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I am not a medical professional, but I want to respond to Kate G's message:
I have read that exercise helps to release the brain's natural endorphins... thus helping to make endorphins -- our brain's natural morphine -- available to our body for pain relief.
I have also read that water makes up the greatest percentage of the human body. Thus sufficient water is needed to help rid our body of toxins. It is recommended that we drink at least two quarts ( at least 8 - 8oz glasses ) of water each day. It is a known fact that we can exist for a long time without food; but WATER is very essential for our body!
Our attitude about our chronic pain can also play a big part in how much pain we perceive. When we are enjoying ourselves -- when we are able to laugh, etc, -- our brain releases more of these pain-relieving endorphins.
When we are able to "distract" ouselves from the pain we are experiencing, more of the pain-relieving endorphins from our brain will be able to function at their best..