Staying Fit ( or just Healthy) During Cold and Flu Season…with AFib (atrial fibrillation) February 19, 2019

I have spent the last few months on the edge of a full blown winter cold. A small sniffle here and a teasing cough there. The whole time i have been in some level of fear since 2 years ago- I entered winter with a pretty bad cold(bronchitis later) and emerged in spring in HEART FAILURE- AFIB (atrial fibrillation) and been dealing with it since then.

I survived the winter of 2017-18 without any illness but just before the Christmas holiday I started feeling the twinge in my chest and throat.

Now the fear crept in and I started with tea and juice. I am concerned with the empty calories in juice BUT also concerned with getting a chest cold so I water down OJ, Grapefruit and grape juice with seltzer. It gives me plenty of fluids and the vitamins- Speaking of vitamins I add more supplements to my intake as the lungs feel “funny”.

I fought the cold ll season BUT still ended with a full blown cough- that occasionally kept me awake. This year the cough never progressed beyond the pain in the butt stage But it was still there and it added congestion to my chest that was already compromised in breathing due to the Afib. The pumping of blood through the upper chambers of my heart is out of whack and I often have mild difficulty catching my breath. This winter has been a minor breathing challenge.

I have also noticed an increase in weight, most likely due to water retention. Since I have had trouble have not been to the gym nor done much other exercise. That usually helps when I detect bloating. A good sweat helps.

 

I found this article on PINTEREST…similar to other info I have read.

https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/cold-guide/heart-disease-colds

 

@martyroddy

 

 

 

 

 

 

A FIB / Atrial Fibrillation living and overcoming with diet. Heart health from the kitchen. January 28, 2019

I have been living with A Fib / Atrial Fibrillation for about 2 years. The symptoms vary and they come and go. Now in the heart of the winter I think I am retaining more water/ fluids since I am not sweating as much. (Need to hit the gym some more, maybe wear a sweatshirt).

Most of these posts are personal research BUT I hope this can be helpful for other folks.

Later today I will head to Trader Joe’s for some food. This research just confirmed what I already know/ knew. It also reminded me me of the ” sins” I was making in feeding myself and MY HEART.

Time to do it better.

** Interesting video with some very basic information. SUMMARY: cut out salt, oil and sugar, highly processed foods.

Now what diet to Follow? Metro, No. arb , High starch, plant base or vegan?

No processed foods????? How about the newly popular Raw Food Diets, which are also plantbased?

** Some general heart healthy and Blood pressure positive foods, very important for A Fib.

https://pin.it/n3byznojk2kjca

:: Now magnesium is valuable for A Fib treatment and general heart health.

https://pin.it/rxsl2zrinu4wgq

@martyroddy

Healthy Goodies from a Fave Youtuber.. Mimi Kirk January 8, 2019

Mimi Kirk has a great set of books and her videos are loaded with fun ideas….

http://www.youngonrawfood.com

Guacamole….

https://youtu.be/pTG1P9iRfJo.

Ginger juice shot….powerful and tasty

https://youtu.be/61fLlIXFS7A

And pUdding that is not “dessert” but food….

https://youtu.be/HtpjufDY9YY

@martyroddy

Strengthen and Rebuild Lung Function and Power September 26, 2018

This was originally created to help a friend having some lung/coughing problems possibly related to EIA , a childhood with smoking parents and high altitude endurance running.

…….[Dietary Changes to rebuild lungs (after illness or smoking) and deal with EIA (Exercise Induced Asthma)]

Exercise , especially extended endurance work leaves muscles and the lungs inflamed. This is not necessarily a problem but continued use/overuse can lead to discomfort, illness or damage.

Foods and Drinks to improve Lung Function and Recovery:

1. Tomatoes – Cooked and Raw , Cooked fresh tomatoes are best But low salt canned diced or chopped tomatoes are good.
2. Apples- raw with skin, cooked with skin, homemade applesauce, baked apples ( not pie)
3. Onions and Garlic- as much as you can stand…add to salad, sandwich, omelet ad especially to soup/stew.
4. Berries – cranberries,blueberries, raspberies,strawberries,cetc..
5. Citrus- fruit {limited juice but fresh squeezed} Lemon juice added to water or tea is the exception
6. cabbage family veggies (brassicas for the nerdy among us) brussels sprouts, broccoli, bok choi, cabbage( green and red), Kale
7. Ginger -great in soups/stews and added to tea also great as a “tea” on its own.
8. Green and Black tea- great hot when lung inflammation is active add lemon juice and fresh grated ginger for a BiG Bang impact. Iced tea can be a great recovery drink to rebuild inflamed lung and related cardiovascular tissue. Especially if brewed with a sliced lemon and 3/4” piece of slice ginger.  [plus ginger is noted to be anti-inflammatory for musculoskeltal discomfort]
9. Darky Leafy greens- collard,kales,spinach, mustard, dandelion ( great added to soups or with soup served on top)
10. Popular superfoods chlorella and spirulina have great reputation for recovery benefits
11. cayenne pepper – fresh is best but powdered has efficacy as well( just less Vitamin C)
12. Peppermint – added to tea, or foods/dressing…or leaves chewed like gum or candy
13. Root vegetable- sweet potatoes, beets, parsnips, turnips, carrots ( with skin)

Avoid

• Canned and Processed meats
• Fast Food
• Excessive Iodized salt (limited sea salt ok)
• carbonated beverages
• sugar( products with processed sugar)

 

 

 

@martyroddy

Found this post and Had to share..YUMMMM December 6, 2017

Had to share because of the contents and title…not berry season but come summer….now to find suitable substitute for a Christmas popsicle (or frozen berries??)

 

via Give us your lolly, this is a stick up! Well raspberry popsicles to you!    

Ginger- not just for cookies…(and bread men) December 5, 2017

Ginger is one of my favorite foods, spices and plants( fun to grow).

It tastes great- I recall early Asian food experiences when i asked ,”what is that flavor?”

Ginger is healthy for some of the following reasons and probably many more. Many of these suggestions are still in research stages but others have years and even eons of useful evidence.

1. Anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidants benefits of a part of the root (rhizome I know)
2. the above is helpful for muscle aches and arthritis and other -ITIS’S…
3. Has shown beneficial impact on blood sugar for diabetics and others
4. may help reduce cholesterol
5. long time use for nausea- helpful for chemo therapy patients, pregnant ladies and sea travelers as well as cold and flu season .
6. Studies are being conducted to verify as an aid for brain function and dementia prevention
7. Ginger has also shown benefits for infection fighting and prevention, especially oral infections and dental issues.

HOW TO EAT AND USE GINGER?

Candied ginger is a great way to get the benefit of ginger everyday- and share it as a  gift as well( it is Christmas season BTW)

https://foodbabe.com/2015/12/07/candied-ginger-edible-gift-idea/

A variety of recipes to use and enjoy ginger and improve your life and health.

10 Amazing Ginger-Based Recipes!

 

 

@martyroddy