To God be the Glory

I'm normally not a fan of any blog posting that gushes about how wonderful their husband is, how amazing their children are, or how awesome their life is. To me, it always seems a bit like bragging when it's on the ye old internet. But today I'm going to go a bit crazy and do a little public praising. Not to the mere mortals in my life, but to the God above, below and around.

Thank you God for providing me with a life partner that has supported me in health and in sickness. Nine years a go we took a vow and have fervently tried to uphold it.

Thank you God for each and every day that I am able to get up and take care of my children. The peace of mind and remission from palpitations has been a gift that I do not take for granted.

Thank you God for little baby laughs and toddler kisses. My youngest daughter is 4 months old now and has brought immeasurable joy to my life. Her easy going spirit is so refreshing. My toddler is feisty but I love that she won't be a pushover in life. She carries her emotions on her sleeves.

Thank you God for a family that lives near to me. Thank you for their guidance, support, and love. And thank you that they are always so willing to watch my children.

Thank you God for surrounding me with loving friends. Friends who have stuck by me, laughed with me, and cared for me.

Thank you God for the rain you are sending as I type this post. After a year of drought, it is so refreshing to hear the pitter patter of water falling and the wildflowers that have bloomed as a result.

Thank you God for sending your Son, Jesus the Christ, with whom we'd be nothing but dust without.

To God be the glory, great things He has done; so loved He the world that He gave us His Son, who yielded His life an atonement for sin, and opened the life gate that all may go in.

Most Frequent Causes of Palpitations

1. Exercise
2. Stress
3. Anxiety or fear
4. Smoking
5. Alcohol
6. Too much coffee, tea or carbonated drinks
7. Diet pills
8. Nose decongestants
9. Inhalers for asthma
10. Anti-depressive medication
11. Certain illnesses such as anemia
12. Certain heart diseases (arrhythmia)
13. Thyroid problems
14. Menstruation
15. Lack of B vitamins
16. Low levels of blood sugar
17. Diabetes out of control

What cause is bothering you right now???

site: The Diabetes Club

The Hormone Connection

I've always believed that hormones play a role in the level of heart palpitations I experience. Whether it be an increased level of stress, menstrual or pregnancy hormones, the pacemaker in my heart has often responded with more paused, heavy beats. And although I've known for several years now that I'm predisposed towards Type II diabetes (because my father is diabetic and I was gestational diabetic with both my girls), I hadn't fully realized the hormone connection between insulin and my heart palpitations until recently. In my previous post, I mentioned that I was in a sugar detox/weight loss program. 2 months later and 10 pounds lighter, I'm still going strong. I have greatly reduced the number of processed sugars and carbohydrates in my diet. After reading what I believe is must-read for everybody, "Why We Get Fat and What to Do About It" by Gary Taubes, I was even more convicted in the belief that an abundance of carbohydrates in our Western diet has had detrimental consequences to our health and well being. I can honestly say that despite having a 3 month old and a 3 year old, I have never felt more energized and healthy. Better yet, I haven't had a bout of palpitations since I started the detox. Do I claim that this is the cure for heart palpitations? Certainly not. As I mentioned before, I believe that many different hormones play a role in our experience of the dance. I also believe that for whatever reason, we will have periods in our life, where we are not bothered by them as much. Luck, blessing, or discovery, I'll take the respite anyway I can get it. And you might think that sugar doesn't effect you and/or you might not be overweight, but it might be worth it to look into reducing your total carbohydrates in your diet. Ask your doctor of course.