Sinus problems are almost as common pain and exhaustion in those of us with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, and this is a bad time of year for them. We're in the last dregs of the cold and flu season, allergy season is getting underway, and lots of triggers are in the air for non-allergy rhinitis.
Why do we have so many sinus problems? Several reasons:
- We're more prone to allergies & sensitivities (because of central sensitization).
- Our immune systems can be slow to conquer illnesses, which leaves us congested for a long time.
- Many researchers believe our secretions, including mucus, are usually thick. (I believe it -- I often feel like there's glue in my sinuses.)
It can take more than a decongestant to clear us up, and if you're like me you can't even tolerate decongestants. I'm especially prone to sinus infection and bronchitis, so I'm doing everything I can to clear things out before I get sicker. Here's what I've been using:
I'm new to the neti pot, but so far I'm really happy with the results. After my first use one of my ears popped, so I can almost hear and almost breathe through my nose -- very exciting developments.
Do you have a lot of sinus problems? How bad are they? What helps you? Leave your comments below!
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Food of the Week: Bananas
While there's no perfect diet for everyone with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, certain nutrients can help with our symptoms. We talk a lot here about supplements, which are a great way to make sure you're getting consistent daily amounts, but it's also important to make sure you're eating the right foods. I'm starting a Food of the Week series to look at the nutritional value of different foods and see how beneficial they might be.
Inside the Banana
Bananas are probably best known for being rich in potassium -- there's about 400 mg in a medium-sized one. If you complain about nighttime leg cramps, your doctor will probably tell you to eat a banana before bed. Why is that? Potassium is important for muscle function, including contraction. It's crucial for cardiac, skeletal and digestive health. Potassium is also an electrolyte, which means it helps conduct electricity around your body.
Those are all good reasons for us to get enough potassium. If you have problems with absorption, sweat a lot, eat high amounts of salt, or have frequent diarrhea, you may be at risk for potassium deficiency.
But potassium's not the only important thing inside a banana peel -- this fruit also contains magnesium and malic acid, which many doctors recommend for our muscle pain and tenderness. They also help your body produce energy.
Do you think you need to eat fish to get essential fatty acids? You might be surprised to learn that bananas contain both Omega 3 and Omega 6.
Bananas vs. Potassium Supplements
Potassium supplements, in doses higher that what's in multi-vitamins, come with several warnings and should only be taken under your doctor's supervision. If you're on NSAIDs or ACE inhibitors, they can interact badly with your medication. It's generally considered better to get potassium through natural sources.
Food sources of potassium don't come with the same dangers. Along with the banana, you can get potassium from apricots, cantaloupe, grapefruit, peas, beans, potatoes, fish and beef liver.
Possible Drawbacks
If you're on a low-carb or diabetic diet, a banana may not be the right choice for you -- they've got about 25-30 carbs, or 2 diabetic exchanges. For a snack, however, you might be able to combine a banana with a good source of protein such as peanuts or peanut butter.
Benefits of Bananas
Bananas are a quick, easy, portable snack that can help your muscles function properly, support heart health, aid digestion, prevent dehydration and more. They're a simple way to get a boost of the nutrients that help alleviate symptoms without taking more supplements and possibly getting into dangerously high amounts. In addition, banana allergies are rare.
Personally, I've eaten bananas when my muscles are tight and sore, and also for charley horses, and they do seem to help.
Have you had good luck with bananas? What other foods would you like to know more about? Leave your comments below!
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I'll say it again -- those of us with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome can learn more from each other than from anywhere else! Don't believe me? Look through some of the blog comments here, swing through the forum, and check out my Readers Responds -- you'll find more knowledge, wisdom, strength and inspiration there than you'll ever find in a doctor's office or medical library.
Many of us with these conditions have taken to blogging. It takes time and energy, and of course some days we have to fight through the fog to get the right words out, but it's well worth the effort. We have a lot of different reasons for blogging -- it's a way to share information about treatments that have worked; it's a way to connect with other people who get what we're going through; it's a way to vent about anger and frustration over having a chronic illness that's not well understood or accepted.
If you have a blog about fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome, or one that's applicable to people with these conditions, I hope you'll tell us about it here:
And here's where you can read about the many great blogs that are out there, written by and for people like us:
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Blog Classic: Apr. 22, 2009
The grass is turning green, my forsythia's about to bloom, spring is in the air -- along with ever increasing amounts of pollen. A big percentage of us with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome have allergies, which can make this time of year especially hard. As you've probably learned, even mild hay fever can make your other symptoms worse.
There are a few things to keep in mind this time of year:
- Don't forget your allergy meds! If you need to take them every few hours, make sure you carry them with you at all times. Have an extra stash in your car and your desk at work, in case you forget them. If you also have asthma, consider getting an early refill on your inhaler so you won't run out at the wrong time.
- Check for drug interactions: If you've started any new medications, be sure to check for negative interactions with your allergy meds. Your pharmacist is the best source of information, but you can also check About.com's Drugs A-Z.
- If your symptoms are bad even on medications, you could have non-allergy rhinitis. It feels like an allergy, but its different and needs different treatment. Read Allergies vs. Non-Allergic Rhinitis.
- Watch for new allergies: Our allergies tend to shift from time to time, so be aware that new things may trigger an allergic reaction. If you suspect new allergies, you might want to talk to your doctor about getting tested.
- Wash your hands & face frequently: Especially if you've been outside, you may have pollen and other particles on your skin. Also, be sure to change your pillowcase more often.
What helps you get through allergy season? Have you been taken off guard by new allergies? Leave a comment below!
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More on Allergies, from About.com's Allergy Guide Daniel Moore, M.D.:
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