! Recently, I shared a routine oral hygiene experiment with Pursonic Oral Health Care.  If you can donate four minutes a night to daily oral  health care you can improve the overall health of your gums and teeth.  I decided to try this course for five months.  By then a routine yearly check up would be in order.  

My previous yearly exam left me stupefied.  I walked out with a bill over $4,000 which included a crown and a bridge.  To make matters worse, when my bridge was complete, my dentist informed me I would also need buccal fillings on four teeth.  These teeth had recessed gum lines that were exacerbating cavities.  That meant an additional bill over $400.  I simply didn't have it, my  credit cards were tapped out.

Why had my mouth deteriorated so badly due to my fibromyalgia?  I never had terrible issues such as this before I embraced a chronic illness. Now yearly exams showed progressive deterioration on ALL teeth in my mouth.  What could I do to prevent this?   

I decided to become more proactive to benefit my oral health.  I went on a limb and purchased the Pursonic oral irrigator and electric toothbrush.  With prices advertised below, what could I lose?  It was definitely cheaper than investing another $400 for newly needed cavity fills.  I had read that healthy teeth can remineralize by better care.  The body can health itself. I was on a mission!

My products were soon delivered, and I took quick note on the recommendations.  The oral irrigator allowed 30 seconds for each area of the mouth.  That was easy, there are four parts of the mouth - total care time only two minutes.  The electric toothbrush boasted the same. "Total nightly care should be only four minutes," I thought.  Well, four minutes can seem like eons when you have a busy household that nightly routines don't fit perfectly into the picture.  Nonetheless, I committed.  I was going to complete this routine for five months, every night, until my next yearly exam.  

Time flew literally as it always does. Before I knew it my oral evaluation was upon me. To tell you I was nervous at my exam was an understatement.  After all, I could be walking into a larger bill if my cavities decided to eat through my enamel and cause more damage.  Keep in mind, I didn't have the money to fill them five months ago.  

In the chair, feeling uneasy, my dentist began to probe my mouth.  "Hmmmm," he noted here and there.  

"Great," I thought.  "This is it, they've drilled themselves further into my gum line and now I need more extensive care."  I've heard, "Hmmmmmm" numerous time these past five years.

"Well," he continued. "I don't know what to say.  You're teeth are in the best health I've ever seen them. I'm going to re evaluate those buccal's I wrote months ago.  I'm surprised you didn't have them filled."

"What?!!" I thought.  Re evaluate? He has NEVER re evaluated a costly treatment.  I sat for another ten minutes, wondering what was happening, and was then handed a bill with NOTHING on it but the cost of the exam.  The dental assistant asked me to grab my things and meet her up front.  

"Wait!" I exclaimed.  "Can you give me a few moments?  Do I still need to complete the buccal fillings like my last exam stated after my bridge was fixed?" 

"No, not at this time.  The doctor feels that they are not present at this moment," she stated.

"Wow, wow, wow," my mind was reeling.  "It worked!" was all I could think.  In five years, every bill had FURTHER treatment needed.  There was always a long list of suggestions and needs.  I quickly breathed a sigh of relief and handed over my credit card for the exam and oral cleaning.  

Four minutes each night now seems like seconds donated to a healthier lifestyle.  To make matters more interesting, I am always in awe of how fresh my mouth feels.  It's like stepping out of the dental hygienist chair each night before I hit the sheets.