Sodium is an essential nutrient, especially for a person who has POTS. I have found out that no matter how much water I drink I am still always dehydrated. With my experience, the more salt I add into my diet the better I feel. The quote, "water follows salt" definitely is true (through experimenting).
I eat extremely health. No frozen dinners, no fast food, rarely I go out to eat and I only eat a few canned food items. All of those bad food sources are packed with sodium, so it makes it difficult to consume high sodium packed foods. Here are a couple of items I have found to have a good amount of sodium in them (the sodium content may vary depending what brand you buy):
1. Nuun Natural Hydration- They are just like gatorade but without all the sugar(I have found they are the cheapest on amazon.)
Sodium: 186 mg per serving
2. Sodium tablets- my doctor told me I needed to take 4 or 5 grams a day (1 g= 1 tablet), but my stomach can only handle one or two halves a day. If your stomach can not handle it either, do not give up! Try taking smaller portions at different times of the day and slowly increase from there.
3. Gatorade- In a 12 oz bottle contains 160 mg of sodium. The only downfall about consuming a lot of gatorade is you are putting a lot of sugar in your body too.
4. Canadian bacon, Salami, Bacon, and Cured Meats- They are all preserved meats and salt is used heavily in preserved items. These all will contain over 150 mg per serving.
5. Cheese- most cheeses are packed with sodium! Definitely over 100 mg per slice.
6. Bouillon cubes- (not GF but contains a high salt content)- One bouillon cube (5 grams) contains about 1200mg of sodium.
7. Soy Sauce- (can buy GF)- 1 teaspoon can equal out to about 282mg of sodium.
8. Sun Dried Tomatoes- 2 cups have about 2095mg of sodium.
9. Cottage Cheese- A normal half
cup serving of 1 to 2 percent low-fat cottage cheese clocks in at 450
mg of sodium
Friday, January 18, 2013
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Radical Acceptance
Fear is something I need to work on. I struggle with it multiple times a day because of this illness, but I can't let it take over my life. By allowing fear in, I might as well be waving a white flag and saying you have won. It is hard to not let your mind wonder into those dark places of this will never get better. But what will I do if I have to battle and fight for my life for several decades?
I was not much of a planner for my life, I believed whatever happened, happens for a reason, but I did NOT think this would happen to me. Not in a million years! The life I lived before was completely opposite of how I live my life now. I was strong, extremely independent, an exercise fanatic, and pushed myself to all limits. Now at 23, my mother has to help me bathe, stand up/walk, prepare my meals, and the hardest task, be a strong caregiver. I didn't think I would have to have home health help take care of my picc line, or use a walker in public, but life has definitely thrown me a curve ball.
What can you do though? The only way to be able to climb over this gigantic mountain of emotional and physical struggles is to do your best and except this new life. The more one struggles and tries to resist it, the tougher life is. I have been reading a book called "Radical Acceptance, Embracing Your Life With the Heart of Buddha", and I really recommend reading it. It will help you in multiple parts of your life and is a book that you can always go back to for a way to be uplifted again (I am constantly highlighting). It takes you step by step on how to recognize, be at ease and then accept our struggles. The writer interjects different real life situations and stories so the reader can really relate and get closer to the book. In the end you will learn different tools to help you in your life and hopefully you will become more at peace with yourself.
"We have to face the pain we have been running from. In fact, we need to learn to rest in it and let its searing power transform us."- Charlotte Joko Beck
Stay strong... you are not alone.
(Apologizes if parts of the post don't make since or if there are errors, my noggin has liked to stay in a foggy state lately)
I was not much of a planner for my life, I believed whatever happened, happens for a reason, but I did NOT think this would happen to me. Not in a million years! The life I lived before was completely opposite of how I live my life now. I was strong, extremely independent, an exercise fanatic, and pushed myself to all limits. Now at 23, my mother has to help me bathe, stand up/walk, prepare my meals, and the hardest task, be a strong caregiver. I didn't think I would have to have home health help take care of my picc line, or use a walker in public, but life has definitely thrown me a curve ball.
What can you do though? The only way to be able to climb over this gigantic mountain of emotional and physical struggles is to do your best and except this new life. The more one struggles and tries to resist it, the tougher life is. I have been reading a book called "Radical Acceptance, Embracing Your Life With the Heart of Buddha", and I really recommend reading it. It will help you in multiple parts of your life and is a book that you can always go back to for a way to be uplifted again (I am constantly highlighting). It takes you step by step on how to recognize, be at ease and then accept our struggles. The writer interjects different real life situations and stories so the reader can really relate and get closer to the book. In the end you will learn different tools to help you in your life and hopefully you will become more at peace with yourself.
"We have to face the pain we have been running from. In fact, we need to learn to rest in it and let its searing power transform us."- Charlotte Joko Beck
Stay strong... you are not alone.
(Apologizes if parts of the post don't make since or if there are errors, my noggin has liked to stay in a foggy state lately)
Friday, November 2, 2012
What's your ride?
So this past Saturday while most people were out shopping for their finishing touches for their Halloween costume, I was picking out what color I wanted my rolling walker to be. Did I want blue or red? What type of hand breaks did I like the best? And most of all did I want to customize my basket and add a seat cover? I didn't realize there were so many things to take into consideration when picking out this mode of transportation.
It would have been an easy choice of color if i wasn't a giant and needed the tallest walker. For some reason the taller population does not get as many color options, and i simply don't think that is right! I wanted the sleek and chic, classic black but had to settle for "midnight blue".... sigh. I was a very unhappy camper because i wanted to try to stand out as little as possible. This is why I opted out for the zebra print pouch and cheetah seat cover.
Since we were at the medical supply store I gave in and bought a wheel chair also. There have been several days were i can not walk from the car to my bed or crawl from the floor to my bed so having a wheel chair on hand will be helpful for my caretakers. It will even allow me to go for a stroll outside so I can get out if my house when I am having bad spells like the last three weeks. I would rather stand on my two feet and walk at the outdoor shopping center, but I can't be stubborn and just be grateful this will give me the opportunity to escape the four walls I look at every day.
The last purchase I made I am actually kinda excited about. It is an aerobic pedal exerciser for your legs and arms. It is a small gadget that doesn't take up much room like a recumbent bike would. It also has the option to add resistance which is another great feature. This
I did all of this while wearing a foam neck collar... Boo... I am 23 going on 80 it feels like.
It would have been an easy choice of color if i wasn't a giant and needed the tallest walker. For some reason the taller population does not get as many color options, and i simply don't think that is right! I wanted the sleek and chic, classic black but had to settle for "midnight blue".... sigh. I was a very unhappy camper because i wanted to try to stand out as little as possible. This is why I opted out for the zebra print pouch and cheetah seat cover.
Since we were at the medical supply store I gave in and bought a wheel chair also. There have been several days were i can not walk from the car to my bed or crawl from the floor to my bed so having a wheel chair on hand will be helpful for my caretakers. It will even allow me to go for a stroll outside so I can get out if my house when I am having bad spells like the last three weeks. I would rather stand on my two feet and walk at the outdoor shopping center, but I can't be stubborn and just be grateful this will give me the opportunity to escape the four walls I look at every day.
The last purchase I made I am actually kinda excited about. It is an aerobic pedal exerciser for your legs and arms. It is a small gadget that doesn't take up much room like a recumbent bike would. It also has the option to add resistance which is another great feature. This
I did all of this while wearing a foam neck collar... Boo... I am 23 going on 80 it feels like.
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Not the "physical" heart
This new physical body is not what I would have chosen, but there has to be a reason for my genetic imbalance. All of these days of lying around gives me the opportunity to soul search. Only I can figure out a way for me to get my life back together, make an income, and become independent again. My future is in my hands and I cannot let go of my hopes and dreams, or else there is nothing to live for. I do not care too much for my physical body because of all it's problems, but my soul and heart (not the literal organ) I love. I have discovered that is what is most important, how beautiful your inside is. That is the way you can impact a persons life or even change the world.
Look at Christopher Reeve - he was bound to a wheelchair after a horrific spinal cord injury and he was Superman!! He had every reason to loose hope, but he knew he still had a purpose in this life. Even though he had to depend on his wife, children, and loved ones to be his caregivers, he still did not let his injury stop him from living. He became a famous activist bringing more science to neurological research to find a cure and to gave people with disabilities hope. His physical body was not perfect, but he had a beautiful heart and soul. That spirit he had is what has continued to inspire people even after his passing.
It is very hard to be in limbo and not know what direction to go in. It is hard to not get stuck in the darkness or vicious cycle of this illness. But it's only up to you to find your way out.
Quote of the Day: "Life is full of setbacks. Success is determined by how you handle setbacks"
Look at Christopher Reeve - he was bound to a wheelchair after a horrific spinal cord injury and he was Superman!! He had every reason to loose hope, but he knew he still had a purpose in this life. Even though he had to depend on his wife, children, and loved ones to be his caregivers, he still did not let his injury stop him from living. He became a famous activist bringing more science to neurological research to find a cure and to gave people with disabilities hope. His physical body was not perfect, but he had a beautiful heart and soul. That spirit he had is what has continued to inspire people even after his passing.
It is very hard to be in limbo and not know what direction to go in. It is hard to not get stuck in the darkness or vicious cycle of this illness. But it's only up to you to find your way out.
Quote of the Day: "Life is full of setbacks. Success is determined by how you handle setbacks"
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Man's Best Friend
Just another day on the couch with my best friend. He is kinda a
couch/bed hog, but I don't mind curling up in a ball so he gets more
room. If I didn't have him by my side everyday, the daily battles would
be so much harder to deal with. He has become a sleepyhead just like his
owner, but he has a valid excuse, he is going on16 years
young.
Its amazing how he can sense when I am not well. He becomes more cuddly and attentive. He gets extremely anxious when I lay on the floor to meditate (its really cute). He starts pacing and will nudge my hand because he is afraid something has happened to me. Poor guy has been through a lot with me. I do not help his anxiety issues one bit.
I am thankful for my best friend everyday and never forget to tell him I love him multiple times a day. Everyday for 15 years he has always put a smile on my face. I have really soaked up and enjoyed each of those moments these past two years.
Quote of the Week: "If you can't fly, then run; if you can't run, then walk; if you can't walk, then crawl; but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward." - Martin Luther King, Jr.
Its amazing how he can sense when I am not well. He becomes more cuddly and attentive. He gets extremely anxious when I lay on the floor to meditate (its really cute). He starts pacing and will nudge my hand because he is afraid something has happened to me. Poor guy has been through a lot with me. I do not help his anxiety issues one bit.
I am thankful for my best friend everyday and never forget to tell him I love him multiple times a day. Everyday for 15 years he has always put a smile on my face. I have really soaked up and enjoyed each of those moments these past two years.
Quote of the Week: "If you can't fly, then run; if you can't run, then walk; if you can't walk, then crawl; but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward." - Martin Luther King, Jr.
Friday, September 21, 2012
Post Trip
For my college graduation gift, my mom gave me and my best friend a trip to the Outer Banks in North Carolina. And boy did I enjoy the trip!! It was not hot, but not too cold to lay out on the Atlantic coast. There were barely any tourists, so it was a very peaceful, quiet, and rejuvenating trip. The islands or "villages" were very relaxing and each day we experienced at least one amazing thing. I am beyond grateful that I got to spend five days with Lindsey.
Our first experience was going to the Wright Brothers National Memorial. On the island of Kill Devil Hills is where the Wright brothers took their first flight. The hill is 90 feet tall and you can hike up the path to the top to take in the scenery. Lindsey is just as determined as I am, and had it in her mind that she was going to push me up to the top of the hill in my wheel chair. She wanted me to experience the breathtaking view and feel what it was like to jump off the hill with two wings attached to you. She would not take no for an answer and refused to let me help her. I always knew she was special and had a huge heart, but when she pushed me up that 90 foot hill it really showed me how selfless, caring and truly amazing a person she is. I am beyond blessed to have her as my sidekick.
We discovered that since I have a medical condition and considered disabled, I can get into any National Park for free for the rest of my life. I was given a free access pass which I show any time I go to a National Park and I will get in free along with three other people. If there is a facility fee this pass will grant me up to 50% off. There are 397 national parks and Lindsey and I are making it a mission to cross off as many on the list as we can. It is a fantastic way to enjoy this beautiful nation one destination at a time. Also, Amtrak has a new promotion with certain parks where the admission is incorporated into your round-trip train packages. So you and your family can beat the airline fairs and travel by train and see part of the country side you would not ever see.
Our next adventure was climbing the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse which is in Buxton, North Carolina. I slowly climbed the 248 cast-iron steps that lead to the lantern room. We took our time and took many stops, but I was determined to climb the tallest lighthouse in America! No matter what, my adrenaline was not going to let me not complete this mission. When I got to the door that led to the platform that went outside so many emotions came over me...I realized that I just climbed a 200 foot lighthouse, which is equivalent to 12 stories without fainting. For the first time in a very long time I actually felt like I accomplished something. I miss all of those feelings.
I did it! I flew on a plane, went to the top of the Wright Brothers National Memorial, laid on the beautiful beaches on the Atlantic coast, went sailing for the first time, AND climbed a lighthouse! I could not have done it all without my best friend. She truly understands me, my limits, and this medical condition. She encouraged me to rent a wheel chair (which was a hard step for me to take) because she knew it would help me conserve my energy and allow us to do more things...and she was right.
It is my goal to travel the world and soak up every little jewel in each place. This trip really taught me that there is no reason to give up on my dreams. I am still not used to my new limitations, but I am slowly learning to accept them and realize that they should not stop me from still enjoying life.
Our first experience was going to the Wright Brothers National Memorial. On the island of Kill Devil Hills is where the Wright brothers took their first flight. The hill is 90 feet tall and you can hike up the path to the top to take in the scenery. Lindsey is just as determined as I am, and had it in her mind that she was going to push me up to the top of the hill in my wheel chair. She wanted me to experience the breathtaking view and feel what it was like to jump off the hill with two wings attached to you. She would not take no for an answer and refused to let me help her. I always knew she was special and had a huge heart, but when she pushed me up that 90 foot hill it really showed me how selfless, caring and truly amazing a person she is. I am beyond blessed to have her as my sidekick.
 |
| On top of Kill Devil Hill |
 |
| These are models of the first glider & airplane that were created |
We discovered that since I have a medical condition and considered disabled, I can get into any National Park for free for the rest of my life. I was given a free access pass which I show any time I go to a National Park and I will get in free along with three other people. If there is a facility fee this pass will grant me up to 50% off. There are 397 national parks and Lindsey and I are making it a mission to cross off as many on the list as we can. It is a fantastic way to enjoy this beautiful nation one destination at a time. Also, Amtrak has a new promotion with certain parks where the admission is incorporated into your round-trip train packages. So you and your family can beat the airline fairs and travel by train and see part of the country side you would not ever see.
Our next adventure was climbing the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse which is in Buxton, North Carolina. I slowly climbed the 248 cast-iron steps that lead to the lantern room. We took our time and took many stops, but I was determined to climb the tallest lighthouse in America! No matter what, my adrenaline was not going to let me not complete this mission. When I got to the door that led to the platform that went outside so many emotions came over me...I realized that I just climbed a 200 foot lighthouse, which is equivalent to 12 stories without fainting. For the first time in a very long time I actually felt like I accomplished something. I miss all of those feelings.
 |
| Lindsey and I on top of the world |
 |
| Another stamp in our Nation Park Passport |
 |
| "Oh man I actually did it?!" |
I did it! I flew on a plane, went to the top of the Wright Brothers National Memorial, laid on the beautiful beaches on the Atlantic coast, went sailing for the first time, AND climbed a lighthouse! I could not have done it all without my best friend. She truly understands me, my limits, and this medical condition. She encouraged me to rent a wheel chair (which was a hard step for me to take) because she knew it would help me conserve my energy and allow us to do more things...and she was right.
It is my goal to travel the world and soak up every little jewel in each place. This trip really taught me that there is no reason to give up on my dreams. I am still not used to my new limitations, but I am slowly learning to accept them and realize that they should not stop me from still enjoying life.
Monday, September 17, 2012
Kinda a good deal
It is a new season and for most women that means a new pair of shoes. Kind of hard to resist a discount from Crocs.
Save $15 on orders of $75 or more with code FC12 until 10/3 at Crocs.com! 
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)