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Top 5 Best Hemp Protein Smoothies | Guest Recipe by Scott Reid

July 3, 2018 — Leave a comment

Hemp protein is the perfect ingredient for making healthy, vegan and gluten-free smoothies which can be enjoyed by anyone. Whether you are on a health boost or looking to make your diet more plant-based, adding hemp protein into your diet is a great starting point.

Hemp protein powder is created at the very end stage when hemp seeds are being processed. The seeds are pressed for oil, and the remainder of the seed left behind is then ground down into a kind of hemp flour.

This flour is then processed further to create hemp protein powder. Hemp seeds contain virtually all the amino acids which are found in meat and dairy making them a pure source of protein and a really good addition to any vegetarian or vegan diet.

The protein found in hemp seeds is also really easy to digest and for our bodies to absorb, making hemp protein powders a really great beneficial ingredient for any diet.

Hemp protein powder is perfect for adding to smoothies because it tastes good and can come in a number of different flavoured versions as well. Check out this one from Focus Performance for a very good flavoured option https://www.focusperformance.co.uk/products/hemp-protein

You can try them in a number of different types of smoothies so try out these five great recipes as a starting point:

Hemp Protein with Peanut Butter Smoothie

If you love chocolate and peanut butter then this is the perfect smoothie for you, with a combination of nutty and sweet flavours. Packed with goodness, flavours and energy, this smoothie makes a great breakfast, providing a powerful and energising start to the day.  

Ingredients

  • Eight tbsps. of chocolate flavoured hemp protein powder
  • Two tbsps. of peanut butter
  • Two chopped, frozen bananas
  • Two cups of almond milk
  • Ice

Directions

Put all of the ingredients apart from the ice, into your blender and blend well. If required, add more ice and blend again. If you want to reduce the amount of sugar, then you can remove the bananas and increase the ice content. It will be a more watery consistency but still tastes good.

Hemp Protein with Pear Smoothie

If you are a fan of green smoothies you will love this combination with the bitter flavours of spinach sweetened up by the pear and banana. Packed with vitamins and healthy nutrients, this smoothie will set you up for the day.

Ingredients

  • One frozen banana
  • One chopped pear
  • One cupful of spinach
  • One tbsp. of ground almonds
  • Two scoops of hemp protein powder
  • One cup of water

Directions

Add all of the ingredients into the blender –as a quick tip put the spinach in last so it doesn’t get tangled around the blades. Blend until smooth and then serve.

Hemp Protein with Spirulina Smoothie

Renowned for its health benefits, spirulina works perfectly with hemp protein powder to create a tasty and incredibly healthy nutritious drink, for an extra boost.

Ingredients

  • One and a half cups of almond milk
  • One banana
  • One tbsp. of spirulina powder
  • Three tbsps. of hemp protein powder
  • One tsp. of maca powder

Directions

Combine all of the ingredients into a blender and blend well until smooth. Serve immediately over ice to taste.

Hemp Protein with Cacao Smoothie

Perfect for chocolate lovers, this smoothie combines cacao powder with the nutty flavour of almond milk and all the goodness of hemp protein powder, providing a sweet tasting energising smoothie.

Ingredients

  • One and a half cups of almond milk
  • One chopped pear
  • Two to four tbsps. of organic raw cacao powder
  • Three tbsps. of hemp protein powder

Directions

Combine all of the ingredients together in a blender and blend until smooth. Serve immediately over ice to taste.

  1. Hemp Protein with Blueberry and Mango smoothie

For fruity fans, this smoothie recipe is perfect, with the unusual combination of mango and blueberries providing a tangy, tasty experience.

Ingredients

  • One and a half cups of almond milk
  • One cup of frozen blueberries
  • Half a cup of frozen mango
  • Three tbsps. of hemp protein powder
  • One tbsp. of coconut oil
  • One tbsp. of ground flax seeds

Directions

Combine all of the ingredients in your blender and blend until smooth. Serve immediately over ice to taste.

Hemp protein powder is packed full of goodness and is particularly beneficial for those on a vegan or vegetarian diet, as a great source of almost pure protein. Including it into tasty smoothie recipes is an easy and delicious way to include it into your daily diet.

Whether you opt for a peanut and chocolate rich smoothie or a lighter, fruitier version, you are sure to find a recipe to suit your taste buds. We have selected five classic choices here but you can combine any ingredients. Why not experiment and see what kinds of combinations you can come up with by trying out different fruit, vegetables and other flavours?

Scott is a sports and fitness writer and writes full time for Focus Performance. When not in front of his computer or spending time in the gym you can see him hanging out in his favorite coffee shop devouring the latest Stephen King novel.

Photo credit: Kitchen Nutiva //  The Healthy Family & Home

Losing My Mind: The Debilitating Effects of Memory Loss | Living with Fibromyalgia

June 5, 2018 — 1 Comment

For most living with fibromyalgia it takes many years to come to grips with the fact that the person you once were eventually dies and a new version of the person is reborn. The checklist of what fibromyalgia steals from you mentally and physically seems to grow longer with each passing day. Early on in my journey when I was passing through the five stages of grief, anger was a common emotion as I watched my life change from the inside out and was able to do very little about it.

“Losing my memory along with everything else is simply to much to bear and I am terrified”

As I approach my tenth year living with fibromyalgia I can say that I’ve made peace with and accepted the fact that I am a new person and will never ever exist how I was prior to fibromyalgia. Still I would be lying if I didn’t say that I am extremely concerned and terrified at the fact that I am losing more of my short term memory with each passing day. But before I get into my personal challenges with memory loss, let me share some of the general facts about fibromyalgia and memory loss.

Memory Loss & Fibro

According to the National Fibromyalgia Research Association, 46% of fibro patients suffer from both fibromyalgia and impaired memory. The National Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Association explains, “…we have found that FM patients perform more poorly than age- and education-matched controls on tests of several different types of cognitive function.”

According to a 2015 review in Rheumatology International, some patients report that the loss of mental clarity can be even more devastating than the pain and fatigue associated with fibromyalgia. Fibro fog can manifest itself in different ways in different people but some of the most common symptoms include:

  • short term memory loss
  • misplacing objects
  • becoming easily distracted
  • forgetting plans
  • difficulty carrying on conversations
  • inability to remember new information

One study from Korea, published in 2012, concluded “that the working memory deficit found in FM patients may be attributable to differences in neural activation of the frontoparietal memory network and may result from both pain itself and depression and anxiety associated with pain.”

Another study showed that fibromyalgia patients are not receiving enough oxygen to different parts of their brain. The Arthritis Foundation speculates that a possible reason for this could be that a fibro patient’s central nervous system is off kilter which leads to changes in the brain’s blood vessels. Thus, impaired cognitive function.

Although cognitive difficulties have sometimes been thought of as “all in a patient’s head,” a 2015 study in Arthritis Care and Research found that fibro fog is a real issue. In a study of 60 individuals – 30 with fibromyalgia and 30 without fibromyalgia – researchers found various impairments of attention and memory in fibromyalgia patients when compared with healthy controls. What remains unclear is what is causing the cognitive challenges.

So the studies are conclusive living with fibromyalgia includes so much pain, depression, and anxiety that individually and collectively cause the brain to behave abnormally. Indeed, the study went on to add that “memory and concentration problems in FM patients were related to impairments in their ability to organize and plan ahead, express themselves, respond quickly to questions, and to drive.”

The memory loss and “brain fog” that I have experienced for years but seems to be more noticeable over the last two years is not all in my head but very tangible and real.

What Happened to My Memory

My experience has largely fallen in line with the research and facts listed above. Over the last few years I’ve found myself stumbling over words when I am speaking, constantly losing my train of thought, and literally losing my short term memory. A few years ago I was in denial and tried to overlook these issues. I refused to believe that the only thing that I had left to rely on (“my mind”) was also being affected by this insufferable disease.

I pride myself in having the mental fortitude and stamina to have been able to turn my negative experiences living with fibromyalgia into an outlet and platform that has allowed me to share and sustain myself. Writing books, running a blog, and creating content all require a immense measure of mental fortitude that up until recently was in tact despite the chronic fatigue that when flaring limits my stamina physically and mentally. This truth was something I have been able to overcome. But losing thoughts, forgetting if I did something, and needing to rely more heavily on notes, journals, and calendars is quite different. This means that the content if I do not capture it immediately simply will not be there. Coming to grips with the harsh reality that my mind is not as resilient as it used to be and at just 32 years old I have to worry about the real and tangible effects of memory loss is very challenging.

Even though I’ve lived with fibromalgia long enough to know that I will do my best to rise above this symptom as best as I can, I would be lying if I didn’t share that I am tired. Tired of pushing through. Tired of the pain. Tired of rising above. Tired of being tired. Losing my memory along with everything else is simply to much to bear and I am terrified.

Source(s): Fibromyalgia Treating | Fibromyalgia News Today |National Fibromyalgia Research Association |Plos.org|Arthritis.org

Gluten Free Book Review: Blend: Artisanal Smoothies for Food Lover’s (REPOST)

May 22, 2018 — 2 Comments

Spring is finally here in Rochester, NY and I’m breaking out the summer fruits and my tried and true e-copy of Faith Gorsky & Alyssa Brantley ‘s Blend: Artisanal Smoothies for Food Lover’s . This is one of my favorite cookbooks of all time

The moment I learned about the release of Faith Gorsky & Alyssa Brantley ‘s Blend series I knew that these e-cookbooks would become part of my collection. Already an avid follower of Faith’s stunning food blog: An Edible Mosaic the combination of artisanal, fresh, natural and whole ingredients mixed with stunning food photography and meticulously crafted flavor combinations delighted the foodie in me.

 Blend: The Basics

&

Blend: Artisanal Smoothies for Food Lover’s

For several years now , I have been dipping and dabbling in fresh/organic smoothie creations as well as raw juices. Since being diagnosed with several chronic illnesses including IBS and celiac disease for several years now; simple, fresh, whole and organic juice and smoothie blends have become regular part of my diet.

Blend: The Basics is a well crafted smoothie how to guide. In an easy to read user friendly fashion Alyssa and Faith give you a college 101 smoothie crash course. In this first book you learn how to select the freshest most succulent fruit to give you the highest quality smoothie, how to wash your fruit, prepare your fruit, flash freeze your fruit, and cut your fruit. This is in the first six pages alone. You learn how to prepare in advance and create individual smoothie kits so that you always have the ingredients ready and on hand to make the perfect smoothie in just five short minutes. Who knew that there was such an art and science to smoothie building? But make no mistake, this science course is simple yet fun to learn and you will find yourself immersed and taking notes as you read through this well written tutorial.

Blend: Artisanal Smoothies for Food Lover’s Summer Volume 1 is the second part of the series and really where the real fun begins. Four sections of mouth watering, expertly photographed smoothie blends fill your screen in this section. The recipes that were built using Faith and Alyssa’s expert advice are there in all their glory for you to re-create. The recipes are divided by type: Indulgence, Fruit, Green, and Coffee + Tea. It took me a day or so just to decide where I wanted to begin and once I started, I was instantly addicted re-creating each of their recipes day after day over a two week time span. Just when I thought I had found my favorite the next smoothie I would try trumped the flavor of the last.

(kiwi lime+kale)

These chefs spared no expense when it came to building these recipes. Their time, attention to detail and flavor combinations is displayed upon first sip of each one of these smoothies. It is evident that they built their recipes from the ground up so to speak and the depth and richness of each taste titillate your tastebuds and tickles your senses. This being done using simple, sensible, and everyday ingredients found in most food markets across the country. Their emphasis on fresh, whole, and seasonal ingredients speak to the type of chefs they are and was a welcome point as I read each recipe.

The Blend series are an excellent addition to the collection of any novice or expert foodie or smoothie maker with just enough information to keep an expert interested but not too much to overwhelm the novice. Most recipes contain six ingredients or less with three directions or less; and if you follow the guidelines presented in Part I you reduce your prep time to even less.I have made it my mission to try every single smoothie in the book and with six down I am well on my way. Blend is a must have collection for anyone interested in improving the quality of their smoothie creations or for the casual cook looking to try something new. Either way this is one collection you don’t want to miss.

For more information on how to purchase your copies of Blend: The Basics & Blend: Artisanal Smoothies for Food Lover’s visit Faith’s blog An Edible Mosaic & Alyssa over at Everyday Maven

Rating 5/5

10 Gluten Free Snacks for Building Muscle | Guest Post

April 18, 2018 — 2 Comments

If you’re looking to pack some extra muscle onto your frame, having plenty of gluten free snacks on hand is perfect for getting in some extra calories. One thing to pay attention to on a gluten free diet is getting enough fiber, as many gluten free product variations are made with low-fiber ingredients such as white rice flour, tapioca starch, corn starch or potato starch. Look to buy products with almond flour, amaranth seed or flour, buckwheat flour or flaxseed flour to ensure you get enough fiber, which helps us fight off hunger and keeps us feeling full and satisfied. Try some of these healthy snack ideas to keep your health at peak levels and promote muscle growth

10 Gluten Free Snacks for Building Muscle

1. Avocado Toast– Did you know that avocados are actually considered a fruit? With all the heart healthy fats and omega-3’s they contain, they’re a perfect snack to get some extra calories in. By adding avocado to some gluten free toast, you’ll be getting some healthy fiber with a kick of protein as well. There’s also plenty of things you can add to avocado toast to mix in variety, such as a drizzle of honey, melted cheese, or smoked salmon.

2. Trail Mix- Trail mix is another heart healthy snacking option to keep your appetite and your taste buds satisfied. With all the different varieties of nuts, seeds, and other additives available, there are an endless number of ways to make trail mix. Nuts and seeds are also chock full of healthy fats that help lower the risk of adverse health effects like heart disease and diabetes. You can also give your trail mix a hint of sweetness and a boost of antioxidants by adding some dried fruits or dark chocolate. Just be sure to read the labels on dried fruit to ensure there isn’t added gluten.

3. Popcorn- Many people aren’t aware of the fact that popcorn is actually a naturally gluten free whole grain! Since popcorn is a whole grain, it contains all of the vitamins and minerals found in the bran of the grain. Popcorn is also an excellent source of fiber which helps promote a feeling of fullness and keeps our digestive systems running smoothly. You can make popcorn by popping the kernels yourself, or you can find a variety of popcorn products at your local grocery store. Be careful of buying popcorn products at the store; many of them are filled with harmful chemicals and artificial flavorings. This popcorn is a safe bet!

4. Peanut Butter Banana Wrap– Who doesn’t like the classic peanut butter and banana combination? Spread yourself some peanut butter onto a gluten free tortilla and top it with some sliced up banana for a delicious healthy snack. The peanut butter provides healthy fat and some protein while the banana and wheat wrap give you a nice dose of healthy carbs, vitamins and minerals. When it comes to macronutrients and nutrition, this healthy snack checks off all the boxes.

5. Protein Oatmeal– There are countless ways you can prepare oatmeal, which makes it a fantastic snack. Adding gluten free protein powder to your oatmeal is a perfect way to hit your daily protein intake and give yourself a break from your standard boring protein shake. If you want some extra flavor, throw some honey, nuts, or seeds in too!

6. Protein Bar- There are a ton of gluten free protein bars out there to choose from and they make for great snacks. Protein bars are especially convenient when you’re on-the-go and need something quick and mess-free. Try avoiding ones that have too much added sugar or artificial ingredients and pick a protein bar that’s made with wholesome ingredients instead.

7. Cottage Cheese- While this might not meet everyone’s taste bud requirements, cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein and various vitamins and minerals to help keep your hunger levels low and your body well-nourished. If you’re not a big cottage cheese fan, try adding some honey and fruit to spice it up!

8. Greek Yogurt and Berries- If cottage cheese isn’t your thing, try greek yogurt instead! Greek yogurt is loaded with protein; many varieties of plain greek yogurt containing over 75% of their calories from protein! In addition to the favorable protein content, greek yogurt has millions of healthy bacteria which help aid in digestion and keep your gut biome healthy. Like cottage cheese, greek yogurt goes great with fruit, nuts, seeds, honey, and more, but start with plain flavored yogurt to avoid added gluten in dried fruit or flavorings. It’s more fun to see what kind of healthy creations you can come up with yourself anyways!

9. Veggies and Peanut Butter- It’s hard to beat the classic combo of veggies and peanut butter. It’s an awesome way to get some additional vegetables in your diet, and since they’re covered with peanut butter, they taste like dessert! Vegetables like carrot sticks, celery, and cut peppers are perfect for dipping into peanut butter. If you want to switch things up a bit, try eating your veggies with cashew or almond butter!

10. Veggies and Hummus- If you’re watching your calories and you want to enjoy your veggies without having too much fat from peanut butter, try dipping your veggies in hummus! Hummus is made from chickpeas, which are a great source of plant based protein. Chickpeas have also been shown to reduce the risk of developing heart disease and hypertension!

It’s incredibly common to find yourself hungry in the middle of the day and looking for something to munch on between meals. When it comes to snacking, there are a lot of foods out there that are full of artificial dyes, sweeteners, preservatives, and other potentially harmful chemicals. Luckily, there are plenty of healthy snack options out there to help optimize health and muscle growth. Just be careful when buying pre-packaged foods by reading the nutrition facts to avoid these things and unexpected gluten.

Grilled Portobello Caprese Sandwich | Guest Recipe by Benjamin

April 13, 2018 — Leave a comment

One of the biggest challenges for me trying to reduce my gluten and wheat intake has been finding satisfying replacement for bread. Before switching my diet, I’d long been a bread obsessive and my greatest fear had always been to find strong substitutes so I could still enjoy my greatest love: Sandwiches. I had just about managed to create gluten-free versions of pizza, flatbreads and pasta, but a good sandwich recipe had eluded me for a while.

Enter today’s recipe.

This gluten-free vegetarian sandwich uses two hearty portobello mushrooms instead of bread to house beautiful fresh mozzarella and tomato pesto.While the portobello mushrooms might strike some people as a bit bland, their juices combine brilliantly with the mozarella. The two together make for a brilliant pile of melted cheese, packed full of flavors. Everything blends together perfectly.
Let’s get into it!

Grilled Portobello Caprese Sandwich

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

2 large portobello mushrooms
2 tbsp dried tomato pesto
1 tsp crushed garlic
½ cup mozzarella cheese, sliced
½ roma tomato, sliced
4-6 large fresh basil leaves
¼ cup sliced pepperoncini peppers
½ cup roasted bell peppers
olive oil cooking spray (for the grill)

Preparation

  1. Start by heating your grill on a medium heat.
  2. Use a spoon to clean out the insides of the mushroom, making sure not to break the skins.
  3. Split the pesto and crushed garlic between each mushroom, spreading as evenly as possible on the inside.
  4. Split the mozarella between each mushroom – don’t be afraid to be generous – and then place the sliced tomatoes and basil on one of the mushrooms. Top the other mushroom with the pepperoncini and bell peppers.
  5. Carefully put the two sides together and then place the sandwich on the grill.

Cook for 10 minutes on one side and then 10 minutes on the other. Remove from the grill and enjoy!

About the author:

Ben is a former semi-pro cyclist and big eater. Now he is just a big eater. He writes about food and drink for lazy chefs at The Online Grill.

 

5 Reasons You Should Be Using Argan Oil Everyday 

April 10, 2018 — Leave a comment

I was put onto Argan Oil two years ago while listening to one of my favorite podcasts (The Friend Zone) where resident natural life guru Francheska Medina talked about the oil’s gentle cleansing, moisturizing, and healing benefits; making it the perfect replacement for harsh and toxic chemically laden facial scrubs.

I know you’re probably thinking ” Oil as a cleanser” how odd. But I promise you need to be adding argan oil to your daily hygiene and beauty repertoire. Here are five reasons why.

What is Argan Oil

Argan oil is a plant oil produced from the kernels of the argan tree  that is native to Morocco. In Morocco, argan oil is used to dip bread in at breakfast or to drizzle on couscous or pasta. It is also used for cosmetic purposes here in the United States. Argan oil is rich with vitamin A and vitamin E. It is also packed with antioxidants, omega-6 fatty acids and linoleic acid. Research shows that when applied to skin, argan oil benefits include easing inflammation while moisturizing the skin.

5 Reasons You Should Use Argan Oil Daily

1. Works wonders for your hair

Argan oil benefits the hair unlike anything else. It is non-greasy and gets rid of split ends in a jiff. It also coats the air and protects it against the heat of curlers, hair dryers, and even flat irons! It does all these things together while promoting a healthy, vibrant shine.

2. Your skin will love you forever

From moisturizing, to toning, to exfoliating argan oil is a one stop shop when it comes to daily skin care.

Argan oil is a one stop shop when it comes to daily skin care.

Need a nighttime moisterizer? Apply one drop to your face, using a tapping motion, from the bridge of your nose to your temple and back again. Then apply a drop beneath your eyes with the same gentle tapping. The vitamin A and vitamin E can help to reduce fine wrinkles and keep this delicate area moisturized.

A DIY all natural toner. For an all-over glow, add 2–4 drops to 8 ounces of your favorite toner

Exfoliate the dead skin away. Just mix 1 tablespoon of brown sugar with a couple of drops of argan oil in your hand. Rub into your face in a circular motion for two to four minutes; pay special attention to acne-prone areas and areas that are dry. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.Regular exfoliation helps to remove dead skin cells and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while giving you a younger, fresher complexion. With the aid of the brown sugar, the argan oil’s nutrients are more readily absorbed into your skin.

3. Internal Medicine

Argan oil can taken internally as a medicine for healthy digestion and to reap its’ super antioxidant benefits. The dosage of argan oil for internal usage is 1-2 tablespoon a day. To fully feel the benefits argan oil, consume 1 tablespoon in the morning, and 1 tablespoon at night.

4. You’ll be toxin free

Let’s be honest; most skin and beauty products even those claiming to be natural are riddled with all sorts of toxic harmful chemicals. Replacing even one or two of those products with organic argan oil get you one step closer to being toxic free for life.

5. You’ll save a ton of money

One drop makes a world of difference. And since you only need a few drops in most cases you’ll save a lot of cold hard cash that you would normally use on bath, body, or skin care.

Learn more about argan oil at one of the links listed below:

Sources: Diamond Herbs | Dr. Axe | Wikipedia

Dependence is Not Addiction | Living with Fibromyalgia

April 9, 2018 — 2 Comments

The war on opiods is real. Let me restate that” The war on opioids is real and those of us living with chronic pain conditions and invisible illness are at risk of losing essential medications that give us a quality of life.

The war on opioids is real

I say all this in acknowledgement of a real need to address “opioid abuse” and “substance use disorders” which are very real and claiming the lives of many individuals across the country. However, as someone living with chronic pain and a dependence on prescription opiioid medication to live a successful productive life, I cannot help but be fearful that the vilification and “war” on prescription opioid medication with broad sweeping generalizations is not only frightening by upsetting.

The purpose of this post is not to undercut the real need for legislative control and action around “substance use disorder” but to help dispel the myths and misunderstanding of the categorizations of prescription dependence vs illegal and prescription drug addiction (now known as substance use disorder).

What is Addiction

Psychology Today defines addiction as:

“An activity initially enjoyed by a person (eating, drinking, drug-taking, etc.), but with repeated use and higher amounts needed to achieve a similar ‘high’ that can become life-threatening for the person’s level of work and life responsibilities”.

Medical and substance abuse communities have found that there are neurochemical differences between a normal brain and an addict’s brain. There are even perceived differences between addiction versus the abuse of a substance.

Addiction can occur without physical dependence; consider cocaine or methamphetamine both have little outwardly apparent withdrawal syndrome but addiction to either can devastate lives. Non-substance addictions such as gambling, sex or internet also have no physical dependence. What is common to all these addictions is the unnatural cravings that prompt the compulsive behaviors. (National Alliance of Advocates for Buprenorphone Treatment)

Physical dependence can occur without addiction; this is the common experience of most chronic pain patients who are able to take their opioid medication as prescribed for pain but don’t develop the uncontrollable compulsion and loss of control. A desire to avoid withdrawal is not addiction. (National Alliance of Advocates for Buprenorphone Treatment)

Studies have shown that addiction can form in individuals through a combination of genetic makeup and poor social skills. This is why the offspring of addicts are prone to becoming addicts. One study showed that a child of a parent with a drug or alcohol addiction is eight times more likely to develop an addiction as well.

What is Dependence

‘Dependence’ is a term used to describe a person’s physical and psychological loss of control due to substance abuse. If a person uses many drugs and develops a physical dependence on these drugs, that person is usually described as dependent. That alone isn’t always an addiction, but it can accompany addiction. Today, medical experts refer to ‘dependence’ usually around a person’s constant drug and alcohol abuse. Conversely, chronically addictive behaviors like compulsive sex, constant gambling, and even non-stop Internet usage can be seen as an ‘addiction.’

Why Understanding the Difference Matters

According to recent reports; atleast 100 million people with chronic pain aren’t getting the relief they need and are seeking alternatives.

Because of some healthcare workers’ attitudes toward opioids and media coverage of the opioid epidemic, when patients bring up the fact that they live with pain, they’re looked at with skepticism, questioned relentlessly, second-guessed, and judged. This creates a conundrum for physicians that because they aren’t adequately trained to deal with chronic pain conditions or don’t believe in what the cannot see; create a disparity in how they prescribed opioid medication.

There can be an all or nothing approach to the prescription of pain killers with patients who for instance have a surgery having medication over prescribed. This creates a situation where leftover medication unintentionally getting into the hands of children or worse finding itself to the black market because it wasn’t safely stored or disposed of. On the flip side, chronic pain patients may be cut off from essential pain medication because that same physician that over prescribed to a surgery patient fears long term addiction in a chronic pain patient.

Representation Matters

In addition to these disparities, there’s not a lot in the media about chronic pain patients. Chronic pain is not visible therefore it is hard to fully comprehend how someone can live with vacillating debilitating pain. Additionally because the media is all about “juicy” attention grabbing rhetoric; speaking about opioid use in the context of addiction sells more headlines and is a more interesting story than highlighting the experiences of chronic pain patients. It’s all about addiction and people abusing their pills. But there are pain patients suffering long term and they can’t get any help from the medical community, many experts explain. “No one is willing to listen to them.”

Again there’s no question that the use of opioid medications in the United States is a dangerous and mounting problem. The statistics speak for themselves:

  • In 2015, opioid overdoses killed approximately 33,000 people, up from around 11,000 10 years prior.
  • Opioid abuse has been called the deadliest drug epidemic in U.S. history.

But the epidemic is driven primarily by illegal — not medical — abuse of prescription pills.

  • A study of over 135,000 opioid overdose victims found that just 13 percent were chronic pain patients.
Even when the numbers are put into the proper context, chronic pain patients bear an inflated burden of the backlash against opioid use, which was driven by the pharmaceutical industry in the 90s.

How to End the Myth

I take opioid medication every single day to function and live. I am not an addict.

The single most important thing people can do is to listen to chronic pain patients and advocates when they share their life experience. To often people judge and stereotype based on what they think they know or narratives that they have seen. Everyone’s experience is different and the statistics show that most chronic pain patients are not addicts. Chronic pain patients should advocate for themselves and share their stories. The more we know the more we can understand to listen.

At a systemic level, in 2013, the American Psychological Association (APA) released the fifth edition of the DSM. In this edition, the definitions revolving around addiction were changed once again. The APA ditched both “substance abuse” and “substance dependence” in favor of “substance use disorder.”

Part of the reason for the change was the confusion surrounding the word ‘dependence.’ The hope is that defining an addiction as a substance use disorder was a more inclusive way to identify people who need help, but may not have a debilitating addiction.

Advocacy

I join the U.S Pain Foundation as a Pain Ambassador or spokesperson for issues and legislation surrounding chronic pain patients, advocacy, and showing everyday through my work with 540WMain Learning Academy and beyond the face of chronic pain. Each of us is different and unique. Laws and legislation have to reflect this diversity. While reform is absolutely necessary, some of the restrictions on opioids have unintentionally harmed legitimate patients who rely on opioids to manage their pain and use their medications appropriately. As a result, these individuals are left with their pain under-treated or untreated. A failure to treat pain appropriately, however, leads not only to unnecessary physical suffering, but also increased disability, lost productivity, depression and anxiety, and even suicide.

Says the U.S Pain Foundation:

“In order to effectively address the opioid epidemic, we must enact balanced reforms that consider the needs of both patients with pain and patients with substance use disorder. Balanced reforms include things like increased access to alternative treatment options (including complementary and integrative medicine and medical marijuana); prescription monitoring programs; abuse-deterrent formularies; increasing public awareness about safe medication disposal; better understanding of risk factors and appropriate screening for substance use disorder; and so on.” Read their full position statement.

To learn more chronic pain visit the U.S Pain Foundation

Sources: Addiction Center | The Recovery Village | Healthline | U.S Pain Foundation |(National Alliance of Advocates for Buprenorphone Treatment)