COULD TMJ BE CAUSING YOUR PAIN?

WHAT IS TMJ?

TMJ or Temporamandibular Joint disorder can be a very painful and very elusive condition. You may experience a terrible pain in your ear, teeth, jaw or neck. It may move from one place to another or it might develop into a migraine headache. Often it goes undiagnosed and some doctors may tell you that you are imagining the pain.

The temporamandibular joints are on each side of the head connecting your upper and lower jaws together and to your skull. They allow your jaws to open, close, rotate and move back and forth. If they are not aligned properly they can cause extreme pain in the jaw, head and neck.

Causes of this malady may be a malformation from birth, unconsciously grinding your teeth, or clenching your jaw muscles when stressed. Other causes are teeth not meeting correctly, a blow to the jaw that damages the joint, poor posture of the neck and shoulders, or arthritis in the joints.

NATURAL WAYS TO DEAL WITH TMJ

Depending on the cause the treatment can be as simple as stress management, counseling or psychotherapy or as complicated as braces or a special devise installed by a dentist to prevent grinding your teeth at night.

I would suggest trying these simple remedies first to see how severe the problem is or if this is even the problem before resorting to the more complicated remedies above.

• Try applying ice or heat to the TMJ area to relieve pain. One may work better for than the other.

• Use aspirin or acetaminophen to relieve minor pain.

• Learn to relax you jaw and limit its movements. You can put your fist under your jaw to block a yawn.

• Eat a soft diet and avoid chewy foods, such as bagels, when your symptoms are bad. Massage the TMJ area.

• Avoid chewing gum

Even though TMJ may be hard to pinpoint and difficult to diagnose, do not let anyone dismiss your pain until you have explored the possibility of TMJ.

Healthy Griefing

I have a friend that recently lost her husband. When I last talked to her she said she thought she was having a nervous breakdown. Since I lost my spouse a few years ago I know a little about what she’s going through. After the funeral when everyone went home and I was alone I started having such a gambit of feelings, I literally thought I was going crazy. When I finally learned that it was typical of grieving to have these thoughts I was very relieved. Only then did I really begin to heal.

Grieving is a very personal thing, but we all have to go through the same process. On a different timetable to be sure, but none of us can get around the basic steps of grief. And how long it takes for you to do this depends on a number of things.

The Stages of Grief

There are five basic stages that will be experienced by most grieving people. There is no set order to these stages and some may be repeated more that once. But it is important to know that these stages are normal and necessary to coming to terms with the changes that take place when a loved one is removed from our lives, or in other words, the process of grieving.

1. Shock
The first stage commonly experienced is shock. The numbness that shock provides is welcome and your mind will only accept what it is capable of handling at this stage. Shock will help you get through the bad news and all the decisions that have to be made in the first days following a death.

2. Sighing
The sighing stage is similar to deep breathing exercises used to handle stress. When you grief you are highly stressed, which makes your breathing shallow and doesn’t allow enough oxygen to your brain. Good healthy sighs can relieve this symptom.

3. Crying
Crying is essential to healing your grieving heart. Some experts believe that there are chemicals in tears that relieve stress in the body. So by all means cry when you need to.

4. Anger
Angry feelings arrive shortly after the death of a loved one. Anger at the person who died for being reckless, or thoughtless, anger at God for letting this happen, or anger at a third party who may have caused the death are all common thoughts. As we work through it the anger should disappear.

5. Depression
Depression is the feeling that there is no joy left in life and is a normal feeling to the grieving person. Insomnia, loss of appetite, constant crying are all signs of depression. Usually we promote our depression with negative thoughts like: Why me? I can’t do that. Or, I feel awful. As long as you are having negative thoughts you will remain depressed.

The Road Back To Happiness

There is no set time limit to how long grief will last because it is different for everyone. The loss of a baby is completely different from the loss of a parent. The loss of a teenager differs greatly from that of a spouse. But no matter what the loss has been it takes time and heart wrenching work for the wound to heal. There are some things that will help though.

• Sleep. Experiment with ways to fall asleep and stay asleep such as natural sleep inducers like melatonin or chamomile tea. Take a nap in the afternoon to get enough rest if necessary.

• Support. Seek out a grief support group. This is a place where you can talk freely and be understood. There will be exercises designed to help you get back to laughter.

• Laughter has a positive effect on your nature just as the negative thoughts do. It will help you feel better when you laugh.

• Pamper Yourself. Treat yourself with kid gloves. Give yourself a break and allow yourself to do some things you love to do.

Just as an open wound takes time to heal so will the grief you feel after losing a loved one. That same loved one would want you to move on to live a happy and productive life. So do the work required to grief, and in time the sun will shine again.

Boost Your Immune System

What is the Immune system?

The immune system is interesting and complicated. It is designed to defend you against millions of bacteria, microbes, viruses, and parasites. Whenever you get a cut or insect bite you can see the immune system working. Everyday you inhale thousands of germs (bacteria and virus) that are floating in the air. Your immune system deals with all of them. Occasionally a germ will get past it and you will have a cold , the flu, or worse.
Sometimes the immune system works incorrectly. Some examples of this are allergies (immune system overreacting to certain stimuli) diabetes (immune system inappropriately attacking cells in the pancreas and destroying them). Also as we age the immune system weakens for various reasons. Illness that didn’t bother you when you were twenty years old can put a sixty year old in bed for a week or more.

How does the Immune System Work?

Basically your immune system protects you in three different ways.

It creates a barrier that prevents bacteria and viruses from entering your body.

If the virus or bacteria is able to reproduce and start causing problem, your immune system is in charge of eliminating it.

If the virus or bacteria does get into the body, the immune system tries to detcet and eliminate it before it can make itself at home and reproduce.

Keeping the Immune System Strong Naturally

If you have been getting sick with the same illness over and over, it is a signal of a struggling immune system. Since it has such an important job, it is vital for good health and feeling well that we keep the immune system strong and in good working order. Here are a few ways to do that:

• Diet: Eat foods that are full of inflavanoids, plenty of protein and fruits and vegetables.

• Exercise

• Control stress

• Stay away from sugar

• Balance your omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9 intake

• Drink plenty of water

• Oil of Oregano: This is a natural antibiotic. 3 or 4 drops everyday will help prevent infection. You can gargle with it or put drops directly in your mouth, followed by a big glass of water
  

• Take probiotics: this is good bacteria which we need to keep out intestinal flora in balance.
  

• Get plenty of sleep

Immune Boosting Supplements

• Garlic -2400-3200 mg daily

• Ginseng –100-200 mg daily

• Echinacea –For prevention 2-3 capsules a day, if sick 6-8 capsules a day

• Glutamine -5-20 mg daily up to a maximum of 40 mg

• A good multiple vitamin

• Vitamin A -50,000 IU

• B complex -100-250 mg daily

• Vitamin C –Start with 1,000 mg and work up

• Vitamin E -400-800 IU natural (not synthetic) daily

• Zinc - 25 mg daily
  

All amounts are suggestions only.

My Favorite Health Recipe of the Month

Pumpkin Nut Bread

Ingredients:
3/4 cup whole wheat pastry flour
3/4 cup unbleached flour
2-1/4 teaspoon aluminum free baking powder
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1-1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
3/4 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 honey or maple syrup
1/4 cup walnut oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup raisins
1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts
Yield: 1 loaf

Preheat oven to 350. Spray olive oil cooking spray in a 9x5x3 loaf pan. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl mix the dry ingredients.

In a separate smaller bowl mix the pumpkin with the maple syrup, walnut oil and vanilla.
Stir that into the dry ingredients. Mix well, until well moistened.

As this recipe has no eggs or dairy the batter will be very thick. Don't worry, it comes out wonderful! Gently fold in the raisins an walnuts. Transfer to greased loaf pan. Spread out evenly and bake for 45 minutes. Remove from oven, cool about 10 minutes before removing from pan. Delicious served warm with butter.

Coming soon to Health Works: How to Boost and Maintain Your Immune System

BETTER SLEEP FOR BETTER HEALTH

Natural ways to get a good night’s sleep can be tricky. Here I’ll walk you thru some of the basics. Getting enough sleep for the sleep deprived is a complicated balance of all the proper ingredients. The exact mechanisms of how sleep rejuvenates the body and mind is still mysterious, one thing sleep specialists and scientists do know is that adequate sleep is necessary for healthy functioning. Research shows that all mammals need sleep, and that sleep regulates mood and is related to learning and memory functions. Not only will getting your zzzs help you perform on a test, learn a new skill or help you stay on task, but it may also be a critical factor in your health, weight and energy level. Before we get into solutions let’s take a look at the most common sleep disorders.

FOUR MOST COMMON SLEEP DISORDERS

• Sleep apnea is a breathing disorder that occurs during sleep, typically accompanied by loud snoring; consists of brief periods in which breathing stops throughout the night

• Insomnia-not a disorder but a complaint consisting of one of the following: difficulty falling asleep, difficulty staying asleep, waking up early, and sleep state misperception. These can be caused by stress, anxiety and life events.

• Narcolepsy-the irresistible need to sleep no matter how much many of hours already slept. A chronic disorder of the brain, often thought of as an intrusion of dreaming sleep (REM) into a waking state.

• Restless leg syndrome-a discomfort in the legs while reclining which is relieved by moving or stimulating the legs.

BETTER SLEEP AND EXERCISE

Research shows that exercise is certainly good for one’s body and health, but it should be done at the proper time or it could inhibit your ability to sleep. A good workout will make you more alert, speed up your metabolism and energize you. Exercise right before bedtime can lead to a poor night’s sleep. Experts recommend exercising at least three hours before bedtime, and the best time is usually late afternoon. Exercising at this time is beneficial because body temperature is related to sleep. Body temperatures rise during exercise and take as long as 6 hours to begin to drop. Because cooler body temperatures are associated with sleep onset, it’s important to allow the body time to cool off before sleep.

RELAXING ENVIRONMENT FOR BETTER SLEEP

In order for any natural remedy to work you must first set the scene. In the case of a good nights sleep most sleep experts agree that your bedroom should be used only for sleep and sex. The computer, telephone, and games should not even be in your bedroom. If there is a television, it should be left off as bedtime approaches. The decor of your bedroom should be soothing to you.

BEDTIME RITUALS THAT WORK FOR BETTER SLEEP

Plan to go to bed and get up at the same time everyday. All the experts will tell you that you need a bedtime ritual that gets your mind ready for sleep. Plan to go to bed and get up at the same time each day. About an hour before bedtime start winding down by doing one or more of the following:

• Drink a cup of herbal tea (no caffeine)

• Take a hot bath with your favorite bubbles or oil

• Turn off the TV and put on some soft music

• Try deep breathing, massage and relaxation techniques

• Do whatever is calming to you and you'll be on your way to a restful night.

NATURAL SLEEP AIDS

There are many sleep aids on the market. Drug type sedatives can make you feel drowsy the next day, can be addictive, and might have some nasty side effects. For alternatives go natural. There are many good brands out there, so experiment and find the natural sleep aid that works best for you. The most common and widely used ingredients for natural sleep aids are:

• Valerian – an herb

• Melatonin – a hormone found naturally in the body

• Kava – anti anxiety herb

• Magnesium – natural relaxant

• Chamomile – an herb

DON’T GIVE UP ON BETTER SLEEP

Sleep patterns are invariably hard to break so have patience and keep trying. Once you find the right combination your body will slowly begin to allow you to sleep more readily and easily. Eventually you will begin getting the rest you require.

EXERCISE FOR BETTER HEALTH

One of the main things you can do to have better health and remain at your best performance level is to exercise. I know it's a dirty word-- does it sound better if I say "get moving". I used to hate the idea of it too until I committed to doing it and having a healthier life. Now I can't live without exercise because it makes all the difference in the world as to how I feel and look.

Exercise is not a cure-all but is one of the spokes in the wheel. Our bodies were constructed to move and if we stop moving, everything will start to breakdown.

Here are a few facts that might help you understand why exercise is so good for you.

Benefits of Exercise

• weight loss and maintaining a healthy weight

• reduces cortisol: a stress hormone that builds fat in the abdomen region

• prevents high blood pressure

• prevents obesity

• reduce risk of heart disease

• increases cognitive levels

• promotes better sleep

Exercise And Nutrition

Exercise is a process of breaking down muscle tissue, therefore it is imperative to have the proper nutrition and rest to aid the body with recovering. There is a 30 minute window after exercising critical to muscle recovery. Before doing anything else drink plenty of water or milk. Throughout the day be sure to eat at least 3 meals, getting a good supply of fiber, vegetables and protein. This helps your body recover by supplying it with the correct ratio of macronutients and ample micro nutrients

Exercise And Brain Function

In the long term, exercise is beneficial to the brain by increasing the blood and oxygen flow to the brain, as well as increasing growth factors that help create new nerve cells and promote synaptic plasticity. Exercise also increases chemicals in the brain that help cognition, such as dopamine, glutamate, norepinephrine, and serotonin.

Increase Lung Capacity

Doing active exhalation during exercise helps the body increase its maximum lung capacity, causing the heart to do less work to oxygenate the muscles. Which in turn increases muscular efficiency through greater blood flow. To accomplish the greater development of the heart and lungs you just need to consciously breath deeply during all types of physical exercise.

Categories of Physical Exercise

• Aerobic exercise such as running, walking, biking, etc. to increase the heart rate

• Isometric exercises that increase muscle tension without moving the joints.

• Strength training or resistance exercises using weights

• Agility training such as yoga involves bending and stretching arms, legs, and back.

• Ambulation is low impact exercise such as walking.

For good all around conditioning it may be helpful to use a combination of a conditioning type exercise along with an exercise that increases your heart rate. In addition you can start to increase your physical activities by parking further from the office or store to increase your daily walking distance, or use the stairs instead of taking the elevator when you can.

Exercise and Weight Loss

How much exercise you need to lose weight is very different from maintaining your current weight. And it also varies from person to person, but here are the basics:
1. Make permanent changes in eating and life-style habits.
2. Exercise should involve the large muscle groups (legs and arms)
3. Work outs should be scheduled 3 to 4 days a week; using 200 to 300 caleries per session.
4. It is imperative that you raise your heart rate each time you exercise.

Exercise and Diabetes

Regular aerobic exercise that involves using the large muscles and increases the heart rat has a potential to lower blood sugar and increase insulin sensitivity. It can also decrease blood pressure, increase your ability to do physical work and make you feel well. The diabetic has to be very careful to be consistent with an exercise program and monitor blood sugars very carefully. It is also important to have very close contact with your doctor, going over your exercise program with your doctor, and reporting weight changes and blood sugar changes. If you are on medication or insulin for your Diabetes, the dosages may need to be changed while you are taking part in an exercise program. And if you quit your exercise program, a careful re-adjustment of medication or insulin may be needed.

There are many aspects to a good exercise program but the key is consistency. Remember to start slow and work up at your own pace; exercise injuries are no fun. And don't be afraid to get out there and try new things. Variety in exercise is very beneficial, and that is, in fact, the spice of life.

Essential Vitamins and Minerals Vital to Good Health No Mater Your Age

Buy the best multi vitamin you can afford because your good health depends upon it.
Steer Clear of Drug Store Brands and One A Day Vitamins. Very few of these types of vitamins available today contain ingredients that have more than minimal bioavailability.
Bioavailability is a gauge of how much of a particular substance is absorbed by your body. Not all vitamins and minerals are alike and some absorb better than others. That is just one of the many problems of taking a one a day vitamin.

The Advantage of Taking The Best Multi Vitamin.

Vitamins and minerals basically manage your metabolic processes. Meaning that they are vital in helping your body to produce energy, grow, and are responsible for the reproduction and health of your cells. If you have a deficiency in even one nutrient you can end up with serious health problems because they often work synergistically with other nutrients, minerals, enzymes and coenzymes.
Certain nutritional supplements will also act as antioxidant free radical scavengers. Antioxidant vitamins have the power to counteract free radicals before cellular damage occurs. Free radicals are highly reactive chemical substances in your body that if left unchecked can lead to premature aging and disease, such as cancer and heart disease. Your body can manufacture some vitamins, but not all, so you must either get them from the foods you eat, which is almost impossible, or increase your intake with dietary supplements.

How to Choose a Good Multi Vitamin.

You have to take some caution when it comes to choosing a brand of multi vitamins. There is a wide degree of difference between cheaper synthetic dietary supplements used by a lot of manufacturers of one a day vitamins and the more expensive natural ingredients. As mentioned earlier, because of the fact that vitamins work synergistically, it's very important that scientists with the best credentials formulate the dietary supplements you use. Many manufacturers of one a day vitamins don’t use proper scientific reasoning and end up with ineffective formulas, causing many ingredients to cancel each other out, or to have even more harmful consequences. In addition, multi vitamins that aren't scientifically formulated properly generally have poor bioavailability, meaning that most of the ingredients will simply pass through your system with no benefit.
To get the best multi vitamin choose a manufacturer that follows pharmaceutical GMP compliance, which is the highest standard possible. Any other standard is a waste of money and hazardous to your health. Before making a decision, call or e-mail the manufacturing company and ask if they have a certificate of analysis on file confirming the potency of each batch. Avoid companies that do not respond or have excuses.

A few hints on finding a good multi vitamin:
-Go to a health food store
-Ask your friends if they know of a good vitamin and mineral supplement
-Then check on the manufacturer as stated above
All multi vitamin and mineral recipes are different, but find listed below are the most essential ingredients to look for when shopping for your multi vitamin.

• Vitamin A; essential for healthy skin, eyesight, and wound healing

• Vitamin B12; helps your system to fight fatigue, anemia and builds your immune system.

• Beta-Carotene; belongs to the carotenoid group and converts to Vitamin A in your body as needed.

• Biotin; a nutrient that plays a crucial role in energy production.

• Vitamin C; a potent antioxidant that also works synergistically with Vitamin E

• Vitamin E; an antioxidant which maintains the integrity of cellular membranes, protects against heart disease, and facilitates the healing of skin injuries.

• Folic Acid; a B vitamin that helps prevent birth defects, protects against heart disease, and is needed for cellular health.

• Vitamin K; a nutrient responsible for blood clotting.

Reap The Benefits

Once these essential vitamins and minerals start working in your body, and it may take a week or two, you will be surprised how good you feel, how much energy you have and how much clearer your thinking is.
So go for it. After all, without our health what do we really have.

Coming Soon To Health Works

More health tips on:
Exercise
Diet
Managing Diabetes
Heart Health
Going Green