RESOURCES: Chronic Illness Cat, and how he makes us all feel better

This might seem like a stupid topic to write a blog post about, but Chronic Illness Cat speaks for so many of us, says things we can’t say…and I wanted to highlight the brilliant, myriad people behind Chronic Illness Cat. Without further ado…

Some of the memes are funny…

Some are heartfelt…

Some just show in concrete terms how sick we are of all this…

What’s your favorite Chronic Illness Cat meme?

 

 

RESOURCES: TOP 6 RESTLESS LEG SYNDROME HOME REMEDIES

One of the most common things associated with many chronic illnesses is a magnesium deficiency. And what’s one of the most common effects of having a magnesium deficiency? Restless Leg Syndrome, or RLS. We chronic illness warriors just can’t win, can we?

I’m here to tell you, we can win. But how?

THE TOP 6 RESTLESS LEG SYNDROME HOME REMEDIES

1. Exercise

Exercise increases dopamine in the body. The more appropriately balanced your dopamine levels are the better you can manage RLS. You can go hiking, take long walks, go swimming, go biking, or do any other exercise that really gets your legs pumping.

2. Diet

Eating a diet high in processed foods and sugar can severely overburden your liver. The excess toxins from such a diet can allow excess estrogen and other hormones to recirculate into the blood stream. Excess estrogen depletes magnesium.

3. Up Your Magnesium

This one is so easy to do and I bet it will make a HUGE difference in just a few days. Here are some of my favorite ways to make sure I get enough magnesium.

Natural Vitality Natural Calm Magnesium Anti Stress, Organic, Raspberry Lemon, 16 oz

Ancient Minerals Magnesium Oil – 8 oz.

Dr Teals Pure Epsom Salt Soaking Solution, Detoxify & Energize with Ginger & Clay, 3 Pound Bag

Epsoak Epsom Salt Magnesium Sulfate USP, 19.75lbs Bulk Bag

The magnesium oils work especially well when sprayed on the bottoms of the feet before bedtime. Never underestimate the power of magnesium! Try this remedy if nothing else.

4. Up Your B-Vitamins

High quality B-vitamin will never go amiss in this day and age. Even people who eat meat can get deficiencies in B-vitamins especially B12. Check out my favorite products below.

Natrol Vitamin B12 Fast Dissolve Nutritional Supplements, Strawberry, 5000 mcg, 100 Count

Best Tasting Methylcobalamin Vitamin B12 Liquid Drops by Detroit Vitamin, 59ml Sublingual B12

5. Up Your Iron

I’m not so much a fan of taking straight iron due to its tendency to cause constipation. I am however a huge fan of food based iron sources.

Foods rich in iron include:

• Red meat, pork and poultry
• Seafood
• Beans
• Dark green leafy vegetables, such as spinach
• Dried fruit, such as raisins and apricots
• Iron-fortified cereals, breads and pastas
• Peas

Your body absorbs more iron from meat than it does from other sources. If you choose to not eat meat, you may need to increase your intake of iron-rich, plant-based foods to absorb the same amount of iron as does someone who eats meat.

Choose foods containing vitamin C to enhance iron absorption

You can enhance your body’s absorption of iron by drinking citrus juice or eating other foods rich in vitamin C at the same time that you eat high-iron foods. Vitamin C in citrus juices, like orange juice, helps your body to better absorb dietary iron.

Vitamin C is also found in:

• Broccoli
• Grapefruit
• Kiwi
• Leafy greens
• Melons
• Oranges
• Peppers
• Strawberries
• Tangerines

6. Take Relaxing Herbs

Believe it or not taking strong sleep inducing herbs like valerian can actually increase RLS symptoms. However, there are a few herbs that are well suited to relieving RLS symptoms like:

Chamomile (can be in essential oil or tea form)

St John’s Wort (check if this is safe if you take an antidepressant)

Melatonin

 

I hope some of you try these remedies if you’re having trouble sleeping due to RLS. Please do let me know how your results turn out!

 

 

RESOURCES: 5 Best dog breeds for people with chronic illness

 

Credit: Shutterstock

There’s a big movement starting to figure out how pets help those battling chronic illness. It appears they do, but doctors are stumped about exactly why that is. But one thing’s for sure – for those of us who want a dog, it’s nice to know which don’t require much upkeep. So without further ado…

Information courtesy of Pet Breeds.com and akc.org

1. Basset Hound:

   Grooming needs: Low
   Shedding: Moderate
   Exercise needs: Low
   Trainability: Easy
   The Basset Hound has such a distinct look—a short, low-to-the-ground body with big, hanging ears—it’s no wonder it has inspired several cartoon characters (including one named, you guessed it, Droopy). But its incredible hunting instinct and scenting abilities are what first earned this breed its popularity. As pets, Bassets are extremely patient (especially with young kids who tend to yank at their ears when not supervised) and easy to train, and despite their plodding pace, they do well at various dog sports.

2. American Staffordshire Terrier:

   Grooming needs: Low
   Shedding: Minimal
   Exercise needs: Medium
   Trainability: Easy
   Courageous and strong, the American Staffordshire Terrier (Am Staff)’s athletic build and intelligence make him ideally suited to many dog sports such as obedience, agility, tracking and conformation. He is often identified by his stocky body and strong, powerful head. The breed’s short coat can be any color, and either solid colored, parti-colored or patched.

3. French Bulldog:

   Grooming needs: Low
   Shedding: Minimal
   Exercise needs: Low
   Trainability: Easy
   This affectionate and playful breed—known for its wrinkly, smushy face and bat-like ears—is a great companion for single pet-owners as well as families with young children. They need little exercise and grooming and are incredibly loyal to their people. Because of their somewhat stubborn nature, they require a bit of patience during training but are incredibly intelligent and eager to please.

4. Chihuahua:

   Grooming needs: Low
   Shedding: Minimal
   Exercise needs: Low
   Trainability: Easy
   Chihuahuas are tiny dogs that come in many different colors and markings, and can have either long or short coats, but they all have large, alert ears, big moist eyes, and huge personalities. Inside each little Chihuahua is a miniature king or queen ready to rule their realms, so they need to be taught what is acceptable in human kingdoms. They are intelligent and enthusiastic, so they usually don’t need extensive training.

5. Bullmastiff:

   Grooming needs: Low
   Shedding: Minimal
   Exercise needs: Low
   Trainability: Easy
   The Bullmastiff is a strong and powerfully built animal that possesses great intelligence and a willingness to please, making them ideal family companions and protectors. Although large, the breed remains both agile and active and is successful in conformation, obedience, agility, tracking, carting and therapy work. The Bullmastiff’s coat may be red, fawn or brindle.

Do you have any of these dog breeds? I’d love to hear some personal stories.