The American Heritage Dictionary defines a risk factor as, "a
characteristic, condition, or behavior, such as high blood pressure or
smoking, that increases the possibility of disease or injury." Basically
the more heart disease risk factors you have, the more likely you are
to develop a health condition like coronary heart disease. While the
list of risks is long, we will be discussing three of the top major risk
factors which include: high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and
tobacco smoke.
High Cholesterol
Higher cholesterol
levels increase the risk of developing cardiovascular heart disease. One
of the strongest drawbacks of having high cholesterol is that having
other risk factors such as hypertension or smoking doesn't just add to
the risk, it multiplies it. Your cholesterol level is affected mostly by
heredity and diet while age and sex also have influence.
Hypertension
High
blood pressure is harder on the heart which can cause it to condense
and harden. Not only does it contribute to heart disease risk, but it
also causes other diseases and problems like congestive heart failure
and even stroke or kidney failure. Once against, hypertension also
multiplies when combined with other risk factors.
Tobacco Smoke
While
tobacco smoke is normally associated with lung cancer and other
problems, it still poses a major threat to cardiac health. In fact, the
assessment of the American Heart Association is that it increases the
risk by 2 to 4 times over nonsmokers. After you calculate that, you
might be wondering why anyone would want to risk so much for just a
cigarette.
These are just three factors of many that can really
destroy your heart, decrease your quality of life, and ultimately
increase your health insurance premiums.
Showing posts with label heart disease. Show all posts
Showing posts with label heart disease. Show all posts
Thursday, June 26, 2014
Friday, May 2, 2014
Heart Disease: The Dangers Of Coronary Heart Attack And How To Avoid It
2:03:00 PM
What is a coronary heart attack?
Are you at the risk of a coronary heart attack?
Here are some insights to help you...
A
heart attack happens when the blood supply to part of the heart muscle
itself (the myocardium) is severely reduced or even stopped entirely.
The medical term for a heart attack is myocardial infarction.
The
reduction or stoppage of blood supply happens when one or more of the
coronary arteries supplying blood to the heart muscle is blocked.
This may be caused by the buildup of plaque (deposits of fat-like substances), also known as atherosclerosis.
The plaque may eventually burst, tear or rupture, creating a "situation" where a blood clot forms and blocks the artery.
This may lead to a heart attack.
A heart attack is also sometimes known as a coronary thrombosis or coronary occlusion.
It is a medical fact that heart disease is among the most dangerous health hazards facing people 50 yrs and older in America.
Clinical
studies, laboratory investigations and a number of surveys show that
certain personal characteristics and lifestyles can lead to increased
dangers of a heart attack (coronary heart disease).
These danger
signs are called "risk factors". The well established risk factors are
high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, cigarette smoking and
diabetes mellitus.
Other risk factors that may increase or lead to
the risk of having a heart attack are obesity, a sedentary life-style,
an aggressive response to stress, and certain drugs.
In the past
two decades, millions of Americans have learned about these risk factors
and have tried to decrease them by seeking medical attention and by
changing their lifestyles.
Many adults have stopped smoking. The medical control of high blood pressure has greatly improved.
The
average cholesterol level of the population has decreased continually
over the last two decades, probably due to changes in dietary habits and
increased exercise.
This attempt to modify risk factors almost
certainly has contributed to the declining death rate from heart disease
in the United States.
Overall, heart-related problems have declined about 25 percent in the last decade.
Some
of this decrease undoubtedly is due to better medical care of heart
attack victims, but it is likely that a sizable percentage is related to
modification of risk factors.
The entire population has become more aware of the seriousness of heart disease and coronary heart problems.
CPR
training is offered in schools, places of business, and church and
community functions, and everyone seems to recognize that prevention of
coronary heart disease is a partnership between the public and the
medical community.
There are a number of factors implicated in
coronary heart disease. Some of these may raise coronary risk by
accentuating the major risk factors already discussed.
Others may act in ways not understood. Still others may be linked mistakenly to coronary risk.
Obesity predisposes individuals to coronary heart disease. Some of the reasons for this are known, but others are not.
The major causes of obesity in Americans are excessive intake of calories and inadequate exercise.
When
caloric intake is excessive, some of the excess frequently is saturated
fat, which further raises the blood cholesterol. Thus, obesity
contributes to higher coronary risk in a variety of ways.
Most of
the major risk factors are silent. They must be sought actively, and
much of the responsibility for their detection lies with each of us as
individuals.
Regular checkups are particularly necessary if there
is a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, high
cholesterol levels or diabetes.
May these health insights into heart disease help you to live a healthier and happier life.
By
I-key Benney
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
11 Things You Can Do To Lower Your Cholesterol Today
6:21:00 AM
Unhealthy diet is the main culprit in having very high
cholesterol counts. Most Americans have very unhealthy diets due to the
increasing number of fast food chains available. Not only are the
burgers oily the fries that you order comes in packs so huge, making
dieting a huge problem and most of the time out of the question.
Unhealthy
eating can put a risk on your health. One major and very popular
problem connected with cholesterol is heart attacks. Cholesterol kills.
It will slowly consume you without you knowing it. Be smart and know
what to do. Better yet prevent any bad attacks by being healthy and
eating wise.
You might not be aware of your cholesterol levels so
it is best to go to your friendly doctor and have yourself checked. You
just might be astounded as to how much cholesterol you have consumed
and kept. Unhealthy diet is a serious matter be serious and take care
of your health. Learn the proper way to take care of your self and your
body. After all you have but only one life.
Here are a few ideas on how to maintain that cholesterol levels way down:
1.
Try oatmeal - it has loads of fiber that aids in sweeping all those
toxins out of your body. If you find oatmeal to boring add slices of
banana or other fruits that you fancy.
2. Exercise - break a sweat
and get that butt moving. Not only will you gain weight from just
sitting you might just end up having a very slow metabolism. You need
to have a fast metabolism for faster breakdown of food. The only way to
move it up is to move!
3. Fruits work wonders - yes fruits are
natural foods. Very healthy grab one of those instead of munching that
cholesterol rich French fries.
4. Get leaner cuts - when you are eating out or just going to your favorite restaurant ask for the leaner parts.
5. Whole wheat for whole health - whole wheat bread are way better for you than those white bread containing white flour.
6.
Stop eating fast foods - all their meals are loaded with everything
including fat and cholesterol resulting to you eventually being
unhealthy and unhappy.
7. Olive oil is a miracle!- instead of
using regular cooking oil get the more healthy oil. Olive oil is known
and accepted in popular diet plans.
8. Drink H2O - water is important in our body. Load it up.
9. Read up - you need to research for better food alternatives that are near or at least palatable and enticing.
10.
Get a motivator - have your partner or family help by keeping foods
healthy. Tell them that their motivation is important to you. It will
not only help you lower your count it will also make them healthier as
well.
11. Learn to look at nutritional facts - they are facts after all. You just might be shocked with that ice cream you ate.
Lowering
your cholesterol levels is very hard. It needs patience and
perseverance (and a strong will power). You really need to work for it;
your cholesterol count won't go down overnight you know. Just remember
the diet you will follow T-L-C. This means low saturated and low
cholesterol.
Do not be afraid of the doctor or dietician. They
are there to help you and not sentence you to death through hunger. You
health is there concern. Gain knowledge from them and live healthy.
Are you not fully aware of the proper foods to eat or seem to have
wondered what you can actually eat? Well that's one of their jobs. Get
a load of your back and ask for their help.
A lot of Americans
are living very unhealthy ways, be different and make a difference.
Change your eating habits and change your lifestyle. Try involving your
family and friends too. Soon it will be infectious and more and more
will learn to eat the better way. Be that instrument of change.
All
this are for you. You deserve to be healthy. You deserve to be happy
and live the healthy life each and every American ought to have. Grab
that life and get that cholesterol down. You are alive and well. Think
positive and move!
By
Lee Dobbins
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
How to Deal With Bile Reflux
7:54:00 AM
It's bad enough to have acid reflux--the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus that causes heartburn and discomfort for millions. Add on bile reflux, where digestive fluid from the liver flows into the stomach and esophagus, and you've got a recipe for major discomfort that can be difficult to treat.
Many people who have acid reflux also have bile reflux, and it can be difficult to distinguish them, since both have heartburn as a major symptom.
People with bile reflux often also have a burning pain in the upper abdomen, nausea or vomiting of bile. Sometimes they will also have a cough or sound hoarse. It can be caused by a peptic ulcer, having had your galbladder removed, or having damage to the valve that keeps bile from getting into the stomach. This damage often occurs during gastric surgery such as gastric bypass.
Drugs known as proton pump inhibitors (Prevacid and Nexium are two popular ones) are normally prescribed for bile reflux, even though the drugs are technically designed to reduce acid. Ursodeoxycholic acid is a very common treatment, as it reduces the amount of bile that is produced, which limits opportunities for reflux.
There are also surgical options when it comes to treating bile reflux. Bile can be diverted away from the stomach by making a new connection lower down in the intestine. Part of the stomach may be sewn around the lower esophageal sphincter. This surgery is most often used to treat acid reflux, as it increases pressure at the lower end of the esophagus, making it difficult for acid to rise. It may be helpful for bile reflux, but some people still have symptoms after surgery.
Bile reflux does not seem to be as positively affected by lifestyle changes as acid reflux does, but since many people have both, the same recommendations apply. Some people get relief from eating smaller meals or avoiding acidic and spicy foods, but just as with treating acid reflux, these remedies don't work for everyone. My father actually had both after a bile duct was attached to his stomach instead of his intestine during a surgery.
Quite by accident after trying just about everything you always hear recommended for acid reflux, GERD and bile reflux, he found a really simple treatment at his local grocery store that has kept him pain-free for decades. So it certainly is possible to get rid of your bile reflux without resorting to surgery and a life of drugs.
Author: Joe Barton
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
What Causes Heart Disease? A List of Some Top Factors
6:03:00 AM
What causes heart disease may be a burning question in many
minds. With more and more people dying each day from heart attacks and
cancer, it is only natural that you want to know what is going on, what
is causing your or a loved one's poor health, and how to change it.
Heart
disease is a fairly loose phrase used interchangeably to describe a
broad range of heart problems. Some of the illnesses that fall under the
heart disease category are high blood pressure, strokes, heart attacks,
heart failure, and coronary artery disease. Heart disease is the number
one killer of both men and women all over the world. 40% of all deaths
in the U.S. are related to heart disease! So what causes heart disease?
Heart disease is caused by a range of factors including, but not limited to:
1.
Poor diets full of saturated fats and not enough fruits and vegetables.
Vitamin D is also important according to recent health news reports.
2.
Poor exercise habits, or no exercising at all. The heart is a muscle
and needs exercise in order to maintain proper and healthy functioning.
3. Smoking is a leading cause of heart disease in both men and women.
4.
Being, becoming, and remaining overweight are other major factors,
especially if your weight tends to be over the "belly" area.
These
above four points are primary contributors and are lifestyle habits
that you can change! If you choose not to change the way you live, then
these habits can create atherosclerosis, which means your arteries are
hardened.
When your arteries harden, this places restrictions on
blood flow to organs and tissues, which is what causes heart disease.
This deprives your body's organs of vital oxygen and nutrients needed to
function properly.
It should be noted that what causes heart
disease isn't always hardening of the arteries. Some forms of heart
disease are caused by other genetic/and or heredity diseases, such as
heart valve diseases, congenital heart defects and disease, heart
infections, and cardio myopathy, which is a disease of the heart muscle.
While
some heart problems you may not be able to control, most are acquired
over a lifetime of unhealthy habits and unhealthy living. Now that you
know what causes heart disease, you can be well on your well to doing
something about it and turning your life around for the better!
By
Amber Danice
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Reversing Heart Disease Naturally and Effectively With Reishi Mushroom
12:34:00 PM
Ever wonder what the leading cause of death here in America is?
No it's not homicides nor cancer, but the number one killer here in the
United States is Heart Disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of
death for people of most ethnicities in the United States, including
African Americans, American Indians or Alaska Natives, Hispanics, and
whites. It is now estimated that one in four Americans will die of heart
disease. This is a serious disease that affects all age groups and
ethnicities. More and more Americans have sub come to this deadly
disease. We are in hope; this disease can be treated, reversed and
prevented, with this time-tested herb used for more than 3,000 years.
Reishi Mushroom, a medicinal mushroom will help prevent and reverse all
heart disease.
First, Heart Disease is made up of many diseases and conditions that affect your heart. Some of these diseases are coronary artery disease, which is a disease that affects your blood vessels. It is also the most common heart disease in our country. The main cause of coronary artery disease is the accumulation of plaque build-up in the arteries that supply oxygenated blood to your heart. These plaques consist of bad cholesterol deposits. Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that your body needs. But, when you have too much in your blood, it can build up on the walls of your arteries. This can lead to heart disease and stroke. Another form of heart disease is heart rhythm problems also known as arrhythmias.
Heart arrhythmias are irregular or abnormal heartbeats, either too slow or too fast. Another heart condition of many relating to heart disease is infections of the heart. Bacterial endocarditis is an infection of the heart valves or heart's inner lining. This sort of infection occurs when germs, primarily bacteria, but also fungi and other microbes enter the blood stream and attack either the heart valves or lining of the heart. It's important to know that this disease can affect men and women and both children and adult. It will be of great value to take the necessary steps not only to educate you of this number one killer, but adapting an improved lifestyle, one that includes a herbal/natural regime. The top herb with great history and use, as well as both clinical and scientific research in treating/preventing heart disease is the Reishi mushroom. Scientific studies show, the Reishi mushroom treatment is effective and improves 81.77% of heart disease patients. The best result where 93.3% in one study.
What is a Reishi Mushroom? Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) or Ling Zhi is a medicinal mushroom with long use in ancient China dating back thousands of years. Unlike other herbs and medicinal mushrooms, the health benefits of Reishi are extremely broad. This queen of herbs is known to have miraculous health benefits. Some of its benefits include immune modulating, aids in autoimmune diseases, potent antioxidants, improve cardiovascular system (Heart), anti-cancer, anti-stress, improve memory and concentration, radiation protection, promotes liver cell recovery and many more. As you can see Reishi mushroom has many health benefits, this is why it is considered a superior in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Reishi mushroom is beneficial for the heart health. The main compounds in Reishi mushroom that aid in improving heart health are sterols, polysaccharides (Beta-D-glucans), triterpenes (Ganoderic Acids) and adenosine. As mentioned above the most common heart disease is coronary artery disease, the accumulation of plaque build-up in the blood. This accumulated plaque is bad cholesterol, just to make things clear not all cholesterol is bad. There are two types of cholesterol, good (HDL) and bad (LDL). The cause for bad cholesterol in the body is poor nutrition. Artificial, chemically changed fats such as margarines are a leading CAUSE of heart disease. Numerous clinical studies have shown Reishi mushroom extract to be effective in coronary heart disease. In one study 14 cases out of 15 had LDL levels substantially decreased. These benefits were obtained after 1 week of Reishi extract treatment. The main compound found in Reishi responsible for the improvements is the polysaccharides. The polysaccharides found in Reishi also have also been found to improve the circulation of the myocardium (the innermost muscle of the heart), increase blood flow and lowers oxygen consumption.
One clinical study showed Reishi improved heart disease patients in up to 92%. Another important compound found in the Reishi mushrooms are triterpenes. Triterpenes are responsible for blood pressure and blood lipid improvements (cholesterol). Patients (taking Reishi extract) from another clinical trial showed significant decrease in total cholesterol. Their HDLs or good cholesterol did not change, but their LDLs or bad unwanted cholesterol was decreased, which is the proper way to lose cholesterol. Triterpenes also have an adaptogenic effect, helping the body to adapt to large range of environmental, biological, and sociological stress (protection from excess stressors). A final major component of Reishi for heart health is adenosine. Adenosine, a nucleotide and derivative of RNA, is connected with inhibiting platelet aggregation and regulating energy. Alleviating bad blood, dislodging blockage (blood clots) in the body. Reishi has a harmonizing effect on the body, immune system as well as the circulatory system.
It's clear, that this time tested medicinal mushroom has very positive effects on body, especially the heart. Clinical studies have shown that Reishi has the ability to alleviate many of these issues. We read often how as Americans we need to reduce our cholesterol and blood-fat levels. Not only has Reishi extract been shown to do this, it also balances the ratio of good cholesterol to bad cholesterol. Clinical studies and trials have shown Reishi to help over 80% of people with heart problems. Every negative issue relating to the heart along with the use of Reishi was lowered/reversed/alleviated in as little as 10 days. Reishi mushroom extract is the key for heart health and vitality.
5 Easy Strategies to Reverse Heart Disease Naturally
1. AVOID MARGARINE AND ALL HYDROGENATED VEGETABLE OILS. Use Coconut oil instead or raw butter
2. Added in Reishi Mushroom Extract
3. Exercise, some form of cardiovascular activity (jogging, biking, swimming, powerwalk, yoga, etc) few times a week.
4. Eat more organic fruits and vegetables with EVERY meal
5. Go vegetarian, but if you choose to eat meat. Go with Hormone free, Organic grass-fed and pastured animals. Add in wild-caught fish.
First, Heart Disease is made up of many diseases and conditions that affect your heart. Some of these diseases are coronary artery disease, which is a disease that affects your blood vessels. It is also the most common heart disease in our country. The main cause of coronary artery disease is the accumulation of plaque build-up in the arteries that supply oxygenated blood to your heart. These plaques consist of bad cholesterol deposits. Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that your body needs. But, when you have too much in your blood, it can build up on the walls of your arteries. This can lead to heart disease and stroke. Another form of heart disease is heart rhythm problems also known as arrhythmias.
Heart arrhythmias are irregular or abnormal heartbeats, either too slow or too fast. Another heart condition of many relating to heart disease is infections of the heart. Bacterial endocarditis is an infection of the heart valves or heart's inner lining. This sort of infection occurs when germs, primarily bacteria, but also fungi and other microbes enter the blood stream and attack either the heart valves or lining of the heart. It's important to know that this disease can affect men and women and both children and adult. It will be of great value to take the necessary steps not only to educate you of this number one killer, but adapting an improved lifestyle, one that includes a herbal/natural regime. The top herb with great history and use, as well as both clinical and scientific research in treating/preventing heart disease is the Reishi mushroom. Scientific studies show, the Reishi mushroom treatment is effective and improves 81.77% of heart disease patients. The best result where 93.3% in one study.
What is a Reishi Mushroom? Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) or Ling Zhi is a medicinal mushroom with long use in ancient China dating back thousands of years. Unlike other herbs and medicinal mushrooms, the health benefits of Reishi are extremely broad. This queen of herbs is known to have miraculous health benefits. Some of its benefits include immune modulating, aids in autoimmune diseases, potent antioxidants, improve cardiovascular system (Heart), anti-cancer, anti-stress, improve memory and concentration, radiation protection, promotes liver cell recovery and many more. As you can see Reishi mushroom has many health benefits, this is why it is considered a superior in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Reishi mushroom is beneficial for the heart health. The main compounds in Reishi mushroom that aid in improving heart health are sterols, polysaccharides (Beta-D-glucans), triterpenes (Ganoderic Acids) and adenosine. As mentioned above the most common heart disease is coronary artery disease, the accumulation of plaque build-up in the blood. This accumulated plaque is bad cholesterol, just to make things clear not all cholesterol is bad. There are two types of cholesterol, good (HDL) and bad (LDL). The cause for bad cholesterol in the body is poor nutrition. Artificial, chemically changed fats such as margarines are a leading CAUSE of heart disease. Numerous clinical studies have shown Reishi mushroom extract to be effective in coronary heart disease. In one study 14 cases out of 15 had LDL levels substantially decreased. These benefits were obtained after 1 week of Reishi extract treatment. The main compound found in Reishi responsible for the improvements is the polysaccharides. The polysaccharides found in Reishi also have also been found to improve the circulation of the myocardium (the innermost muscle of the heart), increase blood flow and lowers oxygen consumption.
One clinical study showed Reishi improved heart disease patients in up to 92%. Another important compound found in the Reishi mushrooms are triterpenes. Triterpenes are responsible for blood pressure and blood lipid improvements (cholesterol). Patients (taking Reishi extract) from another clinical trial showed significant decrease in total cholesterol. Their HDLs or good cholesterol did not change, but their LDLs or bad unwanted cholesterol was decreased, which is the proper way to lose cholesterol. Triterpenes also have an adaptogenic effect, helping the body to adapt to large range of environmental, biological, and sociological stress (protection from excess stressors). A final major component of Reishi for heart health is adenosine. Adenosine, a nucleotide and derivative of RNA, is connected with inhibiting platelet aggregation and regulating energy. Alleviating bad blood, dislodging blockage (blood clots) in the body. Reishi has a harmonizing effect on the body, immune system as well as the circulatory system.
It's clear, that this time tested medicinal mushroom has very positive effects on body, especially the heart. Clinical studies have shown that Reishi has the ability to alleviate many of these issues. We read often how as Americans we need to reduce our cholesterol and blood-fat levels. Not only has Reishi extract been shown to do this, it also balances the ratio of good cholesterol to bad cholesterol. Clinical studies and trials have shown Reishi to help over 80% of people with heart problems. Every negative issue relating to the heart along with the use of Reishi was lowered/reversed/alleviated in as little as 10 days. Reishi mushroom extract is the key for heart health and vitality.
5 Easy Strategies to Reverse Heart Disease Naturally
1. AVOID MARGARINE AND ALL HYDROGENATED VEGETABLE OILS. Use Coconut oil instead or raw butter
2. Added in Reishi Mushroom Extract
3. Exercise, some form of cardiovascular activity (jogging, biking, swimming, powerwalk, yoga, etc) few times a week.
4. Eat more organic fruits and vegetables with EVERY meal
5. Go vegetarian, but if you choose to eat meat. Go with Hormone free, Organic grass-fed and pastured animals. Add in wild-caught fish.
By Mariam Turay
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Herbal Remedies For Heart Disease
8:31:00 AM
When dealing with heart problems there are many things that you can
do. You need to manage your stress levels, improve your diet to increase
the amount of fresh fruit and vegetables that you eat to about 60-80%
and you need to increase the exercise that you have, There are also
vitamins and herbs that you can take to cleanse your body of toxins and
thus cleanse your arteries and to build and repair your arteries and
strengthen the heart itself. In a previous article we looked at the
vitamins and minerals that you need and in this article we will explore
the herbs that can help to overcome heart disease.
There are two main groupings of herbs for the circulatory system:
Herbs for the Heart
Herbs for Peripheral Circulation As was the case with the heart herbs, a number of herbs are available to improve the peripheral circulation. The most important herbal agents for the circulation include:
Additional herbs When problems with the circulatory system develop there is often the need to assist the body in the removal of water. When the heart is weak and fails to circulate effectively and insufficient blood is passed through the kidneys or when the blood vessels (particularly the veins in the legs) are weak, a build up of water in the body can occur. In such conditions herbal diuretics can help. These diuretics include:
There are two main groupings of herbs for the circulatory system:
- those that have a direct action on the heart, and
- those that affect the peripheral blood vessels (that is, vessels of the limbs).
Herbs for the Heart
- broom - strengthens and normalizes the heart and also rids the body of any build-up of water that is due to insufficient heart strength. Care has to be taken though with this herb as it can increase blood pressure.
- bugleweed - whilst this herb increases the strength of the heart beat it also decreases its rate and is valuable as a relaxant as well.
- figwort - is known for its treatment of skin problems but it also strengthens the heart's contractions.
- hawthorn berries - are one of the most valuable remedies for the circulatory system. They strengthen the force of the contraction of the heart muscle while also dilating the vessels of the coronary circulation. They can be used in most circulatory problems as they will relax or stimulate the heart according to its need and normalize heart function.
- lily of the valley - can be used where the strength of the heart is insufficient, as in angina, or in the treatment of an aging heart. This is particularly the case when there are fatty deposits in the blood vessels.
- motherwort - is a relaxing herb and for the circulatory system it will strengthen and normalize the heart function.
- night blooming cereus - can be use similarly to lily of the valley and is particularly useful where there is any change in the rhythm of the heart beat.
- 2 parts hawthorn berries
- 2 parts motherwort
- 1 part lily of the valley
- 1 part balm
- 1 part lime (linden) blossom
- 3 parts hawthorn berries
- 2 parts motherwort
- 2 parts lime (linden) blossom
- 1 part lily of the valley
Herbs for Peripheral Circulation As was the case with the heart herbs, a number of herbs are available to improve the peripheral circulation. The most important herbal agents for the circulation include:
- broom,
- buckwheat,
- cayenne,
- dandelion,
- ginger,
- hawthorn,
- horse chestnut,
- lime (linden) blossom,
- mistletoe and
- yarrow,
Additional herbs When problems with the circulatory system develop there is often the need to assist the body in the removal of water. When the heart is weak and fails to circulate effectively and insufficient blood is passed through the kidneys or when the blood vessels (particularly the veins in the legs) are weak, a build up of water in the body can occur. In such conditions herbal diuretics can help. These diuretics include:
- broom,
- dandelion,
- lily of the valley, and
- yarrow.
- balm,
- hops,
- lime (linden) flowers,
- motherwort,
- pasque flowers,
- skullcap and
- valerian.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Managing Hypertension With Diet
10:08:00 AM
A healthy diet is essential regardless of an individual's
cardiovascular risk profile. Many studies, including Dietary Approaches
to Stop Hypertension (DASH), have provided evidence of the heart and
vascular benefits of specific dietary guidelines. An early adjustment in
dietary choices may prevent and/or improve high blood pressure, high
cholesterol, and consequently other health-related problems. If a rise
in blood pressure with age could be prevented or diminished, many
conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart, vascular and kidney
disease, and stroke, could be prevented.
Dietary Restrictions
1) Low sodium intake: The main source of sodium in Western diets is processed food, for instance, excessive quantities of salt are contained in packaged food and in food eaten outside the home. The DASH trial evaluated the effects of varying sodium intake in addition to the DASH diet and found that lowering sodium intake reduces blood pressure levels. Mean sodium intake is approximately 4,100 mg per day for men and 2,750 mg per day for women, 75% of which comes from processed foods.
Recommended Daily Sodium Intake
Dietary sodium should be reduced to no more than 100 mmol per day (2.4 g of sodium). 2)
2) Alcohol: Alcohol intake should be limited to no more than 1 oz (30 mL) of ethanol, the equivalent of two drinks per day for most men and no more than 0.5 oz of ethanol (one drink) per day for women and lighter-weight persons. A single drink is equivalent to 12 oz of beer, 5 oz of wine, or 1.5 oz of 80-proof liquor.
3) Caffeine: Caffeine may result in high blood pressure; however, this effect is usually temporary. Moderate intake of caffeine per day does not significantly increase blood pressure.
Recommended Daily Coffee Intake Coffee intake should be less than two cups per day.
Dietary Restrictions
1) Low sodium intake: The main source of sodium in Western diets is processed food, for instance, excessive quantities of salt are contained in packaged food and in food eaten outside the home. The DASH trial evaluated the effects of varying sodium intake in addition to the DASH diet and found that lowering sodium intake reduces blood pressure levels. Mean sodium intake is approximately 4,100 mg per day for men and 2,750 mg per day for women, 75% of which comes from processed foods.
Recommended Daily Sodium Intake Dietary sodium should be reduced to no more than 100 mmol per day (2.4 g of sodium).
2) Alcohol: Alcohol intake should be limited to no more than 1 oz (30 mL) of ethanol, the equivalent of two drinks per day for most men and no more than 0.5 oz of ethanol (one drink) per day for women and lighter-weight persons. A single drink is equivalent to 12 oz of beer, 5 oz of wine, or 1.5 oz of 80-proof liquor.
3) Caffeine: Caffeine may result in high blood pressure; however, this effect is usually temporary. Moderate intake of caffeine per day does not significantly increase blood pressure.
Recommended Daily Coffee Intake Coffee intake should be less than two cups per day.
Dietary Supplements
1) Potassium supplementation: Lower potassium intake (i.e., below 40 mEq) is thought to be associated with high blood pressure.
2) Fish Oil: According to a meta-analysis of 36 trials of fish oil, the consumption of high doses of fish oil with a median dose of 3.7 g per day provided a significant reduction in systemic blood pressure. Fish oil consumption has also shown to reduce triglycerides.
Recommended Daily Fish Oil Intake A median dose of 3.7 g per day provided a significant reduction in systemic blood pressure.
3) Folate: A small randomized study reported that short-term folic acid supplementation could reduce blood pressure significantly. It has been suggested that a daily intake of 5 mg of folic acid could be beneficial in reducing systolic pressure.
4) Flavonoids: A Cochrane meta-analysis looking at multiple randomized controlled trials reported that flavanol-rich chocolate and cocoa products may have a small but significant effect in lowering blood pressure by 2-3 mm/Hg in the short term.
5) Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): Some studies suggest that CoQ10 may have the potential to reduce systolic pressure by up to 17 mm Hg and diastolic pressure by up to 10 mm Hg without any significant side effects. The average dosage used in these studies were around 217 mg/day.
Dietary Restrictions
1) Low sodium intake: The main source of sodium in Western diets is processed food, for instance, excessive quantities of salt are contained in packaged food and in food eaten outside the home. The DASH trial evaluated the effects of varying sodium intake in addition to the DASH diet and found that lowering sodium intake reduces blood pressure levels. Mean sodium intake is approximately 4,100 mg per day for men and 2,750 mg per day for women, 75% of which comes from processed foods.
Recommended Daily Sodium Intake
Dietary sodium should be reduced to no more than 100 mmol per day (2.4 g of sodium). 2)
2) Alcohol: Alcohol intake should be limited to no more than 1 oz (30 mL) of ethanol, the equivalent of two drinks per day for most men and no more than 0.5 oz of ethanol (one drink) per day for women and lighter-weight persons. A single drink is equivalent to 12 oz of beer, 5 oz of wine, or 1.5 oz of 80-proof liquor.
3) Caffeine: Caffeine may result in high blood pressure; however, this effect is usually temporary. Moderate intake of caffeine per day does not significantly increase blood pressure.
Recommended Daily Coffee Intake Coffee intake should be less than two cups per day.
Dietary Restrictions
1) Low sodium intake: The main source of sodium in Western diets is processed food, for instance, excessive quantities of salt are contained in packaged food and in food eaten outside the home. The DASH trial evaluated the effects of varying sodium intake in addition to the DASH diet and found that lowering sodium intake reduces blood pressure levels. Mean sodium intake is approximately 4,100 mg per day for men and 2,750 mg per day for women, 75% of which comes from processed foods.
Recommended Daily Sodium Intake Dietary sodium should be reduced to no more than 100 mmol per day (2.4 g of sodium).
2) Alcohol: Alcohol intake should be limited to no more than 1 oz (30 mL) of ethanol, the equivalent of two drinks per day for most men and no more than 0.5 oz of ethanol (one drink) per day for women and lighter-weight persons. A single drink is equivalent to 12 oz of beer, 5 oz of wine, or 1.5 oz of 80-proof liquor.
3) Caffeine: Caffeine may result in high blood pressure; however, this effect is usually temporary. Moderate intake of caffeine per day does not significantly increase blood pressure.
Recommended Daily Coffee Intake Coffee intake should be less than two cups per day.
Dietary Supplements
1) Potassium supplementation: Lower potassium intake (i.e., below 40 mEq) is thought to be associated with high blood pressure.
2) Fish Oil: According to a meta-analysis of 36 trials of fish oil, the consumption of high doses of fish oil with a median dose of 3.7 g per day provided a significant reduction in systemic blood pressure. Fish oil consumption has also shown to reduce triglycerides.
Recommended Daily Fish Oil Intake A median dose of 3.7 g per day provided a significant reduction in systemic blood pressure.
3) Folate: A small randomized study reported that short-term folic acid supplementation could reduce blood pressure significantly. It has been suggested that a daily intake of 5 mg of folic acid could be beneficial in reducing systolic pressure.
4) Flavonoids: A Cochrane meta-analysis looking at multiple randomized controlled trials reported that flavanol-rich chocolate and cocoa products may have a small but significant effect in lowering blood pressure by 2-3 mm/Hg in the short term.
5) Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): Some studies suggest that CoQ10 may have the potential to reduce systolic pressure by up to 17 mm Hg and diastolic pressure by up to 10 mm Hg without any significant side effects. The average dosage used in these studies were around 217 mg/day.
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