Healing Reminder :)

I have learned never to underestimate the capacity of the human mind and body to regenerate - even when the prospects seem most wretched.  The life-force may be the least understood force on earth.  William James said that human beings tend to live too far within self-imposed limits.  It is possible that these limits will recede when we respect more fully the natural drive of the human mind and body toward perfectibility and regeneration.  Protecting and cherishing that natural drive may well represent the finest exercise of human freedom.

- Norman Cousins, Anatomy of an Illness: As Perceived by the Patient

Having faith and confidence in your own healing ability might just be your biggest ally along your journey to good health.  Happy healing!

Stay Current on IC Research

As IC patients, we know how important it is to be our own advocates.  Part of this means being aware of treatments and options for people suffering from this illness.  A dear friend of mine (who also happens to be a fabulous endocrinologist) recommended that I stay up-to-date by using the website PubMed.gov. This website generates a listing of the most recent medical studies released from around the world that pertain to IC.  It's very simple to use, just go to the website, and type "Interstitial Cystitis" in the search bar, or click here instead!

When I searched today, the first study that appeared was entitled: Urine alkalization improves the problems of pain and sleep in hypersensitive bladder syndrome. Isn't this exactly what we've been talking about here for the past few months?

 Be ahead of the curve, and your doctors.  Be your own advocate to help find ways to feel better.

Happy healing!

Sometimes the biggest results can come from the simplest changes...

found on instagram.. not sure of the original source! if you know, tell me :)

Healing Vegan Carrot & Rice Soup

I actually came across this cozy soup recipe on the blog of a former IC sufferer, Jess Lyons.  Jess was able to heal herself from IC over the course of  a few years by being extremely kind to her body (if you are interested in her healing tips and IC story, click here!). These days, IC is such a non-issue for Jess, that she barely even mentions it on her blog, Quaintrelle.  Instead, she now keeps a lifestyle blog focusing on fun things  such as crafting, cooking, and fashion. 

When I came across this recipe, I knew I had to try it out! I love both carrots and rice, and as the weather gets a bit colder (even in sunny San Diego!) I've been dying to make some more soups. Plus, it looked super easy, and it was. Below is my adapted version of her recipe.  Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs of carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 Stalks of celery, chopped
• 1 Onion, chopped
• 1 Clove of garlic, minced
• 2-3 T of olive oil or vegan margarine, or butter if you aren't vegan
• 2 48 oz cans of vegetable broth (I try to avoid canned products, but Trader Joe's has a veggie broth that I find quite IC friendly.  You can also make your own, if you have the time!)
• 1 Cup of brown rice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions: 

• Combine all vegetables into a large soup pot with olive oil/butter/margarine/whatever your preference is. Simmer until carrots are tender.
• Add broth and rice, bring to a boil, then reduce to medium and simmer until rice is tender.
• Remove pot from heat and let cool.
• Use either an immersion blender to combine, or a regular blender to blend coarsely.
• Heat to your liking, and enjoy! 

Happy healing!