10 Of My Favorite Health Care Products

It’s hard to know what health care products are worth the investment. Especially if you have a chronic illness, it’s difficult to know where to choose to spend money because there are so many options out there and so many potentials to waste money on less-than-helpful products.

I’m sharing the products that have helped me most so you don’t have to discover them by trial and error like I did. As I’ve told my friends, my “adventures” in health issues have given me way more knowledgeable about health than I ever wanted to amass. Since I have the knowledge, I want to use what I’ve learned to help others.

I have only included products here that I would recommend to a friend. In fact, I’ve recommended most of these products to numerous friends.

This post contains affiliate links.

I’ve aimed to find options that are available for Prime delivery to cut down on costs. Prime has been great for my family, especially when I need things quickly (like when I run out of a supplement) and to save on trips to the store.

If you’re interested, you can try Prime free for 30 days.

 

1. Neti Pot

My neti pot is a lifesaver! I depend on it when my seasonal allergies flare up and when I have a cold. I use it regularly and have it on hand in case something like perfume or a chemical smell triggers an asthma attack or allergic reaction. I used to get sinus infections constantly, and since I started using a neti pot, they’re much less frequent.

If you’re iffy about trying because you’re afraid its messy, try using your neti pot in the shower so you don’t splatter water in your sink. And if you’re iffy but suffer from colds and allergies, its really worth a shot. It’s pretty easy to get used to using and the benefit is amazing.

I’ve linked to the neti pot I use, which is made from food grade ceramic, certified lead free, and dishwasher safe too.

It pairs perfectly with these Neti Pot Salt Packets.

 

2. Bath Cushion                               

If you buy one thing on this list, make it this bath cushion! I was recently diagnosed with fibromyalgia, which explains why I have never understood why people enjoy baths—my fibro pain makes lying in a ceramic tub unbearable. So I wasn’t sure what I was going to do when my doctor, who specializes in fibromyalgia, recommended I take a bath weekly to relieve pain. I wasn’t sure if the benefit would outweigh the pain, until my mom did some sleuthing and ordered this bath cushion. It’s allowed me to benefit from baths after all!

Also, this cushion is machine washable. It doesn’t fit in our top-loading washer because the cushion has to be rolled up and put in a bag (that comes with the cushion) to keep it from sticking to the washer, but front loading washers should have no problem. My mum simply hand-washes it and then pops it in the bag so it can go in the dryer on low for a short while.

Also, the suction cups work well, so I slide them off the tub slowly (vs. pulling them) to keep them from popping off the cushion. Learned that the hard way, but the suction cup easily sewed back on.

(I have the original cushion; it comes in deluxe too, which as far as I can tell just means it has more of a pillow for your head.)

 

3. Epsom Salt for Baths

This is the good stuff that makes baths (or foot soaks) even more beneficial. As my doctor reminded me, your skin is the largest organ of your body and makes soaking up epsom salts an ideal way to benefit from and absorb these minerals.

I prefer the plain salts because I react to many oils and scents, but if you can, it also comes in scents like lavender and eucalyptus. Or you can add your own essential oils to create the perfect blend for you.

 

4. LyteShow Electrolyte Without Additives

When doctors recommended I try an electrolyte to help with my dizziness and other symptoms of dysautonomia, I had the hardest time finding one that didn’t have sugar, food dyes, or added flavors that I was allergic to. I was so glad to finally find this product. It also comes in handy when fighting heat exhaustion, and one day I plan to use this electrolyte when I’m able to hike again!

LyteShow adds a slightly salty flavor to water depending on how much you add, but I don’t mind it, and compared to other unflavored electrolytes I’ve tried, the taste is much better.

 

5. UPDATE: Arnica Oil

I was using a product that contained arnica root to help take the edge off fibromalgia pain and muscles stiffness, but then discovered that one of the ingredients is not something I want on my skin. I’ve stopped using that particular product and am going to give plain arnica oil a try. Since I haven’t been able to test it on myself yet, I want to try it out first before I recommend it to you. I’m disappointed to have to switch products since my old one helped, but I’m hopeful that the pure form of arnica will work even better. 

 

6. MyPillow

You may be saying, “Wait Cassie, a pillow? Is that really a health product?” Definitely! Sleep is vital to good health, and most of us struggling with chronic pain or health issues deal with sleep trouble. And my sleep was made even worse by never being able to find a comfortable pillow. Usually pillows are categorized by how you sleep: side sleeper, back sleeper, and stomach sleeper. What about those of us that toss and turn because our sleep is crummy? The MyPillow is great because I can fluff it our squish it down so I’m more comfortable no matter how I’m sleeping. Also, I’ve never had a pillow last this long. I used to say I killed pillows—all my tossing and turning meant my poor pillows were dead within months. This MyPillow has held up beautifully.

Oh, and did I mention they’re machine washable and dryable? Perfect for those of us with allergies!

I got my pillow in the least firm option, and that’s been a good fit for me.

They also make a little travel pillow, which was so much more comfortable than the hospital pillow when I had to stay overnight at the hospital after my thyroidectomy. I also throw one in a pillow case over a recliner to make the chair more comfortable, and I could see this size being perfect for road trips or sleeping on a plane.

 

7. Blood Pressure Cuff

When I started to feel like I was going to pass out several times a day starting a few years ago, we got this blood pressure cuff to start tracking my low blood pressure symptoms. My symptom chart was so helpful at doctor’s appointments to show evidence of what I was experiencing. Having a cuff even after my diagnosis has been helpful so that I can keep track of my symptoms to try to pinpoint what makes them worse. I’ve also continued to track my symptoms to help determine if medicine and supplements are helping stabilize my BP.

If you have or suspect you are dealing with heart issues or blood pressure issues, I highly recommend getting a tool like this to keep track of your symptoms.

You can also get a nifty case for storage and traveling.

 

8. Pulse Oximeter

Having a pulse ox at home was another key to tracking my symptoms. It’s also helpful for me to be able to check my oxygen and pulse so I know what is causing me to feel dizziness, shortness of breath, or chest pain. (If my oxygen is low, I know I need to turn to treatment to help asthma; if my heart is racing, I know to turn to ways to help my tachycardia and dysautonomia.)

If you can think of another device that can help you track your symptoms to present to a doctor, invest in it. Then record your symptoms to take to your next doctor appointment. This has proved very helpful for me to be able to show evidence of my invisible illnesses.

 

9. HEPA Filter

My naturopathic physician recommended I get an air purifier because of my asthma, allergies, and frequent colds. This HEPA filter is similar to the Honeywell model I own, and I highly recommend this to anyone with respiratory issues, or if you just want to make sure the air in your house is cleaner or fresher.

I use my filter year-round—in winter, it helps with low air quality and in spring it helps with pollen. It has also become a must-have in the summer here, as we keep getting smoke from wildfires in the Pacific Northwest. I’ve literally been stuck inside for a week at a time because I couldn’t breathe outside, and the filter has helped make being stuffed up in the house bearable (and breathable). My parents also run filters when they dust our vacuum to help with dust being stirred up, and it helps me not to have sneezing fits!

Here’s a similar model but in an upright design, for just a few dollars more. They also have some larger models, depending on the size of your house.

 

10. The FibroManual:

A Complete Fibromyalgia Treatment Guide for You and Your Doctor by Ginevra Liptan, M.D.

I can’t seem to write a blog post without mentioning a book! I’m passionate about the way this book approaches an illness as misunderstood as fibromyalgia. This book was recommended to me by one of my doctors, who herself has fibromyalgia. The author is also an M.D. with fibro. I haven’t quite finished reading it yet, and already there is so much great, comprehensive information that is presented in an easy-to-read format. My copy is marked up and stuffed with sticky notes and bookmarks.

I’m impressed how the information in this book lines up with what I’ve learned from numerous specialists (and uncounted tests). Reading this book sooner could have saved me some of those appointments and tests.

I appreciate that there are quick recaps at the end of the chapters, perfect for those of us with fibro fog. I’ve also found the illustrated exercises, to help with stiffness and other symptoms of fibromyalgia, helpful compliments to the stretches given to me by my physical therapist.

 

I hope my top picks prove helpful for you!

I’d love to hear if you benefit from one or more of these products.

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