How to lower blood pressure

Normal Blood Pressure Range Explained

2009-01-30T11:24:00.001-08:00

Blood pressure is the force applied to the walls of the blood vessels, arteries and veins when the heart pumps blood around the body. Blood pressure, which is counted in millimeters of mercury, has two separate readings. The systolic reading measures the blood pressure when the heart is beating or contracting. The diastolic reading is the measure of pressure between contractions, and is always a lower figure.

In the past a normal blood pressure range was considered less than 130/85 and more than 90/60, but the parameters have changed in the past few years. Now a consistent reading of 120/80 or more is considered a sign of prehypertension, a warning to change your habits and lower your blood pressure. The new normal blood pressure range is between 90/60 and 119/79.

Lower Readings

A blood pressure measurement of 90/60 is considered borderline low. A reading of 60/40 is too low and medical treatment is required to correct it. If a person's blood pressure measures as little as 50/33 they are in danger of permanent damage to the internal organs because oxygen and nutrients cannot get to them. Extremely low blood pressure or hypotension can cause coma or death. Very young children and athletes generally have measurements at the lower end of the normal blood pressure range.

Higher Readings

If your blood pressure readings are consistently between 120/80 and 140/90 you do not have hypertension, but you could be headed in that direction if you do not change your ways. A reading of 120/80 is now at the top of the normal blood pressure range. A normal blood pressure reading should ideally be less than 120/80 so if yours is higher you should be doing more exercise eat less junk food and cut down on salt, sugar, alcohol, nicotine and saturated fat.

If your blood pressure reading is between 140/90 and 160/100 you have stage one hypertension. You should try to amend your lifestyle and if that isn't enough to get you down to a normal blood pressure range then perhaps you should ask your doctor about prescription medication.

If your blood pressure exceeds 160/100 you definitely require medication to correct the problem because you are at very high risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, aneurysm or renal failure. Bear in mind that severe hypertension puts excessive tension on the heart and can cause the blood vessels in major organs to burst open. Severe hypertension can and does kill people every day.

Regular Testing

Regular blood pressure testing is very important for several reasons. First, one test is not going to be enough to determine if your measurements are within the normal blood pressure range. Everybody's blood pressure changes quite radically according to how relaxed they feel and what they happen to be doing. Several tests are needed to determine a person's average blood pressure.

Furthermore, it is only through regular testing that you can determine whether your blood pressure is lower or higher than it should be. Therefore you should be getting regular tests from your health care provider. Alternatively you could purchase a home monitor so that you can test to see if your measurements are within the normal blood pressure range as and when you wish to.

For more information please visit my Dangerous High Blood Pressure Website.

What Are the Best High Blood Pressure Remedies?

2009-01-28T22:48:00.007-08:00

If you've got hypertension, you need all the information you can get about how to lower your high blood pressure. Fortunately, there are many effective remedies for high blood pressure, both including and excluding drugs. This article will take a look at a few of the most popular remedies, but remember: high blood pressure is the number one predictor of heart attack and stroke, and it can also be a principal cause of kidney disease. In other words, anything you can do to lower your blood pressure is good, but if you have high blood pressure or suspect that you do, you must consult your doctor about the best course of treatment, and also regularly monitor your blood pressure to best insure continued health.

Blood Pressure and Weight

Probably the number one high blood pressure remedy is to establish and maintain a healthy weight for your age and body type. Why? Well, for starters, each pound of body weight you add also increases the length of your circulatory system by as much as 200 miles! That's a lot of extra capillaries for your heart to pump blood through. Reducing body weight can, over time and with exercise, allow your body to reabsorb much of that extra tissue, including the blood capillaries. If you have high blood pressure, reducing your weight to a healthy level—and keep it there—is one of the best things you can do for yourself.

Blood Pressure And Diet

Eating a diet low in transfats and cholesterol will help keep your circulatory system a lot cleaner and lead to lowering your blood pressure. It will also decrease your chances of heart attack or other coronary diseases. Also, reducing your salt intake is an important remedy for high blood pressure. Increasing your potassium and calcium levels by eating foods like bananas and other fresh fruits, nuts, and vegetables has been shown to be a positive impact your blood pressure. Garlic is another beneficial spice to add to your diet, and eating beans of all kinds gives your body additional fiber and non-fatty proteins.

Blood Pressure and Smoking

It should go without saying: if you smoke and you have high blood pressure, it's kind of like running around in a lightning storm while holding a golf club over your head. Smoking causes the blood vessels to constrict; how can that possibly be good for you if you already have high blood pressure? Stop smoking, and the sooner the better! The beneficial effects for your system will begin almost immediately.

For more information please visit my Dangerous High Blood Pressure Website.

What Are the Signs of High Blood Pressure?

2009-01-28T22:48:00.005-08:00

The trouble with high blood pressure, or hypertension, is that often it has no symptoms. You could be feeling fine, and still have high blood pressure. The only way to be certain of accurately monitoring your blood pressure is by having it checked regularly, either at home or by a healthcare provider. By the way, a word of advice: avoid the "self-service" blood pressure machines often found in pharmacies and other public places; they can be very inaccurate. However, it is important to get your blood pressure checked regularly, and to apply high blood pressure remedies if your blood pressure is outside a normal range for your age, body type, and general physical condition.

The High Blood Pressure Symptoms

Because so many people with high blood pressure have few signs, and because high blood pressure can cause so many serious complications, ranging from heart attack to stroke to kidney disease, high blood pressure is sometimes called "the silent killer." However, hypertension sufferers sometimes exhibit headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, or nausea. The problem is, the signs of high blood pressure tend to be non-specific; they could be caused by several other conditions. By the time high blood pressure causes noticeable signs, organ or tissue damage has often anormally occurred. That is exactly why it is so important to have your blood pressure monitored regularly. Only by knowing your blood pressure can you take the necessary steps to reduce hypertension and prevent more serious, often irreversible health complications.

How Is Blood Pressure Measured?

The most accurate method for measuring blood pressure is by using a device called a sphygmomanometer. This is an inflatable cuff, attached to a scale measured by a column of mercury. The cuff is placed around your arm, usually about the same level as your heart, and inflated until the artery in your arm is squeezed shut. The observer then places a stethoscope over your arm below the cuff, over the artery, and begins to slowly relieves the pressure in the cuff. The column of mercury is observed, and the point at which the blood begins moving through the artery again is noted. This number is your systolic blood pressure. Pressure continues to be slowly relieved, until the observer can no longer hear the sound of the blood moving through the artery because of its return to full volume. This reading is your diastolic blood pressure. The most definitive sign of high blood pressure is a systolic reading at or above 140, and a diastolic reading at or above 90. If your blood pressure falls into this category, heed the signs. High blood pressure should be treated and carefully monitored to maintain good health.

For more information please visit my Dangerous High Blood Pressure Website.

The Best High Blood Pressure Treatment: Lifestyle Changes

2009-01-28T22:48:00.003-08:00

High blood pressure is an affliction that already affects millions of people around the world, and which many more are being diagnosed with every day. If you are one of the people out there who have to deal with high blood pressure, then you know firsthand just how difficult and frustrating it can be.

To ensure that you are in the best of health and that your high blood pressure is not going to get the better of you, there are a few steps that you will need to take in terms of treatment. Right at the very first signs of high blood pressure you should be doing something about it.

So what is the best high blood pressure treatment? Well it really all depends on your particular condition, how severe it is and what your doctor thinks is going to be best treatment for you. However, out of all the different high blood pressure treatment options today, the most successful of all has been lifestyle changes.

Change Your Life

The first thing that you should do if you want the best high blood pressure treatment is to make some serious changes in your life. Chances are that you are not eating properly, and you should be eating six smaller sized meals a day, full of protein and vitamins. You should be eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, especially leafy green vegetables which are rich in antioxidants.

You should also increase the amount of fresh water that you are consuming on a daily basis. It is surprising how many people are not aware of the amount of water that should be drunk in a day. You should be drinking at least six to eight glasses of water a day, and if you still feel thirsty then drink even more.

Exercise is also incredibly important, and will be a major part of your high blood pressure treatment. You should be getting lots of regular exercise, at least a half an hour for three days a week, and this is the bare minimum. Everyone thinks that their life is too busy for exercise, but you can fit in into your life no matter how busy you may be, as long as you are willing to work at it.

This is by far the best high blood pressure treatment that you can try, and best of all you can – and should – stay on it for the rest of your life.

For more information please visit my Dangerous High Blood Pressure Website.

Some Tips On How To Deal With High Blood Pressure

2009-01-28T22:48:00.001-08:00

High blood pressure is a very common condition, one that can be manageable as long as you are educated and aware of what is involved here and what steps need to be taken in terms of treatment. First thing is first however, and that is to find out more about high blood pressure and what this condition is all about.

What it is

When blood pushes against the artery wall harder than normal, this is when high blood pressure develops. This condition can range from being mild where it would not be necessarily causing any problems to being so severe that it is life threatening. About one in three adults is suffering from high blood pressure right now, and more are getting diagnosed with it all the time.

How to Deal With it

Before you even get diagnosed with high blood pressure or get put on a high blood pressure diet, it is important that you keep an eye on your blood pressure numbers. You should start off treating your blood pressure problem by making some lifestyle changes, including to your diet and exercise regime.

You need to be eating all the right foods, including leafy green vegetables and ripe fruits. You also want to be eating enough whole grain breads and cereals, and drinking enough water to keep yourself hydrated. Six to eight glasses a day is usually enough, but if you are exercising more than normal or you find that you are feeling extra thirsty, drink even more.

It will also be important that you are aware of the possible factors that could be contributing to your blood pressure problem. If you can find out the main cause of your problem, you may be able to deal with it with at the source and get rid of the problem.

There are various different factors that could be causing your blood pressure to be high, but most likely it will be age, diet, excessive alcohol consumption, lack of exercise, obesity, stress, or sleep apnea, just to name a few. You will want to get your doctor to test you for any of these things and also do a general physical on you, just to make sure that you are in good health.

You can deal with high blood pressure and you do not have to let it control your life, as long as you take the necessary steps in terms of treatment and always keep yourself as healthy as possible.

For more information please visit my Dangerous High Blood Pressure Website.

Why Losing Weight is Good

2009-01-26T22:40:00.001-08:00

There is a great benefit acquired from losing weight. Though losing weight is not easy, the long term effects brought by it would probably be of help to anyone considering to shed those unwanted and unhealthy pounds.

The following are a few of the remarkable advantages from losing those excess weight.

Weight loss prevents high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke

That is a three in one benefit from losing weight. It is a fact that heart disease and stroke are one of the primary reasons for disability and death in both men and women in the US. People who are overweight have a higher risk to have high levels of cholesterol in their blood stream as well as triglycerides (also known as blood fat).

Angina, one type of heart disease, could cause chest pains as well as a decrease in the oxygen pumped to the heart.

Sudden death also occurs from heart disease and stroke, and usually this strikes with very little warning, signs and symptoms.

It is a fact that by decreasing your weight by a mere five to ten percent, this could positively decrease the chances of you having or developing heart disease or a stroke. Plus, how your heart functions would also improve as well as your blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride count will decrease.

Weight loss prevents type 2 diabetes

Diabetes puts in jeopardy one’s life as well as how one leads his or her life because of the complications that result from having it. Both types of diabetes, type one and type two are linked with being overweight. To those who already have diabetes, regular exercise and losing weight could help in controlling your blood sugar levels as well as the medication you may be currently taking. Increase your physical activity. You could simply walk, jog or dance. It helps get those blood streams moving as well as lose those unnecessary pounds.

Weight loss helps reduce your risk for cancer

Being overweight is linked with a number of kinds of cancer. Specially for women, the common types of cancer that is associated with being overweight include cancer of the uterus, gallbladder, ovary, breast, and colon. This is not meant to scare you, this is only to keep you informed. Men are at risk too from developing cancer if they are overweight. These include cancer of the colon, prostate and rectum. Extra weight, a diet high in fat and cholesterol should as much as possible be avoided.

Weight loss reduces sleep apnea

Or it could eliminate it all together. Sleep apnea is a condition wherein one could temporarily stop breathing for a brief period and then would continue to snore heavily. Sleep apnea could cause drowsiness or sleepiness during the day and – because of being overweight – could result in heart failure. Shedding those excess pounds could help in eliminating this problem.

Weight loss reduces the pain of osteoarthritis

When one weighs heavily, the joints of his or her knees, hips and lower back would have to exert double – if not triple – effort to carry him or her through out his / her waking, walking and moving life. This could cause tension and stress on these joints. Weight loss decreases the load these joints carry thus decreasing – if not eliminating – the pain of one who has osteoarthritis.

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Rediscovering The Immense Benefits Of Meditation

2009-01-25T08:48:00.001-08:00

As the pace of life gets faster and we find ourselves leading ever busier lives so we tend to overlook both our physical and mental health so that we are all now suffering from varying degrees of stress. It is not surprising therefore that we are turning increasingly to time honored practice of meditation.

Because of its proven record of effectiveness, meditation today is being carried out not merely to calm the mind and reduce stress levels but also to deal with a widening range of physical complaints.

Indeed there are numerous physical benefits to be derived from meditation which slows the heart rate and therefore the strain on the heart, lowers levels of the 'stress' hormone cortisol and other chemicals in the body that are linked to stress and reduces the number of free radicals in the body so further helping to lower blood pressure. Meditation also improves the oxygen flow through the lungs to assist breathing and can even increasing levels of DHEA to help slow aging.

As far as its psychological benefits, meditation reduces irritability and anxiety and increases your memory and therefore your ability to learn. Accordingly, it also produces a positive outlook on life giving you a feeling of youthfulness and rejuvenation.

Some of the other noteworthy benefits to be derived from meditation exercises include:

* Producing a total relaxation of not merely the mind and body but also of your psyche.

* Assisting with the healing of a number of illnesses for which there is an association between the physical condition and the emotional state of the patient.

* Creating an opening of the door into the 'inner self' Which allows for the release of our innate creativity.

* Producing an enhancement to our innate self-confidence leading to a stronger and more dominant sense of will power.

* Generating an increase in energy levels which make it easier to face the strains of daily life.

* Generating a greater ability to deal with a variety of addictions and vices ranging from alcohol and tobacco to tranquilizers and narcotics.

And so the list goes on.

However, like anything else meditation can be a powerful force for good if it is used properly but it is also problematic when it is not used properly. The key therefore is to understand precisely what guided meditation can do and to learn the art of meditation before adding daily meditation into your normal pattern of life.

"What There is to Know About Diet Pills?"

2009-01-24T21:11:00.005-08:00

According to manufacturers, diet pills use natural ingredients capable of prolonging life and containing alcohol used in medication or flavoring. One thing’s for sure, never take diet pills as substitute for cutting calories without the doctor’s recommendation. There are simple but important steps to be followed when taking diet pills:

1.Never crush diet pills to mix in drinks or soups. Take it whole with a full glass of water.

2.Diet pills causes a person to urinate more frequently due to its diuretic effect. This could lead to dehydration, thus, causing complications. As a pre-caution, it is best to drink eight glasses of water everyday while on diet pills.

3.Take only the recommended dosage. Taking more than required will not help you lose weight but increase the risk of side effects.

4.Heartbeat should be less than 86 beats per minute. Stop taking the pills if it reaches 90 or higher that is why regular checking of pulse is a must.

5.Always follow the instructions set by the dietician and/or doctor and not only rely on what’s enclosed in the box. Also diet pills will only work as expected if diet plan is being followed.

6.After three months, stop taking the diet pills. Common diet phenylpropanolamine is safe to use only up to sixteen weeks. Other studies show that it can cause health problems if taken under one month.

There are two kinds of diet pills; one is the prescription only diet pills and the over-the-counter diet pills.

Prescription Diet Pills - are drugs regulated by the Food and Drug Administration agency which side effects are monitored, maybe advertised and prescribed under certain dosages. The most popular of these is Xenical, which is licensed for long-term use. However, this too has it’s own side effects, diarrhea, oily and unexpected fecal discharge are just some. Therefore, users are advised to take a low fat diet plan.

While Over-the-Counter Diet Pills are categorized as food substitute and are unregulated. Beware that these diet pills are not Federal authorities tested and may cause serious side effects up to and including death.

Aside from a dietician, local pharmacists can also help in determining the pills that are safe and not for each person’s case. Just be extra careful about the so-called "natural" or "organic" ingredients. Not everything that comes from a natural source is safe. One example is Ma Huang, which is a botanical source of ephedrine known as a stimulant and being studied for potential side effects.

Those who have or have a family history of prostate problems, thyroid disease, mental illness, high blood pressure, and heart problems should avoid taking diet supplements. The same applies to those who’ve had seizures or strokes. If someone is taking cold medicines, especially those with decongestants, diet pills should not be taken. Whether it be a prescription or an over-the-counter diet pill, the dangers are unvarying with other similar drugs which controls the brain to reduce appetite and includes chest pains, hair fall, fever, depression, and even impotence.

And as a general rule, don’t ever try to take diet drugs if pregnancy is suspected. Persons that are allergic to sulfites and tartrazine should also avoid taking diet pills. And those who are under 18 years or over 60 years of age should consult their doctor first prior to taking any dietary drugs, especially if they rely on over-the-counter stimulants used as a replacement for increase exercise.

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"What to Know About Weight Loss Products"

2009-01-24T21:11:00.003-08:00

There are a lot of weight loss products that offer that fast weight loss results, however, are these really guaranteed? Could these products live up to their assurance of a fit body?

In US, there is an estimated 50 million people who try to lose weigh, unfortunately, only 5 per cent are successful. One thing's for sure, beware of fraudulent claims and extreme high cost because there is no magic to losing weight.

Samples of weight loss products in the market nowadays:

· Diet Patch – this was already removed since 1990’s by FDA since they were proven ineffective.

· Magnetic Diet Pills – allegedly flushes out fat, but not.

· Guar Gum – causes internal obstruction.

· Electrical Muscle Stimulators – no proven effect.

· Eyeglasses that Suppress Appetite – These claims that the projected image on the retina decreases appetite. No proven fact.

· Weight loss earrings – through acupuncture, suppresses appetite.

There are also examples of weight loss products:

Diet drinks that are mixed with beverages or food are used as meal substitutes. A downside of this is that once a person stopped taking the drinks, they would eventually regain the lost weight after a short period of time due to feeling of emptiness in the stomach. Another is diet supplements and medicines that also don’t work long-term. Over-the-counter pills that compose of phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride may raise blood pressure and palpitation. Ephedra on the other hand can cause serious side effects such as heart problems, seizure, stroke, and even death. E.g.:

§ Herbalife Nutritional Program – good as two meals, dieters may rely on shakes and follow artificial dieting methods and just don’t want food to work into their lives.

§ Mega-Thin 100 Formula – Its formula contains an anti-fat weapon, however, diet is not emphasized that’s why it’s concluded that it has an appetite suppressant.

§ Nestlé’s Sweet Success – recommended to take three times a day and it does not promote healthy eating habits. Weight loss is difficult to maintain once intake is stopped.

§ Ultra Slim Fast – this plan requires regular exercise but does not teach good eating habits.

§ Diet pills with Ephedra and PPA – many of these have enclosed diet plans. Slimming can come from the diet plan and not the pill intake and there are risks of adverse side effects.

§ Chitosan products – contains fibers which were taken from shellfish that may cause diarrhea, bloatedness, and gas. This will only work if a low fat diet is practiced.

§ Chromium Supplements –claim that products will lower blood sugar, body fat and cholesterol but causes anemia and even memory loss. Studies show only minimal or no beneficial effect at all.

§ Green Tea Extract Products – known as strong anti-oxidants that help lower cholesterol and triglycerides, and promote weight loss, however, the caffeine content could cause insomnia and restlessness.

§ Algae Tablets - Spirulina contains significant nutrients that can be an acceptable food when used as part of a varied diet but are very expensive.

§ St. John's Wort Supplement - Claims that it will suppress appetite and promote weight loss but it could lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, tiredness, sleeplessness, and arouse allergic reactions.

§ Glucomannan Products – claim that two capsules before each meal decrease food absorption. Known as food thickeners but not yet proven safe or effective. Weight loss will only happen if good diet plan is followed.

Even if you plan on using over-the-counter weight supplements or even participate in a weight loss activity, the verdict is that you still have to eat fewer calories than you burn to lose weight. When choosing a weight loss product or program, collect as much information as possible.

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Free Weight Loss programs

2009-01-24T21:11:00.001-08:00

The race to fitness is on and a lot of people are getting into the band wagon. Some people do it to achieve a sexy body, some people just do it because they are embarrassed with the body they have now, while others do it simply to remain fit and heatlthy. As such, many fitness programs are out in the internet, in gyms, spas and fitness centers all over. Some are too expensive to afford that one may even lose weight just by trying to work out the money needed to pursue these fitness programs.

One may not have to go to the gym or the spa or any fitness center and spend much just to slim down to obtain that longed for sexy body. There are many books available in the bookstore which offer weight loss programs which are convenient and for free, of course the books are not though. These weight loss programs, or diet plans are gaining immense popularity with so much publicity, testimonials and reviews that one may be confused which exactly to follow. So before choosing which weight loss plan to follow, try reading these summaries about the most popular diet programs out today.

Atkins' New Diet Revolution by Dr. Atkins. This weight loss program encourages high protein diet and a trim down on the carbs. One can feast on vegetables and meat but should fast on bread and pasta. One is also not restricted against fat intake so it is okay to pour in the salad dressing and freely spread on the butter. However, after the diet, one may find himself lacking on fiber and calcium yet high in fat. Intake of grains and fruits are also limited.

Carbohydrate Addict's Diet by Drs. Heller. This diet plan advocates low carbohyrate eating. Approves on eating meats, vegetables and fruits, dairy and grain products. however, warns against taking in too much carb. "Reward" meal can be too high on fats and saturated fats.

Choose to Lose by Dr. Goor. Restrains fat intake. One is given a "fat" budget and he is given the liberty on how to spend it. It does not pressure the individual to watch his carbohydrate intake. Eating meat and poultry as well as low-fat dairy and seafoods is okay. A go signal is also given on eating vegetables, fruits, cereals, bread and pasta. This weight loss plan is fairly healthy, good amounts of fruits and vegetables as well as saturated fats. Watch triglyceride levels though; if high, trim down the carbohydrates and tuck in more of the unsaturated fats.

The DASH Diet. Advocates moderate amounts of fat and protein intake and high on carbs. Primarily designed to lower blood pressure, the diet plan follows the pyramid food guide and encourages high intake of whole wheat grains as well as fruits and vegetables and low-fat dairy. Some dieters think it advocates too much eating to procure significant weight loss.

Eat More, Weigh Less by Dr. Ornish. Primarily vegetarian fare and strictly low-fat. Gives the go signal on the "glow" foods but warns to watch it on non-fat dairy and egg whites. This diet is poor in calcium and retricts consumption of healthy foods like seafoods and lean poultry.

Eat Right for Your Type. Interesting because it is based on the person's blood type. recommends plenty of mest for people with the blood type O. Diet plans for some blood types are nutritionally imbalanced and too low in calories. And for the record, there is even no proof that blood type affects dietary needs.

The Pritkin Principle. Focused on trimming the calorie density in eating by suggesting watery foods that make one feel full. Eating vegetables, fruits, oatmeal, pasta, soups, salads and low-fat dairy is okay. Although limits protein sources to lean meat, pseafood and poultry. Although it is healthy by providing low amounts of saturated fats and rich amounts of vegetables and fruits, it is also low on calcium and limits lean protein sources.

Volumetrics. For low-density calorie eating. Recommends the same foodstuff as Pritkin but restricts fatty or dry foods like popcorn, pretzels and crackers. This plan is reasonably healthy given the high amounts of fruits and vegetables as well as being low in calorie density and saturated fats.

The Zone. Moderately low on the carbs yet moderately high on the proteins. Encourages low-fat protein foods like fish and chicken plus veggies, fruits and grains. It is also healthy but lacking in grains and calcium.

Weight Watchers. High carbohydrates, moderate on fats and proteins. A very healthy diet plan and very flexible too. it allows the dieter to plan his own meal rather than give him a set to follow.

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Strategies for a healthy heart

2009-01-22T02:09:00.001-08:00

Just a short time ago, heart disease was this country`s biggest killer. It's now in the same league as obesity. However, that changes very little, as obesity often lead to heart disease, which just makes the argument cyclical.

If you’ve lived life to the fullest – which sometimes or oftentimes means you’ve indulged in a lifestyle that’s not very heart friendly - it may be high time for you to take a long hard look at yourself, especially if you’re getting on in years. It may now be time to look at the South Beach Heart Program. These are some things you can do right away to get your heart on a healthy path.

A Strategy of Prevention
Heart disease is preventable, so it is a good idea to make preventing it from happening to you a top priority. How do you do this? By avoiding activities that increase your risk of heart attack of course.

Stop Smoking – Cigarette smoke contains around thousands of chemicals, most of which can damage your heart and blood vessels on their own. These elements working together, are crippling your heart and arteries. Nicotine restricts the flow of blood in your vessels which will increase your heart rate - not good. You have to compete smoking completely, because even light smkoers are at significant risk. Quit and you decrease your risk factor significantly.

Drink Moderately - Start cuttting down on the amount of alcholol. Overindulgence with alcohol leads to high blood pressure not to mention being dangerous to your liver. If you are in a social situation, try and drink red wine, which is good for the heart. This should also be done in moderation.

Eat a heart-healthy diet- The eat whatever you like diet you were on during your younger years probably didn’t do so much good for your heart but if you can start healthy eating now, it will still be beneficial for you. Try and eat a diet rich is fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It's time to reduce fatty milk products and meats that have a high fat content.

You`ve got to get physical
Now that you’ve eliminated activities that are bad for your heart, it’s now time to engage inactivities that are good for it. To make is simple and direct you need to exercise regularly.
Regular exercise whether sports or working out in the gym or your own home helps prevent heart failure by increasing blood flow to your heart, strengthening it in the process. Exercise also lowers your bad cholesterol levels. As a side benefit, exercise will reduce mental stress - also a leading cause of heart disease.

Exercising is also key to maintaining a healthy weight. It is natural that as we age, our metabolism slows down that is why when we were young, we could seemingly eat as much as we want and yet stay fit. Being overweight adds to your heart disease risk factor. Strive to get your weight down to the right level proportionate to your height and age.

Make Check-ups Part of Your Retirement
Another strategy that people ignore is making check-ups part of their lifestyle. Some people ignore this, believing that their healthy lifestyle and regular exercise is enough. Sometimes it is, but sometimes its not. Some seniors could look into optional medications. Its easy to miss something in your health without regular doctor appointments. Regular checkups will also let you know your actual cholesterol levels so you will know what type of foods to eat and what to avoid, and also what foods you can indulge on.

Following these strategies can help you live a longer, healthier life, but only if you do them all together, not just piecemeal. The sooner you start, the better off you will be.

Pro Solution Pills Review - Does it Really Work?

2009-01-20T12:40:00.001-08:00

ProSolution represents a herbal natural supplement used in the treatment of male fertility problems and erectile dysfunctions. As the major ingredients of the product, herbs play a vital role in the increase of the sexual drives and the stimulation of the body stamina that is necessary for a rewarding love life.

Some of the extracts present in Pro Solution Pills act as aphrodisiacs while others triggered an increased blood flow to the penile tissue. Nevertheless, the producers claim that for long-lasting effects of the Pro Solution Pills, it is advisable that they be used in combination with special physical exercises for which they provide you with a manual.

ProSolution Pills – the ingredients

Drilizen and Solidilin, these are the formulas that support the penis size increase with Pro Solution Pills. Drilizen has the ability to release nitric oxide, a chemical with a vital role in the relaxation of the blood vessels and the dilation that makes erections possible. Drilizen also stimulates the testosterone natural body production, improving the quality of the sexual life.

The other major ingredient in Pro Solution, Solidilin, is responsible for the psychological response to sexual stimuli. These chemicals together with Reishi mushrooms and Musli extracts lead to an increase of the sexual motivation triggering a lot more pleasure and resulting in a truly rewarding sexual experience for both partners. Solidilin is also the basis for another chemical: dopamine that is closely connected to thed same pleasure effect we've mentioned.

Last but not least of the ProSolution Pills, we have to mention Momordica extract for the testosterone level increase and the vaso-dilators, Taj and Safflower. These herbs in fact make firmer erections possible by the sustained high blood flow in the penis.

ProSolution Pills health risks

The side effects reported after the administration of ProSolution represent either a low tolerance reaction or an aggravation of a pre-existent health problem. For instance, people with high blood pressure and heart disease should not administrate ProSolution Pills because of the blood flow stimulation properties.

All in all, ProSolution Pills will best work for men that have no health problems whatsoever, but the “all clear” diagnosis can only be given by an expert in the medical field. Do not hesitate to talk to a doctor about the use of the sexual enhancement supplement.

Lose Weight and Lower Blood Pressure with DASH

2009-01-19T21:29:00.001-08:00

Have you heard about the DASH diet? No, it isn't the latest crazy weight loss scheme to hit the market. It's a sensible eating program formulated by the US National Institutes of Health to manage high blood pressure and cholesterol levels. DASH is an acronym for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. The diet encourages the consumption of lots of unprocessed, nutrient packed foods such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables, lean white meats and fish, while avoiding sugar, sodium and red meat. In fact, this plan is actually one of the most healthy weight loss programs you can find today.

The diet also advises against eating too many processed foods. Once people learn to give up these overly processed products they often find that food has a much better flavor. Processed foods contain three quarters of the sodium found in the average diet. This is why the DASH diet discourages them. A large number of cases of hypertension are caused by excessive sodium consumption. Reducing your sodium intake by eliminating processed foods from your diet is a big step towards controlling your blood pressure and living a healthier, longer life.

The DASH diet isn't just for controlling hypertension. In addition, it places an emphasis on lifestyle makeover instead of restrictive eating that will help you towards your goal of achieving a healthy body weight. The DASH diet was the outcome of numerous studies that looked at various diet programs and their results.

This healthy lifestyle plan demonstrates to people what good eating habits look like. However, it also points them towards healthier substitutes for junk food. This is actually quite critical, since dieting causes many people to start craving the junk food that they're used to eating. By substituting a healthier food that satisfies the body, people are less likely to cheat. With this valuable tool, people will be more likely to stay with the program until it becomes a habit.

There's also a book of guidelines that has been published for the diet called Your Guide to Lowering Your Blood Pressure with DASH. This guide shows the nutritional information for many foods and gives suggestions for healthy alternatives for the less nutritious ones. This useful reference tool also has great ideas for meal preparation that fit within the DASH recommendations, complete with nutritional breakdown. It also includes valuable resources such as places where people can find help to start the program, and other support mechanisms that are available to help you make it work.

As you can see, the DASH diet isn't the latest rapid weight loss diet to make the rounds. The results of much research has contributed to these dietary recommendations. It's endorsed by numerous experts and organizations in the field of health and nutrition. It's highly recommended for anyone who is having difficulties with high blood pressure. It's also ideal for people who are looking for a healthier approach to eating or practical, nutritional weight loss advice.

REDUCE BLOOD PRESSURE - WITH POWERFUL RELAXATION TECHNIQUES

2009-01-18T05:42:00.001-08:00

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE EXPLAINED
Our arteries carry blood from our heart to the rest of our body. When our blood flows through our arteries at a higher pressure than normal, it results in a condition called ‘High Blood Pressure’ (also named ‘Hypertension’).According to medical standards a normal blood pressure stands at a reading of about 120/80. High blood pressure is 140/90 or sometimes higher.

WHAT CAUSES HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
High blood pressure is mainly cause by obesity and lack of regular exercise; some are cause by family medical history, stressful and sedentary lifestyle and poor eating style.

THE RISK AND SYMPTOMS

When you have shortness of breath, headache, dizziness or blurred vision, you may have a high blood pressure condition. Most of the other symptoms are unnoticeable in most cases, if any of the above mention occurs, you should do a full body check to find out the problems. Find out if you have the symptoms of anxiety, because some symptoms are shared.
Some other risk factors for high blood pressure leading to hypertension are excessive intake of sodium in diet, aging, diabetes, certain kidney diseases and atherosclerosis (thickening and hardening of the arteries).
High blood pressure are common in pregnancy, the mother should always be relax all the time.
Extreme high blood pressure will raise the risk of stroke and heart attack, especially when weakened blood vessels that causes aneurysm. Hypertension will lead to loss of vision and disturbed metabolic syndrome, should not be taken lightly.
The kidney will be damaged by the weakening blood vessels that cause high blood pressure.

SOME COMMON RELAXATION TECHNQIUES
Health professionals, doctors and psychotherapists are skilled at and do teach relaxation techniques to reduce blood pressure, but there are many things that you can do on your own to check your blood pressure from rising. Relaxation techniques are meant to increase awareness of your body and refocusing your attention towards a calming thought.

Effective relaxation techniques that reduce blood pressure:

Relaxing Music
Regular Exercise to relax the muscle and help blood regulation
Tai Chi
Self Hypnosis for Relaxation
Massage Acupuncture
Meditation

There are various relaxation techniques to choose from, but what really matters is that the relaxation techniques are to be practiced regularly without fail. Lets us now have a look at some very upcoming, useful and not so common relaxation techniques:

Progressive Muscle Relaxation. Begin with your toes, make fist with the toes and tense for 5 seconds, then open and relax your toe muscles for 30 seconds, next, move your focus to the legs, asses, tummy, arms, neck, head. Repeat the process few times from toe to head and from head to toe until you feel all of the muscles in your body are relaxed. Remember to deep breathing during the exercise.

Visual Relaxation. Visualize mental image of peaceful places, calm your emotion and body, think of yourself on the beach, mountains, and small villages, hear and feel the wind and stream. Practice it with as many senses as you can, imagine the sound, sights, smells and textures. To practice visual relaxation, you need a quiet and calm place, and the wearing should be loose cotton clothing, this will help you focus and relax using the mind power. After all, the mind is the key to controlling your health, use it properly and restore your health condition.

Autogenic Relax Technique. Autogenic relaxation is a way of combining yoga and meditation with progressive relaxation techniques. Practitioner will sit on a meditation posture and start to relax the body part by part from toe to head or head to toe. Before starting, the practitioner will imagine the relaxing and clam environment, using all sense to create a picture, smell, sound and any kind of relaxation elements. Next, the practitioner will use hypnotic self help wording, such as “feeling the arms relax and warm”, read it repeating in the mind and activate the sense and feelings of relax and warm to the arm. Do the same to each part of the body, and repeat them until you feel extreme relaxing.

OVERVIEW
You need to control the high blood pressure problems, and avoid damaging the arteries that will lead to heart attack and stroke. Practice relaxation techniques will reduce the blood pressure, which is critical in maintaining a healthy mind and body. To cure high blood pressure caused by anxiety and depression, see the anxiety native treatment for more information.

Do Volume Pills Help Treat Infertility?

2009-01-17T22:08:00.001-08:00

Labeled under the category of natural organic products, Volume Pills have been designed to address fertility problems related to reduced sperm motility and poor quality of the seminal fluid. Yet, since the sperm volume is directly related to the intensity of the orgasm, many men choose to increase their sexual experience by administrating Volume pills as a supplement, although they do not suffer from infertility. As for the working mechanism, the product contains a herbal and mineral combination that influences the functions of the genitals in a positive direction.

Volume pills basic features

The main ingredient in Volume pills is solidilin, a herbal extract that induces sexual motivation and facilitates sex in the first place. Solidilin actually functions like any other neurotransmitter to the only effect of causing pleasure. As for the rest of the ingredients in Volume Pills, they are all part of Chinese medical tradition.

Most of the other herbs in the composition of Volume Pills are part of traditional Chinese medicine: this is the case with Xi Lan Rou Gui and Hong Hua Fen that both share vaso-dilating properties, increasing the blood flow that reaches the penis. The action of these extracts is completed by the testosterone production stimulation that falls in the responsibility of Ku Gua, another Asian herb that boosts up semen production.

San Guo Mu and vitamin C are present in the composition of Volume Pills as blood pressure regulators; their function is vital given the fact that both blood pressure and the heart beat rate change during a sexual act. Last but not least, Ling Zhi is one final Chinese extract that stimulates the natural body energy and provides vitality. As for the quality of the erection, the zinc oxide in the content of the Volume Pills brings further rewarding results.

Last but not least we should also mention Drilizen that drastically prolongs erections by a direct action on the smooth muscles responsible for the blood flow increase and the spasms that bring sperm out in the climax moment. The reaction to Drilizen and the other ingredients in Volume Pills is pretty fast, allowing for an immediate quality boost of the sexual encounter.

Volume Pills side effects

Men with a history of heart disease or high blood pressure should administrate Volume Pills with utmost care or avoid them completely. Only a health care provider can determine the efficiency versus the risk rates. Another health problem incompatible with the administration of Volume Pills is benign prostate hyperplasia, which again requires medical diagnosis and recommendations.

All in all, Volume Pills remains an efficient supplement for the treatment of infertility and erectile dysfunctions, yet its efficiency and safety rate vary from individual to individual. Analyze ingredients and personal health condition well before deciding to administrate Volume Pills.

Side Effects Of Hoodia For Weight Loss - Should You Be Concerned?

2009-01-06T07:45:00.001-08:00

Hoodia or hoodia gordonii is being touted a lot these days as an ideal weight loss supplement. However, there are reports of side effects. Should you be concerned about hoodia side effects?

Diet supplement manufacturers say that hoodia has long been used by South African Bushmen to suppress appetite during their hunting trips. However, it should be noted that hoodia was not part of their daily diet. They certainly did not take hoodia diet pills that contained other ingredients as well.

While so far research on hoodia side effects seems to be slight, there are some concerns about its safety. For example, Jasjit S. Bindra PhD, a former hoodia researcher for the drug company Pfizer stated in the New York Times that some of the inactive components of hoodia supplements could affect liver function. Bindra's letter was referred to at About.com's alternative medicine website.

Hoodia may also affect medications prescribed for blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, depression and other illnesses that were not experienced by South African tribes. Diabetics should be particularly concerned. The theory is that hoodia tricks the brain into thinking its blood sugar levels are normal. Hoodia turns off the hunger mechanism and could cause blood sugar to drop to dangerous levels.

In addition to curbing hunger, it is believed that hoodia also suppresses thirst. Thus among hoodia gordonii side effects is dehydration.

Hoodia safety is also an issue. Producers of hoodia supplements caution consumers that only their supplement contains pure hoodia. However, because nutritional supplements are not well regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, it is difficult to know exactly which hoodia supplements are best.

It should be noted that these side effects are in no way as dangerous as those of ephedra or other weight-loss supplements that were pulled from the market. There is no evidence that hoodia causes heart attacks, palpitations or stomach disorders like other supplements.

Those who are considering using hoodia should check with their doctor or pharmacist to make sure it would not interfere with other medications or with upcoming surgery. Pregnant or nursing women should avoid taking hoodia because of its unknown effects on the baby.

Before buying, read hoodia diet product reviews online to find out which are the best. Consider both the active and inactive ingredients and only buy from reputable companies. Also consider price: Sometimes the cheapest supplements provide little benefit and the most expensive ones simply have fancy packaging and nothing more.

There are many other ways to lose weight rather than by using hoodia. Diet is one method. Rather than relying on a supplement, it may be better to lose weight by simply cutting out junk food and second helpings. Drink water to curb hunger cravings and to prevent dehydration. Exercise regularly, at least 30 minutes a day.

Hoodia or hoodia gordonii can be an effective supplement to sensible weight loss efforts. By taking care to choose a quality product and following package directions, hoodia can be one more weapon in the weight-loss arsenal.

Effective Ways of Losing Weight

2009-01-05T14:47:00.001-08:00

People gain weight when the number of calories they eat is more than the number of calories their bodies use.

The risk of contracting heart-related diseases, high blood pressure along with other illneses unfortunately increases for obese people.

Based on your build and how old or tall you are, your physician can aid you set appropriate milestones.

Usually, doctors will recommend that their overweight patients combine a reduction of the caloric content of the diet, with an increase in physical activity.

Other methods of losing weight include use of drugs and supplements that decrease appetite, block fat absorption, or reduce stomach volume.

When it comes to solutions to lose weight, do read product reports such as third party Nutrex Lipo Six reports.

Proper research must be conducted before selecting the weight reduction program to follow.

You may start to benefit from regular physical activity.

When eating out, it is important for you to eat the right types of food and must be in reasonably sized portions.

Please check the food product labels if you are thinking of preparing home cooked food. Focus on foods with low trans fat and saturated fats content.

When it comes to knowing the ingredients in weight loss solutions, you can easily find such information by checking out Nutrex Lipo Six reports or reports on other proven solutions.

It is important to select drinks and foods which do not have a lot of added sugar content. (caloric sweeteners).

Choosing to eat a variety of foods will help you to get the essential vitamins and nutrients that your body needs.

Find a weight reduction program that will give you a certain degree of flexibility and control.

In the event that this incorporates weight loss offerings, keep in mind the need to browse third party independant Lipo Six review reports or other independant reports.

For each product, it is imperative that the manufacturer's recommended dosage are strictly followed.

In addition, please be aware that even established weight reduction solutions may not work for every individual for numerous reasons. ( DWLHA03AM )

The Clinical Manifestation of Hypertension

2009-01-03T14:31:00.001-08:00

Hypertension, also referred to as high blood pressure, is a specific health condition that happens as a result of developing high blood pressure on the artery walls. The clinical manifestation of hypertension is not apparent. Hence a regular monitoring of blood pressure can only detect hypertension. In the United States, hypertension is one of the most common health complications affecting more than 50 million individuals at present. Let us identify whether there is any apparent clinical manifestation of hypertension or not.

Causes of the Problem

Among 90% of the cases, the causes behind the development of hypertension are not known. Hypertension runs through families, if one of the parents has hypertension, the offspring may develop the same complication later on time. When you are not taking enough care of your weight, it may pose serious threat to health. Apart from that, sedentary lifestyle may also contribute to the development of hypertension. Whatever may be the cause, the clinical manifestation of hypertension is not so prominent even at the advanced level of the complications.

Other Complications

Hypertension may lead to other serious health complications, and even at its worst end, to mortality. Known as the 'silent killer', hypertension does not have any apparent clinical manifestation of hypertension. There are few associated symptoms like nervousness, headaches, dizziness or nosebleeds, which are not exclusively related to hypertension only. So only analyzing these types of symptoms, detection of hypertension is virtually impossible. Only a regular monitoring of blood pressure can help detecting the problem effectively.

Since the detection of blood pressure is the only mode of determining hypertension, it can not be identified in isolation just by analyzing clinical manifestation of hypertension. In some rare occasions, the by analyzing the clinical manifestation of hypertension, doctors may suspect the possible underlying cause, that is, hypertension. A persistent form of anxiety and irritability may lead to hypertension in people under certain circumstances. At its advanced level, hypertension is linked up with confusion, nausea, somnolence, vomiting and visual disturbance.

An increasing level of hypertension may lead to different other complications, which may affect different organs in our body. When someone has developed hypertension, he or she may become susceptible towards developing few other serious health complications such as cerebrovascular accidents or strokes, myocardial infarction, heart failure, hypersensitive retinopathy, and hypersensitive nephropathy. Changing into healthy lifestyle may minimize the risk of developing hypertension. In addition, doctors may suggest medications for treating hypertension as well.

We recommend that you consider the Atkins Diet and learn more about Coenzyme Q10 Supplements and Alpha Lipoic Acid.

The Unknown Secrets of Herbal Chinese Medicine and Skin Disorders

2009-01-01T20:56:00.001-08:00

Acupuncture, tuina, gigong, dietary therapy and herbal medicine. It is no question that Chinese medicine has brought wonders to the world as well as a load of relief to those who are suffering from different medical ailments. Each of these traditional Chinese medicinal practices has its unique way of providing remedy to people seeking treatment. This article, however, focuses on the medical marvel that is Chinese herbal medicine and the miraculous cure it provides to various skin conditions.

Chinese herbs have been used for centuries. Because of its efficiency in relieving so many different medical problems, the use of Chinese herbs was not only confined in its place of origin. People from different countries in Asia and even other continents adapted the practice to treat their medical conditions. These days, herbal medicine that originated from the Chinese is now widely available in the market.

The popularity of herbal Chinese medicine may also be attributed to the number of people who are switching back to natural or organic products and resources to avoid the medical conditions that are linked to the products that contain harmful and toxic chemicals. There are a lot of natural remedies that herbal Chinese medicine offer to treat different skin disorders. Below are some of the skin conditions that can be treated by Chinese herbal skin care:

1- Acne. – It is an extremely common skin condition prevalent to teenagers of both genders and is also common in adults. They manifest themselves as pimples, whiteheads and blackheads. Chinese herbologists have come up with a concoction of different herbs to treat acne. The concoction include Job’s tear seeds, poria mushroom, phellodendrin bark, tree peony root bark, red peony root, goldenthread root, Chinese licorice root and pearl. These days, this formula comes in pills or tablets that are available on the market and tagged as acne natural treatment.

2- Varicose veins. – In a literal sense, varicose veins mean “twisted veins”. They are protruding, enlarged, twisted veins that are bluish purple in color. Varicous veins generally occur on the legs. Standing alone makes the legs work against gravity, which increases the pressure on the legs and result to the appearance of varicose veins. It is a common condition to adults, particularly women who wear high heels. Various natural extracts can be used to treat varicous veins. These extracts include horse chestnut extract, and grape seed and pine bark extracts. In addition, studies show that Butcher’s broom, a plant in the lily family, can also be used to treat varicose veins. However, Butcher’s broom may cause digestion problems and is not to be taken with medication for high blood pressure, benign prostate hyperplasia and other diseases. It is highly recommended that you consult your physician about any herbal Chinese medicine you would want to use for your varicose veins to avoid complicating your other medical conditions.

3- Athlete’s foot. - It is a fungal infection that is commonly acquired from warm and damp environments like fitness centers, public showers, indoor swimming pools and locker rooms. Athlete's foot can be treated by many anti-fungal herbs such as garlic, licorice and ginger. Licorice has been used by the Chinese to treat athlete’s foot and ringworm. Licorice is said to work best when combined with a garlic foot bath. This treatment is very convenient as you can do it in your own home. Licorice is said to have twenty-five fungicidal compounds that can kill the fungus that causes athlete’s foot.

4- Cold sores. - They are blisters that are small, painful and fluid-filled. If the excrutiating pain does not bother you, the look of your skin certainly will. They generally occur on the gums, the roof of the mouth or the lips. Worse, they are contagious. Cold sores may also be treated with Chinese licorice root.

5- Eczema. - It is a skin condition that is chronic. It is also known as atopic eczema, atopic dermatitis or infantile eczema. Eczema can be treated with a formula of Chinese herbs. The herbs included in this formula are Gan Cao, Mu Dan Pi, Shi Gao, Sheng Di Huang, Zhi Mu, Ku shen, Chan Tui, Niu Bang Zi, Fang Feng, Tian Men Dong. Although the use of this formula including all these herbs will provide an efficient dermatitis natural treatment (eczema), combining it with acupuncture will address the skin problem faster.

Chinese herbs are said to be the oldest “evidence-based medicine”. That is due to the recorded number of people who have suffered from different ailments that are cured by herbal remedies. Compared to synthetic drugs, Chinese herbs definitely have many advantages. Traditional herbal Chinese medicine remedies are designed to address many ailments. Herbal Chinese medicine is widely used in Asian countries and is now also gaining popularity in other nations around the world due to its efficiency in relieving many different health conditions.

Understanding the Causes of Hypertension

2008-12-29T21:42:00.001-08:00

Types of Hypertension and the Causes

To understand the causes of hypertension, you must first learn about the different types of this condition. Primary hypertension is the most common type of high blood pressure. In this case, the cause of hypertension is usually not identified, and the condition will gradually develop over a number of years. With primary hypertension, the best treatment is to address the high blood pressure itself with medication and lifestyle changes. The other type is known as secondary hypertension, and in this case, the cause of hypertension is often an underlying medical problem like congenital heart defects or kidney abnormalities. With secondary hypertension, the first line of treatment may be to treat the underlying condition.

Primary hypertension is the most common type by far, meaning that the causes of hypertension can rarely be identified. This is why it is important to also understand the risk factors of this condition, so that you will be better able to evaluate the likelihood that you will develop this medical problem. People are more likely to be diagnosed with hypertension if they have a family history of the condition, if they are African American and if they are over the age of 65. However, just because you are a middle-aged white female with no family history, it doesn't mean that you will never be diagnosed with hypertension. It is also important to head to your doctor for regular screenings to ensure that your blood pressure stays within a healthy range.

Hypertension is often called the silent killer, because causes of hypertension are rarely known and there are few symptoms that will show up when the condition is present. The best way to protect yourself from this potentially deadly condition is to have regular screenings at your doctor's office or purchase a home blood pressure monitor that you can use yourself. While causes of hypertension may not be easily identified, you can do plenty to keep yourself safe from this serious medical condition.

Now as a final thought, remember that looking like Milos Sarcev or Carmen Garcia can only be accomplished if you have the right supplements. Alpha Lipoic Acid is one of them.

Understanding the Causes of Hypertension

2008-12-27T02:11:00.001-08:00

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common problem in the United States. While everyone will see their blood pressure raise on occasion, such as after strenuous activity or during a stressful event, a consistently higher than normal blood pressure reading can put a person at a much higher risk of other medical conditions like cardiovascular disease, heart attack and stroke. Because hypertension has potentially dangerous ramifications, especially when it is left unchecked, it is important to know the causes of hypertension so that you can determine whether you are at risk for this problem.

Types of Hypertension and the Causes
To understand the causes of hypertension, you must first learn about the different types of this condition. Primary hypertension is the most common type of high blood pressure. In this case, the cause of hypertension is usually not identified, and the condition will gradually develop over a number of years. With primary hypertension, the best treatment is to address the high blood pressure itself with medication and lifestyle changes. The other type is known as secondary hypertension, and in this case, the cause of hypertension is often an underlying medical problem like congenital heart defects or kidney abnormalities. With secondary hypertension, the first line of treatment may be to treat the underlying condition.

Primary hypertension is the most common type by far, meaning that the causes of hypertension can rarely be identified. This is why it is important to also understand the risk factors of this condition, so that you will be better able to evaluate the likelihood that you will develop this medical problem. People are more likely to be diagnosed with hypertension if they have a family history of the condition, if they are African American and if they are over the age of 65. However, just because you are a middle-aged white female with no family history, it doesn't mean that you will never be diagnosed with hypertension. It is also important to head to your doctor for regular screenings to ensure that your blood pressure stays within a healthy range.

Hypertension is often called the silent killer, because causes of hypertension are rarely known and there are few symptoms that will show up when the condition is present. The best way to protect yourself from this potentially deadly condition is to have regular screenings at your doctor's office or purchase a home blood pressure monitor that you can use yourself. While causes of hypertension may not be easily identified, you can do plenty to keep yourself safe from this serious medical condition.

Now as a final thought, remember that looking like Milos Sarcev or Carmen Garcia can only be accomplished if you have a Great Body

A Healthy Way Towards Losing Weight

2008-12-24T18:10:00.001-08:00

Losing Weight in a healthy way is the ultimate goal for most people. You will not be able to achieve your goal with a many of the weight loss products out there. Obesity is at an all time high and there seems to be no signs of it slowing down.

The potential health problems associated with being overweight are well documented but most people ignore this factor until it is too late. Also there are some people who are not really aware of the risks that are related to being overweight or obese.

Here are a few of the health problems that could arise if you don't do something about your weight:

1. heart attacks
2. strokes
3. diabetes
4.certain sorts of cancer
5. arthritis
6. high blood pressure

Losing weight in a healthy way will give you a far higher chance to avoid these health problems.

The so called 'lose weight quick' methods are available today are not methods that will offer long term weight loss.

It is more realistic to focus on a healthy way to lose weight which will have longer lasting results.

Here are a few things you should know about losing weight in a healthy way.

1. Never ever starve yourself.

The real method to a healthier way of losing weight is to forget about dieting

You may be under the impression that skipping meals will mean consuming fewer calories, which in return will equate to weight loss. Your body will react to this differently, the drop in calories will force your body to go into something called the starvation mode.

This means that because it isn't getting enough calories, it will try even harder to hang onto the calories it is getting by slowing down your metabolism.

2. Begin your day in the right way.

Who doesn't know about breakfast being the most important meal of the day. This is because your body has received no calories all the time that you have been asleep. When you don't eat breakfast...yes you've guessed it.... a process known as the starvation mode.

3.Smaller meals should be eaten more often.

Consuming 4 or 5 smaller meals throughout the day is more beneficial than the 3 meals a day we are used to. This is because your body can only use and get rid of a certain amount of food in one go. Consuming large meals will result in lots of calories being stored as fat.

4. Give yourself a goal how much weight you want to get rid of.

Remember to keep your goals realistic. Forget about some miracle cure that is going to help you lose 40 or 50 pounds in a month. Focus on trying to lose around 2-3 pounds a month, and the repeat the process the following month.

5.Stay away from white sugar.

It is said that if white sugar was invented today, it would be difficult to release it on the market because of its negative effects on the body. White sugar creates chaos in body and its systems. On top of that it rots your teeth and is very easily stored as fat. Avoid it as much as possible.

6.Keep a check on how much fat you may have in your daily diet.

Contrary to popular belief fat is not the culprit to being overweight. It is unhealthy fat that is to blame. You need fat in your diet for your body to function properly. Try to get your fat from foods like fish, nuts, olive oil, etc. your body needs these types of fat to stay in a healthy state.

7. Exercise.

Walk more instead of driving, use the stairs instead of the lift, take up a hobby such as dancing, skating, or cycling. You will not only lose weight with exercise, your body will look healthier and fitter.

Losing weight in a healthy way is the route to use for long term weight loss.

New Hope for Getting Rid of Viseral Fat

2008-12-11T02:07:00.001-08:00

If you are one of the 25% of Americans not taking care of yourself, chances are you have Metabolic Syndrome. If you are over 40, have an expanding waistline, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, poor diet, not enough exercise, high blood sugar (pre-diabetic), then you have this condition!

However, there is also a recent anti aging supplement that has proven helpful with metabolic syndrome.

Here are the symptoms:

An expanding waistline (35 inches for women, 40 inches for men)

A BMI (Base Metabolic Rate) of over 25

Triglyceride level over 150

A low HDL (good cholesterol) level

Blood pressure over 130/85

Higher than normal blood glucose level

Because metabolic syndrome is actually a collection of factors, having any one of them does not mean you have it. But if you have any 3 of the above conditions, you may be at risk.

Here's the bad news:

Your risk factor for a heart attack or stroke is much greater.
You're at risk for getting diabetes.
At least 25% of Americans are in this dilemma.

There Is Good News

YOU can fix it.

Easy? Probably not. It requires a major lifestyle change. If a healthy diet and exercise isn't a part of your life, then you'll need to incorporate it now.

For diet this means eating fewer calories and less saturated fat, and emphasizing whole grains, fish, and fruits and vegetables. When using fats and oils, choose only unsaturated fats such as olive or safflower oil. Nuts are also good.

To start exercising, begin with at least 30 minutes of walking briskly at least 5 days per week. Work up to getting 60 minutes of moderate activity 5 to 7 days a week.

More Good News:

There is something new to help reduce that expanding waistline (visceral fat). It actually has been approved by the FDA as a new "dietary supplement". What is interesting about this new supplement is that originally it was noted for its great antioxidant properties and has even been used in cosmetics! It was discovered in clinical trials that subjects taking the new supplement along with exercising had shed visceral fat twice as fast and the subjects that exercised without the supplement.

So here's the bad news: you still have to diet and exercise.

However, it's a good thing that there's something to help speed up your results - safely. It's made from Lychee Fruit Extract and Green Tea Extract. And it has other great anti aging benefits, too.

For more information about this new supplement: Oliginol for Metabolic Syndrome

Learn Yoga

2008-12-10T07:10:00.001-08:00

Yoga is a system of breathing, stretching exercises, and meditation that helps the individual join with the Universal Self. Even if you aren't a fitness fanatic you should already know that yoga is both relaxing and healthy. There have been a number of studies that show you can lower your heart rate and blood pressure if you do yoga, and will help to suppress other body functions so that you can achieve a state total relaxation. People of all ages can get involved as there is yoga for seniors and yoga for during pregnancy.

The meaning of yoga is to yoke or to unitu. Anyone seeking to promote or get their health back to the best state are welcome to try a class. It's widely beleived that yoga does a great job of cleansing and strengthening the body while allowing the mind to focus on connecting with the Universal Self. People see yoga as being spiritual however it's not so in a religious way.

Although yoga in itself isn't a religion, there are strong links to Buddhism. This is a fact that might surprise you: yoga is several centuries older than Buddhism. There have been ancient gods been shown to practice yoga in seals. The seals were discovered in the Indus Valley which is beleived to be one of the civilizations ever to be started. What we call India and Pakistan is what used to be this area. The seals suggest that yoga was around before 3000 BC.

When doing yoga you will find that meditating is very much essential. In order for you to acheive the best results, you need to stop your mind from over-thinking about life in general and focus on uniting the body, spirit, and mind. Yoga is a common activity and you get out of it what you put into it. So make sure you don't slack, the results will sow themselves off.

Much of yoga was taken from ancient tests called Hatha (the physical body). There were many philosophers that enjoyed the activity and a variety of styles you could choose. Although yoga is practiced for practical purposes, those who suffer the stresses of modern living can really benefit. There are many exercises that cannot be done by certain people because they are too strenous however with yoga you will find it suitable for all ages and abilities. You can sit in a chair or on the floor. The stretching really helps the stiff muscles and the breathing helps to calm.

High Blood Pressure - Different Methods To Keep It Under Control

2008-11-30T01:39:00.001-08:00

You've been to the doctor dozens of times and sat through the inflatable arm cuff test for high blood pressure. The nurse rattles off some numbers, but what do they mean? The magic "good news" number is 115/75, but not all of us are so blessed. As we age, our artery walls are bound to be a little narrower and the heart may have to work slightly harder. We work long hours, we get stressed out and we may not have enough time to eat properly or exercise as much. We may be drinkers and smokers, or we may have put on a few pounds over the years. Regardless of how our lifestyle has changed, we can always turn things around before it's too late!

Over at the Harvard School of Medicine, researchers have developed a dietary program known as "DASH," an acronym for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. The DASH diet includes: 8 grain servings, 5 vegetable servings, 2-3 low fat dairy servings, 1-2 servings of meat, poultry or fish and 5 servings per week of nuts, seeds or beans. Saturated fats and sugars should be limited and serving sizes generally run ½ cup cooked, 1 cup raw or 2 tbsp nuts and seeds. Exercise is crucial! Within just two weeks, the diet already began having an effect on Dr. Gabe Mirkin's patients, with 70% returning to normal blood pressure levels. He says that increasing minerals like magnesium, calcium and potassium had a strong impact, as did limiting fat and sodium. The diet triggers a diuretic effect, much like certain medications that work to "flush the system."

For some people, the thought of monitoring their diet may seem like an overwhelming obsession. How do you know if you're doing the right thing to lower high blood pressure or making the right choices to maintain heart health? Generally, most people need a little help getting started. Some people may try a free website like sparkspeople.com, where you enter everything you eat each day and receive a report tallying up your fat, calories, protein and nutrients, in relation to your weight loss or heart health goals. Or others may spend a little money on a dietician who can offer guided meal plans tailored individually to their needs. Many books have been written on the subject as well. After looking around a little, you'll find something that is enjoyable, you feel comfortable with and that works. Once you get into a routine, you won't even think about it anymore. Suddenly, your cardiovascular health will improve and your life will seem so much more manageable.

In addition to smoking, hypertension and high cholesterol, inactivity is one of the four major contributors to coronary artery disease, atherosclerosis and poor cardiovascular health. Sedentary people have a 35% greater risk of developing high blood pressure and 55% greater risk of developing heart disease. The American Heart Association recommends 30 minutes of moderate exercise at least 4 days per week. A 2002 study of overweight individuals found that strenuous activity, for example, jogging 20 miles/week, was needed to increase HDL (good cholesterol) but even walking or jogging 12 miles/week was enough to lower LDL (bad cholesterol). The best exercises for heart health include: walking, jogging, jumping rope, biking, cross-country skiing, skating, rowing, low-impact aerobics and water aerobics.

As we become older there are essential numbers that start to weigh to a great extent upon us. We have to worry about our blood pressure, weight and our cholesterol level. Things we may have ignored our entire lives now all of a sudden have great importance. However these are things that should not have been ignored. A lifetime of misuse on the body yields merely damaging things when left unchecked.

Your cholesterol level is absolutely crucial if you wish to remain healthy and your body functioning properly. High levels has the ability to lead lead to heart attacks as well as stroke, both of these things you do not want to have to deal with. Being concerned in regards to your cholesterol level is not just for the elderly. It is something both young and older people need to worry as well as be aware of if they hope to to lead a healthy lifestyle. In this article we will cover the fundamental principles of cholesterol and hopefully you will understand how key a healthy level is to your body as well as peace of mind.

What is bad cholesterol?

LDL cholesterol is bad. All cholesterol is carried by lipoproteins but the low-density lipoproteins moves in the blood stream and allows the cholesterol to begin to accumulate. If there is too much LDL then the cholesterol begins building up on the walls of the arteries. It begins to form plaque which makes the arteries hard and not as flexible. When clots form and block the artery a heart attack or stroke can occur.

How can you prevent high cholesterol?

You can help take steps against having too much LDL cholesterol in your body by exercising, not smoking and eating right. These three things are the primary reasons why people have excessive LDL. Yes, some of your cholesterol levels have to do with family history but doctors have proven time and time again that a diet rich in fish and Omega-3 along with a healthy weight will reduce the overall LDL numbers. The body needs to have plenty of exercise as well.

How is the blockage from the arteries removed?

The first stage is through medicines but if there is a critical contracting or blockage in the artery or blood vessel then a somewhat more aggressive operation is essential. The actual processes may change but one popular method is through a balloon angioplasty. The mechanical device is inserted into the artery and navigated to the obstruction where the build up of plaque has occurred. The balloon is then inflated to clear the passage. Nowadays the operation is minimally invasive and most patients are capable of going home on that very day.

How do I know what my cholesterol is?

Well in order to know what your cholesterol is you should have a blood cholesterol testing performed at least every five years. The most recommended test is a fasting lipoprotein blood profile. This test measures not only your total cholesterol but it also specifies the LDL and the HDL levels. It is a great idea to be knowledgeable about where your numbers are and to ensure that they are in the proper healthy range.

To discover more click here Lower Cholesterol with more helpful material at High Cholesterol and Normal Cholesterol Levels

Hypertension - What Are The Best Ways To Handle This Disease

2008-11-29T16:50:00.001-08:00

Hypertension, otherwise known as high blood pressure, affects 1 out of every 4 Americans, according to the American Diabetes Association. High blood pressure is usually a symptom of a larger problem, whether your saturated fat content is too high, your LDL cholesterol is through the roof or your cardiovascular health simply isn't where it should be. If your doctor has found that you have high blood pressure, then you should at least be glad it was detected early. With some diet modifications and lifestyle changes, you can still minimize your risk of complications before it's too late.

If you are hypertensive, then it can be caused by many lifestyle choices. For instance, a 2005 study found that women who took 500 mg of Tylenol each day for headaches or pains were more likely to develop high blood pressure than women who did not. Users of cocaine and amphetamines, as well as smokers, were also more at risk. High body fat, high salt intake, low potassium intake, high cholesterol levels, inactivity, excessive alcohol consumption and high stress are often linked to hypertension as well. Health experts say that this condition isn't so cut-and-dry, that poor lifestyle choices aren't always the culprit. Some people are just at risk because they're aging, pregnant or born into a family with a history of high blood pressure.

The next time you visit the doctor, listen for the reading when the inflatable arm cuff is squeezing your arm. The ideal number indicating normal blood pressure is 115/75. The doctor may say you have hypertension if your numbers are 120-139, which indicates systolic pressure, or over 80-89 for diastolic pressure. Stage one hypertension is a reading of 140-159/90-99 and stage two is a reading of 160+/100+. Don't feel alarmed by one high reading. You may have eaten a high cholesterol breakfast of bacon and eggs before coming in for tests and your heart is just working a little harder than usual. However, you should perform heart health tests either at home or return for another check up very soon to be sure.

If you're found to have hypertension, then you will generally first be prescribed a new lifestyle that cuts out fat and bad cholesterol, as well as adds healthier food choices and exercise. You will be instructed to stop binge drinking or smoking, if applicable, and chances are you may need medication to jump start your progress. Many doctors first try a diuretic or "water pill" that promises to cleanse the kidneys, eliminating sodium, water and toxins from the body. Beta-Blockers sometimes work alongside diuretics to slow down the heart a little, instructing it not to work so hard. Angiotension II receptor blockers and ACE-inhibitors are good for people with coronary artery disease, kidney disease or who've already suffered congestive heart failure because of relaxed blood vessels that may already be susceptible to narrowing. Statins are commonly prescribed for lowering cholesterol as well. By adjusting your lifestyle and trying some of the revolutionary products on the market, you will be well on your way to cardiovascular health in no time.

As we become older there are critical numbers that start to weigh heavily upon us. We have to concern ourselves about our blood pressure, weight and our cholesterol level. These are some of the things that most of us have ignored for the vast majority of our lives now suddenly have great importance. However these are things that should never have been ignored. A lifetime of misuse on the body gives only unfavourable things when left unchecked.

Your cholesterol level is without question chief if you want to continue healthy and your body functioning properly. High levels can lead to heart attacks and stroke, both of these things you do not want to have to deal with. Being concerned when it comes to your cholesterol level is not simply for the aging. It is something both young as well as older people must be concerned with as well as be cognisant of if they want to lead a healthy life. In this article we will cover the basic principles of cholesterol and hopefully you will realize just how significant a healthy level is to your body and peace of mind.

What is bad cholesterol?

LDL cholesterol is bad. All cholesterol is carried by lipoproteins but the low-density lipoproteins moves in the blood stream and allows the cholesterol to begin to accumulate. If there is too much LDL then the cholesterol begins building up on the walls of the arteries. It begins to form plaque which makes the arteries hard and not as flexible. When clots form and block the artery a heart attack or stroke can occur.

How can you prevent high cholesterol?

You can help take steps against having too much LDL cholesterol in your body by exercising, not smoking and eating right. These three things are the primary reasons why people have excessive LDL. Yes, some of your cholesterol levels have to do with family history but doctors have proven time and time again that a diet rich in fish and Omega-3 along with a healthy weight will reduce the overall LDL numbers. The body needs to have plenty of exercise as well.

In what way is the blockage from the arteries withdrawn?

The initial stage is through medicines but if there is a crucial tapering or closure in the artery or blood vessel then a slightly more intrusive operation is required. The actual procedures might vary however one popular method is through a balloon angioplasty. The mechanical device is entered into the artery and then naviagted to the occlusion where the build up of plaque has happened. The balloon is then inflated to clear the passage. Nowadays the routine is minimally invasive and the majority of patients are able to going home on that very day.

What is the normal range for a healthy cholesterol level?

The American Heart Association has guidelines established for what is considered a healthy range of cholesterol levels. A total cholesterol level of 200 mg/dL is considered to be a desirable level since it puts you at a lower risk of having heart disease. Here is the trick though. It is not just about total cholesterol. Your HDL levels should be over 60 mg/dL and your LDL should be lower than 100 mg/dL. Mg/dL means it is measured in milligrams per deciliter of blood.

For a lot more informational value go here: Foods Low In Cholesterol and more information at High Cholesterol Diet as well as Ldl Cholesterol

Would A Free Diet Program Work For You?

2008-11-28T13:20:00.001-08:00

In today's less active world most of us live at a pretty slow pace, doing nothing to fast except gaining unwanted weight. In the U.S. we have been lucky enough to have a very easy life compared to most of the world. Today we don't have to put in as much effort physically as we used to. More people drive more places, do less physical work, and have modern appliances and conveniences to carry the burden. Associate that with the actuality of the commercially farmed overly processed and chemically laden foods most of eat on a daily basis the resulting effect can only be expected.

Americans are obese. If you think obesity is just about looks, think again. If you carry more weight than you are supposed to you are putting yourself at risk for the big killer health issues the plague the U.S. Those being hypertension, stroke and heart disease. Not to be to sober but being overweight could cost you a date, but it could also cost you your life. This is exactly why those of us who are obese need to look at losing weight with a diet. With today's economy the way it is there is little discretionary income to spend on a costly weight loss program so a free diet plan can come in real handy for times like these.

There are many free diet programs from which to choose. What is needed is an overall healthy lifestyle plan to make any weight loss program a workable situation whether it is free or not. The best way to lose weight is natural, healthy, simple, and best of all it's free. Take in less calories each day and exercise more to burn off more calories.

If you just do exercise and think you're going to lose the weight you need to think again. You are going to fight an uphill battle. If exercise isn't a part of your program you will probably still be eating to much because you won't be doing anything to increase your metabolism and burn excess calories. Combine the two as part of a normal, sustainable routine to take off the weight and keep off the weight.

Want a simple way to reduce caloric intake without the expense of specialty diet programs that include expensive food? Eat smaller portions. That's right. Keep eating exactly what you now eat, but cut down the portions. Find out the food values of what you usually eat and cut back the portions to a point that is less than what you would burn on a regular day.

You can also make a big difference, up to 90,000 calories a year for the average person, by drinking water instead of pop and fruit juice. Another choice, if your prefer, could be coffee or tea. Without the sugar and cream of course. One of the benefits of this is caffeine will speed your metabolism up and help you to burn even more calories.

If you think that exercising 5 time a week is going to do the trick you need to think again. You should be working up a sweat doing some form of strenuous exercise every day. And you should do no less than thirty minutes of it. Kick that up a notch with extra physical movement such as parking further from the office or stores for a short walk, using stairs instead of elevators, and using hand tools for daily or weekly chores.

There it is, exercise combined with free diet programs to lose weight. Make it your life and make it a joy.

Coronary Heart Disease - Managing a Challenging Health Condition

2008-11-26T07:37:00.001-08:00

Coronary heart disease is characterized by atherosclerosis, which is the clogging and narrowing of the arteries. The heart is then deprived of oxygen, has trouble pumping blood and may mutate. Think of it like what an exertion injury can do to other muscles in your body; causing hardening and scar tissue over time. If your doctor tells you that you have high cholesterol levels or elevated triglycerides, then these are your first clues of metabolic failure. At this point, you will still have a chance of turning your life around before it's too late!

Most people with coronary heart disease don't realize they have it until it's too late, even though basic medical tests can reveal telltale signs like elevated triglycerides and high cholesterol levels. Some people may experience "angina pectoris," which is the medical term for discomfort, heaviness, aching, burning, numbness or pain in the chest, left shoulder, arms, back or jaw. Often this pain will feel similar to indigestion but won't occur around meal times. Depending on what kind of angina you're suffering from, the pain may come after exertion (stable angina), when sleeping and while out in the cold (prinzmetal's angina) or sometimes even just suddenly while resting (unstable angina). Shortness of breath, heart palpitations, dizziness, nausea and sweating often accompany the angina symptoms.

No matter what level of coronary heart disease you're suffering from, lifestyle and diet changes are essential. All other treatments are merely complementary. In some cases, you may be prescribed medications to lower high blood pressure, oxygenate blood, slow the heartbeat down and open up restrictive blood vessels. In severe cases, balloon angioplasty surgery, stent placement or coronary bypass are needed. Health experts are looking into new treatments like transmyocardial laser revascularization (TMR), which utilizes laser beams to blast through the channels in your heart muscle, freeing up blood flow. Angiogenesis provides substances through the vein or directly into the heart, where the transporters have failed. Enhanced external counterpulsation can stimulate the opening of blood vessels in a very non-invasive way.

While some people are born genetically susceptible to coronary heart disease, the overwhelming majority of us become victimized by our imbalanced eating habits, our 50 hour work weeks, our poor sleep quality, our lack of exercise, our smoking, our drinking and our stress. There comes a point where we need to realize that work could be the end-all of existence if we don't better organize our priorities. On a positive note, more and more Americans are looking for healthier ways of living, judging by the number of self-help books flying off the shelves. There may not be an easy answer for lowering cholesterol or bypassing atherosclerosis, but with a positive attitude and a little bit of hard work, we can live a long, healthy life.

As we become older there are critical numbers that start to weigh heavily upon us. We have to concern ourselves about our blood pressure, weight and our cholesterol level. Things we may have ignored our entire lives now all of a sudden have great importance. But these are some of the thing that should not have been forgotten. A lifetime of misuse on the body returns merely damaging things when left unrestrained.

Your cholesterol level is absolutely critical if you wish to continue in good health and your body functioning the right way. High levels can lead to heart attacks and stroke, both of these things you do not want to have to contend with. Being concerned when it comes to your cholesterol level is not simply for the aging. It is something both younger people as well as older people must worry as well as be cognisant of if they hope to to lead a healthy lifestyle. In this article we will cover the fundamental principles of cholesterol and hopefully you will understand how important a healthy level is to your body as well as peace of mind.

What is bad cholesterol?

LDL cholesterol is bad. All cholesterol is carried by lipoproteins but the low-density lipoproteins moves in the blood stream and allows the cholesterol to begin to accumulate. If there is too much LDL then the cholesterol begins building up on the walls of the arteries. It begins to form plaque which makes the arteries hard and not as flexible. When clots form and block the artery a heart attack or stroke can occur.

What happens when cholesterol gets too high?

Well when LDL gets too high then the cholesterol begins to accumulate on the artery walls and then hardens into plaque. The build up continues until the entire artery is blocked off. This added blockage makes it hard for blood to get to the heart where it can be pumped to the rest of the body. It can lead to a heart attack or stroke.

When HDL levels are high this is a good thing because researchers believe that HDL helps rid the body of cholesterol build-up. That is why a diet rich in foods that promote HDL is always heavily recommended.

In what way is the obstruction from the arteries withdrawn?

The initial stage is through medicines but if there is a serious constricting or closure in the artery or blood vessel then a slightly more intrusive procedure is needed. The actual functions might vary however one frequent method is done through the use of a balloon angioplasty. The mechanical device is entered into the artery and navigated to the closure where the plaque build up has occurred. The balloon is then inflated to clear the passage. Nowadays the procedure is minimally intrusive and most patients are able to going home that day.

What is the normal range for a healthy cholesterol level?

The American Heart Association has guidelines established for what is considered a healthy range of cholesterol levels. A total cholesterol level of 200 mg/dL is considered to be a desirable level since it puts you at a lower risk of having heart disease. Here is the trick though. It is not just about total cholesterol. Your HDL levels should be over 60 mg/dL and your LDL should be lower than 100 mg/dL. Mg/dL means it is measured in milligrams per deciliter of blood.

For a great deal more informational value go to this online destination: Lower Cholesterol Levels and more information at High Cholesterol Levels as well as Low Cholesterol Diet Tips

Handling The Challenges Of Heart Failure

2008-11-25T09:39:00.001-08:00

According to the American Medical Association journals, heart failure affects nearly 5 million Americans each year, with more than 300,000 people dying of this fatal disease. While the statistics may sound grim, there are many ways to educate yourself and simple lifestyle modifications can be made that will prevent you from becoming one of them.

Many people aren't aware that they have a chronic heart health problem until it's too late. Heart failure, in the form of a heart attack, sends surprised patients to the emergency room because they were not keeping up with routine checkups. Just as you take your car in for an oil change every 3,000 miles, so should you visit your doctor every year to test for abnormalities and treat entirely preventable diseases. While there may not be a 100% guarantee that you can avoid normal degeneration of the body, there are many things that you can do to add ten to twenty years onto your life and remain healthy and happy for the vast majority of your days.

To check if you may have heart health problems, your general practitioner can run several tests to be sure. Many people avoid getting tested in advance because they fear invasive pokes and prods, but most of these screening tests are very non-invasive. For instance, one test, which is a "stress test," has you walking on a treadmill for a specific interval of time through several intensity levels, while an IV-injected tracer moves through the blood, indicating possible obstructions or strain. Another test, the EKG, simply monitors your heart rhythms through electrical wires with adhesive ends stuck to your chest, arms and legs. An "Echocardiogram" is simply an ultrasound image taken of your chest, which is as painless as a photograph. Most people are familiar with the usual hypertension/blood pressure test done with a cuff around your bicep. The most invasive test, which is recommended for people with a genetic predisposition, is the "Catheriterization," which is a small tube inserted into the artery, which may open an obstruction or insert dye to see where the problem spots are.

You may have heard of something called "Statins." It is a medication prescribed for cancer patients and heart failure patients alike. Statins help cut cholesterol and regulate heart rhythms, but should never be used as a "cure-all." Health experts warn that a careful diet must still be adhered to for the positive results to be enjoyed. However, some patients report irritating side effects, like mental dullness and aching tendons. Nevertheless, the American Heart Association recommends Statins as a "first-line defense" against heart disease.

As we get older there are all-important numbers that begin to weigh to a great extent upon us. We have to concern ourselves about our blood pressure, weight and our cholesterol level. These are some of the things that most of us have ignored for the vast majority of our lives now all of a sudden they have significant importance. But these are things that should not have been forgotten. A lifetime of misuse on the body establishes merely damaging things when left unchecked.

Your cholesterol level is absolutely important if you want to stay in good health and your body functioning right. High levels has the ability to lead lead to heart attacks as well as stroke, both of these things you do not want to have to contend with. Being mindful about your cholesterol level is not simply for the elderly. It is something both younger people and older people must be concerned with and be cognisant of if they want to lead a healthy life. In this article we will go over the fundamentals of cholesterol and hopefully you will understand just how significant a healthy level is to your body and peace of mind.

What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a lipid that is found in the bloodstream of humans and all animals. It can be there from two different sources. The first source is your body itself. The body naturally produces cholesterol. The second source of cholesterol is the food that we eat. It may surprise you to know that not all cholesterol is bad for you. There is good cholesterol and bad cholesterol. But you have to know the difference if you want to protect your health and your heart.

What happens when cholesterol gets too high?

Well when LDL gets too high then the cholesterol begins to accumulate on the artery walls and then hardens into plaque. The build up continues until the entire artery is blocked off. This added blockage makes it hard for blood to get to the heart where it can be pumped to the rest of the body. It can lead to a heart attack or stroke.

When HDL levels are high this is a good thing because researchers believe that HDL helps rid the body of cholesterol build-up. That is why a diet rich in foods that promote HDL is always heavily recommended.

In what way is the blockage from the arteries withdrawn?

The first stage is through medicines however if there is a life-threatening narrowing or closure in the artery or blood vessel then a slightly more aggressive operation is essential. The actual functions might vary however one popular method is through a balloon angioplasty. The mechanical device is inserted into the artery and then naviagted to the obstruction where the build up of plaque has happened. The balloon is then inflated to clear the passage. Nowadays the procedure is minimally invasive and the majority of patients are capable of going home that day.

What is the normal range for a healthy cholesterol level?

The American Heart Association has guidelines established for what is considered a healthy range of cholesterol levels. A total cholesterol level of 200 mg/dL is considered to be a desirable level since it puts you at a lower risk of having heart disease. Here is the trick though. It is not just about total cholesterol. Your HDL levels should be over 60 mg/dL and your LDL should be lower than 100 mg/dL. Mg/dL means it is measured in milligrams per deciliter of blood.

For a lot more informational value go here: Normal Levels Of Cholesterol similarly Bad Cholesterol in addition to Total Cholesterol Levels

Benefits of Yoga - Physical and Emotional

2008-11-23T20:09:00.001-08:00

Benefits of Yoga Video

Basic Yoga has been designed to primarily focus on the overall wellness of a person. When you get involved with yoga you will surely learn new lifestyle ideas and new ways of approaching life and the world. Yoga can improve your health in a variety of ways. You will also increase your strength, become more flexible, have improved body balance and learn to let go of stress and increase your vitality. Yoga also is an enjoyable way to loose weight.

Practicing the various yoga positions, also known as asanas increases your flexibility by working on your joints, your muscles, tendons and ligaments. You will notice a significant improvement in your flexibility as you continue the practice of yoga. You will be pleased with the benefits of yoga such as muscle toning and the reduction of body fat.

Yoga is wonderful for thoroughly messaging the organs and the glands of your body, including those that rarely receive stimulation. The massaging of your organs and glands helps your body to prevent diseases from harming your health. A significant benefit of practicing yoga is the increased blood flow that occurs throughout your body which improves your health. The increased blood flow significantly improves your body’s ability to remove toxic substances and delivers nourishment throughout your body.

There are said to be over 8,400,000 asanas or yoga positions compiled by the yoga masters over the period of 5,000 years that yoga has been in existence. For most yoga novices, a lot less are required in order to get started. The number of basic yoga asanas recommended by instructors varies but usually only a little more than 12 basic yoga positions are taught to beginners.

Even if one does not desire to be able to perform the more advanced and complicated asana, there are benefits to practicing basic yoga exercises, no matter the school of thought you choose to follow. Improved balance, strength, and flexibility are the first most obvious benefits.

Benefits of yoga that might be less obvious would be a greater awareness of oneself and of nature. Yoga has also been shown to offer health benefits such as improved internal organ function, a boosted immune system, reduction of the symptoms of many chronic diseases and many, many other benefits. Yoga of all kinds, including basic yoga, aids relaxation and reduces tension without fatigue and too much exertion.

Basic yoga involves seven types of body movement during exercise including circumduction, flexion, abduction, adduction, rotation, extension, and hyperextension. Combinations of these body movements are used to create the yoga stances and positions. These movements are combined with breathing exercises and concentration. Breathing is also the guide in basic yoga for coming into an asana, holding an asana, and coming out of it. All the movements are ideally done gracefully. To learn how to do basic yoga, look for a qualified instructor and failing that, look for educational videos that may help you.

FInd more on Yoga here Yoga Retreats

What is Hypertension and What can You do About It?

2008-11-18T13:45:00.001-08:00

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, affects many people in this country every year, and can increase the risk of other medical conditions like heart attack and stroke. Because hypertension is a potentially serious and even life threatening condition, it is important to understand what hypertension is and what you can do to reduce your risk of getting diagnosed with this condition. If you are hit with a diagnosis of high blood pressure at some point in your future, you need to know what your treatment options are to get your blood pressure back under control.

What is Hypertension? Two Categories

There are two types of hypertension that can be diagnosed, and each will come with its own risk factors and treatment choices. It is important to understand what your hypertension is, so that you can find the best treatment plan for you. The first type is called primary hypertension, which occurs in approximately 90-95% of all hypertension cases. With primary, or essential, hypertension, the cause is usually not known and the condition will develop over a number of years.

The other type is called secondary hypertension, and this condition can usually be related to a preexisting condition. Kidney abnormalities and congenital heart defects are two of the common culprits in secondary hypertension. By understanding what hypertension is and what the various categories are, you are on the road to determining the best treatment options for you. In the case of secondary hypertension, the treatment will often involve "fixing" or treating the underlying cause. In primary hypertension, treatment must be focused on lowering the blood pressure through medication and/or lifestyle changes.

What is Hypertension Treatment?

Once you understand what hypertension is and the type that you are diagnosed with, it is time to move onto a treatment plan. Even if you are feeling completely healthy, it is important to bring the blood pressure down to reduce the risk of other medical conditions. Your doctor may decide to put you on a medication that will help to manage your blood pressure numbers. There are many different types of blood pressure medicine available, so chances are excellent that you will find one that you tolerate well and that is effective for your condition. This medication will probably need to be taken for the rest of your life, since high blood pressure is not cured with medication, but merely managed.

Lifestyle changes involving diet, exercise, weight maintenance and quitting unhealthy habits are also a part of hypertension treatment. Your doctor can make specific recommendations for you in terms of these changes and which ones may benefit you the best. By learning what hypertension is and the best ways to treat it, you will be on your way to lower blood pressure readings and a healthier cardiovascular system.

Someone suffering from hypertension will not have Ronnie Coleman biceps or look like Alain Ngalani. Do not go on a high fat low carb diet and all should be a lot better.

Vitamin D Can Reduce Blood Pressure And More

2008-11-12T18:10:00.001-08:00

Recent research has proven that healthy vitamin D levels may protect the body against osteoporosis, cancer, and multiple sclerosis. There is now evidence that suggests that vitamin D may help protect against a potentially dangerous rise in blood pressure which occurs in some people as they get older. A study that was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition had researchers finding that as many as 60 percent of whites and more than 90 percent of blacks who participated in the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey had insufficient blood levels of vitamin D.

Vitamin D can be obtained through the diet or produced in the skin, thanks to the effects of the sun. Researchers also investigated the association between vitamin D, blood pressure, and age. This investigation found that people with lower blood levels of vitamin D had significantly higher increases in systolic blood pressure as they aged than did those people who had healthy levels. Actually, the age-related rise in blood pressure turned out to be 20 percent lower in those people who had healthy vitamin D levels, as oppose to those people who did not. This suggests that vitamin D deficiency may play a critical role in high blood pressure development.

Many other studies have suggested that there is a role for vitamin D in reducing blood pressure. One of these studies showed that daily doses of about 400 I.U. of vitamin D, along with about 600 milligrams of calcium were able to significantly reduce blood pressure in elderly women by more than nine percent after just eight weeks. However, treatment with 600 milligrams of calcium alone reduced blood pressure by only four percent. According to Vin Tangpricha MD, PhD., an assistant professor of Medicine in the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Lipids at Emory University School of Medecine, there is not enough evidence that vitamin D prevents hypertension available, however, because vitamin D insufficiency is highly prevalent throughout the United States, it may be a good idea to take a vitamin D supplement solely because of the strong evidence on vitamin D’s ability to prevent osteoporotic fractures.

Dr. Tangpricha, along with his colleagues, hopes that there are improved methods to detect and treat vitamin D insufficiency in adults, especially blacks, in the United States. It has been noted that further studies are needed in order to determine vitamin D’s effect on blood pressure. Additionally, it needs to be determined if giving all patients vitamin D will help lower blood pressure. Those people who have a family history of other risk factors that are associated with high blood pressure, such as being older than sixty-five, should have their blood pressure checked regularly. These people should also talk with their doctor about dietary factors that may help to protect against this condition.

Be sure to look for more studies and information on the effects of supplemental D vitamins on both white and black habitants of the United States to help battle vitamin D deficiency. To learn more about supplemental vitamin D, contact your local health food provider.

Why Being Overweight Is Unhealthy

2008-11-06T18:16:00.001-08:00

Obesity manifest to being the primary source of major health risks that root from an unhealthy lifestyle. Myriads of weight loss programs continue to proliferate in the market yet, the apparent state of millions of overweight people are incessantly evident. This health dilemma now becomes the major culprit of various diseases faced by people from all over the globe. A lot of people struggle with weight. I personally love to just sit in my computer looking at charting software.

Risks to ones health are a plenty that are caused by being overweight. Thus, awareness of these health hazards must be known to people to thwart possible health threats that might befall. Being obese is considered a possibly life threatening condition that can only be cured through hard work and a proper diet.

Obesity causes risks of heart attack and strokes. If you are obese then you almost surely have hight blood pressure, and that leads to cholesterol buildup and other problems. Heart attacks are a major killer world wide, and not trying to protect yourself from them are foolish.

Do you often snore when you sleep? Do you hear an uncontrollable and almost unbearable loud noise? If this so, then you are suffering from sleep apnea. This kind of health disorder is discernible among overweight people. When sleeping, usually people will slow breathing and making the airway smaller. Sleep apnea is the result of inflammation of fat surrounding your neck which makes it difficult for a individual to breathe properly. If that is what happened, then you should seek out a doctor. Sleep apnea is not a minor health problem as this will pave the way for auxiliary diseases if not given utmost attention.

Another health risk that overweight people might confront is the type 2 diabetes. This occurs when the cells producing insulin have come to a state of experiencing difficulty to generate normal blood sugar level. If you have diabetes then you suffer things like high blood sugar that does stuff like cause other system failures in the body. If you don't get treatment then other infection can cause amputation and loss of sight.

Being overweight can also increase your risk of cancer. Cancer can be caused by being heavy, and it also leads to many types of conditions like Colon and liver cancer, or many more. The gall bladder disease is also apparent to people who experience weight gain. Gallstones are caused by an increase in cholesterol and if you are obese then there is an even larger Cancer about a big gallbladder.

You wouldn’t want all these health risks to happen to you, would you? If you confirm that then you need to check for ways to stop yourself for getting more and more overweight. A good exercise and proper diet should not be applied in a short span of time; a healthy lifestyle serves as a lifetime commitment to oneself and health in general. If you seek a good weight loss program my suggestions are mytrack.

Fight Heart Disease With Herbal Supplements

2008-11-05T05:37:00.001-08:00

With heart disease being the number one cause of death in Americans and high blood pressure being the “silent killer,” high homocysteine levels are considered by most researchers to be as dangerous as high cholesterol levels. An aging heart is proven to be less efficient and much more likely to develop disease. Thankfully, certain nutrients and specialty compounds may help to promote healthy blood pressure, homocysteine levels and heart function, which ultimately exert a positive impact on heart disease.

One of the most significant remedies in traditional medicine is Dansheng, which has historically been associated with the circulatory and cardiovascular systems consequently, leaving it to be recommended for conditions surrounding the blood and heart. Many studies have shown that dansheng dilated coronary arteries, increased coronary blood flow, and scavenged free radicals in ischemic diseases, which reduce the cellular damage from ischemia and improve heart conditions. Studies have proven that dansheng can improve the ischemic state of the myocardium by dilating the coronary vessels and, in turn, decreasing serum lipid peroxides and increasing levels of SOD in patients with coronary heart disease.

These effects could potentially be associated with dansheng’s ability to inhibit platelet aggregation, reduce blood viscosity, improve myocardial ischemia, and protect the cytomembrane. Dansheng has even been shown to effectively improve and protect myocardial ischemia in patients with coronary heart disease who are undergoing non-heart surgery.

Hawthorn has traditionally been used as a cardiac tonic, and current used for it include treatment of angina, hypertension, arrhythmias, and congestive heart failure. Research has shown that it may improve cardiac muscular contractions and blood flow in coronary arteries. The use of hawthorn has been validated by Germany’s Commission E, in which it was reported that hawthorn improves subjective findings as well as increases heart work tolerance, and decreases blood pressure/heart rate. Similarly, clinical research has confirmed that hawthorn is beneficial in treating mild congestive heart failure. Regarding angina, hawthorn extract, when taken three times per day, improves heart function and exercise tolerance in angina patients.

Garlic has also shown significant contributions toward cardiovascular health. Garlic’s lipid-lowering effects, which have been proven in six randomized, double blind studies. Garlic also has an anti-hypertensive effect, which was proven in two randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled studies. A review and meta-analysis of randomized trials was conducted to determine the effects of garlic on blood pressure. Of seven trials comparing the effects of garlic to a placebo, three demonstrated a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure and four in diastolic blood pressure.

Garlic has also been shown to have a positive impact on platelet function. Garlic’s ability to prevent and possibly reverse atherosclerosis was tested in one of the longest clinical trials on garlic to date. After four years, subjects experienced an average reduction in plaque volume of about 2.6 percent, while the placebo group increased in plaque volume by 15.6 percent. This allowed researchers to conclude that garlic has a preventative and potentially curative role in arteriosclerosis therapy.

Finally, cayenne also has a history of traditional use for its ability to simulate circulation. Traditionally used as a catalyst herb in herbal combination formulas, cayenne’s stimulant effects sped up circulation and thus aid in absorption. This herb increased absorption ability is believed to be due to the fact that cayenne can draw blood to the intestinal walls aiding in food digestion and absorption in the intestinal tract. Whether you choose dansheng, hawthorn berry, garlic, or cayenne in single or herbal combination, you can go wrong by choosing natural herbal formulas to help restore heart function and prevent heart disease.

What is the Finest Technique to Losing Fat?

2008-11-04T19:49:00.001-08:00

The biggest error people make when they make their mind up to lose fat is not setting sensible targets. They set their goals too high which set them up for dissapointment. The greatest strategy to losing weight is to set sensible and feasible, short-term targets. With each objective you achieve you can set new targets; this increases confidence and self-esteem.

After setting your targets you should converse with your physician about your fat loss plan and solicit his/her recommendation. Your doctor can help you with providing knowledge about a healthier life-style by selecting foods that help maintain your dietary needs. It is always best to talk to your doctor before you start any weight loss strategy; it’s good to get a base-line weight and blood pressure so your physician can watch you as you start to lose fat.

The next step would be to inform yourself about all the reasons why you are over-weight. It’s not only the food you eat, but the reasons you turn to those foods instead of healthy foods. An outstanding spot to find information is by checking out the Top Secret Fat Loss Secret Review; this gives details why some people are over-weight and not capable to lose fat no matter what they do.

Once you comprehend what got you to where you are, you have to change the way you see food. You can’t allow your cravings and emotional bonds to food over-take your need to eat healthier and live a more vibrant life. The best ways to lose fat is by changing your tendencies; eating foods that are designed to work with your body and exercising to make your body stronger.

You don’t need a structured diet strategy to lose fat; you just need to take control of your life and recognize and accept that if you want to live a long, happy life, you have to make some changes. Our bodies need certain vitamins and minerals to perform at its finest; some diets reduce some of those vitamins and minerals, which is unhealthy and quite dangerous. Just eating reasonable, nutritious meals and exercising daily will give you the quickest and most helpful and long-lasting results. Once you start eating correctly you will notice that you will have more energy. Once you have more energy, you will want to exercise. Taking a brisk walk in the evening prior to bed is an outstanding way to burn calories and jump start your metabolism.

It is extremely important to drink a lot of water; this has many effects to your body. Many times we tend to eat out of tendency or monotony; a cup of water will help restrain that craving to eat plus it will give your body its most main factor of survival.

You don’t have to go hungry or minimize your portions of foods as long as you are eating healthy foods. Eat until you are full and then quit. If you get hungry, eat again. As long as you are eating healthy foods that are supplying your body with what it wants, you are safe. The answer is in selecting the foods you eat. If you need something sweet, fruit offers this along with nutritional values that sustain a healthy eating routine. Food is what makes your metabolism work; when you don’t eat because you are “dieting” you are in fact slowing down your metabolism and obstructing your fat loss. When you eat dietary foods, you are not only jump starting your metabolism, but you are also feeding your body with what it desires. This gives you much more energy and the ability to be more lively, thus you begin losing weight. In fact, eating more is the answer to losing weight, as crazy as it might sound. Read Fat Loss 4 Idiots Reviewed to find out how to use the calorie shifting procedure so that you can actually eat more and lose fat.

Take control of your life; set sensible objectives and move forward, day by day.

What Causes Erectile dysfunction

2008-11-01T17:13:00.001-07:00

Just like how how women think its inappropriate to discuss about yeast infection of the vagina, men don't discuss about problems regarding erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction is generally regarded as shameful and has for the longest time been a topic subjected to the culture of silence. How do you characterize impotence? Its hallmark symptom is the inability to develop and keep an erection of the penis that is sufficient to pleasure the opposite sex during sexual intercourse. To get an erection, one needs to have normal, integrative functions of the nerves, blood vessels, muscles and brain. Impotence, contrary to what people perceive, is not just a physiological problem, it is a psychological problem as well.

In a lot of cultures, the ability to spread one’s seed is a reflection of success, masculinity and potency. Not being able to do likewise renders the man useless in the eyes of such communities. How society think about impotence says a great deal about how the very same people view masculinity, its responsibility and their depth of understanding on coitus and its causes and remedies (which really is quite limited). Male impotence isn’t a disease. It isn’t a joke either. It’s not due to of bad luck and it definitely isn’t life’s greatest tragedy. Erectile dysfunction is experienced by 150 million men all around the world. According to some studies, one in ten males is bound to experience impotency at some point of their lives. So, in reality, there is nothing to be ashamed about. The man sitting in the next office can be suffering from the same thing as you are.

Erection is a hydraulic mechanism that allows the blood to be channeled into the penis and be maintained there. As with a functional reproductive male organ, obtaining strong erections at times, such as during sleep is normal. However, the dearth of nocturnal hard-ons certainly does not imply the opposite.

After all, not every male body is the same, they work differently and not every man experiences wet dreams. Another underlying condition associated with erectile dysfunction is vascular disease which results in lazy erections that are not rigid or full and are lost quicker than expected.

Arteriosclerosis is the hardening and narrowing of the arteries causing the reduction of blood flow throughout the body. Tied closely to age, it is responsible for for 50 to 60 percent of impotence in men over the age of sixy. Risk factors include diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, high cholesterol. Smoking can lead to any of the risk factors listed above and is hence is considered to be the most significant risk factor for impotence in the case of arteriosclerosis.

Diseases that troubles the testicles and pituitary glands may bring down testosterone levels which will consequently lead to erectile dysfunction. This is known as hypogonadism. In addition, other factors for instance drugs, hormone disorders, pelvic trauma, surgery, radiation therapy can also bring about impotence.

What many do not know is that over two hundred commonly used drugs, various over-the-counter medications cancause impotence. These include drugs for high blood pressure, heart medications, antidepressants, tranquilizers and sedatives. Also, alcohol may affect the nervous system and is generally associated to impotence.

Are you suffering from the pain of erectile dysfunction? Find out about natural penis enhancement solutions that can help you get rid of your impotence instantly. Discover natural male enhancement pills and herbal sexual enhancers that brings strong solid erections that last without you needing to worry about any side effects.

Even Doctors are endorsing The Use Of Natural Male Enhancement Pills Nowadays

2008-10-28T19:15:00.001-07:00

The most frequently asked question regarding male enhancement pills is valid and it is a question which needs to be addressed. The answer, in short, is yes; the good male enhancement pills really work. The key being that healthy blood flow is vital to natural male enhancement.

Insufficient flow of the blood stream brought about by activities for example smoking, bad dietary habits or just the natural symtom of aging may be rectified by consuming quality male enhancement pills that use ancient herbal ingredients to improve the blood flow.

The penis is categorised into 3 chambers, 2 large chambers at the top, that being your erectile tissue (Corpora Cavernosa) and then a smaller one which is located at the bottom you urinate and ejaculate from (Corpus Spongisum).

The process is straightforward and the same for every male. When you have an erection, your brain gives out a hormone that leads to blood being directed to your penis and filling your Corpora Cavernosa which generates the erection.

The Corpora Cavernosa can be made larger through proper exercise and the consuming of natural male enhancement supplements. The result will be improved sexual drive with longer stamina and improved erection rigidity. The consumption of the best male enhancement pills is like using vitamins when we want better general health.

The best male enhancement products use scientifically tested, potent aphrodisiac herbal concentrates that have been in use in China, Europe and South America for centuries to empower sexual activity, maintain strong erections and boost sexual pleasure. These herbal male enhancement pills now use superior delivery processes to direct the natural herbal remedies to your body system much quicker.

Medical Consultants that were sceptical in the past of traditional natural ingredients are now endorsing these proven receipes for male sexual enhancement.

The reason why doctors are endorsing these treatments is because they encourage peripheral tissue vasodiliation and thus improve arterial erectile function. The natural herbal ingredients have a direct effect on the endothelial cells, which improves the flow of blood to penile arteries and veins with no change in the systematic blood pressure. The best male enhancement pills have the ability to settle down the nervous system which is vital to tackle effectively with any psychological anxieties which could be present.

Why must males continue to suffer from the pain of penile dysfunction? No longer should men feel the inadequacy and embarrassment of incompetence or mental agony of the anxiety from not being able to perform.

Men don't have to suffer in silence any longer! The advent of prescription drugs that demonstrated that males need not endure their penile dysfunctions. Nonetheless, prescription drugs are not suitable for everyone. Natural male enhancement pills offer resolutions that can be adopted more easily and inexpensively than with a visit to the doctor's office and ongoing consumption of prescription drugs.

The simpler and less expenisve options are the introduction of quality herbal sex pills that use herbal remedies. Many men are presently taking this option and it is giving them great results.

The Factors of Lap Band Surgery To Consider

2008-10-27T15:45:00.001-07:00

Being overweight is very hard on the body and the mind. It can make you feel alone in a society that seems to cater to those who are thin. You have to worry about diabetes 2, depression and cardiovascular disease. Being overweight affects everything you do, from booking an airplane seat to buying clothing. But there is help if you have tried the countless diets on the market and have exercised. Lap Band surgery may be the solution that you are looking for.

The Lap Band system has a great success rate and offers fewer complications than previous weight loss surgery options. Previously, the preferred method was that of Biliopancreatic Diversion or the laparoscopic Roux en Y surgery. The Lap Band surgery is a much easier and there are generally less complications and hospitalizations than with the other two options.

If you have tried several of the traditional top 10 diets without success and you are considering the Lap Band procedure, then there are a few things you have to keep in mind. The first is that it will mean a dietary change for life. There are a number of do's and don'ts with this type of surgery. You have to constantly be mindful of what type of food you are placing in your body. Instead of three meals a day, you will most likely be eating small, three ounce meals, ten to twelve times daily.

The second thing to consider is that there are Lap Band complications. This will most likely occur in the first few weeks as patients try to learn and adapt to their low diet. Overfilling the stomach is the number one complication for most patients. They simply do not take into account that the stomach pouch is one-third the size it used to be. So there will not be any gorging at Thanksgiving and Christmas meals.

The third thing to consider, post surgery, is that you still have to exercise. This is not some miracle cure that will happen overnight. You will still need to exercise in order to keep your heart and the rest of your bodily systems healthy. The surgery may work as a weight loss cure but you will still need to follow a diet and exercise regime.

The last factor to consider is that even with exercise you may still be facing plastic surgery after weight loss. You will be losing roughly half of your body weight. This is going to leave a lot of extra skin that you do not want hanging on your new figure. Lap Band surgery is a complete change of lifestyle, yet you will need to exercise and adhere to a special gastric bypass diet. But if you can stick to it, then you will be the weight you have always dreamed of.

Yoga for Perfect Curve : How to acquire a Shapely waistline through Yoga

2008-10-26T11:49:00.001-07:00

The size of the waist is an meter reading of total physical fitness for many people. Almost all wellness experts agree that a smaller waist is healthier than a big one. The logical thinking behind this is that additions in fatty tissue around the waistline normally effect in amplified wellness risks such as diabetes, high cholesterol and blood pressure level.

In evolutionary and biological terms, a small waist stands for youthfulness and vitality. Simply exercising continuous workouts of crunches entirely will not grant you to accomplish that Venus-like waistline of your dreams. You'll need to supplement specialised waist-orientated workouts with ones by several disciplines.

Specifically you'll require to exercise the interior waistband of muscular tissues - normally called the core muscles - with decelerate abdominal muscle workouts that exploit really deep into these muscle groups.

Although commonly associated with establishing flexibleness, a few particular workouts of yoga-based exercises also aim the underlying core group muscular tissues around the waistline.

So, how can yoga help reshape your waist.

This is very important for women to learn. To explain them in simple terms, by requiring you to move - and hold - your torso muscles as a unit. Instead of setting apart your abdominal muscles as you make out in crunches, yoga poses facilitate to lengthen your overall body, producing a feeling that is both concentrated and strong.

Think of your torso as a long vessel through which numerous muscles interact to keep you looking lean. Your transversus abdominis, the deepest abdominal muscle, works with the others to hold in your lower belly. Your erector spinae, the muscles that attach on your spine, straighten your posture and can make you feel (and appear) taller, while your rectus abdominis and obliques are the strong and flexible muscles that allow your limbs to move freely.

The Cases For And Against Natural Male Enhancement Pills

2008-10-25T06:06:00.001-07:00

Herbal sex pills are marketed as safe alternatives to Viagra and other prescription medications for male enhancement. There are two camps when it comes to herbal sex pills. You are either for it or not.

There are people attest that natural male enhancement pills works within minutes, creates strong and longer lasting erections and leads to an instant boost in sexual desire and libido. Supporters of herbal male enhancement pills have reported experiencing solid erections, immediate increase on penis size and girth, prolonged orgasms and decrease in refractory period. Simply put, it works just as well as any other oral pill you that pop into your mouth or even better.

Take for instance, Hot Rod, an alternative sexual medication. Given its all natural herbal remedies, it is able to increase your life force energy, channel maximum blood flow to the penis and increase libido. It consists of ingredients unheard of to many of us, such as deer antler velvet, Tongkat Ali ( testosterone booster ), butea superba and other plant species used in Asia and the Himalayas.

The opposing camps, however, think that herbal sex pills carry unseen dangers. According to particular surveys, this appears true for men who are on heart medication. Their argument is that many of the alternative prescriptions with its apothecary’s delight of rare Asian ingredients work because they comprise of unsupervised versions of the pharmaceuticals they are supposed to replace.

This poses as a danger for millions of men who take nitrates – drugs used to bring down blood pressure and regulate heart disease. When nitrates and impotency alternative treatments are taken simulatneously, it can slow blood flow dangerously, resulting in heart attack. There are instances of people who after consuming herbal sex pills had transitory effects like blurred vision and severe headaches. At the end of the day, it is difficult to know if it was an after effect of natural male enhancement pills or was it caused by something else.

Erectile dysfunction can have many causes to it. Some are physical while others mental. Consuming pills, wether it be prescription medication or herbal pills does not always address the underlying problem of male impotence. It does, however, help in the short run by allowing erection to be developed and maintained throughout sexual intercourse. There are other alternatives for example the penis pump which is a cylindrical vaccum mechanism that helps achieve erection. Others believe that male impotence is due to stress and is not an ideal state for getting and maintaining erections. Also, there is the possibility of people rehearsing the scene repeatedly, causing a downward spiral that inevitably leads to male impotence.

In order to cure the problem, natural male enhancement pills alone might not be enought to do the job. It’s primary a mental problem not a physical one. In order to solve this, some people suggest hypnosis as it hands performance back to the unconscious mind, reduces anxiety during sexual performance and reminds the head of old effective methods of getting and maintaining an erection. By the end of the day, whether to pop herbal sex pills or not, depends on the source of impotence itself. Consumers are advised to read up on the product itself before taking it. Not all herbal pills are bad. Just like everything else in life, there’s always two sides to it, one would have to choose wisely.

The Medline Website Is The Premier Medical Information Portal

2008-10-24T10:05:00.001-07:00

chronic fatigue

Newsweek called Medline "the absolute best source of up-to-date medical information on just about every disease or condition, plus any medications you might need to know about. It's one-stop shopping and your tax dollars pay for it, so you should use it!" The Wall Street Journal added that "MedlinePlus should be the first stop in any internet health search." The American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) gave this health site an 86/100 score, which is the highest of any government site, and Yahoo said it's one of the "seven most trusted health sites on the net." If you're looking for medical advice, information, research or local resources, then join the 32 million visitors who come to Medline each month.

Medline offers many unique functions to enhance your understanding and enrich your life. For instance, if you are about to undergo a colonoscopy or hip replacement surgery, a biopsy, a laparoscopy, LASIK eye surgery or another procedure, then you can watch an interactive tutorial that will show you what will be done and alleviate some of the mystery and anxiety. Another resource you may find very useful is the "Health Check Tools" page, which gives you educational quizzes about breast cancer, arthritis or alcoholism, as well as an "alcohol calorie intake counter," a mental health screening quiz, a cancer risk questionnaire, a diabetic "rate your plate" assessment, a target heart rate calculator, an interactive menu planner and a risk assessment tool for coronary heart disease.

Medline is set up to accommodate all different types of people. Speak Spanish? No problem, as there is a version en Espanol, as well as forty other languages! Is your eye sight failing? Don't worry, there is a version, located on the lower right-hand corner of the "Health Topics" page, which offers an easier to view page.

Some of the most frequently requested topics on Medline include: alzheimers, back pain, birth control, cervical cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, depression, diabetes, exercise, heart diseases, herpes simplex, high blood pressure, kidney diseases, multiple sclerosis, ovarian cancer, Parkinson's disease, pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, shingles, skin diseases and thyroid disorders. If you were to look up back pain, then you would find a menu that is divided by the very basics that includes: Basic Overviews, Latest News, Diagnosis/Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention/Screening. Next to that column, you'll find another menu exploring additional information: Alternative Therapy, Rehabilitation/Recovery, Coping, Specific Conditions and Related Issues. For the multimedia lovers, there are interactive functions, videos, tutorials and health check tools like quizzes and calculators. You can read journal articles and the latest research, you can look up organizations or statistics, and you can look up additional information specifically related to your age or gender. Even if you don't have a preexisting condition, you may want to come to the site simply to find out how to live a better, healthier life.

As the G.I. Joes said, "Knowing is half the battle." The more educated you are, the better chance you will have at living efficiently. No one wants to live out the last 20 years of life stuck in a wheelchair with limited mobility. We want to be looking great and feeling great for as long as possible! Whether you're looking for research to give you renewed optimism for a chronic disease or information on a medical procedure/medication you've been prescribed, Medline is a gold mine of medical information, paid for by your tax dollars. So why not take a look and get your money's worth? Visit Medline at www.Nlm.Nih.gov.

Principles of Diet and Weight Loss

2008-10-20T21:34:00.001-07:00

Diet can mean two very different things; one meaning is something we do in order to lose weight, a set of rules to follow to this end, a second meaning is a general eating habit, which will be different for each person.

There are two main reasons why people go on diets. 1) They have some medical condition that requires a better eating habit such as high blood pressure. 2) They would like to lose weight or slim down.

When you make the decision to lose weight you need to ask yourself a very important question, "Am I doing this so I can weigh less or so I can fit into a smaller pair of pants?" That may seem like a silly question but it's actually very important and will determine what you do on your diet. Too many people depend fully on what the scale tells them, not on how well their clothes fit. Multiple problems can stem from this; one of the main ones is the issue of losing muscle as well as fat. If what you're looking to do is slim down and fit into smaller clothes then basing your progress on your scale at home will only slow you down.

This is why I have such a big problem with so many of the fad diets that exist out there, they can help you lose weight but they can also be very unhealthy. When a diet calls for a great reduction in the amount of calories you eat every day, such as the cabbage soup diet, or require you to cut out a large chunk of your daily diet, such as Atkins does, you can run into health problems and a very poor quality weight loss, one that when the diet is over, you are very likely to just gain all the weight back that you worked so hard on losing.

How Weight is Lost

L et’s cover briefly how weight is lost, and by weight I’m talking about fat, not water weight (which is all too common). Fat is just excess energy stored for later use, so to lose weight basically all you have to do is provide your body with less energy than it wants. So, by depriving your body of calories (the energy that it uses to run) you will force it to pull energy from other sources, including fat and muscle. This is where a bit of exercise comes into play. Yes, you can lose weight without any real activity however you will be more likely to lose more of the weight from muscle loss, this is a poor quality weight loss, it won’t help your toning, and in the end will only slow your progress.

Losing muscle during weight loss will severely hinder your weight loss progress. The act of having muscle means your body needs to burn calories just to keep it alive and around. So if you not only keep the muscle you have but actually add to it a bit your body will need to burn more calories every day just for upkeep, thus helping you continue to lose weight. Keeping your muscle and even adding a little is very beneficial to your weight loss goals. Just having muscle requires energy, so, allowing your body to lose muscle will decrease the amount of sustaining calories your body burns and thus will make it more difficult to continue to burn off fat, creating a weight loss plateau.

This brings me to my next topic: exercise. As much as most of us hate to do it, exercise is incredibly important in high quality weight loss (the loss of body fat as opposed to muscle or just water). However that doesn’t mean you have to go join the local gym and pump iron for 2 hours a day or train to run a marathon, it just means you need to work that muscle a bit so your body keeps it around. There are many different exercises you can do at home that don’t require any additional equipment nor do they demand too much of your time, but will still get the job done. But the best exercise will always be finding something that you enjoy doing, such as swimming, kickboxing, aerobic dancing etc… And remember, finding a partner will help with motivation and boosting the fun factor of it all. So, remember, what you eat is very important in losing weight, but exercise is just as critical. Find a partner, find a sport or other activity that you enjoy, do anything, just as long as it's active. I promise that you will succeed where others so often fail.

One Question Everybody Should Ask Them Selves About Heart Disease

2008-10-19T08:35:00.001-07:00

1.    Where was American heart disease 100 years ago?
2.    What are doctors saying about magnesium?
3.    Why is 80% of the American population deficient in magnesium?
4.    What is the most important mineral?
5.    Can’t we just eat better?

Reading all the above questions may lead you to wonder what exactly is going on with today’s American diets. What can I do to fix this mineral deficiency in my own diet? The answer is adding magnesium an inexpensive mineral to ones diet can solve a lot of health problems.

1.    As magnesium intake levels have dropped over the last 100 years, heart disease has skyrocketed. In the year 1900, heart disease was virtually unheard of and few doctors specialized in the field. Back then, food and drinking water contained much higher levels of magnesium – levels which are not available today. This is why most American experience some sort of magnesium related disease as they age.

2. The author of “The magnesium factor: Dr. Mildred S seelig, MD said: “Most modern heart disease is caused by magnesium deficiency.”
Dr. Julian Whitaker, MD, one of America’s best known doctors of integrative medicine. Said: “Research has overwhelmingly demonstrated the critical relationship between low levels of magnesium and cardiovascular disease.”

Hundreds of studies confirm that magnesium deficiency is linked to heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure, what’s worse studies also show that 4 out of 5 people are magnesium deficient – and even a small deficiency can lead to serious health problems.

Symptoms of magnesium deficiency are as follows:

Heart disease
Diabetes
High blood pressure
Asthma
Anxiety and Panic attacks
Nervous disorders
Migraines
Depression
Fatigue
Osteoporosis
Hypoglycemia
Kidney disease

Many researchers believe that magnesium is the single most important mineral in our bodies – even more important than calcium. In fact, when we get low on magnesium, our cells can not and does not use calcium properly, leading to over calcified heart muscles, hardening of arteries, and brittle bones. Additionally, low cell magnesium leads to insulin resistance, the primary cause of type II diabetes.

Studies show that 90 percent of the individuals with type II diabetes have low levels of free intercellular red blood cell magnesium. When admitted to the hospital for heart trouble, the first thing you are hooked up to in the ER is a magnesium drip. Magnesium is essential to those suffering from a heart attack.

You might be asking your self, can I just eat better? Magnesium is unlike other minerals in the body. Our body does not store magnesium so we need to constant daily supply. Even fruits and vegetables don’t have much magnesium anymore, due to modern farming techniques. Another primary source of magnesium was drinking water, but with modern filtration eliminates minerals like magnesium from the water.

Fortunately, mineral magnesium is one of the least expensive minerals found in your local health food store or grocery store. Magnesium comes in many forms, amino acid chelate, aspartate, citrate, oxide, and carbonate. No matter what form of magnesium you decide to purchase, it is important to get at least 400mg each day minimum. If you are currently taking a calcium supplement, consider switching to one that is blended with magnesium. For best results take your 400mgs before bedtime which will help you relax and get to sleep faster.

Vitamin D In Recent Research Can Extend Ones Life Expentency

2008-10-16T11:34:00.001-07:00

Throughout the past few years, vitamin D has rightly gained a lot of overdue respect for the various health benefits that is provides to those throughout the world. However, many of us continue to fall short of the adequate intake of this nutrient as a result of many lifestyle choices. Although it’s important to use it, sunscreen is one of the main culprits contributing to vitamin D inefficiency because it blocks the skin’s ability to make vitamin D during sun exposure. Adding to the problem is the fact that we need even more of this vitamin than we previously thought.

The need for vitamin D is higher than ever, the general population’s adherence to the advice to stay out of the sun or apply sunscreen when outside has inadvertently contributed to 65 to 85 percent of American adults having a vitamin D deficiency. Actually, diet and sun sources of vitamin D are so inadequate that Robert P. Heaney, MD, a bone-mineral specialist and professor at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, urges all adults to supplement about 1,000 to 2,000 IU of vitamin D per day.

So if you run low on vitamin D, what’s the problem? For starters, vitamin D deficiency puts your bone health in danger and increases your risk of rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, cardiovascular disease, glucose intolerance, high blood pressure, multiple sclerosis, and type II diabetes. Additionally, vitamin D is underappreciated for its crucial role in preventing osteoporosis. Since vitamin D is necessary for the efficient absorption of calcium, the principal bone mineral, if you’re planning on getting enough calcium in your body and keep it there, then it is necessary that you have enough vitamin D in your body.

If that isn’t enough motivation to cause you to consider vitamin D supplementation, consider the fact that new research has found that supplementing with vitamin D also prolongs life. Upon reviewing data from 57,000 people involved in 18 different trials, researchers at the International Agency for Research on Cancer in Lyon, France have found that supplementing with vitamin D lowers the risk of death by 7 percent. These trials used vitamin D supplements ranging from 300 to 2,000 IU per day, with the average being approximately 528 IU.

Several experts, those including doctor Robert P. Heaney, MD, are calling for an increase in vitamin D intake for all adults. A good supplement amount of natural D is 1,000 to 2,000 IU per day. This amount is safe for everyone, and, considering the importance of vitamin D and the affordability of the supplement, you can’t afford not to do it. The benefits of supplementing with vitamin D far outweigh any costs that are incurred in the purchase of the product. Vitamin D products are sold at many health food stores around the world. To learn more information about the many benefits of vitamin D and its great effects on the body, as well as the results of vitamin D deficiency, don’t hesitate to contact your local health food store.

Get The Facts About The connection Between Salt And High Blood Pressure

2008-10-15T00:34:00.001-07:00

Salt is a very valuable part of our diet and has been used for thousands of years to add taste to our food and as a preservative. Indeed, despite the fact that a lot of people in the West simply take it for granted, in many countries it is a very important economic commodity and many older readers will certainly remember the role played by salt in bringing British rule in India to and end in the middle of the last century.

Unfortunately salt can also be a key contributory factor to the problem of high blood pressure.

Salt is in fact a compound of chloride and sodium and when it comes to high blood pressure it is the quantity of sodium which we consume that we need to watch.

At first sight it might seem that controlling your intake of salt is just a question of restricting the amount of salt which you put into food when cooking and which you add to your food at the table. However, the true problem is the fact that most of the salt which we consume is contained in the processed foods which nearly all of us consume every day.

To make sure that you minimize the risk of hypertension you must keep your intake of salt below the recommended daily sodium intake figure of 2,400 milligrams and here are a few tips to help you do just that:

Remove salt from the dining table. If you diet is correctly balanced your food will contain enough salt without any need to add more while you are eating, so simply remove the salt from the table.

Learn to read food labeling. Food labeling laws are much improved these days and almost all foods carry nutritional information which includes the quantity of sodium which the food in question contains. You have to read the labels carefully though as often the sodium figure given will apply to the whole tin or pack and sometimes it applies to just a single serving.

Purchase low sodium or sodium free products. Many foods nowadays come in sodium free or low sodium options and, whenever possible, you ought to choose these in preference to the regular product.

Select low salt snacks. Most people enjoy snacking but try to pick things like vegetable and fruit and, if you feel that you cannot live without those crisps then choose varieties that are low in sodium or salt free.

Of course watching your salt consumption is merely one element of building a diet which is good for your blood pressure and you should also look at picking items from the wide range of foods to lower blood pressure.

Have You Tried The Green Tea Diet Patch?

2008-10-14T06:01:00.001-07:00

Because nicotine patches have been so popular this is why you can buy green tea diet patches. Easy to apply and with no harmful side-effects, green tea diet patches have quite become latest fad in nutritional supplements. So are you ready to find out more about green tea diet patches? There's more to this than just simply being another useless fad diet

Green tea diet patches contain a large quantity of green tea extract, a beverage made from the steaming the leaves of the plant called Carmellia sinensis. Weight loss isn't the only benefit to be had from these diet patches. Green tea diet patches are more than just a method of losing weight, they can also help prevent a number of diseases such as cancer.

Clinical Studies on Green Tea Diet Patches

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition revealed the weight loss benefits of green tea diet patches. These green tea diet patches actually contain Polyphenols which can really help with your body's metabolism. The study showed that green tea diet patches can actually increase the total energy expenditure of the body in twenty-four hours by four percent.

Besides this, green tea diet patches appear to quicken metabolic rates without increasing blood pressure or heart rate. Green tea diet patches promote the process of thermogenesis, a process by which the body releases heat by burning fats. This makes green tea diet patches excellent fat-burners without proving dangerous. Unlike other diet supplements, green tea diet patches do not cause heart palpitations, hypertension, or cardiovascular complications.

Green Tea Diet Patches vs. Green Tea Diet Pills

Green tea diet patches use transdermal method of delivery. This means that green tea diet patches allows the skin to directly absorb the beneficial substances, thereby, eliminating or diminishing several setbacks commonly experienced by pill users.

The transdermal property of green tea diet patches delivers consistent and even levels of substances over a period of several hours. Unlike pills which requires several applications in a day, green tea diet patches is only applied once in one day.

Ingredients of Green Tea Diet Patches

Aside from green tea extract, green tea diet patches also contain other helpful substances. Fucus vesiculosus in green tea is hardly new as it's been used for losing weight as far back as the 17th century. According to a recent research by Dr. Marvin Koplick of the U.S., the Fucus substance in green tea diet patches can help the body shed additional weight up to twenty pounds in two months. Fucus vesiculoscus in green tea is very safe and helps you to burn fat without the side-effects that some other diet products offer.

Other ingredients found in green tea diet patches are Garcinia cambogia, an exotic fruit grown in South India. Green tea diet patches also contain Garcinia cambogia which has hydroxycitric acid (HCA) which is simply an antioxidant.

Guarana naturally acts as an appetite-suppressant which is why you'll find them in these diet patches. Guarana in green tea diet patches stimulates metabolism while at the same time, suppresses your appetite for a balanced weight loss.

Another ingredient found in green tea diet patches is Chromium picolinate. This compound in green tea diet patches is essential in maintaining insulin levels in the body. For fat burning, increased energy levels and lean muscle, Chromium picolinate as been added to the patches.

How to apply Green Tea Diet Patches

Green tea diet patches are applied to clean, dry skin. When applying the green tea diet patch to your body you should do so on your thigh, shoulders and belly. Although some green tea diet patches reputedly contain green tea worth 48 hours, most green tea diet patches have a 24-hour limit.

Fight Disease With Powerful Polyphenols Also Known As Antioxidants

2008-10-13T19:38:00.001-07:00

A lot of new evidence suggests that consuming more plant polyphenols is a powerful way to protect aging arteries. These polyphenol compounds help improve endothelial function, a critical factor in preventing atherosclerosis; inhibit abnormal platelet aggregation which causes most sudden heart attacks and strokes; fight inflammation; and support healthy blood lipids. Polyphenols that are of particular interest are those derived from green tea, cocoa, apples, and black chokeberry, which all complement each other in helping to build the body’s defenses against various ailments.

All throughout history, the medicinal potential of plants has been celebrated. Modern science has found that edible plants are to be valued for their high vitamin and fiber along with their rich store of polyphenols. Polyphenols are found in fruits and vegetables, as well as cocoa, tea, and chokeberry and have been shown to be a type of chemical that may protect the body against some common health problems as well as certain effects of aging. Polyphenols protect cells and body chemicals against damage that is caused by free radicals and block the action of enzymes that cancers need for growth, deactivating substances that promote the growth of cancer. The increased consumption of polyphenols has been associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and potentially cancer and stroke.

In Aztec culture, cocoa was one of the most highly prized due to its medicinal and stimulant value, along with its taste. The polyphenols found in cocoa occur in a higher concentration than can be found in any other food. They also have antioxidant activity much greater than those found in broccoli or red wine. The catechins and procyanidins that are found in cocoa seem to lower the risk of cancer and heart disease. Cocoa has also been proven in studies to reduce blood pressure, improve insulin sensitivity, and slightly ameliorate the lipid profile. Although cocoa is a healthy and tasteful food, it is high in caloric content and therefore, its ingestion must be accompanied by the careful reduction of calories from other sources.

Many studies have shown that tea polyphenols can be extremely beneficial to human health, possessing anti-obesity, antihypertensive, anti-diabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. Tea is the world’s second most consumed beverage, although less popular in the Western diet. Green tea and white tea retain more polyphenols in their intact form, as oolong and black teas undergo more extensive processing before they are marketed. Tea polyphenols break down in high temperatures therefore; freshly brewed tea contains a higher amount of polyphenols per serving than do tea drinks that are canned or bottled.

Similar to the blueberry, the black chokeberry is high in anthocyanins and polyphenol antioxidants activity. It is native to eastern North America and has become popular in Eastern Europe and Russia due to its health-promoting potential. This berry protects the liver from chemical poisoning and the stomach lining from ulcers. It also acts as an anti-inflammatory, lowers harmful cholesterol levels, and prevents dangerous swings in blood pressure. Some studies have shown that this berry seems to prevent the harmful mutations in cell cultures, regulates immune function of human white blood cell cultures, and suppressed the growth of human colon cancers.

Strengthen The Body's Energy Cycle With CoQ10

2008-10-11T18:19:00.003-07:00

CoQ10 is well known for its benefits in antioxidant protection against free radicals, which often cause oxidative damage at a cellular level when the molecule that is with an unpaired electron tries to balance its structure by gaining or losing one. CoQ10 has the unique ability to accept or donate an electron without becoming a free radical itself. Therefore, it neutralizes free radicals and the oxidative damage that results. Additionally, CoQ10 can inhibit certain enzymes that are involved in the formation of these harmful free radicals.

Although its antioxidant activity is great, CoQ10 has been most researched for its role in cardiovascular disorders. Orally supplementing CoQ10 is an effective way of treating many cardiovascular disorders including angina and ischemic heart disease. However, if you have acute angina, before buying a coenzyme supplement, you should be sure to consult a physician on a safe and effective exercise plan. Researchers have also suggested that a lack of CoQ10 can be partial cause of congestive heart failure (CHF). Whether this is entirely true, research has proven that the use of CoQ10 does help CHF patients by improving quality of life and survival. Lastly, research indicates that CoQ10 affects blood vessels in a way that decreases blood pressure.

Biochemical, Biomedical, and clinical research on CoQ10 and its relationship with treating cancer has greatly evolved since the 1970s. Research published in 1995 studied three specific breast cancer patients who underwent conventional protocol of therapy consisting of 390 mg/day of CoQ10. One 44-year-old patient experienced the disappearance of numerous liver metastases and no metastases were found elsewhere in the body. Another 49-year-old patient showed no signs of tumor in the pleural cavity after six months and was left in excellent condition. The 75-year-old patient who had carcinoma in one breast showed no cancer in the tumor bed or metastases after a lumpectomy and CoQ10 supplementation. In addition to these cases, there have also been positive study results when CoQ10 was given to a thirty-two patients who had “high-risk” breast cancer. At the end of the eighteen month study, none of the patients had died, although four were expected to; none of the patients showed any signs of further distant metastases; quality of life was improved for all of the patients; and six of the patients showed partial remission. A follow up on study on one of these six patients proved that with a dosage of 390 mg of CoQ10 per day, in one month the tumor was no longer palpable and after two months the tumor was absent.

Many diabetic patients who use diet to control their blood sugar may have a deficiency of CoQ10. Such a deficiency in the pancreas could impair many aspects of energy metabolism and the synthesis of insulin. Low CoQ10 levels in diabetic patients can cause diabetic cardiomyopathy, which can be reversed by CoQ10 supplementation.

CoQ10 is also recommended by dentists to prevent periodontal and gum disease. Studies have problem that patients with periodontal disease have a deficiency of CoQ10 activity in their gums which can be improved through supplementation of CoQ10.

As you can see CoQ10 has a broad range uses and for all ages. Coenzyme Q10 vitamins can be found in a variety of potencies, 15, 30, 50, 100, 200, 300, and 400 milligram doses to suite every persons needs. CoQ10 supplements are available at every local and internet vitamin store.

Try Hypnosis To Help You Lose Weight

2008-10-11T18:19:00.001-07:00

Controlling your weight and avoiding weight gain as you get older are important ways to prevent a variety of weight-related health issues. Lots of people try quick weight loss diets and fail however.

Indeed, if you happen to be more than 20 pounds over your ideal weight, you are at greater risk for a whole host of potentially deadly illnesses, including coronary heart disease, obstructive sleep apnea, diabetes, high blood pressure, endometrial cancer, and breast cancer.

What’s more, most of those who are fat tend to avoid phisical activity, and that avoidance just adds to the toll paid for additional pounds.

Today, there are several procedures that can greatly help people lose weight effectively. One treatment you may wish to give a try is hypnosis

If you wish to learn more about weight loss hypnosis, here are some pointers you should take note of:-

1. So that hypnosis can be safe it should be done by those who have been trained and are experts. Many people beleive that hypnosis is completely risk-free however this is only when done by a skilled practitioner.

2. Hypnosis alone cannot eliminate excess fat from the body and, therefore, make somebody lose weight. Most health experts contend that hypnosis should only be a part of a whole assimilated process. You should never think of hypnosis as the only means of losing weigh.

Also, a single session of hypnosis will only have very minimal results on an a persons weight. When losing weight, hypnosis matched with psychotherapy will be more effective than hypnosis alone. This is because hypnosis is only a state of deeply relaxing the mind, in which one can still be in control of his or her own body.

3. Hypnosis is a method of tapping into the person's subliminal state. This allows suggestions to be made regarding weight loss. Please bear in mind however that this doesn't mean your brain will be re-programed.

The fact is, hypnosis can only run the range from trouble-free relaxation condition to proper initiation managed by a professional hypnotists. Therefore it should never be viewed as being magic solution to your problems and is in no way paranormal.

For weight loss hypnosis to be effective you need to also learn about healthy weight loss and exercise. Therefore, it should be combined with other weight loss management program to be effective in making people lose excess weight. In this manner, people will be able to lose more weight with a more relaxed and refreshed state of mind.

Ginseng- The Miracle Drinks

2008-10-10T17:57:00.003-07:00

Ginseng is the most widely used herbal supplements on the market today, compared to all the other herbal supplements. In ancient times it is also known as "man root" since it takes the shape of a man.

Till today there are many people who believed that Ginseng not only has the healing power but also has the mystical power. Chinese in the olden days believed that any plant that look alike human body parts could heal that body parts in human.

The plant that looks like the hand for example, will have the power to heal the human hands. Ginseng has the shape of a human, that's why Ginseng is believed to bring balance and well being to the whole human body.

Ginseng has complex carbohydrates, it is an anti inflammatory, an anti oxidant, and has anti cancer elements. It is also known for creating energy. That's why most of the energy drinks contain Ginseng. The Chinese are the first to discover this.

Ginseng are known for its ability to maintain a good balance in human both mentally and physically. For example American known Ginseng for treating stress and mental lucidity.

The Asian made a number of discoveries about Ginseng. For example they found that Ginseng could be used to treat and help prevent asthma, diabetes, neurosis, coughs, and T.B. They also believed that it helps to eliminates anemia. It is very important to the liver and could reduce the effect of hangover.

People are concerned that the Ginseng sold on the market today are not the genuine one. They said it is less effective and lost its value since it has to go through a few steps of chemically processed in the factory. There are more research conducted on Ginseng than any other herbal supplements today.

One sure way or better way to get the genuine Ginseng without doubt is to get the Ginseng root itself. Ginseng has not yet get the endorsement from th FDA despite all the research and studies done to this day.

Be warned that if you suffer from high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, clotting and bleeding disorder, do not use Ginseng unless with the approval of your health care professional or doctors.

Ginseng served both as medicinal herbs as well as delicacies in cooking. This is pretty common in Asian cooking especially Korean and Chinese dishes. Ginseng are also added in tea for healing and pleasure purposes.

It is commonly sliced, mashed and added into boiling soups. Sometimes it is also added to stir fry dishes and during the preparation of steam rice. Normally Ginseng is used together when preparation of chicken and mushroom dishes.

Apart from regular cooking, Ginseng is also used in preparation for dessert, salads and even jellies. Normally people who enjoy cooking with Ginseng are the vegetarians. Today as more and more people learn about the benefits of Ginseng. it is becoming more of a household cooking ingredients.

Build A Healthy Heart With Natural Supplements

2008-10-10T17:57:00.001-07:00

High blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and ever increasing stress are all factors related to the leading cause of death for both men and women, heart disease. Luckily, heart disease is a problem you can do something about. By taking nutritional supplements, making changes in the food we eat, exercising most days of the week, drinking in moderation, and eliminating tobacco use, we can prevent or lessen the effects of heart disease.

After choosing to live a healthier life, it may seem very overwhelming. However, lots of people feel this way. As a result the American Heart Association is urging people to prevent heart disease by identifying their individual risk factors. Each risk factor indicates whether or not you may develop a certain health condition. In heart disease prevention, there are two types of risk factors, those you can control, and those that you can’t control. Risk factors that you can control include: diet, exercise, and the supplements that you take, whereas risk factors that you can’t control consist of age, race, gender, and your family’s history of heart disease.

There are a few, specific supplements that should be taken to increase your health and lower your chances of developing heart disease. You should take a quality heart formula multivitamin, garlic, and a fish oil supplement that provides Omega-3 fatty acids. CoQ10 is also a good way to give complete heart health support. The heart formula multivitamin will provide your heart with the exact nutrients needed to prevent heart disease.

Since the human heart cannot function without adequate amount of vitamins and minerals, it is logical that a multivitamin specifically formulated for heart health would work best. The cells and tissues that make up the heart must have vitamins C, A, and E, and also B1, B6, B12, and folic acid in order to function. These B vitamins are very important because they help to lower homocysteine levels, which is a potential cardiac risk factor. Healthy hearts also need a daily amount of magnesium in order to function correctly. They also need alpha lipoic acid, which is a fatty acid that provides protection against high cholesterol and blood pressure. Along with magnesium and alpha lipoic acid, lutein and lycopene keep our arteries free from buildup, which can later lead to heart attacks or strokes. Unlike other multivitamins, which contain herbs and other nutrients that can interfere with prescription medications, a heart formula consisting of the above vitamins, minerals, and nutrients will work with medications to treat heart disease and provide the nutrition that our hearts need.

Garlic supplements have a very long and successful history of preventing premature death from heart attacks. Garlic can also help lower high blood pressure and cholesterol, naturally and effectively. The best garlic supplements contain allicin, which is a compound that lowers harmfully high cholesterol levels. Since allicin is very stable when dry, a properly prepared garlic supplement preserves allicins health producing action until the garlic mixes with the fluids of the intestinal tract. A supplement prepared with enteric coating can also help prevent against garlic breath. In order for a garlic supplement to be the most effective, it must be made from fresh garlic, enterically coated, and provide a daily dose of at least 4,000 mcg allicin. By taking this once daily supplement that delivers 4,000 mcg of allicin, you can significantly and effectively lower your high blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Not all fish oil supplements are made the same, some can be harmful, but rest assured there are companies out there who supply fish oil supplements which are naturally loaded with Omega-3 fatty acids and certified free of harmful contaminants and heavy metals. This Omega-3 is a powerful nutrient that is known to prevent heart disease and protect the heart. Research has proven that Omega-3 can reduce the risk of arrhythmias, lower the levels of triglycerides, slow atherosclerosis, and keep blood pressure levels low. With just 600-1800 mg of fish oil, you can get all of the above heart disease prevention. However, you must make sure the fish oil supplement that you take is free from contaminants and is guaranteed fresh. The manufacturer of the fish oil supplement should be able to provide documentation of purity in their product. The supplement should contain no detectable dioxin, which is a widely used toxic preservative, DDT (a toxic insecticide), PCBs, or heavy metals such as mercury or lead. Before you buy any fish oil supplement, ask the clerk if you can open the bottle and smell the contents. A fishy smelling fish oil supplement means it may contain heavy metals and could be rancid, which is not going to help your heart at all. It may actually hurt it.

CoQ10 is part of our energy producing system by working directly with our mitochondria in each cell. The mitochondria generate 95% of the energy that the body requires and are more abundant in places that require more energy. Because of this fact, the heart has a large number of mitochondria in its cells, each needing CoQ10 to help them produce the most energy that they can. Because CoQ10 levels can become dangerously depleted by medications for high cholesterol levels, it is important to take at least 100 mg - 400 mg of CoQ10 each day. Otherwise, the good that the medications are doing to lower cholesterol levels will be negated by the lack of CoQ10 levels. Even if you have already been diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), CoQ10 can still help you by slowing down the destruction that occurs. CoQ10 is also known for healing the heart muscles damaged by heart attacks.

There are some types of CoQ10 products that are better than others. The quality of manufacturing has a lot do with which CoQ10 product is best. Make sure to take a CoQ10 supplement that has been used in research conducted by a prestigious university, which the supplement will tell you right on its label. The main requirements for a good CoQ10 are: it must be easily absorbed during digestion, it must reach the mitochondria in the cell, it must be proven effective in studies, and it must be safe and free of impurities.

Although CoQ10 is recommended for people with moderate or high risk factors of heart disease, people with low risk factors can take CoQ10 ever day to reduce their risk of cancer, prevent gum disease, and help certain nerve cells work more effectively. By following all of the above recommendations, you can help to keep your heart healthy and strong. All the supplements suggested in this article can be found at your local dietary supplement store or Internet health food store.

How Appetite Suppressants Work and Is It Worth Buying

2008-10-08T19:23:00.001-07:00

Both fat burners and appetite suppressants are heavily marketed by the multi-billion dollar diet industry, each one a combination of synthetic and herb-derived ingredients that promise rapid weight loss and amazing results. Making the choice can be challenging; some diet pills are simply a combination of both, helping to combat fat and help the dieter manage their daily diet with ease, with so many products out there, is one really worth buying for weight loss?

Losing weight is hard. What if you always feel hungry? Can appetite suppressants help? Do they work? The answer is some products, for some people, some of the time.

First of all, the diet pill is a prescription weight loss medication prescribed to people who have trouble losing weight at a rate of one pound per week. In other words, additional help is recruited in the form of diet pills. The weight loss pill is categorized as appetite suppressants, but also functions as a stimulant. Heart rate increases, blood pressure increases, temperature increases, and appetite drops. As part of an overall nutrition and exercise program, the diet pill works incredible well, but only for short time. Some of us may experience side effects such as dizziness, nausea, trouble breathing, irregular heartbeat, severe headaches, blurry vision, or any other allergic type reaction. So even if you think of using diet pills as appetite suppressants, you need to consult the doctor and then decide of buying it.

Fat burners are designed to elevate the metabolism by increasing the heart rate and blood flow. They often contain ingredients such as guarana, ginseng, synephrine, and alternatives to ephedrine. Dieters need to take them at various intervals throughout the day with combination of exercise and healthy diet. Still, side effects of the ingredients in many fat burners may be deadly. Synephrine and high amounts of caffeine can have a significant impact on people suffering from high blood pressure, diabetes, and even thyroid disease. Bottom line, there is not enough evidence that these fat burners are safe in the long-term or is it waste of money?

There are many dietary supplements available over the counter and on-line, and promise to reduce appetite. But, there is always the question of safety, purity or dosage - since there is no regulation to monitor these. While these may be a waste of money, at the very worst, they can be health damaging. It is true that if you chew the leaves or plant parts, you get the effect. You cannot translate these actions to a pill or capsule you know nothing about, except from assurances of the package.

Appetite suppressants help to trick the brain into feeling full, and helping dieters feel satisfied after eating very little food. They may work for some people who have difficulty with portion control, but its extended use may backfire if the dieter is not eating enough and starts to feel excessively hungry when the pills wear off. Hoodia gordonii and Garcinia cambogia are the two leading appetite suppressants in the market, and each one offers varied results. Side effects of appetite suppressants do exist; dieters may be at risk for eating too little which can lead to starvation levels and even blood sugar imbalances for anyone with a history of diabetes or thyroid problems.

Besides being sinfully delicious, dark-chocolate treat suppresses your appetite, helps reduce caloric consumption, strengthens your immune system, and even provides anti-aging benefits. Designed to help you feel full and satisfied. choc Leans are made with organic dark chocolate that contain hoodia gordonii and Chinese wolfberries, a unique blend of ingredients that combines for powerful results. While hoodia gordonii acts as appetite suppressants, Chinese Wolfberries boosts your energy and provide essential nutritional value, and the deep, rich, dark-chocolate taste satisfies the hunger. You can use for change in taste instead of eating the regular chocolates.

One more strategy to improve appetite suppressant effect is by swallowing a couple of fiber tablets before you begin eating. Fiber tablets or capsules would include psyllium husk, glucomannan, oat bran fiber, apple pectin fiber, or other natural fibers. But be careful, because without adequate water, they can gum up in your digestive tract and in extreme cases, they can block your digestive tract. So, you want to drink plenty of water with them. But there's a catch to all this, in about an hour or so, your body will figure out that there isn't much energy in the food you've consumed and your hunger will begin to return. Now, you need to include other appetite suppressant ingredients like hoodia gordonii to get longer lasting effects.

What did you learn from all this? In almost all cases, diet pill manufacturers encourage users to follow a balanced diet with proper exercise programmer. But the fact is that substantial weight loss can be achieved with the help of proper diet and exercises, without the use of potentially harmful diet pills. So, is there any need to buy those appetite suppressants? Now, you're in the best place to decide it!

Learn more ways to suppress appetite and weight loss will be a breeze. Tony Leong has helped many to lose weight and now you can claim his weight loss system free of charge.

Building A Life After Menopause - Post Menopause And What To Expect

2008-10-06T22:27:00.001-07:00

You've suffered through the hot flashes and mood swings, your final period has come and gone, and now you enter into that phase of life known as postmenopause. During this period, you will still undergo a lot of physical and mental changes. Although these changes are certainly less severe than those experienced during menopause, they can be no less confusing. That's why we wanted to take this opportunity to talk to you about what you can expect in your post menopausal years, as well as any health concerns you should have.

What Is Post Menopause?

The first thing you need to understand as a woman who has already been through menopause, is that you are not considered technically postmenopausal until a full year has passed since your last period. Because women in the menopause cycle may experience periods as infrequently as just two or three times a year, this 12-month period is necessary for your doctor to determine that you have actually completed your fertile period.

What To Expect

Until you have passed a full year from your last menstrual cycle, it may still be possible for you to become pregnant. Though highly unlikely at this stage, your doctor can give you a better idea of your chances of getting pregnant so that you know approximately how important it is to use some form of birth control if you don't want to conceive a child.

In addition to decreased fertility, postmenopausal women also experience a significant drop in the menopausal symptoms. Libido increases (although more gradually for some woman than for others), hot flashes become non-existent, and the mood swings that kept you and your family on edge for so long will finally begin to disappear.

But along with the decrease in menopausal symptoms, a postmenopausal woman also has to worry about an increased risk for certain health condition. The most common problems that a postmenopausal woman will need to be concerned about are osteoporosis, high blood pressure and heart disease.

Postmenopausal Precautionary Measures

In order to prevent the medical problems that can arise in your postmenopausal years, it is important that you understand there are certain preventative measures you can take to ensure that you stay as healthy as possible.

The most important thing to remember when you enter the post menopause phase is that a healthy lifestyle is your best defence against medical issues like osteoporosis and heart disease. Getting plenty of exercise needs to definitely be a part of your daily routine, but only if it is the right exercise. Think in terms of walking, yoga and other low impact types of exercise, and you'll be better able to keep your body in tip-top shape after menopause.

You also need to make certain that you maintain a healthy diet in your postmenopause years. High levels of calcium can help to stave off osteoporosis, and your doctor can give you a list of the various foods you should be eating in order to keep your body healthy.

Overall, now that you've got your energy back, and the terrible symptoms of menopause have all but faded away, you can begin to enjoy some of the most fruitful years of your life. Just remember to take good care of your body, mind and spirit, and your postmenopausal years can be the best era you've ever experienced!

Learn more about menopause symptoms and menopause relief

Learn To Control Your Blood Pressure

2008-10-05T22:15:00.003-07:00

blood pressure readings

For controlling your normal range blood pressure, there are two effective yoga exercises that helps lower the blood pressure:

Inverted Yoga

Inverted yoga reverses the action of gravity on the body. The biggest changes when performing Inverted Yoga is due to the circulation. The abdomen and legs are raised higher than the heart with Inverted poses.

Lengthening up through the legs and keep them very active so your spine opens and the entire body actively involved in the pose.

The cause is simply due to the force of gravity when reversed and venous return is much greater.

Normally, the muscles of the calf and other skeletal muscles in the lower extremities must contract in order to pump unoxygenated blood and waste back to the heart through the veins.

In inverted poses, gravity causes the blood to flow easily back through the veins and this brings the low heart rate high blood pressure in the feet to a minimum. This in effect gives skeletal muscles a chance to rest.

When partaking in Inverted poses, the draining of waste and blood from the lower limbs along to the heart is amplified and problems such as swollen ankles and vericose veins are relieved.

Rhythmic Breathing

It's time to learn about breathing, because inhaling and exhaling has the power to nourish the body and calm the mind.

Not just any old breathing will do. If you're like most people, you take shallow breaths, pull in your stomach when you inhale and never empty your lungs of carbon dioxide when you exhale.

Here's the physiological explanation: Long, slow breaths are more efficient than short, fast ones.

To take in a good breath, your lungs must first be basically empty. Hence, exhaling completely is the key to efficient breathing. The upper chest begins with a full exhale, then goes to the mid chest area, and leaves off with tightening of the abs.

Only after a good exhalation can you draw in a good lungful of the oxygen-rich air your blood needs for nourishing cells.

Warning – Don’t Ignore Vitamin D

2008-10-05T22:15:00.001-07:00

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By Jim Nettleton

There has been so much near panic in recent years about sun exposure that populations all over the world are suffering from a lack of absolutely essential vitamin D.

Most of us come nowhere near getting the amount that our bodies desperately need and the lack of this vitamin could be responsible for the increasing amount of various cancers, osteoporosis and many other deadly serious ailments.

So, how does the above-mentioned near panic about sun exposure fit in here? Because the star around which earth orbits provides the most efficient way to absorb this vital nutrient. Just a few minutes of sun exposure will cause the body to produce high levels of vitamin D, as a matter of fact, several times the level you could get from vitamin pills.

But we have been conditioned to believe that sun exposure equals danger, so even during those times that we do go out in the sun, we slather on the sun screen and effectively prevent our bodies from absorbing the vitamin D that they need.

Now, no one is suggesting that we go and lay in the sun to the point of frying. That’s just plain stupid. As the wise man said, moderation in all things is advisable and, in the case of sun exposure, that is certainly true. But 5 to 10 minutes in the sun will supercharge the amount of vitamin D your body will absorb and may protect you from a raft of diseases and ailments. Over the last few years, there has been a steadily growing mountain of evidence concerning vitamin D’s ability to protect us from the following health problems:

Colon, prostate and breast cancer

Multiple Sclerosis

High blood pressure

Type I juvenile diabetes

Fibromyalgia

Studies continue and may very well uncover as yet undiscovered benefits in the near future. One of the most definitive studies was undertaken by Creighton University between 2000 and 2005. It involved 1179 women age 55 and over. At the end of the study, the women who took vitamin D and calcium showed a 60 per cent or greater reduction in cancer risk than those that didn’t. You can read about the study at the university’s site: http://www2.creighton.edu/publicrelations/newscenter/news/2007/june2007/june82007/vitamind_cancer_nr060807/index.php

If the link doesn’t work, and it may not because of its length, copy and paste it in your browser. Bear in mind that there are many studies providing similar results. The Creighton University study is by no means the only one. Also bear in mind that those who participated in this study took far more than the recommended daily allowances, which are laughably low in many cases.

Here’s another fact that underscores the benefits of sun exposure. Statistics show that the farther south a population lives, the less osteoporosis, multiple sclerosis and cancer they contract.

The best news about this is that we can all undertake the steps required to raise our protection level for practically nothing. Sun exposure is free. Vitamins are cheap. The best possible way to increase levels of vitamin D is via the free rays of the sun provided by nature. Make sure that you compliment your sun exposure with calcium supplements, good, efficient supplements. And if you must use supplements in addition to sun exposure, make sure you get the type that provides you with vitamin D3, the more active of the two types of vitamin D.

For more in depth information concerning this subject, I highly recommend you obtain a copy of Your Deadly Deficiency by Lee Euler. You’ll be amazed at the depth of information in the book and the excellent advice he provides.

About the Author

Jim Nettleton is a radio and television professional who has been intimately involved with hosting health programs over the years. He is an advocate of natural treatments. Visit his The Newest Trends In Health Care blog at: http://thenewesttrendsinhealthcare.blogspot.com/

Taking Your Medications On Time, Every Time

2008-10-04T02:33:00.001-07:00

You know that sinking feeling when your doctor gives you a new prescription to take. Havoc has been wreaked on your daily routine. The first few days, you'll likely be at least kind of OK remembering to take your new medication. Or, you've been here before, you'll start twitching wondering whether or not you've taken the right pills at the right time.

The problem is that not all medications are the same. {Some need to be taken half an hour before eating}. {Others need taking at with food}. Still others shouldn't be taken too close to eating. Some medications are to be taken first thing on waking. Other pills have to be digested last thing at night. And anywhere else your doctor thinks he can fool you.

Remembering which pill should be taken when is a job that taxes most of us. Just one pill a day when you wake up? That's fairly easy (if you don't have kids) - just put the pot next to your toothbrush.

4 tablets when you go to bed - probably easy as well.

But two pink tablets twice a week, another giant lozenge alternate Sundays, the stripey color pill with your evening meal each day? It's starting to get that you need your own personall assistant to nag you!

And then just when you're getting used to everything, your doctor prescribes a change or thinks that you'd be better off with this new wonder potion.

One possibility is to get hold of a neat little pill dispenser and a set of rewriteable labels to help remind you. And after that what you'll also need is to place it somewhere there's enough opportunities to see it during the day to remind yourself and you're all set.

Another way is to teach your mind to remind you to tell you to take your tablets. Chances are you're now thinking you can't remember anything at your age. But the good news is that it's a technique that doesn't rely on your conscious mind to do anything at all.

Find out how easy it can be to remember to take your medication here.

Reduce Water Retention With Dandelion Root And Watch Your Weight Drop

2008-10-02T23:35:00.007-07:00

Dandelion root has been used since time immemorial for the treatment of a wide variety of disorders, and the first written records of its use are from the 10th century writings of Arabian physicians. It was certainly regarded as more than a common weed in mediaeval times when medicines as we know them did not exist.

However, mediaeval remedies usually had a scientific basis because they generally worked, especially the herbal remedies. For example, using willow bark for pain and reducing swelling. It was only later that willow was found to contain salicylic acid, the basis of aspirin. So it is with dandelion, and its use for blood and liver problems, as a diuretic, and to help with kidney disorders including kidney stones.

Dandelion Root and the Liver

Dandelion root has long been regarded as being a tonic for a ‘sluggish’ liver that was thought to be responsible for symptoms such as constipation, fatigue, boils and eye problems. This is the origin of the term to look ‘liverish’. The liver was thought to be ‘congested’ in the way that a blocked nose could be congested. This has continued into the present day, when some believe that dandelion can be used to detox the liver and the gall bladder.

If you can find it, roasted dandelion root has a far better flavor than just simple powdered root, and makes a great tasting drink similar to coffee. You can also use it as a tincture since the active ingredients are alcohol soluble. Dandelion makes a good detox after a hard night of partying, and will help the liver to work its way through all that alcohol processing it has to do. If you live in a polluted area you should take dandelion root regularly. The root is better for the liver than the leaves.

Although there is no real scientific proof for this, dandelion certainly appears to have some beneficial effects. Many of these old natural cures have since been found to have a genuine scientific base, and perhaps that of dandelion is yet to be determined. Initial studies have shown that dandelion does indeed increase the production of bile by the gall bladder, and improve its flow. This is promoted by the sesquiterpenoid lactones eudesmanolide and germacranolide that are unique to dandelion.

Although the root is a rich source of vitamin A and of some metallic minerals, it is these bitter ingredients that give it its most desirable properties. Bile production and flow also stimulates the metabolism of fat and cholesterol into the body. Those suffering from alcohol abuse are recommended by modern herbalists to take dandelion root either in powder form or as a tincture. The tincture is recommended since the active ingredients are alcohol soluble.

An increase in the liver metabolism will result in not only more efficient removal of toxins, but also an increase in free radical production, and the vitamin C and beta carotene content of dandelion leaves are ideal antioxidants to take care of these. Hence, while the root is a useful liver stimulant, the whole plane should be used for the maximum effect.

Dandelion Roots and Leaves as a Diuretic

Dandelion root is also an effective diuretic that many people swear by. Not only is it effective in cases of swollen ankles and feet, but it does not deplete the body of potassium as most prescription diuretics can. Dandelion root is effective for several different conditions where a mild diuretic is indicated, such as in high blood pressure and digestion problems. The leaves can also be used as a diuretic, and many people swear by it even though clinical trials have been inconclusive. It is more than a placebo, as some physicians’ claim, since it is in wide spread use throughout the world for its diuretic effect.

The root and leaves are commonly used by women who frequently suffer from premenstrual water retention. The uncomfortable bloated feeling with the resultant increase in weight can be alleviated by drinking a tea made from the leaves, or by using powdered root. Dandelion contains a high level of potassium and also calcium phosphorus and iron, so the diuretic is well balanced nutritionally, especially with the vitamins A, B, C and D that dandelion also contains.

It is particularly rich in vitamin A and the leaves contain a high level of beta carotene, a powerful antioxidant. Synthetic diuretics tend to flush minerals from the body, and supplements are normally necessary when these are used. Dandelion, however, contains its own mineral and vitamin supplements.

Dandelion and Your Kidneys

The diuretic effect of dandelion is beneficial to your kidneys, and there have been claims that it has even helped to dissolve kidney stones. However, anybody with kidney stones, or any other kidney ailment, is strongly advised to refer to their physician. Native Americans used dandelion as a diuretic and for kidney complaints.
Dandelion root promotes the regular functioning of your kidneys, and the minerals it contains are important to the urinary tract. In fact there is a natural flow, if that word can be used, from the diuretic action that helps the body to eliminate excess fluids through the kidneys. The kidneys filter out the harmful substances that are then passed to the liver for detoxification. This process is helped by dandelion root that promotes the flow of bile and improved the liver metabolism.
When to Collect Dandelion

Dandelion roots are normally at the height of its potency and most bitterness between June and September, and that is when they should be collected. You should dig them up when it is wet and easy to get the roots out whole. Try not to break them. You should wash the roots, and cut off the leaves, making sure that you leave no scales at the top.

The leaves are best taken when fresh and new, rather than from the adult plant. You can eat them fresh in a salad or dry them for use in a tea.

How to Use Dandelion

There are a number of ways in which you can use the dandelion roots and leaves. The roots can be dried and powdered, or roasted and made into a drink like coffee. You can also make a root tincture by cutting the root and infusing it in absolute alcohol or even vodka would do! The longer you leave the root in the alcohol the better it will be. The active ingredients are soluble in alcohol. Use about 1 teaspoon of the powdered root or about 10ml of the tincture three times daily.

You can make a tea from a cup of boiling water and about 4 teaspoons of the fresh leaves or two of the dried leaves. Infuse for about 5 minutes and drink.

Dandelion roots and leaves have many medicinal uses, though the more common are connected with the liver, the kidneys and as a diuretic. It is stressed that you must refer to a qualified physician for advice on any medical problem, and that the benefits of dandelion have not been proved scientifically. However, many people swear by them and never use any other diuretic.

Centuries of use cannot be wrong. This bitter herb can easily be dug up in the back yard or more conveniently taken as pills, powered or made into a tea from tea bags. Dandelion root can be found at your local or internet health food store.

Recover from sleep apnea

2008-10-02T23:35:00.005-07:00

What is sleep apnea? In sleep apnea, with each period of breathlessness (as many as twenty in an hour) the carbon dioxide level in the blood rises and there is a corresponding decrease in the blood oxygen levels. This, along with the stress and the struggle to draw breath, puts a strain on the heart.
Central apnea is caused by the temporary cessation of the message from the brain that tells the diaphragm to breathe. When a person suffers from a combination of obstructive and central apnea, it's called mixed sleep apnea, and is by far the most difficult to treat and control.

In pure central sleep apnea, the brain's respiratory control centers are imbalanced during sleep. Blood levels of carbon dioxide, and the neurological feedback mechanism that monitors it does not react quickly enough to maintain an even respiratory rate, with the entire system cycling between apnea and hyperpnea, even during wakefulness. The sleeper stops breathing, and then starts again. There is no effort made to breathe during the pause in breathing: there are no chest movements and no struggling. After the episode of apnea, breathing may be faster (hyperpnea) for a period of time; a compensatory mechanism to blow off retained waste gases and absorbs more oxygen.

While sleeping, a normal individual is "at rest", as far as cardiovascular workload is concerned. Breathing is regular in a healthy person during sleep, and oxygen levels and carbon dioxide levels in the bloodstream stay fairly constant. The respiratory drive is so strong that even conscious efforts to hold one's breath do not overcome it. Any sudden drop in oxygen or excess of carbon dioxide (even if tiny) strongly stimulates the brain's respiratory centers to breathe. In central sleep apnea, the basic neurological controls for breathing rate malfunctions and fails to give the signal to inhale, causing the individual to miss one or more cycles of breathing. If the pause in breathing is long enough, the percentage of oxygen in the circulation will drop to a lower than normal level (hypoxia) and the concentration of carbon dioxide will build to a higher than normal level (hypercapnia).

In turn, these conditions of hypoxia and hypercapnia will trigger additional effects on the body. Brain cells need constant oxygen to live; and, if the level of blood oxygen goes low enough for long enough, the consequences of brain damage and even death will occur. Fortunately, central sleep apnea is more often a chronic condition that causes much milder effects than sudden death. The exact effects of the condition will depend on how severe the apnea is, and the individual characteristics of the person having the apnea.

In any person, hypoxia and hypercapnia have certain common effects on the body. The heart rate will increase, unless there are such severe co-existing problems with the heart muscle itself or the autonomic nervous system that makes this compensatory increase impossible. The more translucent areas of the body will show a bluish or dusky cast from cyanosis, which is the change in hue that occurs due to lack of oxygen in the blood ("turning blue").

Overdoses of drugs that are respiratory depressants (such as heroin, and other opiates) kill by damping the activity of the brain's respiratory control centers. In central sleep apnea, the effects of sleep alone can remove the brains' mandate for the body to breathe. Even in severe cases of central sleep apnea, the effects almost always result in pauses that make breathing irregular, rather than cause the total cessation of breathing.

Sleep apnea can cause high blood pressure, depression, heart problems and in some cases sudden death. If you thing that you or anyone in your family has sleep apnea, a visit to your family physician is highly recommended.

Weight Loss

2008-10-02T23:35:00.003-07:00

Active at Any Size

WOULD you like to be more physically active, but are not sure if you can do it? Good news—if you are a very large person, you can be physically active—and you can have fun and feel good doing it. THERE may be special challenges for very large people who are physically active. You may not be able to bend or move in the same way that other people can. It may be hard to find clothes and equipment for exercising. You may feel self-conscious being physically active around other people. Facing these challenges is hard—but it can be done! The information in this booklet may help you start being more active and healthier—no matter what your size!

Why should I be active?

Do you suffer from: * type 2 diabetes * heart disease * stroke * high blood pressure ? REGULAR physical activity helps you feel better because it:

Lowers your stress and boosts your mood.
Increases your strength, movement, balance, and flexibility.
Helps control blood pressure and blood sugar.
Helps build healthy bones, muscles, and joints.
Helps your heart and lungs work better.
Improves your self-esteem.
Boosts energy during the day and may aid in sleep at night.

How do I get started?

TO start being more active, try these tips:

Think about your barriers to being active. Then try to come up with creative ways to solve them.

Start slowly. Your body needs time to get used to your new activity.
Warm up. Warm-ups get your body ready for action. Shrug your shoulders, tap your toes, swing your arms, or march in place. You should spend a few minutes warming up for any physical activity—even walking. Walk slowly for the first few minutes.
Cool down. Slow down little by little. If you have been walking fast, walk slowly or stretch for a few minutes to cool down. Cooling down may protect your heart, relax your muscles, and keep you from getting hurt.

Appreciate yourself!

If you cannot do an activity, do not be hard on yourself. Feel good about what you can do. Be proud of pushing yourself up out of a chair or walking a short distance.
Pat yourself on the back for trying even if you cannot do it the first time. It may be easier the next time!

How do I continue to be active?

TO maintain your active lifestyle, try these suggestions:

Set goals. Set short-term and long-term goals. A short-term goal may be to walk 5 to 10 minutes, 5 days a week. It may not seem like a lot, but any activity is better than none. A long-term goal should be to do at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity on most days of the week. You can accumulate your physical activity in shorter segments of 10 minutes or more. An example of a long-term goal is to walk briskly on 5 days of the week by the end of 6 months.

Set rewards. Whether your goal was to be active for 15 minutes a day, to walk farther than you did last week, or simply to stay positive, you deserve recognition for your efforts. Some ideas for rewards include a new CD to motivate you, new walking shoes, or a new outfit.
Get support. Get a family member or friend to be physically active with you. It may be more fun, and your buddy can cheer you on and help you stick with it.
Track progress. Keep a journal of your physical activity. You may not feel like you are making progress but when you look back at where you started, you may be pleasantly surprised! You can make copies of the blank journal at the end of this booklet to keep track of your efforts.

Excellent Manage WeightLoss Advice here !

what is insomnia ?

2008-10-02T23:35:00.001-07:00

Insomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by chronic problems falling asleep, staying asleep or only sleeping for several hours and being wake unable to fall back to sleep. It is typically followed by functional impairment while awake. Both organic and non-organic insomnia constitute a sleep disorder.

It can be caused by another disorder, by changes in the sleep environment, by the timing of sleep, or by stress. Researchers do not know exactly why people need sleep, but we do know that lack of sleep can kill. Humans deprived of sleep for long periods begin hallucinating and develop other mental problems.

Important hormone production is regulated during sleep; in children, human growth hormone (HGH) is released during deep sleep. Insufficient sleep can affect hormonal balance in adults as well. Getting enough deep sleep and they do know that people can go longer without food than without sleep. During sleep the subject’s Sleep metabolic rate and energy consumption are reduced. The cardiovascular system also slows down during sleep as blood pressure drops as well as

Insomnia can be caused by another disorder, by changes in the sleep environment, by the timing of sleep, or by stress. Its consequences - sleepiness and impaired psychomotor performance - are similar to those of sleep deprivation. If this form of insomnia continues to occur from time to time, the insomnia is classified as intermittent.
Acute insomnia is the inability to consistently sleep well for a period of between three weeks to six months.
Chronic insomnia lasts from months to years. Insomnia occurs 1.4 times more commonly in women than in men.

If you suspect you have a sleep disorder, a sleep specialist can confirm if your suspicions are correct – and make a careful and detailed medical evaluation to find the source of your sleep problem.
A doctor or a sleep specialist can diagnose your sleep disorder based on a number of factors, including:
• A description of your symptoms
• Your age
• Your gender
• Your psychological history
• Your medical history

Insomnia can be caused by the following habits and conditions whick risk factors for developing a sleep disorder:
• Poor sleep environment (e.g., too noisy, too brightly lit, too hot, or too cold)
• Excessive use of caffeine, alcohol, or certain medications and drugs
• Smoking or chewing tobacco
• Illness
• Obesity
• Anxiety, depression, or another mood disorder
• Stress, such as the death of a loved one or job pressure
• Unhealthy or irregular sleep routine
• Early or late-night bedtimes
• Traveling between time zones
• Daytime napping
• Shift work with a rotating schedule

Weight Loss For Large People

2008-10-02T14:52:00.001-07:00

What physical activities can a very large person do?

MOST very large people can do some or all of the physical activities in this booklet. You do not need special skills or a lot of equipment. You can do:

Weight-bearing activities, like walking, climbing stairs, and golfing, which involve lifting or pushing your own body weight.
Nonweight-bearing activities, like swimming and water workouts, which put less stress on your joints because you do not have to lift or push your own weight. If your feet or joints hurt when you stand, nonweight-bearing activities may be best for you.
Lifestyle activities, like gardening or washing the car, which are great ways to get moving. Lifestyle activities do not have to be planned out ahead of time.

Remember that physical activity does not have to be hard or boring to be good for you. Anything that gets you moving around—even for only a few minutes a day—is a healthy start to getting more fit. Walking (Weight Bearing) The walking that you do during the day (like doing chores around the house or in the yard) can help you become more fit. But regular, steady walking that makes you breathe heavier can help you to be healthier. It will give your heart and lungs—as well as your leg muscles—a good workout. Do I need to see my health care provider before I start being physically active?

You should talk to your health care provider if you:

Have a chronic disease or have risk factors for a chronic disease, such as asthma or diabetes.

Have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a personal or family history of heart disease.

Are pregnant.

Are a smoker.

Are unsure of your health status or have any concerns that exercise might be unsafe for you.

Chances are your health care provider will be pleased with your decision to start an activity program. It is unlikely that you will need a complete medical exam before you go out for a short walk.

If you are not active now, start slowly. Try to walk 5 minutes a day for the first week. Walk 8 minutes the next week. Stay at 8-minute walks until you feel comfortable. Then increase your walks to 11 minutes. Slowly lengthen each walk by 3 minutes—or walk faster.

Tips for Walking

Wear comfortable walking shoes with a lot of support. If you walk frequently, you may need to buy new shoes often. You may wish to speak with a podiatrist about when you need to purchase new walking shoes.
Wear garments that prevent inner-thigh chafing, such as tights or spandex shorts.
Make walking fun. Walk with a friend or pet. Walk in places you enjoy, like a park or shopping mall.

To learn more, read the brochure Walking...A Step in the Right Direction from the Weight-control Information Network (WIN). (This publication is available in English and Spanish.)

Dancing (Weight Bearing or Nonweight Bearing) Dancing may help:

Tone your muscles.
Improve flexibility.
Make your heart stronger.
Make your work better.

You can dance in a health club, in a nightclub, or at home. To dance at home, just move your body to some lively music! Dancing on your feet is a weight-bearing activity. Dancing while seated lets you move your arms and legs to music while taking the weight off your feet. This may be a good choice if you cannot stand on your feet for a long time.

Water Workouts (Nonweight Bearing)

Exercising in water:

Helps flexibility. You can bend and move your body in water in ways you cannot on land.
Reduces risk of injury. Water makes your body float. This keeps your joints from being pounded or jarred and helps prevent sore muscles and injury.
Keeps you refreshed. You can keep cool in water—even when you are working hard.

You do not need to know how to swim to work out in water—you can do shallow-water or deep-water exercises without swimming. For shallow-water workouts, the water level should be between your waist and your chest. If the water is too shallow, it will be hard to move your arms underwater. If the water is deeper than chest-height, it will be hard to keep your feet on the pool bottom. For deep-water workouts, most of your body is underwater. This means that your whole body will get a good workout. For safety and comfort, wear a foam belt or life jacket. Many swim centers offer classes in water workouts. Check with the pools in your area to find the best water workout for you.

More Excellent Manage WeightLoss Advice here !

Health problems from being overweight

2008-10-01T19:21:00.001-07:00

Quite apart from the fact that your body will be in be more attractive if you diet to lose fat, there are many other things that will benefit from reducing body fat.

Diabetes is one of the most obvious areas of concern with overweight people. A huge proportion of the population are suffering from diabetes and the associated health issues that this disease brings with it.

Did you know diabetes means many thousands of people going blind every year. And diabetes is also a big cause of kidney disease.

Things gets worse as your chances of suffering from heart disease or a stroke increase 4-fold if you suffer from diabetes.

For men being overweight can also cause erectile dysfunction.

High blood cholesterol and high blood pressure are also more common with thiose who are too heavy.

Even a little reduction in body fat can have quite a significant effect on your overall quality of health. And by doing that you can seriously lower the chances of health issues further down the line.

Being overweight can also mean you snore as when you are lying horizontal fatty tissue in your throat can obstruct your breathing. This means you don't get a good sleep and this leads to your energy levels dropping the following day.

Dropping even a small bit of body fat can reduce your snoring quite a lot and the effect of getting better quality sleep at night is you will have increased energy.

If you are over tired it is tempting to want to get your energy back by eating a lot. In this way you just add to your health problems.

Exercise to lose fat is not simply about improving your appearance. It should just be an added extra of actually getting healthier. Being attractive and being healthy don't necessarily go hand in hand. You can attain beauty by putting on make-up or having surgery. But here's a thought - Do people die from being unattractive?

Put A Stop To Inflammation By Controling Prostaglandins Through Dietary Essential Fatty Acids

2008-09-30T16:03:00.003-07:00

A lot of people tend to shy away from anything that has the word fatty involved with it, thinking that it will cause them to gain unnecessary weight. What a lot of people don’t know is that there are good fats and bad fats. The beneficial ones actually can help decrease the desire for food and for harmful fats. Fats are essential to health, as they help to balance the body’s chemistry and provide padding for the vital organs in the body. Fats give a source of energy for body processes and also help with the transportation and absorption of vitamins A, D, E, and K, which are all fat soluble.

There are three main categories of fats: saturated fats, unsaturated fats, and essential fats. Saturated fats are made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen molecules. The carbon atoms from fatty acids hold together in a chain-like fashion and they can attach a hydrogen atom to them. When each potential place for a hydrogen atom has been filled and there is no more room for any more hydrogen atoms, these fats are considered saturated. The fat will be harder or thicker in consistancy the longer the chain.

These types of fatty acids are found in red meat, butter, cheese, sour cream, palm kernel, and coconut oils. When someone has a diet that is high in saturated fats, these fats clump together in the body and form deposits that lodge in cells, organs, and blood vessels and can lead to many health problems like obesity, heart disease, and breast and colon cancer.

Unsaturated fats are called this because at least two adjacent carbon atoms on a chain are not attached to hydrogen atoms. When at least two pairs of carbon atoms are empty, it is known as a polyunsaturated fatty acid. The more saturated the fat, the more easily it will stay hard at room temperature.

Essential fatty acids are crucial nutritional compounds that our bodies need in order to perform many functions. They can be found in the seeds of plants and in the oils of cold-water fish. Pure EFA's can not be made in the body, so they must be found in a supplement or in the diet. Many factors, which include stress, allergies, disease, and diet high in fried foods, can increase the body’s need for essential fatty acids.

Fatty acids are the basic building blocks of all fats. A fatty acid is considered essential if the body is unable to synthesize it and the only way it can be obtained is through diet. Additionally, it is considered essential if a deficiency will cause disease. A deficiency of fatty acids can cause poor reproduction, lowered immunity, rough and dry skin, and slow growth.

Essential fatty acids are vital for many functions including: lowering triglyceride levels; helping to eradicate plaque from the walls of arteries; lowering blood pressure; altering the production of leukotrienes; constructing body membranes; helping strengthen cell and capillary structures; prolonging blood-clotting time, which helps wounds to heal; helping the body manufacture hemoglobin; assisting in the manufacture of cholesterol; preventing the growth of bacteria and viruses assisting in the functions of glands and hormones.

Essential fats nourish the skin, hair, and nails; increasing the rate at which the body burns fat; helping the body maintain proper temperature; assisting in the body’s production of electrical currents that are vital for a regular heartbeat; and acting as a precursor to the production of prostaglandins. It is essential that everybody obtain good fat in their diet to maintain health, if one can not eat the proper foods, supplement forms of essential fatty acids are available.

Bost Energy Levels With Panax, American, Siberian, and Chinese Ginseng

2008-09-30T16:03:00.001-07:00

Panax is a type of perennial plant with fleshy roots, and grows in Eastern Asia. Ginsengs contain ginsenosides that are triterpene saponins, steroidal compounds that are found only in Panax ginseng. The effects of these saponins are difficult to establish, but they are believed to be behind the properties of ginseng.

Panax ginseng is found predominantly in Korea, China and Siberia, although a genus has also been found in Vietnam. Panax are adaptogenic herbs that help promote resistance to anxiety, fatigue and stress, and are said to adapt the body to resist a number of different stressors. It has been proposed that adaptogenic herbs can balance the endocrine hormones of the hypothalamus, pituitary and adrenal axis.

They also normalize the immune system, and increase the activity of phagocytes, the killer cells. Additionally, they not only help to maintain homeostasis, but are believed to go further and act as allostatic agents, adapting response to maintain system stability in a more dynamic fashion, by changing interactive functions as opposed to the individual adaption’s made in homeostasis.

Not all ginsengs are the same, and although Siberian ginseng is an adaptogen, it is not a true ginseng. Its roots are woody rather than fleshy, and it contains eleutherosides as opposed to ginsenosides. These also are triterpenoid saponins, but of a different adaptogen. The herb is actually Eleutherococcus senticosus as opposed to Panax ginseng and P. quinquefolius, both true ginsengs. Siberian ginseng was misnamed as a marketing ploy.

American ginseng is Panax quinquefolius, sometimes referred to by the Chinese as Huaqishen. It, too, is an adaptogen and a true ginseng, containing ginsenosides. However, it contains much less ginsenonide Rg1 than panax. This ginsenonide appears to possess estrogen-like activity and improves spatial learning. The other forms of ginesonide found in panax ginseng are:

Ginsenoside Rb1: This appears in greatest concentration in American ginseng, and appears to have an effect on the reproductive system. It not only has an effect on the testicles, but is believed to increase testosterone production through its stimulating effect on luteinizing hormone. It also helps to rdeduce the incidence of angiogenesis, which is the formation of new blood vessels from old, and also a stage in the development of malignant tumors from dormant ones.

Ginsenoside Rc: this possesses sedative properties, and in a study on breast cancer was found to have an effect in inhibiting the growth of these particular cancer cells. Ginsenoside Rc might therefore have use in the treatment or prevention of breast cancer. Studies have also suggested that this ginsenoside could increase the motility of sperm: the motiliy of sperm was found to increase significantly in a solution of ginsenoside Rc.

Ginsenoside Rf: this is present only in panax ginseng, and studies have indicate that it has an inhibitory effect on the Ca2+ neural channels in the brain, and so cokld have an analgesic effect. Studies have as yet failed to explain this effect that is seen in animal tests, but are continuing on this ginsenoside.

Ginsenoside Re: this ginsenoside has strong antioxidant effects and has a significant antidiabetic effect in that is reduces insulin resistance, which is likely why ginseng is taken to treat Type 2 diabetes. Studies are ongoing into the properties of this ginsenoside, and also on the other 10 or more that are known to be present in Panax ginseng. The effects of ginseng are difficult to establish with certainity because they work through so many different pathways and it is difficult to isolate one. More than one ginsenoside, for example, affects the calcium channels in the brain, and it is difficult to determine which does what.

There are fewer ginsenosides in Panax quinquefoilius, and in the USA it is only the panax version that can be traded as simply ‘ginseng’. One of the main problems with all ginsengs is that although it is one of the most studied plants, the majority of the studies have been on animals, and due to this, and the difficulties caused by the multiple pathways described earlier, many of the postulations have not been proved in humans.

However, if the theory as it is know today is taken into consideration along with the traditional uses of ginseng in traditional Indian (ayurvedic), Chinese and Native American medicine, it would be fairly accurate to say that ginseng is useful in helping your body to recover after illness or surgery, and to help you to deal with stress. It has also been proved to lower your blood glucose (sugar) levels, and help in the treatment of Type II diabetes, as already mentioned. There is evidence that it helps to boost your mental performance, memory and might help to slow down the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.

Ginseng can also give a boost to your energy levels, and it is genarally accepted that ginseng caps is more effective than the American version. In traditional medicine, Asian ginseng is said to be warming, and the American variery cooling. Thus Panax ginseng is useful for people recovering from illness and trying to recover their strength, acts as a tonic, stimulant and supports the immune system. In other words it helps the body to get whole again after being depleted.

It should not be used if you get very hot and red, such as with heat stroke, unless you use it in combination with the American version, because these are conditions of high yang and this type of ginseng will increase the yang even further.

American ginseng, on the other hand, is good for those with fevers, hypertension (high blood pressure), and suffereing the effcts of heat. It helps build the yin and reduce the yang, so if you always feel flushed and hot or are hyperactive then go for the American, and if you easily get chilled or find your hands and feet get cold very easily, reach for the Asian ginseng to increase your yang.

You often find ginseng as an ingredient in soft drinks, but the concentration is so low that it has no metabolic or pharmacological effect. The dose to be taken should be as stated on the pack, since there is no specific standardization. It has been noted that the effects can be lost if an excess of ginseng is taken, but generally the herb is safe and if you feel a bit down or lacking in energy, ginseng can work wonders for you.

Anti Aging Vitamin D - Shocking New Studies

2008-09-29T15:48:00.001-07:00

Chances are, by now you've heard SOMETHING about the anti aging benefits of Vitamin D. The miraculous vitamin has been in the news quite a bit recently - particularly Vitamin D3.

If you haven't heard about the benefits of Vitamin D, here is a brief list:

inhibits inflammation (major cause of aging)
maintains calcium balance
helps to regulate blood pressure
boosts your immunity
protects against some cancers (mainly colon)

There are lots of other research studies being done with additional benefits discovered all the time.

But here is some controversial news about Vitamin D you may NOT know:

Fact: Your body produces Vitamin D naturally with sun exposure.

What you don't know:

Wearing sunscreen inhibits Vitamin D production.
You might have a deficiency in Vitamin D if you've been tanning too much or are dark skinned.
As we age, we produce less Vitamin D from the sun, so if you are over 40, you may be deficient.
Overweight people need more Vitamin D than slender people.

Fact: Most sunscreens actually block the rays that produce Vitamin D. Since sunscreen use has gone up, so has the incidence of cancer!

What You Don't Know: It turns out that since Vitamin D3 protects against some cancers, by inhibiting the sunshine from sunscreen, we are actually increasing our cancer rate.

Of course, the American Dermatology Association strongly disagrees, saying it's ludicrious to suggest people expose themselves to sunshine without sunscreen.

Fact: The government recommends 400 units of Vitamin D per day

What You Don't Know: Most research indicates that 4,000 units per day is needed.

Vitamin D toxicity can occur from taking too much, but the occurances are quite small. Get tested first to see if you are deficient.

Important questions to ask yourself:

Am I deficient in Vitamin D?

How do I get tested?

What are things to look for when purchasing Vitamin D?

Making healthy aging a part of your life is easy.

To answer the questions you have about this important vitamin, go to Anti Aging Vitamin D

How To Use Herbs To Help With Menopause And Its Symptoms

2008-09-28T18:50:00.001-07:00

Menopause is the period in a woman's life in which her reproductive system ceases to function in creating egg cells necessary for reproduction. The numerous symptoms of menopause can in fact be the cause of distress for a large amount of women. It is probably for these symptoms that natural herbs for menopause are sought after. There are several natural herbs for menopause that are notable in their efficacy in easing the discomfort felt at times. These may be in the form of herbal home remedies or remedies that require a woman to maintain a certain tonic.

Black Cohosh

Black cohosh is among the few natural herbs for menopause that have shown a positive effect for the women undergoing this difficult stage in life. This herb has properties that help women deal with stomach cramps and is suspected to help with estrogenic deficiency caused by menopause. Black cohosh herb is also showing great potential for treating hot flashes in women who have menopause. Although there are many other natural herbs for menopause, this one has undergone extensive studies and research and have shown great promise in controlling and dealing with menopause and its symptoms.

The downside to this herb is that there is a time limit with which gynecologists recommend its usage. The reason for limiting the use of this herbal remedy for menopause is that the long term use can result to an increase risk of some forms of cancer.

Ginseng

Ginseng is another of the few natural herbs for menopause that have shown potential in dealing with the symptoms and effects of menopause. This well known herb is derived from the root of the ginseng plant and has the capacity to treat emotional instability or depression which often accompany menopause. As one of the more effective natural herbs for menopause focused on emotional stability and anxiety, ginseng is most effective. It also has the capacity to stabilize the bodily functions of other vital organs and give the woman much needed sleep to deal with menopausal symptoms.

Dong Quai

This Chinese herb is among the natural herbs for menopause because it has the capacity to regulate the female reproductive system as well as is believed to have blood purifying effects. Lowering elevated blood pressure is another of the many benefits that one gets from this herb.

These natural herbs for menopause are noted to have great positive effects on menopause and its symptoms. Further studies need to be taken in order to fully understand the capacity and the extent of these herbs' benefits.

An Awesome Alternative to Viagra

2008-09-27T18:33:00.005-07:00

When Viagra was introduced in early 1998, it immediately stirred up a storm in the sex industry and was an instant hit.

Men who tried Viagra discovered that they had harder erections more frequently that lasted longer.

Drug manufacturers are quick to latch onto things like this, so they changed course with the pill and turned it into an impotence treatment. Clever marketing put it in the mainstream, it sold by the bucket load, and the sex industry was able to get out of the shadows and sell all sorts of products in famous sex pill's wake.

Despite the huge number of copycat products industry|out there], 10 years on it is still this original brand that is the standout name in the industry|after ten years viagra is still number one in the industry, although the rise of the net has caused all sorts of alternative choices to be accessible.

incredible thing about viagra is that it truely works.|Viagra is so successful because it truely gives you results.]

Due to the fact that it was discovered by accident, it is already proven to solve erection problems, and lovers have seen their sexual lives transformed for the better over the years.

It's a simple product to administer, consumed through the mouth, and is readily available.

However, there are a few problems in when you take viagra. First of all, Some people have complained of problems like nausea, variable heart rate, lethargy.

Also, let's not forget, it's a chemical product, and in the recent years people tend to shy away from|avoid] chemicals. They'd prefer a more organic approach, consuming treatments that are created entirely from herbal products.

An alternative to viagra is a proven product named Hot Rod. Hot Rod is an awesome alternative to viagra that has been proven to give you the same type of amazing results that viagra gives without any of the side effects. This is due to the fact that Hot Rod relies entirely on herbal ingredients that is healthy for your body.

Hypnosis Weight Loss: Some Ways to Stop the Weighting

2008-09-27T18:33:00.003-07:00

Controlling your weight and avoiding weight gain as you get older are important ways to prevent a host of weight-related health problems.

Indeed, if you are more than 20 pounds over your ideal weight, you are at greater risk for a rogues’ gallery of potentially deadly conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, endometrial cancer, obstructive sleep apnea, and breast cancer.

What’s more, most people who are overweight tend to avoid exercise, and that avoidance just adds to the toll paid for extra pounds.

If you have a sedentary lifestyle and are overweight, you are at a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and other health problems. And, if you already have a medical condition such as high cholesterol, being overweight puts you at higher risk for complications. Uncover the Easy Weight Loss Program.

The good news is that even modest amounts of weight loss can improve your health significantly. Loss of 10% of body weight can reduce blood pressure, high cholesterol, triglyceride, and high blood sugar levels.

Today, there are many procedures that can contribute and help people loss weight effectively. One of the known procedure in losing weight is through hypnosis.

However, many misconceptions have come up with regards to the application of hypnosis in losing eight. And because it does not involve drugs or any kinds of medications and surgery, many people tend to think that losing weight through hypnosis seems to be one of the safest weight loss program. Uncover the Easy Weight Loss Program.

To know more about hypnosis and its effects on losing weight, here is a list of some facts that will give you an insight about what it can do to your body weight.

1. Hypnosis can be an imminently risky if not done properly and not utilize by people who are highly trained with the real concept of hypnosis.

Even if many people tend to think that hypnosis will not pose imminent danger to their health, still, it is important to know that the person who will do the procedure is skilled enough and that he or she knows what factors to consider before doing the procedures.

2. Hypnosis alone cannot eliminate excess fat from the body and, therefore, make somebody lose weight.

Most health experts contend that hypnosis should only be a part of a whole assimilated process. It should never be used as the sole weight loss procedure.

Moreover, one session of hypnosis will only have very minimal results on an individual’s weight. When losing weight, hypnosis matched with psychotherapy will be more effective than hypnosis alone. This is because hypnosis is only a state of deeply relaxing the mind, in which one can still be in control of his or her own body.

3. Hypnosis is one way of getting into the subliminal state of a person. When a person is on the "hypnotic stage," the body is more responsive to suggestibility because of its intensified state of concentration.

However, this does not necessarily mean that through hypnosis, one can already "reprogram" the mind of an individual.

In reality, hypnosis can only run the range from trouble-free relaxation condition to proper initiation managed by a professional hypnotists. Hence, it should not be considered paranormal and magical in its upshots.

Boiled down, people should be more aware that hypnosis is not a sole effective process in losing weight. It is more of a facilitator of various treatment techniques.

Therefore, it should be combined with other weight loss management program to be effective in making people lose excess weight. In this manner, people will be able to lose more weight with a more relaxed and refreshed state of mind.

As they say, a healthy mind is a healthy body.

Uncover the Easy Weight Loss Program.

The Latest Secrets To Avoid Cardiovascular Disease

2008-09-27T18:33:00.001-07:00

Just About 25% of all deaths are attributable to heart disease caused by thrombosed or 'furred up' coronary (heart) arteries, a condition medically known as atherosclerosis that is brought on by increased blood cholesterol levels. A serious component in heart disease is your lifestyle and which foods you eat.

Simple steps like sticking with a 7 day detox diet, making sure you get some exercise, losing a few pounds and quitting smoking can play a big part in improving your dangers of heart disease - you may also be interested to try using foot detox pads to work on eliminating all those toxins cursing round your blood stream.

Signs of heart disease

If you contract heart disease, you are at greater risk of developing angina (severe chest pain due to your heart not being given enough oxygen), a heart attack; an arrhythmia (which is an extraordinary heart rate, which can bring on breathlessness, lightheadedness and in many cases death); or heart failure (when the heart cannot pump fully, leading to breathlessness, fatigue, swelled ankles, and which might eventually reduce your life expectancy).

Coronary Artery Disease can start in arterial blood vessels in other parts of your body, particularly the brain, kidneys, or legs. This may lead to strokes, kidney failure, or restricted blood circulation in the legs and in some cases amputation. Other health issues of the heart and circulatory system include excessive blood pressure, heart attacks and varicose veins.

Pretty much all heart troubles can be fended off, or improved significantly by making some simple changes to your life. To lessen your danger of heart disease, you are advised to follow a healthy diet, eat a lot less salt, learn how to quit smoking, be careful of how much alcohol you drink, get a little exercise at least 3 times a week, lose excess weight (there's plenty of quick weight loss tips to help you), and bring down your stress levels.

Green tea is is very good for detoxing your body, and is considered to help prevent heart and circulatory disease, and makes a great addition to a detox diet. So far the evidence for these benefits is inconclusive, drinking green tea looks to be healthy, so it might be worthwhile trying along with other preventative measures.

Free Weight Loss Programs

2008-09-26T19:32:00.007-07:00

Weight Watchers. High carbohydrates, moderate on fats and proteins. A very healthy diet plan and very flexible too. it allows the dieter to plan his own meal rather than give him a set to follow.

Uncover the Rapid Weight Loss Program

Benefits of Yoga - Both Emotional and Physical

2008-09-26T19:32:00.005-07:00

The art of yoga has been mainly designed to focus on the total wellness of an individual. When a person gets involved with yoga they will certainly learn new types of lifestyle ideas as well as new ways of approaching life within the world. Yoga has the ability to improve your health in numerous different ways.

In addition, you will also increase your level of strength as well as become more flexible, improve your balance as well as educating yourself to release your stress and add to your vitality. Yoga can also be a pleasant way to lose weight.

Through the practice of the numerous yoga positions, better known as asanas, heightens your flexibility through working on your joints as well as your muscles, ligaments and tendons. You will begin to notice a substantial improvement in how flexible your body will become as you persist in your practice of yoga. You will be pleasantly surprised with the benefits of yoga for instance the increased muscle tone and the lowering of body fat.

Yoga is great for completely messaging your internal organs as well as the glands of your upper body which includes those that infrequently get stimulation needed. Through the use of messaging your organs as well as your glands yoga assists your bodies defenses to resist diseases from harming your health.

A substantial benefit of doing yoga is the added blood flow that happens throughout your physical body which adds to the strength of your health. The added flow of blood substantially helps your body's natural ability to lower toxin substances as well as delivers added nourishments through your body.

Yoga for the Mind

One of the most profound benefits of yoga that happens is the capability of putting your internal mind as well as your body into a state of harmony, mainly through the use of meditation. Meditation gives you the ability to clear your inner mind and provides much needed inner peace. The meditation aspect of yoga can assist in taking away stress that is unhealthy from both your body and your mind. There are negative aspects of stress that effects your endocrinal, emotional as well as physical systems.

Yoga has been utilized to treat many different ailments. Some of these are; depression, headaches, backaches, assorted addictions, constipation, high blood pressure, indigestion problems, obesity as well as other types of health problems.

Various studies have demonstrated that the advantages of practicing yoga include providing people with the means to have a degree of control over an assortment of body functions such as the temperature of their body, the level of their blood pressure, their internal heart rate, brain waves, their metabolism rate as well as their respiratory function.

Lowering The Level Of Pain

An added advantage of doing the practice of yoga is yoga's capability of assisting in the reduction of pain and by helping a persons brain to regulate a significant mechanism that is located in their spinal cord and by augmenting the production and release of pain reducing substances that are made within your body. The routines that yoga uses for breathing also can furnishes much welcomed pain relief.

If you have back pain which clearly nobody wants then first check with your physician to learn if yoga may be appropriate for your personal situation. Yoga has been demonstrated to help relieve back pain through improving your flexibility as well as your strength. By practicing yoga on a consistent basis you will end up in good physical shape and you will also end up appreciating the physical as well as the emotional advantages of yoga.

To learn more go to Benefits Of Yoga advice and at History Of Kriya Yoga tips.

Meditation Techniques Advantageous

2008-09-26T19:32:00.003-07:00

practice of meditation

Many people hear talk about those who meditate on a regular basis, but for the most part, they are somewhat in the dark about exactly what it can do for a person and what the real benefits are. When people think about the term meditation, they conjure up images of monks in far off monasteries on isolated mountain tops. But these days, meditating is a practice that is becoming more and more commonplace.

While it is true that the practice of meditation has strong and deep connections to many Eastern cultures and religions, it is also a fact that meditation has been practiced around the world by a wide variety of people of many beliefs. While meditating is something that has been done for thousands and thousands of years in these other areas, it has only been in the last few decades that it has become better known, understood and practiced in the Western world.

The techniques for meditation are simple and they can be practiced by anybody, regardless of their background, their age, or their situation. Many people have experienced great benefits, with regard to lowering stress levels, reducing anxiety, dealing with illness and disease, and simply enjoying a more relaxed lifestyle.

There are a number of different approaches to the subject of meditation, but they all center on the same basic principles. The first thing people need to do when learning how to meditate is to quiet the mind of the clutter and chatter that is so common in today's life, and increase mindfulness of things that can calm and relax.

Some of the more common ways to meditate that are among the most recognized, are prayer, transcendental meditations, mindfulness meditations, Zen meditations, Taoist meditations, and Buddhist meditations. Some of these meditation techniques require that the body be kept absolutely still, while others incorporate deliberate and controlled movements.

Regardless of the method of meditating, the process leads to a deeper contemplation and reflection of whatever is going on in one's life, helping to bring those things that are most important to the surface. In this way, meditating can help to open the way for spiritual development and spiritual enlightenment because it is an effective way of allowing the mind to focus on the inner aspects of life and tune out the distractions of daily tasks and demands.

There are a number of different healing benefits that have been reported throughout the years. The benefits are most often seen by those who choose to make meditating a regular practice that is incorporated into their daily lives. Many have reported that their meditations have brought about healing in the physical body, the spirit, the emotions and the mind.

A few of the most commonly reported health benefits from meditation include the reduction of blood pressure levels, a lower resting heart rate, better circulation and oxygenation, better breathing and improved sleep patterns. Many people have also said that they feel more energetic, and that people comment to them that their skin and overall appearance seems younger.

How Yoga and Meditation Can Improve Your Quality Of Life

2008-09-26T19:32:00.001-07:00

It's no secret that yoga and meditation go hand-in-hand. While some people use yoga merely to meet their fitness goals, many instructors emphasize the 5,000 year old spiritual teachings that are behind the movements, positions, stretches and breathing techniques. They argue that unless you subscribe to the basic principles of yoga, you will not achieve full balance and spiritual oneness.

One type of meditation yoga is called Sahaja yoga, meaning "spontaneously born within". This form of yoga and meditation has been in practice in the US since the 1970s but borrows from ancient religion. Spiritual awakening is encouraged mainly through posture and breathing, relaxation techniques and visualizing energy flow. While some forms of fitness yoga stress physical movement, Sahaja emphasizes spirituality and teaching.

Students of this branch will study the three vertical energy channels within the human body: the sun channel (governing our thought processes), the parasympathetic / nervous system channel (governing our body processes) and the moon channel (governing our emotions). In addition to these three channels, millions of chakras (literally translated from Sanskrit to mean "wheels" or energy centers) are swirling around us, keeping the channels in motion. Chakras can vary from religion to religion, but Sahaja Yoga focuses on several in its yoga and meditation: the crown chakra (pituitary gland / consciousness), the third eye chakra (pineal gland / sleep and awakening), the throat chakra (thyroid / growth and maturity), the heart chakra (thymus / stress and wellbeing), the solar plexus chakra (pancreas / digestion and energy), the sacral chakra (groin / sexuality and reproduction) and the root chakra (adrenal gland / basic fight or flight instincts and kundalini awakening).

Another study is the Raja Yoga tradition (the "king" of yoga or "royal path"), which is heavily steeped in spirituality. Practitioners believe in a serious code based upon self-restraint, quietude, concentration, regulation of breathing, uniting body and mind through action, withdrawing from the senses and studying religious texts. Often retreats are offered (by places like the Margaret Austin Retreat Center in Texas or the Chopra Center in Carlsbad, California) to help students immerse themselves in a new way of thinking. Students will learn about the Eightfold Path and the seven chakras, in addition to yamas and niyamas (code of conduct and religious observances, respectively).

Curious parties can go to SahajaYoga.org for more information on the teachers, philosophy and practice of yoga and meditation. If you're in the California region, another highly acclaimed meditation expert and retreat guide is Deepak Chopra, who can be found at Chopra.com. Also, if you go to Yoga.com's studio search, you can look up Raja Yoga studios near you. IAYT.org has information regarding healing yoga.

The world is a fantastic place filled with diversity and new discoveries at every turn. One of these discoveries for the Western world came in the form of Yoga. This ancient practice was known primarily in Eastern religions such as Buddhism or Hinduism but has since become a very popular form of exercise. It is more than that though. It is a process of centering the mind and body into one fluid machine that is highly aware of itself and surroundings. Yoga can be performed by anyone of any age and is great for those beginning their trek into a healthier lifestyle. If you are ready to begin your trek, click here for more information: Yoga Classes and at Yoga Apparel also at Yoga Mats

Why Losing Weight is Good

2008-09-24T15:12:00.001-07:00

The following are a few of the remarkable advantages from losing those excess weight.

Weight loss prevents high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke

Angina, one type of heart disease, could cause chest pains as well as a decrease in the oxygen pumped to the heart.

Sudden death also occurs from heart disease and stroke, and usually this strikes with very little warning, signs and symptoms.

Weight loss prevents type 2 diabetes

Weight loss helps reduce your risk for cancer

Weight loss reduces sleep apnea

Weight loss reduces the pain of osteoarthritis

Uncover the Easy Weight Loss Program.

6 Top Risk Factors for Heart Disease

2008-09-23T12:11:00.005-07:00

6 Top Risk Factors for Heart Disease

Heart disease is a killer that does not discriminate between men and women or even the various cultures or socioeconomic backgrounds. In fact, it has been called a universal killer because more people die from heart disease each year than other illnesses – several million a year worldwide! With some people, heart disease is not even a blip on their radar because they don't even know they have it! Others have a variety of health problems and know they are at greater risk than the average person for heart disease because of those problems.

Knowing what the risk factors are can greatly help in reducing your chances of developing heart disease. While there are likely dozens of contributing causes, there are six top risk factors for heart disease – with several that you can do something about. Here they are:

1. Hypertension – Also known as high blood pressure, hypertension is one of the leading contributors to heart disease. Why, you may ask? Blood pressure basically is a measure of the force of the blood flow. The greater that force is, the more likely it is to cause problems, especially when other factors exist. The longer hypertension goes unchecked the more likely you are to develop hardening of the arteries, thickening of the heart muscle and much more. Exercise and diet can lower hypertension but sometimes medications are necessary to help.

2.Smoking – A nicotine habit can be life controlling. Smoking can promote the collection of fatty deposits in the blood which can lead to arterial blockage and heart disease. It also promotes narrowing of the arteries which requires the heart to pump harder to push oxygen through the body and results in hypertension.

3. Diabetes – This metabolic disease affects how insulin is produced and absorbed in the body. People with diabetes have a greater chance of developing several conditions that lead to heart disease such as narrowing of the arteries, arterial damage and hardening of the arteries. This can also affect the muscles, of which the heart is one of the most important ones.

4. High cholesterol – Cholesterol is important to the body as it is a necessary component for the healthy lining of body cells and blood vessels. You get cholesterol from foods as well as normal liver function. Even if you eat virtually no cholesterol, your body should be able to produce enough to adequately sustain healthy cells and blood vessels. Therefore, adding more cholesterol via the diet can boost cholesterol beyond normal limits in the blood. When this happens, plaque can build up along the arterial walls causing not only hardening of the arteries but also narrowing as well. This can contribute to heart problems by placing more burdens on the heart to get oxygen and nutrients to the body.

5. Obesity – Being hugely overweight contributes to a variety of other factors which in turn can develop into heart disease. Obesity means that you are likely to have higher cholesterol levels, problems with insulin production and absorption (diabetes issues) and more. When you lose the weight, less poundage removes some of the burden on your body and reduces heart disease risk.

6. Family genetics – Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do about family history and propensity towards heart disease. What you can change is how you live your life. A good diet low in fats and cholesterol and high in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and other heart healthy substances can go a long way towards preventing the development of heart disease in you. Add clean living (no smoking or alcohol) and exercise and you have a winning trifecta against heart disease.

Do You Know How To Prepare For A Cholesterol Blood Test

2008-09-23T12:11:00.003-07:00

Cholesterol is an essential substance to maintain your body working. This might come as a surprise, as all the literature out there seems to indicate that cholesterol is bad. There are two types of cholesterol, HDL cholesterol or good cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol, which are better known as bad cholesterol. To ensure that you do not have bad cholesterol you need to have a test and to have the test you need to know how to prepare for a cholesterol blood test.

Cholesterol testing can help conclude whether you have an sufficient level of good cholesterol, too much bad cholesterol, the total amount of cholesterol in your bloodstream, and the presence of triglyceride levels that can cause blockages in the arteries. Cholesterol testing is a simple blood test and will help you get a better picture of your state of health, and what you can do to be healthier.

Who Should Have A Cholesterol Test?

Cholesterol testing should be carried out every five years. You don’t have to be middle aged to take a cholesterol test. In fact it’s advisable to take one as soon as you reach the age of twenty. Waiting until your forties may be too late. The sooner you have a clear idea about your risks for heart disease the better.

How To Prepare For A Cholesterol Blood Test

To prepare for cholesterol blood test you should fast for fourteen hours before the test. This means no food or drink, with the exception of water, before you take the test. You should not drink alcohol for forty-eight hours before the test as well. Although the test can be carried out without a fast you can only use the results for total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol levels. It’s advisable that you do abstain from food so that you get a more accurate picture.

The Procedure

The next step on preparing for a cholesterol blood test is going to a hospital or to your doctors surgery where the required blood sample will be drawn the same way any other blood test is carried out. The actual procedure only takes a few minutes and doesn’t hurt much. You may feel minor discomfort when the needle used to draw blood is inserted into your vein.

After the blood test you can start eating again as you would normally do. If you were asked to stop taking any medications then your doctor will advice you when you can resume taking said medication. After the test your doctor will send the blood sample for analysis and determine the likelihood that you might develop heart disease.

Other factors such as family history, age, lifestyle and prior heart attacks will be taken into account when determining your risk of developing heart disease. If you do have less than desirable cholesterol levels then your doctor can advise you on the next step.

Eat Your Way To Lower Blood Pressure

2008-09-23T12:11:00.001-07:00

In the United States today high blood pressure has reached epidemic proportions with over 65 million people suffering from high blood pressure and another 45 million showing a condition known as pre-hypertension. High blood pressure is a symptomless disease which heightens your risk of heart attack and stroke and you could very easily be suffering from it without any knowledge of it until it is too late.

There are of course medicines available which can help to lower blood pressure, but several of these have accompanying side effects and, although some people might need to take medication in the short term to lower their blood pressure, a much better answer is to seek out some natural remedies for high blood pressure if you can.

For almost all of us high blood pressure is related to diet and weight and this is a major problem today when nearly seventy percent of Americans are either overweight or obese. In addition, the majority of Americans get much too much salt in their diet and not enough of the large number of other beneficial minerals and vitamins that can act to lower blood pressure. In short, it is possible to eat your way to a normal blood pressure, if you know how to do it.

In fact, it may be possible to reduce your blood pressure quite quickly if you alter your diet and begin taking exercise. That said, if you've been sedentary for a long time you should not suddenly begin exercising vigorously and it's always a good idea to talk to your doctor before you start any exercise program.

To begin with though let us talk about some things which you should avoid and top of the list is salt. Salt is one of the chief offenders in today's epidemic of high blood pressure. Too much dietary fat is also a culprit as it promotes arteriosclerosis, weight gain, and other difficulties that lead to high blood pressure. Therefore, two things which you ought to avoid (or at least reduce) in your diet are salt and excess fat, principally saturated or trans fats.

What types of food should you have in your diet to help you in lowering your blood pressure? Well, potassium is one of the key substances that is missing in today's American diet and that is extremely beneficial to blood pressure. Potassium help to reduce blood pressure just as sodium helps raise your blood pressure and so including sufficient potassium in your diet can help to even out blood pressure.

It is very easy to get potassium into your diet by simply loading up on fresh or frozen vegetable and fruits, providing of course that they do not have any added salt or sugar. Although this may seem tasteless to some people, it's one of the best ways to ensure that you regularize your blood pressure. And of course, at the same time you also have to cut down on the salt to the daily sodium intake recommended of approximately 2400 mg a day. An excellent way to do this is not to add any salt to your diet at all because natural unprocessed foods contain sufficient salt and, if you want to flavor your food then simply try using spices and herbs.

Magnesium and calcium are two further minerals that can help reduce blood pressure. Both calcium and magnesium are considered to be calming minerals and the majority of Americans do not get enough of either in their diets. Dairy products that are low in fat are a good source of calcium as are legumes, nuts, and dark and leafy green vegetables. You need to seek to get a balance of about two parts of magnesium to three parts of calcium. Foods such as white beans, soybeans, and sesame seeds not only contain a lot of calcium and magnesium but they are also good sources of potassium.

Finally, ensure that you drink enough water and also get sufficient fiber in your diet. Fiber helps to clear toxins and unhealthy substances out of your body and it also helps you feel full so that you are not tempted to eat too much.

Latest Diet Book

2008-09-22T11:10:00.003-07:00

"Rapid Weight Loss Techniques"

Other than physical appearance weight affects a person in many ways. This could be the overall quality of life, self-esteem, depression, health risks, and physical incapabilities. There are a lot of positive changes once a person experience weight loss. It is for this reason why a lot of people are searching for a weight loss technique that will surely trim down those fats and get a super slim head turner body.

The very first thing that an over-weight should do is seek a doctor to recommend the best weight loss regimen. This will be done after a full physical examination, which leads to the determination of proper rapid weight loss techniques. And to lose weight fast and effectively four aspects of life should be changed: what to eat, how to eat, behavior and activity level.

Here are fast tips that can change an over-weight's life:

First: Fast weight loss composes of a multi-faceted technique that consists mindset, exercise, and in other cases, diet supplements. Start by learning a diet food plan that can easily be accustomed with. Incorporate an exercise plan that allows at least fifteen minutes a day like brisk walking, running, swimming, and dancing.

Second: Set realistic approaches. The ability to focus and have proper mindset enables someone on a diet to quickly lose those extra pounds. With discipline and proper mind set, a dieter will never be disheartened and lose focus.

Third: Pay attention as the body speaks. Each and everyone's body metabolism reacts differently to different fast weight loss programs and plans. Try substituting one program for another to compensate the body's reaction. Exercise program must be suitable to one's body, as others are not able to exercise as vigorously as others can. If walking is all that can be done, then walk for this has proven to be the best exercise. Muscles burn more calories than fats so it's also a good idea to put on a little muscle and looking good too.

Fourth: Eat more fibers for it makes a person full sooner and stays in the tummy longer, slowing down the rate of digestion. A single serving of whole grain bread moves fat through your digestive system faster. Grains turn into blood sugar that spikes your body's insulin level. Thus, making your body more energized and ready to tell the body when it should stop burning fats or start storing.

Fifth: Keep away from fried foods especially deep-fried as this contains a great quantity of fat. Although fish and chicken appear leaner than beef, this white meat can contain more fat than when a beef is fried. It is highly recommended for those on strict diet to opt for grilled food as this does not have or contain less amount of fat after the food is cooked.

Sixth: Takes lots of fluid. Drinking at least six to eight glasses of water a day keeps the body hydrated. Since weight loss depends on how the body eliminates body wastes, you must stay hydrated.

All in all, discipline and consistency is still the best practice and the key to an easy weight loss success. Light dieting, workout, and right amount of supplementation applied in a regular way everyday will result in faster weight loss than having a massive action only to be followed a return to old habits as this would only lead to gaining more weight than when the weight loss plan has started.

Quick Weight Loss Trend

2008-09-22T11:10:00.001-07:00

If you wear a size 14 and you blow a bundle on designer size 8 dresses as motivation, you will probably end up feeling guilty, frustrated, and angry if you are not slinking around in it a month later.

In reality, you will do much better setting smaller, achievable targets for yourself. If you must try the new-clothes strategy, go down a size at a time, and do not buy anything you have to take out a second mortgage to pay for.

Because, if you continue to remorse on losing weight fast, you will end up incorporating fad diets or those that offer quick weight loss.

For most people who are not aware of this fact, there are no such things as quick weight loss diets and there is no nippy weight loss for people who want to be slimmer than what their body can provide. Uncover the Rapid Weight Loss Program.

The problem with most people is that they tend to opt for nippy fixes wherein fact these things are not effective at all.

What Does Not Work

Today, there are plenty of weight-loss strategies that are guaranteed to backfire. This is because these nippy fixes instilled on certain diet plans are, in reality, not efficient because it does not employ the right principle and the right attitude in losing weight.

These fast weight loss diet plans are known as fad diets because that is exactly what they are, just a fad. In time, when fashion is over and popularity wanes down, people will realize that the diet they have depended on is not reliable at all. Uncover the Rapid Weight Loss Program.

To know more about these fad diets that are selling like hotcakes in the market today, here is a list of some telltale signs that would tell you not to try it even once.

Here they are:

1. Skipping meals

Does your diet plan require you to skip meals? If it does, then, it is a fad diet.

Abstain from food completely is not a healthy habit. It may even cause some serious complications or problems especially for people who are sick with diabetes.

Skipping meals will only cause a hypoglycemia, or the condition wherein your blood sugar is really low, and will probably only be effective in making you eat twice as much at the next meal.

2. Dieting without exercise, or vice versa

Exercise is crucial to the human body. It is important in the proper blood circulation and other activities of the human body system.

Therefore, diet plans that do not require you to exercise are nuisances. People are born to move.

But then again, exercise alone is not enough. Hence, it would be better if diet and exercise will go hand-in-hand.

3. Continuous dawdling

There is no better time to start losing weight. If you want to really lose those excess fats, you have to lose weight now.

Delaying tactics will not get you anywhere and will only make the problem worse. So, if your diet plan suggests a certain timeframe for you start losing weight, chances are, you are following the trend of fad diets.

Boiled down, it is best to rely more on the way you feel than the tale of the tape. This means that if the weighing scale tells you that you are losing weight even if it is slower than you would like, but you are feeling energetic and positive about your weight-loss efforts, then, you are just doing fine.

As mentioned and is worth mentioning all over again, weight loss is not a quick process.

Uncover the Rapid Weight Loss Program.

Low Cholesterol Food Plan – Not As Hard As You Many Think

2008-09-21T12:07:00.001-07:00

A low cholesterol food plan is not difficult to come by. The foods in the plans have low levels of cholesterol which are required in a diet for those who need to reduce their cholesterol levels. The reason why people need to change to a low cholesterol food plan is because their health is in danger due to high levels of cholesterol represent. People who have high cholesterol levels are more at risk at having heart disease, liver disease and many other illnesses that come with high cholesterol numbers.

a blood chemistry test that shows how much cholesterol is present in the blood and that is how your cholesterol levels are determined . A low cholesterol food plan is great for maintaining the cholesterol numbers for each person. Depending on how susceptible you are to having heart disease and other sicknesses, medication to aid the reduction of you cholesterol levels could be prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor may also recommend that you go on a low cholesterol diet and exercise.

Vegetables and Fruits

Fruit and vegetable could be the two of the healthiest food groups available for people who have high cholesterol. Not only are these low cholesterol food plan but they also contain high levels of essential vitamins, minerals and fiber necessary for a well functioning body and overall well being. We need several servings of these kinds of low cholesterol food plan in order to reach the recommended daily allowance we need to function well and be healthy.

Another thing that makes fruits and vegetable favorable low cholesterol food plan is due to their low calorie content as well. This means that there is a reduce risk of calories turning into useless fat when not used.

Lean Meats

Lean meats are those meats that have no fats or marbling. These low cholesterol food plan have high protein content as well as minerals and micronutrients that help the body manage and control high levels of bad cholesterol. Included in these kinds of meats are turkey, chicken fish and some pork. These low cholesterol food plan are also an excellent aid to our metabolism and helps to build muscles.

Seeds and Nuts

These kinds of low cholesterol food plan are often rich n Omega 3 which makes them very good for managing bad cholesterol. Seeds and nuts are also high fiber which makes them great for flushing out and cleaning the digestive tract from any deposits that may have accumulated. Beware though that you many need to do some research regarding which are good for you and which are not as not all seeds and nuts are low cholesterol food plan. A low cholesterol food plan will actually help individuals make themselves healthier as well as become less prone to diseases associated to high levels of cholesterol.

Cholesterol Fact Sheet: The Facts That Could Save Your Life

2008-09-20T13:18:00.001-07:00

Although our bodies need a small amount of cholesterol to remain healthy, a lot of this waxy fat-like substance can in fact cause an increased of problems in our bodies.

Most literature that features cholesterol information points out that too much cholesterol in our system many lead to the hardening of the arteries that leads to our heart.

According to these medical cholesterol fact sheets, when the arteries leading to our heart harden, coronary heart disease may possibly increase. If you do not wish to end up with a faulty heart, you should learn more about the effects of too much cholesterol in your body.

Where do you find reliable materials about cholesterol? The best way to learn more about cholesterol is to talk to your doctor. Ask your doctor for some cholesterol fact sheet material that you can read. Aside from asking for cholesterol fact sheet from your doctor, you can also do some research either online or offline. There is plenty of information about cholesterol on the Internet so all you need to do is launch a search.

What Types Of Cholesterol Are There

According to studies, there are at least four known types of cholesterol. The low-density lipoproteins (LDL), also known as the bad cholesterol, are the primary culprit for coronary diseases. Most cholesterol fact sheet material will tell you that this type of cholesterol is potentially dangerous to your heart and you should avoid this type of cholesterol as much as you can. The higher the level of the LDL in your blood, the higher your risk of coronary heart disease. While LDL is bad, high-density lipoproteins (HDL) are good. According to experts, HDL helps the body get rid of the bad cholesterol. To stay healthy and strong, you need to eat more food that contains HDL and less food that contains LDL. Fruits, vegetables and whole grain contain plenty of HDL.

Another type of cholesterol is the very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL). According to many cholesterol experts, the VLDL is just as bad as the LDL. Like the LDL, the VLDL is composed mostly of fat and have too little protein. The VLDL is also known to carry triglycerides into the blood stream. Triglycerides usually form when there are excess sugars, calories or alcohol in the body. Like the LDL and VLDL, triglycerides can have some negative effects on the body. Triglyceride deposits in the blood can cause hardening of the arteries that may lead to some fatal heart diseases.

A Type 2 Diabetes Diet is Healthy and Nutritional

2008-09-16T13:20:00.001-07:00

When the body is unable to produce enough insulin Type 2 diabetes occurs in the blood. Folks who suffer diabetes have to undergo insulin shots to break down the glucose and raise thier insulin levels. Suffers have to watch what they eat and develop a nutritional type 2 diabetes diet. Obviously exercise and managing your weight will reduce the effects of type 2 diabetes, but you also must eat properly as well. Losing weight and moving your body will help you gain control of type 2 diabetes. At any rate a type 2 diabetes diet can help reduce this disease.

In general, eating healthy benefits anyone with or without diabetes. A type 2 diabetes diet simply reduces some of the foods that cause a rise in your glucose levels. A good place to start is by reducing simple carbohydrates. Try to eliminate refined carbs completely from your diet is the first thing you should try. Replacing them with complex carbohydrates and fibers are what you should. Consuming more simple carbs will help your body from having to produce insulin as quick. These types of foods include fibers, fruits and vegetables. They are excellent for type 2 diabetes diet because they are rapidly broken down and more easily digested. Diabetics will have a simpler time with this food because the insulin demand for these foods are low.

A type 2 diabetes diet will also include up to 20% daily intake of protein. Eatging more than 20% is not what you want to do. An essential component of a diabetic's diet is somewhere between 10 and 20 %, which is optimal. Fiber is also an important part of your diet. Make sure you eat at least 20 grams of fiber each day.

Additionally you will want to make sure your fat intake is less than 30% of your daily caloric intake. You should not eat more than 10% in saturated fats in any nutritional diet. Keeping your type 2 diabetes diet as lean as possible is for the best. Satruated fats are contained in a lot of foods we consume like those found in fast foods. The fewer saturated fats that are eaten will make you healthier and they are the best way to lose weight too.

Type 2 diabetes can be treated simply. The problem is making the changes in your lifestyle like exercising and eating properly is not easy. Motivate yourself to become healthier and you will achieve your goal of eliminating diabetes.

How to lower blood pressure 20 points

2007-08-28T12:17:00.001-07:00

The Blood Pressure Cure review

The author of The Blood Pressure Cure: 8 Weeks to Lower Blood Pressure Without Prescription Drugs says lowering salt intake is not the key to lowering your blood pressure.

He says reducing salt intake is only a small key to getting your readings down. He says the effects is marginal at best, only a 2 to 3 point drop.

What he does recommend is using a salt substitute for your cooking. He notes that a salt substitute is made of potassium chloride which is an essential nutrient that rids the body of salt.

Potassium can lower your blood pressure 6 to 8 points. Doctors recommend we get 3,500 mg of potassium a day.

And if you want to lower your blood pressure another 8 to 11 points, start taking grape seed extract.

Another tip is drinking hot cocoa in the evening as it helps reduce your blood pressure.

Eat your tomatoes and lower your blood pressure 10%. You can take a lycopene capsule daily which is the equivalent of 3 to 4 medium tomatoes.

These are just a few of of the solutions discussed in his book. And he says about 85% of the people should be able to manage their blood pressure without drugs. And that’s the kind of news I want to hear.

To learn much more about lowering your blood pressure, check out The Blood Pressure Cure: 8 Weeks to Lower Blood Pressure Without Prescription Drugs

-Chris

How to lower blood pressure? Take your medications

2007-08-28T12:15:00.002-07:00

Ask the doctor how to lower your blood pressure and he’ll give you medicine. You’re probably not going to get your readings down because you don’t take your medicines all the time. You may see a drop in your readings and then stop taking the meds thinking you’re cured. This is according to a new study released in http://www.thelancet.com/

The editorial states “Despite very effective and cost-effective treatments, target blood pressure levels are very rarely reached, even in countries where cost of medication is not an issue. Many patients still believe that hypertension is a disease that can be cured, and stop or reduce medication when blood pressure levels fall.”

I’m in this statistic too. I started taking my meds and then after a few days I stopped. I am aware of the risks of high blood pressure - death being the most severe - but I didn’t want to take meds for the rest of my life, I wanted to change my lifestyle and eating habits instead.

And it worked. I dropped my readings by 20 points in a few months. I still have to watch what I eat, watch how much salt I eat and do some activity to keep my levels low. But, I don’t have to be on medications for the rest of my life.

The editorial offered this advice to give to other physicians treating patients with high blood pressure:

“Physicians need to convey the message that hypertension is the first, and easily measurable, irreversible sign that many organs in the body are under attack. Perhaps this message will make people think more carefully about the consequences of an unhealthy lifestyle and give preventative measures a real chance,” the Editorial concludes.

What I get from this is that medication is not the only answer. It’s lifestyle changes that will produce lasting results without any side effects. High blood pressure is a silent killer. It needs to be taken seriously.

-Chris

Free newsletter: Learn how to lower your blood pressure naturally

How to lower blood pressure

2007-08-28T12:15:00.001-07:00

I’m always looking for tips on how to lower blood pressure and since so many people are affected by it, there are always several research studies being done on it.

I just read on Reuters that a major study found that women who eat whole grains often in their diet may lower their risk of developing high blood pressure. Well that’s good if you don’t have high blood pressure, but what about me? I already do.

From what I understand, adding these grains to my meals will help me from getting worse. So I guess that’s a good thing. I can work on maintaining it and then work on lowering my blood pressure

So the advice is if you don’t have hypertension and you want to keep it that way, add whole grains to your diet - this includes oatmeal, bran and brown rice. And the study advises to avoid refined grains like pasta and white bread and other foods made from whole flour.

I found this site that offers several tips on how to lower blood pressure that you might want to check out.

Have a great day.

-Chris

How to lower high blood pressure

2007-08-28T12:13:00.000-07:00

If you want to know how to lower high blood pressure then listen up. You already should be cutting back on your salt intake. You should reduce your salt intake to 1,000 to 1,500 mgs of salt a day. That is not a lot.

Check nutrition labels and avoid fast foods and you can accomplish this.

Tips on eating out - avoid soups and starchy items, such as mashed potatoes and bread. Choose steamed vegetables, plain baked potatoes or rice, and meats without heavy sauces. Green salads are great too, but watch for salty extras such as croutons and hard cheeses, and keep an eye on the dressings — some contain copious amounts of salt. Better to go with a basic oil and vinegar. Don’t even look at potato salad, macaroni salad or cole slaw.

Foods to eat:

Make sure you get your potassium. Potassium helps eliminate sodium from your body so the more potassium you eat the more sodium eliminated.

You can get your daily requirement of potassium from fruits and veggies. Go for the fruits and try to stay away from the juices. They have too much sugar and calories.

Pomegranate and oranges are two good sources of potassium.

Lower blood pressure without medications:

“By tweaking your diet you may lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels enough that your doctor allows you to taper off your medications.”

-Chris

Free newsletter with tips on how to lower high blood pressure naturally

Source: http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-hew-askus20aug20,1,4117

Foods I eat to lower my blood pressure

2007-08-27T14:27:00.001-07:00

Hey all-

So I went shopping the other day at Sam's and had to restock on my foods that I eat to help lower my blood pressure.

The one I mainly eat now at least 2-3 handfuls a day of is walnuts. They are high in omega-3 fatty acids which are good for the heart.

I eat these by themselves whenever I want a quick snack that fills me up since they are high in protein. I also add them to my cereal and oatmeal to keep me full.

Keeping the weight off is important to helping your blood pressure levels.

Then I got some frozen blueberries. These are one of the best super foods you can eat for your health. They are loaded with antioxidants which help get rid of free radicals that harm your body. I also add these to my oatmeal and cereal.

I eat tuna 2-3 times a week with just a tablespoon of Miracle Whip and a tablespoon of pickle relish. I either eat this with whole wheat bread or some whole wheat crackers.

I just bought this dark chocolate based on some articles I read that this can help lower your blood pressure. The recommended serving size on the bag is 4 pieces. That has 220 calories though! Recent research shows that one small piece - about 30 calories is enough to get the benefits on your blood pressure. So all you need is one half of one piece and you have your daily amount.

It tasted so good that I ate the whole piece. :o)

That's only about 70 calories. You can eat it after a meal to act as your dessert.

I eat 2 slices of turkey breast late at night when I want a 3 am snack. It only has 30 calories in each slice so it's not bad for you. It also has protein to curb your late night cravings.

And last but not least, Bear Naked Natural Granola. This granola has no high fructose corn syrup so it's low in calories from sugars. It also has flaxseed which also has omega 3 fatty acids which help lower your blood pressure. I usually combine this in a bowl with the blueberries and walnuts and add some low fat yogurt. It tastes good and it's good for you.

There you have it, the foods I eat to help lower my blood pressure. You can add some of these to help get your readings down naturally without relying on hypertension medications.

-Chris

Why is high blood pressure called the silent killer?

2007-08-27T14:21:00.000-07:00

High blood pressure is often referred to as a silent killer. Reason being because most people are not aware that they have it until it's too late. Unfortunately, you only get one or two warnings. One of the main warning signs of high blood pressure is a heart attack, and not everyone survives from a heart attack. So that's why hypertension is referred to as a silent killer.

High blood pressure does not give off very many warning signs like other deadly diseases. You don't get sick or ill when you have high blood pressure like you do with AIDs. It doesn't tell you something's wrong like acne.

So how do you know if you have it? You have to go get your regular checkup and they take your blood pressure. But if you're like me, going to a doctor makes your blood pressure go up just because you don't like going to the doctor or it makes you nervous. Well, now with blood pressure monitors, you can check your blood pressure at home without the nervousness of being at the doc's office and you can get a more accurate reading.

You can check your blood pressure often throughout the day to get an accurate reading. If the readings are high then you go to the doc and talk about lowering your blood pressure.

High blood pressure is called the silent killer for a reason. Don't let it sneak up on you.

If you do have it then here are some quick tips to get it down:

-Stop smoking
-Cut down on fried foods and hydrogenated oils
-Take up yoga and meditation
-Reduce stress
-Exercise
-Eat more fresh fruits and veggies
-Limit your intake of chips, popcorn and other high salt foods
-Limit your alcohol intake

Add some of these to your daily routine and you can possibly avoid having to take medications to lower your blood pressure. But talk to your doctor first.

-Chris

3 foods that help lower your blood pressure

2007-08-25T10:00:00.000-07:00

As you know from reading this blog, I'm trying to lower my blood pressure naturally without drugs. There are a few ways to do that - exercise, alternative medicine, lifestyle changes and changing my diet habits. Today I wanted to let you know about some foods that help lower blood pressure.

Some of these you may have already heard of and some you may not have.

Chinese Wolfberry

The Chinese wolfberry has long been a stable in traditional Oriental medicine. Its major health benefits have been noted since 1000 AD. It is loaded with antioxidants, phytochemicals and other important nutrients lacking in our regular diet. And it is these antioxidants that are thought to play an important role in maintaining and controlling blood pressure. But above all that, perhaps the most important note about the Chinese wolfberry is that it tastes good. If you're going to add something to your regular diet, you usually want to be able to eat it without gagging.

Bilberry

The bilberry is blue just like the blueberry and is also sweet in taste. That's a good start. It's in the same family as cranberries, huckleberries and blueberries so you know it has to be good for you. What make the bilberry so special is its high amounts of phytochemicals which are thought to have the ability to help lower blood pressure. It also contains high amounts of vitamin C and E - two powerful antioxidants that help eliminate free radicals. The bilberry helps improve circulation and blood flow which helps relieve the pressure of the blood on your veins and arteries. It's another good food to start adding to your diet.

Green Tea

I'm sure you've probably heard about drinking green tea to help with your health, so here's one more reason - green tea is thought to help lower high blood pressure and your cholesterol. I note both high blood pressure and cholesterol since most people who have hypertension also have high cholesterol.

Lately green tea has risen in popularity and its high concentrations of epigallocatechin gallate have been made popular in the new Snapple tea commercials. They call it EGCG and feature it prominently on their bottles.

But what I find so special about green tea is that it has been shown to not only help prevent high blood pressure but to help lower it in those who already have it. And that's the boat I'm in.

And that's why I try to drink 2-3 cups of tea at least 3-4 times a week. There are several varieties of green tea so try a few to get one you like. You can also try Yerba Mate which has the same health benefits of green tea.

So now you have your blood pressure lowering regimen - berries and tea. Enjoy.

These aren't the only foods that help lower your blood pressure. There are several others. And I'll post them here in future posts.

Have a great day.

-Chris

Tips to lower your blood pressure

2007-08-22T21:54:00.000-07:00

If you want to know how to lower your blood pressure the answers are simple - take drugs or change your lifestyle. Or just move to New York.

New studies come out almost everyday about what to do to reduce hypertension.

The latest news:

Walk 30 minutes a day three times a week. You can do it in 3 - 10 minute walks throughout the day to get the same benefits.

Get in the habit of walking and you can start to talk to your doctor about reducing the amount of medications you're on.

And this new walking habit will lead to other healthy habits that will improve your health.

Use a pedometer to help monitor your daily progress and use a blood pressure monitor to track your lower numbers.

This walking habit is enough to reduce the risk of the silent killer.

Another interesting tidbit I learned was that New Yorkers have a longer life expectancy than other Americans. The reasons: brisk walking and no smoking.

New Yorkers walk instead of driving and they walk fast. Often passing lost tourists looking for directions. And this brisk walking is what keeps their hearts healthy and the pounds off.

This also reminds me of my stint at UPS in the pre-load. You had to walk fast if you wanted to keep up with the packages or else you'd get backed up and unable to catch up. So now when I walk people often struggle to keep up with me as I kept that brisk UPS walk with me when I left.

To your new healthy walking habit and your lower blood pressure.

-Chris

Source: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/08/15/health/webmd/main3170798.shtml