How Green Tea Can Help You Lower High Blood Pressure

If you're looking for a natural way to lower your blood pressure then this article will explain the benefits of simply drinking tea.

There are three types of tea: green, oolong and black. All of these come from the leaves of the camellia sinensis plant. The tea leaves are steamed, which prevents the epigallocatechin gallate compound (I don't want to type that again so I'll call it EGCG) from being oxidized, while black and oolong tea leaves are made from dried or fermented leaves, which causes a loss of EGCG.

Green tea has a lot more of what is called polyphenols, especially EGCG, than black tea or oolong tea. What are polyphenols? They are powerful antioxidants, which remove free radicals from the body. Free radicals in the body's cells are bad news. They are very unstable and tend to react negatively with important molecules like DNA, causing damage to the cells. They produce destruction that may lead to problems like heart disease and cancer. The antioxidants in tea are also known to help blood vessels relax, so that blood can flow through them more easily. As a result, it can help lower blood pressure and reduce the stress on the heart.

Be careful when you buy your tea. If you buy it in a supermarket - even in a very large one - the chances are that you'll only find the lowest quality. Instead, you should try to buy your tea from Chinese markets or food stores, or order it over the internet, as then you'll be able to choose from the full range of green teas.

So what different green teas are there? Well, the most common in Western countries is low-grade Gunpowder - that's the stuff you'll usually find in the supermarket. It is used because it is cheap, and stays fresher for longer than other green teas.

The most popular green tea in China is Dragon Well, or Lung Ching. It's bright green and quite expensive. Many consider it to be the best.

In Japan, tea drinkers prefer Sencha, which is a sweeter. It's cheaper than Dragon Well, more the kind of tea you could drink every day. Sencha is also more easily available in the West than Chinese green teas tend to be, and there is a slightly cheaper version called Bancha.

The sweetest kind of green tea is Macha, the tea used in the Japanese tea ceremonies. It's very expensive and very pleasant.

Another of the green tea benefits worth considering is that it's been linked to aiding weight loss, which is an important factor when trying to lower high blood pressure.

So how much green tea should you drink a day? Try to drink three to five cups per day (more if your bladder can stand it!). Don't add sugar, if you want some sweetness try a little honey. You shouldn't really add milk, but if you must, try a little skimmed or semi-skimmed.

Oh, and by the way, if you smoke cigarettes, a study by the University of Kansas decided that EGCG may explain why the rate of heart disease among Japanese men is quite low, even though approximately seventy-five percent are smokers.

How to Read Blood Pressure Charts the Easy Way

So you got your blood pressure readings, do you know what all the numbers means? I do not know about you but since those numbers are directly related to my health, I will want to know exactly what they mean. The doctor telling me that my readings are fine or not fine, is just not enough.

Luckily blood pressure charts are readily available and they are mostly similar and very easy to read.

First lets get these two big words taken care of, systolic and diastolic. Your heart generates pressure when it contracts, it is called systolic pressure (systolic came from a Greek word meaning 'contraction'). And when your heart relaxes it still generates pressure and it is called diastolic pressure (diastolic is from a Greek word meaning 'drawing apart'. Now we know that our heart generates two types of pressure and with its fancy names, lets just get to the more serious stuff.

Your pressure readings should always have two numbers. The higher number is always the systolic (because that is when your heart is contracting which means more pressure) and the lower number is the diastolic (because that is when the heart relaxes which means less pressure).

The perfect pair of numbers will be 120/80. Just etched these two numbers in your mind, because this is going to be your base. This number also shows in the blood pressure chart as normal or optimal pressure. The numbers above the optimal pressure reading (120/80) are divided into four stages. To go up a stage, just add 20 to your systolic and 10 to your diastolic.

For example, stage 1 starts at 140/90. Stage 2 starts at 160/100, stage 3 starts at 180/110 and stage 4 starts at 200/120.

If your readings are between Stage 1 and Stage 2, you have a hypertension and this is consider a Mild Stage. If your readings are between Stage 2 and 3, this is consider a Moderate Stage and requires professional treatment right away to avoid possible health risks. If however your reading is above 180/110, this is considered as severe stage which can cause heart attack, kidney disease, stroke, or even death.

Remember that your daily blood pressure varies widely. It is not wise to rely on just one reading. You should spread out taking your readings through out the whole day so you can determine the average blood pressure levels over time.

Five Summer Tips For Healthy Digestion, Water Retention, High Blood Pressure and Weight Loss

Summer is a beautiful time of the year. It can be also the healthiest time of the year for you if you learn how to take advantage of Summer time in terms of weather, long days and abundance of fruits and vegetables. It is the right time to lose some weight, detox, get rid of high blood pressure and urinary problems, support your heart.

Here are some helpful tips for you:

1. Try to drink two-three extra glasses of water - it is very easy to do when it is hot outside. It will become a habit and you will continue drinking more water in the fall and winter. Dehydration can cause headaches and migraines, constipation which will lead to high blood pressure and heart disease, hormonal imbalances, PMS symptoms, etc.

2. Start easy exercise program. By easy I mean think about some activities you would enjoy, like maybe walking, bike riding, tennis, swimming or even dancing. Summer days are long enough, so no excuses for not having time to exercise every day. Eventually it will become your daily routine easier to keep up with in winter. Did you know that morning exercising brings better results and is healthier for the body?

3. Try to reduce high-calorie and high fat meals for a while. Abundance of fruits and vegetables will be a perfect substitution for your daily meal plan. Eating more plant foods helps to lose weight, detox/cleanse your system which means get in shape. Why? Because all fruits and most vegetables are laxative = rich in fiber. And fiber we need the most if we want to have a healthy digestion. Avoiding high calorie and high sugar foods will also relax you, and it is very important if we want to feel and look fabulous.

4. Try to eat more diuretic foods, such as cherries, pine apple, celery, parsley root, water melon, cucumbers, artichokes, watercress to improve urination and detox your body. Hot weather increases sweating and reduces urination which might lead to water retention, and sometimes to a puffy face or heavy legs. These foods will also help you reduce your blood pressure which is very important for healthy kidneys and heart. Check which fruits and vegetables are from "Dirty Dozen List", and why it is better (healthier) to buy them organic.

5. Try to spend at least 10 - 15 minutes every day being in nature: at the beach, in the park, in the woods, in your back yard watching birds, floating clouds, your favorite flower or a tiny lizard; or maybe doing completely nothing. It will distress your mind and relax your body.

Don't forget to breathe, smile and be happy.

Cushing's Syndrome: Abnormal Levels of Cortisol

Cushing's syndrome is a disorder caused by elevated levels of cortisol in blood and the normal level of cortisol may rise either by the intake of glucocorticoid drugs or by tumors that result in excessive secretion of cortisol or adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH). Truly speaking Cushing's disease is the result of a tumor in the pituitary gland that causes excessive secretion of ACTH which in turn elevates the level of cortisol. About 70% of the patients suffering from this disease get affected due to the tumors and rest 30% suffer from the disease because of the intake of glucocorticod drugs. The pathology of the disease was first studied in detail by Harvey Cushing in 1932. The syndrome is also known as Itsenko-Cushing syndrome or hypercorticism. This syndrome is not only confined to humans only but has also been identified in domestic dogs, horses and rarely in cats. The syndrome should not be confused with a clinical condition identified as Cushing's triad where the intracranial pressure increases enormously. The disease is known to affect the individuals of the age group 20-50. According to a report about 10-15 million individuals suffer from Cushing's syndrome every year.

Individuals suffering from Cushing's syndrome may develop moon-like faces, facial plethora, supraclavicular fat pads, buffalo hump, truncal obesity and purple striae. They often complain of proximal muscle weakness, easy bruising, weight gain, hirsutism and growth retardation in children. Hypertension, osteopenia, diabetes mellitus and impairment of the immune system are other common symptoms. Excessive intake of exogenous glucocorticoids is also responsible for this syndrome. Exogenous steroids results in suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. An individual with suppressed hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis may not be able to increase steroid production appropriately during a medical illness or stress so requires exogenous doses of steroids to avoid adrenal crisis.

The most frequently observed symptoms of Cushing's syndrome include rapid weight gain particularly of the trunk and face with sparing of the limbs. A very common sign is the development of fat pads around the collar bone, on the back of the neck and a round face also known as moon face. Other symptoms include excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis, dilation of capillaries (telangiectasia), thinning of skin and other mucous membranes, purple or red striae on the trunk, buttocks, arms, legs or breasts, proximal muscle weakness, hirsutism, baldness or brittle hairs. The rare symptoms include hypercalcemia that causes skin necrosis. Excessive secretion of cortisol also affects other endocrine systems and causes insomnia, inhibited aromatase, reduced libido, impotence, amenorrhea and infertility due to elevations in androgens. Patients also suffer from psychological disturbances that may range from euphoria to psychosis. Depression and anxiety are other common symptoms. The most striking and remarkable skin changes include facial acne, susceptibility to superficial dermatophyte and malassezia infections and characteristic purplish striae on abdomen.

Other noticeable symptoms include polyuria, persistent hypertension and insulin resistance that cause hyperglycemia and diabetes mellitus. Insulin resistance is accompanied by skin changes like acanthosis nigricans in axilla and around the neck as well as skin tangs in axilla. If left untreated Cushing's syndrome results in the development of heart disease and chances of death increase. Excessive secretion of ACTH causes hyper-pigmentation. Hyper-pigmentation is the due to the activity of Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone (MSH) which is produced as a byproduct from ACTH synthesis. This hormone is formed from Pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC). Cortisol also participates in the exhibition of activity of the mineralocorticoids in high concentrations and causing hypertension and hyperkalemia. Gastrointestinal disturbances, infections and impaired wound healing are the other symptoms of this syndrome. Osteoporosis is also a symptom associated with Cushing's syndrome. Bone loss also occurs and bones of lower back, hip and shoulders also start paining. Cortisol level can also increase due to intake of estrogen in the contraceptive pills that contain a blend of estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen is responsible for the increase of cortisol-binding globulin that is responsible for the elevated level of cortisol.

When body tissues are exposed to elevated levels of cortisol for prolonged period of time then Cushing's syndrome occurs. Many individuals suffer from this syndrome as they consume exogenous glucocorticoid hormones namely prednisone for asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and other inflammatory diseases. Rest of the individuals develops this syndrome due to overproduction of cortisol by the body. A chain of events generally occur inside the body that finally results in the formation of cortisol. Hypothalamus is a very important part of brain which is about the size of a sugar cube sends corticotrophin releasing hormone (CRH) to the pituitary gland. This CRH stimulates pituitary gland which in turn releases the adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) that finally acts on the adrenal glands. Adrenal glands are small glands located just above the kidneys and when they are stimulated by the action of ACTH they release cortisol in the bloodstream. Cortisol has a number of important functions to perform inside the body. It maintains blood pressure and cardiovascular function, reduces immune system's inflammatory response and regulates the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates and fats.

Cortisol also helps the body to respond to stress. For this reason, women in last 3 months of pregnancy and the highly trained athletes normally have high levels of cortisol. People suffering from depression, alcoholism, malnutrition and panic disorders also have elevated levels of this hormone. When the level of this hormone is adequate in blood then, the hypothalamus and pituitary release less CRH and ACTH. This confirms that cortisol released by the adrenal glands is precisely balanced to meet body's requirements. However, if something wrong happens either with adrenal glands, hypothalamus or pituitary glands then this balance may experience fluctuations. Pituitary adenomas are responsible for most of the cases of Cushing's syndrome. These adenomas are benign, non-cancerous, tumors of pituitary glands that result in excessive secretion of ACTH. Most patients have a single adenoma. This type of Cushing's syndrome is five times more frequent in women as compared to that in men. Some benign or malignant tumors that arise outside the pituitary gland can also produce ACTH and this condition is identified as ectopic ACTH syndrome. Lung tumors are associated with 50% of such cases and men are affected three times more than women. The most common forms of ACTH-producing tumors are oat cell, small cell lung cancer or carcinoid tumors and they account for 25% of lung cancer cases. Other types of tumors that also result in the production of ACTH are pancreatic islet cell tumors, medullary carcinomas of thyroid and thymomas.

Sometimes abnormalities may also take place in the adrenal glands and Cushing's syndrome may occur. This condition generally crops up in the individuals of 40 years of age. Most of these cases involve non-cancerous tumors of adrenal tissues known as adrenal adenomas that are responsible for excessive secretion of cortisol in the bloodstream. Adrenal cancers rarely result in the development of Cushing's syndrome. Cancer cells result in excessive secretion of cortisol and adrenal androgens. Most of the cases of this syndrome are not inherited at all. In very rare cases of Cushing's syndrome individuals have inherited tendency of developing tumors of one or more endocrine glands. In Primary Pigmented Micronodular Adrenal Disease children or young individuals develop small cortisol-producing tumors of the adrenal glands. In Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type I (MEN I) hormone secreting tumors of parathyroid glands, pancreas and pituitary occur. Cushing's syndrome in MEN I may occur due to pituitary, ectopic or adrenal tumors.

Pituitary gland is located just beneath the hypothalamus and both these essential structures are finally present in the brain. The paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of hypothalamus is responsible for the production of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) which in turn stimulates the pituitary gland to release adrenocorticotropin (ACTH). ACTH travels via blood and reaches the adrenal glands which get activated and release cortisol. The zona fasciculata of the cortex of the adrenal gland respond to ACTH and finally release cortisol. Elevated levels of cortisol exhibit a negative feedback on the pituitary which finally decreases the secretion of ACTH. Adenoma in the cortex of the adrenal glands is also responsible for the excessive secretion of cortisol which is one of the causes responsible for Cushing's syndrome. Adenoma causes the cortisol level to become very high and the levels of ACTH are also very low. This syndrome only refers to hypercortisolism where the ACTH levels become very high along with elevated levels of cortisol in the blood. The levels of ACTH are very high because a tumor in the pituitary gland makes it unresponsive to the negative feedback against the elevated levels of cortisol. This disease was the first autoimmune disease discovered in humans.

Diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome is based on the patient's medical history, physical examination and laboratory tests. Tumors of the adrenal and pituitary gland can be detected by using X-rays. These tests can help a medical expert to identify if the blood cortisol levels are high and why this is so. The 24-hour urinary level free cortisol level test is the most appropriate diagnostic test. In this test as the name indicates urine of the patient is collected after an interval of 24 hours and then levels of cortisol are checked. If the amount of cortisol is higher than 50-100 micrograms within an interval of 24 hour then the individual is at the risk of suffering from this syndrome. The level of cortisol may vary depending upon the techniques utilized. Once Cushing's syndrome is diagnosed other tests are required to locate the exact regions that are associated with the abnormality that results in excessive cortisol production. These tests are based on the choice of the endocrinologist. Dexamethasone suppression test is another test that can be performed. This test helps to distinguish patients with excessive production of ACTH due to pituitary adenomas from those with ectopic-ACTH producing tumors. Here the patients are given a synthetic glucocorticoid known as dexamethasone orally for every 6 hours for 4 days. For the first two days the dose of this compound are kept low while it is increased to higher ones on the last two days. 24-hour urine samples are also collected before the administration of this compound.

Cortisol and other glucocorticoids signal the pituitary gland for lowering the secretion of ACTH in blood so the normal response after taking dexamethasone is a drop in blood and urine of cortisol levels. Different responses of cortisol to dexamethasone are noticed depending upon the cause of Cushing's syndrome either by pituitary adenoma or ectopic ACTH-producing tumor. The dexamethasone suppression test can give false results for the patients suffering from depression, high estrogen levels, alcohol abuse, stress and acute illness. Drugs namely phenytoin and phenobarbital may also give false results in response to this compound. So the physicians advise the patients to stop the usage of these drugs one week before undergoing dexamethasone suppression test. CRH stimulation test helps to distinguish between patients with pituitary adenomas or those with ectopic ACTH-producing tumor and cortisol-secreting adrenal tumors. Patients are given injections of cortiocotropin releasing hormone which in turn is responsible for the secretion of ACTH from the pituitary glands in blood. Patients with pituitary adenomas generally experience very high levels of ACTH and cortisol in blood. This response is generally rarely seen in the patients with ectopic ACTH syndrome and never in patients with cortisol-secreting adrenal tumors.

Direct visualization of endocrine glands or radiologic imaging helps in the identification of shape and size of pituitary and adrenal glands. These techniques help to detect if any tumor is present. The most common techniques used are computerized tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging. Computerized tomography actually produces a series of X-ray images that imparts a cross-sectional image of any part of body. Magnetic resonance imaging also generates images of body parts but no ionizing radiation is used. The imaging techniques are generally used for the detection of tumor once Cushing's syndrome is finally diagnosed. These techniques are not used for the diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome. Petrosal sinus sampling is another test that is not always used but can be used for the separation of pituitary from the ectopic causes of Cushing's syndrome. Petrosal sinuses are actually the veins that drain blood to the pituitary glands so blood samples are taken from them by the introduction of catheters by using local anesthesia and mild sedation. X-rays are often used for the detection of the correct position of the catheters. To improve the diagnostic accuracy injections of CRH are often given. The levels of ACTH in the petrosal sinuses are measured and then they are compared with the ACTH levels in a forearm vein. Higher levels of ACTH in the petrosal sinuses than in the forearm vein is indicative of the presence of pituitary adenoma and if the levels are similar then ectopic ACTH-syndrome is present.

Some individuals have elevated cortisol levels but do not show progressive effects of Cushing's syndrome like muscle weakness, fractures and thinning of skin. These individuals may be suffering from pseudo-Cushing's syndrome which was originally described in people who were depressed or alcohol addict. These individuals do not show long term effects shown by individuals with Cushing's syndrome so they do not require direct treatment of the endocrine glands. Generally dexamethasone-CRH test is performed to distinguish patients of pseudo-Cushing's syndrome from those with Cushing's syndrome. This test combines dexamethasone suppression and CRH stimulation tests. Elevated levels of cortisol suggest the presence of this disease. Some individuals may have substantially high levels of cortisol but they do not show effects of this syndrome. The high cortisol levels may be compensating for body's resistance for cortisol effects. This rare syndrome of cortisol resistance is a genetic state that results in hypertension and chronic androgen excess. Sometimes other conditions may be associated with this disease like the polycystic ovarian syndrome that causes menstrual disturbances, weight gain from adolescence, excessive hair growth and sometimes diabetes. Generally weight gain, high blood pressure, abnormal levels of cholesterol and triglycerides are associated with resistance to insulin action and diabetes often described as Metabolic Syndrome X. Patients with this disorder generally do not have elevated levels of cortisol.

The common treatments available for Cushing's syndrome include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy or use of cortisol-inhibiting drugs. A number of therapies are available to treat the ACTH-secreting adenomas of Cushing's syndrome. The most commonly used treatment is the surgical removal of the tumor known as transsphenoidal adenomectomy. In this process the surgeon approaches the pituitary gland either through the nostril or through an opening made below the upper lip. Very fine instruments and special kind of microscope required for this purpose. As this surgery is very complicated so the patients are advised to consult the specialized centers only. The success rate of the surgery is 80% if carried out by an experienced surgeon. If surgery fails or only temporary cure is achieved then it can be repeated in order to obtain good results. After the successful pituitary surgery the elevated levels of ACTH drop two times lower as compared to the normal level. This is a natural but temporary drop in the level of ACTH and the patients are given synthetic form of cortisol. This replacement therapy can be stopped in most of the patients within an interval of one year.

Patients who fail to give promising results to transsphenoidal adenomectomy or candidates who are not suitable candidates for surgery, radiotherapy is a promising treatment. Radiation to the pituitary gland is generally given at an interval of 6 weeks. The chances of success range from 50-80% in both adults and children. A combination of radiotherapy and a drug known as mitotane helps in faster recovery. Mitotane suppresses cortisol production and thereby brings a decline in the plasma and urine hormone levels. Mitotane has shown 30-40% better results in the patients with Cushing's syndrome. To cure the overproduction of cortiol due to ectopic ACTH syndrome, it is always beneficial to remove all the cancerous tissue that produces ACTH. Surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy or a combination of these therapies can help in removal of cancerous tissue. The ACTH-secreting tumors may be very small or widespread at the time of diagnosis so mititane is a promising drug that can be administered for better results. In some cases if the pituitary surgery is not successful then surgical removal of the adrenal glands may replace the drug therapy. Surgery is the only treatment available for the benign and cancerous tumors of adrenal glands. Primary Pigmented Micronodular Adrenal Disease and the familial Carney's complex require surgical removal of adrenal glands.

Iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome is the most common form of Cushing's syndrome which is generally caused by treatment with corticosteroids. The incidence of the pituitary tumors may be relatively high but only a minute fraction of them are active and result in excessive hormone secretion. Adults with this disease may show symptoms like extreme weight gain, excessive hair growth in women, high blood pressure and skin problems. Additional symptoms may include muscle and bone weakness, osteoporosis, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, sleep disturbances, moodiness, irritability and depression followed by amenorrhea in women, decreased fertility in men, baldness and hypercholesterolemia. Most of the cases of Cushing's syndrome are due to the action of exogenous glucocorticoids. About 13 cases per million individuals are diagnosed every year that are due to the endogenous reasons. Of these 70% of cases are due to ACTH-producing tumor, 15% due to ectopic-ACTH and 15% due to primary adrenal tumor.

Mortality and morbidity associated with Cushing's syndrome are primarily due to the effects caused by excessive levels of glucocorticoids. A very large pituitary tumor may cause panhypopituitarism and visual loss. Rare adrenocortical adenomas are also associated with a survival rate of only 5 years. Excess glucocorticoids also cause perforated viscera and increased susceptibility to fungal infections. Other additional problems that crop up due to excessive glucocorticoids include hypertension, obesity, osteoporosis, fractures, impaired immune function, impaired woun healing, glucose intolerance and psychosis. The female-to-male ratio of Cushing's syndrome is 5:1 which may be either due to pituitary or adrenal tumor. Ectopic ACTH production is more frequent in men than women due to increased incidence of lung tumors in them. The peak period of occurrence of Cushing's syndrome due to adrenal or pituitary adenoma is 25-40 years. Ectopic production due to lung cancer may occur in later phase of life. For keeping a regular check on Cushing's syndrome patients should be educated about adrenal crisis. Instruction for the intake f specific drug for treatment should be given.

Natural Ways to Lower Your High Blood Pressure

If you have high blood pressure you have probably been told by your doctor that you will have to take medicines to control it. That is not completely true, you can try alternatives to lower high pressure naturally. In this article we will take a look at some of the natural ways you can lower your blood pressure. One thing to remember is to make sure and carefully monitor your pressure readings if you do suffer from high pressure because this condition can be fatal, it can lead to strokes, heart failure, kidney problems and other blood related problems in the body.

One of the best ways to lower pressure if you are overweight is to lose a few pounds. You can have high blood pressure and be thin but if you are overweight and have high pressure you will have a better chance of lowering it if you exercise and start to eat a healthy diet.

Another way to lower high blood pressure is to eat certain foods that have been proven to be beneficial in lowering pressure. One such food is celery it is a natural diuretic, this means it will help flush out excess fluids and salts in your body. It is natural so has no bad side effects like some of the prescription diuretics that are available.

Another common food that helps lower pressure is garlic. It helps lower the risk of atherosclerosis, the hardening or furring within arteries, caused by excess plaques in the arteries. The garlic works by keeping the blood at the correct thickness and helping the blood circulatory system stay healthy.

The hawthorn plant has also been found to help lower high blood pressure. It is usually taken in capsule form and works by helping strengthen the heart muscle.

Other ways you can lower pressure are by changing your diet to low salt foods, cut out ready meals, junk food and fast foods. Prepare your own meals and start to eat more healthy foods, fruits, vegetables and lean meats.

Drinking more water is also good for lowering high blood pressure. Some people who have tried water fasts for 7 days have seen blood pressure drop as much as 60 points. Although this is not something to do lightly as 7 days with only water is not easy and may not be healthy, if you are considering this you should consult your doctor.

There are also natural mineral supplements you can take to lower high blood pressure. Magnesium or potassium are just a couple of examples both can help support the heart and nervous system. You would probably have to take them as supplement pills to get a high enough daily intake for these minerals to do any good.

As you can see there are quite a few natural things you can do to lower your blood pressure and with a bit of help and support from your doctor you should not have to be dependent on medications for the rest of your life. Discuss with your doctor other alternatives to medications and get him to help you research the alternatives to daily medication.

How to Detect A Prostate Problem

Each year more and more men will suffer with prostate problems and especially those over 50 years old. Some men will not know they have a problem and will put the symptoms down to simple wear and tear of the body.

The prostate gland sits between the penis and the anus just underneath the bladder and is responsible for supplying seminal fluid on ejaculation. As you get older this gland tends to swell which interrupts the flow of urine so that you will find that you have a weak flow, and in most cases you will have to get out of bed several times in the night to urinate.

By doing this your body is being deprived of valuable sleep, which will after awhile will alter your general health.

In a lot of cases the swelling of the prostate gland is often down to high blood pressure, and it is always recommended once you're over the age of 50 to have your blood pressure checked at least once a year if not more often.

On the negative side of things prostate Cancer is on the increase and if you do report to your Doctor that your having problems by getting out of bed several times to urinate he will then take a simple blood test to have you checked out for Cancer.

Not all prostate problems are cancerous yet it is always best to be safe than have the cancer cells divide and going to all parts of the body.

So what should you do if you think you are having prostate problems?

- Number 1 is to book an appointment with your Doctor

- Number 2 is to let your Doctor check you're prostate and take a blood test.

- Number 3 is to let your Doctor take your blood pressure.

From there the Doctor will prescribe blood pressure tablets should the reading be high, and then you will have to wait for the results of the blood tests. Normally this takes a few days and then the problem can be redressed.

For just a simple swelling of the prostate through high blood pressure a course of tablets can be prescribed. A lot of Doctors tend to prescribe Tamusulosin which will take down the swelling and help you get a decent nights sleep.

If your blood tests come back showing prostate cancer you will be sent to see an Urologist who will explain what needs to be done to cure you. Please remember that the sooner you do this the better the chances of a cure.

As a last note I must offer a word of warning about the drug Tamusulosin that it can affect your ejaculation and if this is something you're worried about it is best to talk this over with your Doctor.

Lower Blood Pressure Naturally - Water, Potassium, and Magnesium - Keys to Lower Blood Pressure

According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute adults aged 55 or older have 90% chance of developing high blood pressure if they don't already have it. If this condition goes untreated the risk of arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) increases substantially. This can ultimately lead to kidney disease, heart failure, stroke and even dementia. If you have a severe high blood pressure condition, meaning your reading is 160/100 or higher; you'll need medications to bring it down to a normal range, which is 120/80.

The Good News

If you have board line hypertension you can lower your numbers by 10 to 20 points by making some changes to your diet. This will require some different food choices and/or taking some supplements. You always want to speak to your doctor before you make any changes or modify your medication dosage.

The Importance of Water

Water is crucial to life and yet approximately 20% of Americans drink no water at all and 42% drink two glasses a day or less. If your body has insufficient water this causes a decrease in total blood volume, a constriction of blood vessels and an increase in blood pressure.

The average adult requires about 100 ounces of water a day but about a third of this comes from food that's consumed. This leaves 8 8-ounces glasses that you need to drink. If you live in a warm climate or you're exercising heavily then you will need more to make up for the water lost in sweat.

If possible, spring water is your best choice because it is a natural source of minerals or may have minerals added. Magnesium, in particular, is beneficial because it is an alkaline mineral that relaxes blood vessels and this helps to lower BP. Other choices are juices or tea especially green tea. Recent studies have shown that green tea improves blood flow and the function of the endothelial cells, which line the blood vessels.

The Sodium-to-Potassium Ratio

It's common knowledge that salt, specifically sodium, can contribute to high blood pressure, however, the ratio of sodium to potassium may be more important. Only about 15% to 25% of Americans are sensitive to sodium. This condition causes a sharp increase in blood pressure. While lowering sodium intake helps, increasing potassium is even more beneficial.

Potassium enters the cells easier than sodium and helps to balance the sodium in the cells. If you don't consume or retain enough potassium the amount of sodium can increase in your blood, leading to high blood pressure. Increasing your potassium intake will relax your blood vessels and lower your blood pressure.

Most fruits and vegetables are good sources of potassium and they are low in sodium as well. Especially good choices are bananas, dried fruit, and squash.

Don't Take Drugs to Regulate Your High Blood Pressure

If you are taking any medication to control your blood pressure, odds are that it is having some sort of side effect on your body. This is normal in all pharmaceutical pills that regulate your blood pressure. Millions of people worldwide take medications and suffer from the side effects. The side effects can be minor to very serious. However the dangerous, serious effects occur slowly over time and by the time you are diagnosed with the side effect, it may be too late. A good high blood pressure (HBP) medication should not have any side effects. That is why millions of Americans are turning to natural remedies to cure their high blood pressure.

HBP Effects On Your Body

HBP increases the pressure in your blood vessels. The effect of it is like filling a small water balloon with a water hose. The pressure of the water hose will rupture the small water balloon rather quickly.

The same happens with your blood vessels. The high pressure that the blood puts on the vessels can cause the vessel to rupture. It will not only damage your blood vessel, but it will also damage your liver, brain and other crucial organs in your body. If the pressure remains for a long time, it will eventually rupture a vessel. If the vessel ruptures in the brain, you can suffer a deadly stroke. If the stroke doesn't kill you, then you can have severe brain damage. You can end up in a vegetative state. Your risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke from high blood pressure is 3 times more likely than a person without HBP.

Pharmaceutical Medications (Drugs)

The problem with drugs is that they are not developed to treat just one illness. They are created with the intent of treating multiple illnesses. They treat multiple symptoms. These additional treatments are not needed and therefore can cause side effects. The side effects can be minor from nausea feeling, dizziness, impotence to death.

Natural Alternatives

Doctors do tell you that there are possible side effects if you take these medications. However they can't give you anything that wont have side effects because no such medication exists. However, there are natural alternatives that you can do and take to control your high blood pressure.

You don't have to lose large amounts of weight or work out a lot. There is natural supplements that you can take that will control your blood pressure just as effectively as your pharmaceutical medications.

Why don't the doctors tell you about this? Well, they are being paid by the drug companies to distribute their drugs. They don't want to lose money. They don't care if you become sick from the side effects. They just want to push these medications out and collect their money from these drug companies.

Let's Drink to Lower Blood Pressure! The Lowdown on Alcohol and High Blood Pressure

If you're confused about the effect of alcohol on your blood pressure you can be forgiven. For years we've been told that moderate drinking is good for our hearts. We've heard about the "French Paradox", whereby the French consume large quantities of red wine and saturated fats, yet have lower rates of heart disease than Americans and other non-Mediterranean people. Much of the "paradox" is attributed to drinking red wine. Other studies have shown that modest amounts of other types of alcohol produce similar benefits.

Now a couple of new studies from Japan are being killjoys by indicating that even modest drinking of alcohol can increase blood pressure. The researchers found a direct relation between alcohol consumption and blood pressure. In other words, as you drink your blood pressure increases, starting from the very first drink. The doctor leading one of the studies concluded: "alcohol use represents an important modifiable risk factor for hypertension".

So what are we to believe? Some might hedge their bets by saying that more research is needed but the preponderance of evidence clearly supports moderate consumption of alcohol for a healthy heart and blood pressure. A major study in Denmark showed that one or two drinks a day clearly reduced the risk of heart attack in both men and women, particularly from middle age on. What's more, a study that's just come out of Harvard reveals that a drink or two of alcohol a day adds further benefits to even physically fit, healthy men with an already low risk of heart disease.

So until and unless additional evidence says otherwise, you can raise your glass with confidence that the glow on your cheeks is a healthy one. We should also acknowledge that responsible drinking is not just about physical health but can also contribute to a healthy social life and can help to relieve stress. These benefits can help to further improve our general health and lower our blood pressure.

But at what point comes the inevitable question: how much is too much? This could be the most important question of all because the one fact that stands out most clearly in the debate over alcohol and your health is that excess is extremely damaging. We all know what over-indulgence does to our livers but it also damages our hearts by increasing blood pressure, among other things.

So how much is too much? Unfortunately, the answer is not a simple matter of "units". Did you know that this familiar measure that has shaped public health policy for 20 years has been exposed as entirely arbitrary and lacking any scientific basis? A member of the Royal College of Physicians (U.K.) that produced the recommendation in 1987 called it "a sort of intelligent guess by a committee". He went further to state that "those limits were really plucked out of the air. It's impossible to say what's safe and what isn't. We don't really have any data whatsoever."

The original guidance recommends that men consume no more than 21 units of alcohol a week and women no more than 14. More recently we tend to hear the even more restrictive recommendation of 2 units daily for men and one for women.

There is evidence to suggest that the limits should be raised. For example, a British study concluded that men drinking 21 to 30 units of alcohol a week had the lowest rate of mortality. Another found that men would have to drink a whole bottle of wine a day, or 63 units a week, to reach the same risk of mortality of a teetotaler.

Of course this does not mean that anything goes. The conflicting evidence merely highlights the fact that our tolerance to alcohol varies widely depending on many factors including sex, age, race, weight, general health and fitness, time of day and whether food is consumed while drinking alcohol.

Considering all these variations, and more, it's easy to see how silly it is to prescribe units of alcohol. Especially when there's a much better way: it's called common sense. Most people know when they're drinking too much, whether or not they are prepared to admit it to themselves or others. If in doubt, there are countless common sense signs of over-indulgence running from the blatantly obvious - a hangover - to more subtle signs that include sleep problems, fatigue, mood swings, and so on. Do we really need public health policy to tell us how much we can safely drink?

Having said this, the tipping point between healthy drinking and dangerous excess is a fine one, so if you're going to err it should be on the side of caution. Excessive drinking of alcohol will increase your blood pressure and such an increase can pose an even greater risk than high blood pressure, which is stabile. If you experience rising blood pressure along with a nagging bad feeling about your drinking, you'd be well-advised to re-evaluate your lifestyle and cut back. A decreased consumption of alcohol can lower blood pressure significantly.

Perhaps the Greek comic, Eubulus (expressing the words of Dionysus, the god of wine) said it best: "Three bowls only do I mix for the temperate-one to health, the second to love and pleasure, and the third to sleep. The fourth bowl belongs not to us but to hubris, the fifth to uproar, the sixth to drunken revel, the seventh to black eyes, the eighth to the policeman and the ninth to vomiting. The tenth belongs to madness and throwing of furniture."

Blood Pressure Control - How to Maintain a Healthy Life

Blood pressure control is important in that it can potentially save a hypertensive patient's life. High blood pressure or hypertension is the force exerted on the artery walls by the blood flowing through the body. When the force is challenged, the pressure of the blood elevates. This elevated pressure can cause more serious complications; therefore it must be treated effectively.

High blood pressure has no significant signs or symptoms and is often referred to as the "silent killer." Consequently, many Americans have developed the condition, yet they are not aware of it.

The American Heart Association documents that an estimate of 50million Americans suffer with high blood pressure and requires ongoing medical attention to maintain proper blood pressure control.

Healthcare professionals implement a well- rounded individualized treatment plan to decrease the pressure as well as control progression. Each treatment plan is designed to accommodate existing and pre- existing factors that may induce the development of the condition.

Initially, the healthcare professional will prescribe certain anti- hypertensive medications. These drugs are used to immediately lower the blood pressure levels. One of the most common drugs for blood pressure control is the calcium channel blocking agents (channel blockers or calcium antagonists). These channel blockers reduce the force of contraction of muscles of the heart and muscle.

Another drug used to reduce blood pressure is the peripheral vasodilators. Hydralazine (Apresoline), isxuprine (Vasodilan), and minoxidil (Loniten) act as blood vessel relaxers. Yet another antihypertensive drug is the thiazide diurectics. The diurectics promote sodium loss thereby lowering blood volume. More so, the thiazide diurectics helps lower the pressure of the walls of the blood vessels; which is also referred to as the peripheral vascular resistance.

Blood pressure control can also be accomplished by implementing daily healthy life- style changes. These changes may include a healthy eating plan, weight loss, and exercise. Healthcare professionals suggest that a healthy diet, which should consist of fruits and vegetables, low- sodium intake and foods that are low in fats and cholesterol. Obesity plays a major role in elevated blood pressure.

Changing your diet and incorporating physical activity into your daily routine will help you loose and maintain a healthy body weight. Lastly, exercise will not only help you loose weight, it will assist with improving the overall health.

Believe it or not, exercise does not require much effort. Light to moderate physical activity, such as walking, bicycling, or even yoga can significantly lower blood pressure. Exercise is also known to minimize the need for medications and reduce the effects of annoying side effects.

Which Is Best Drug For High Blood Pressure?

If you want to control your hypertension you may have to follow these important steps

* Diet Modification

* Regular Exercise

* Stop smoking

* Drug Treatment

However majority of hypertensive patients do need drug therapy to control BP.

There is no doubt that quitting smoking, diet modification and doing regular exercise are all useful to improve your blood pressure, but drug therapy is still very significant. The most popular blood pressure medications used all over the World are:

* Angiotensin Receptor Blockers

* ACE Inhibitors

* Diuretics

* Beta Blockers

* Calcium Channel Blockers

Which Drug is the Best?

Many hypertensive patients are taking medicine for controlling hypertension. They may be taking a single pill or combination therapy at different times. As there are lot of combination therapies and variety of drugs available to control BP so newly diagnosed hypertensive patients often think if there is special hypertensive medicine that is "the best." The Answer: Maybe.

There are Special Circumstances

According to various studies, ACE Inhibitors and Angiotensin Receptor Blockers are a good choice for diabetic, kidney and heart failure patients. Aside from their ability to lower BP these drugs have very good effect on protecting kidney function. You should keep in mind that ultimate aim is to control BP. If you dont have required effect with these medicines then you may change these or use additional drugs. Similarly calcium channel blockers are more useful for elderly patients as they have rigid and thickened blood vessels.

No Clear Recommendation for Most Patients

Using a particular class of high BP medicine may give benefit for some class of patients, When treating blood pressure, there is no recommendation that which medicine is best and what is first drug to be used. There are various studies including the CAPPP, STOP-Hypertension-2, NORDIL, UKPDS, and INSIGHT trials, when comparing the various types of high blood pressure medicines, found little overall difference in outcome.

Lower risk of cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular-related death and mortality with the use of calcium channel blockers as compared to beta blockers was declared in a famous trial, the ASCOT trial. However, on reexamination of this study, it was found that the apparent lower risk was likely due to an overall lower blood pressure in that study's sample patients.

So Best Drug is the One that really Works!

In the end I will say that the best drug is that which has minimum side effects and is able to control your BP. There are many studies and reports about benefits and side effects of various classes of medicines for hypertension, but keep in mind that high BP is dangerous, and that lowering blood pressure saves lives. This should be the basic goal.

How to Lower Hypertension With Healthy Food Selections

Hypertension is considered such a dangerous disease simply because of its clandestine nature: it sneaks up on the individual who may never be aware that he or she has high blood pressure until they have an annual checkup with the physician. High blood pressure can result in a heart attack, stroke, and in extreme cases can result in death. Hypertension is an issue that can be controlled, however, through positive lifestyle changes and food selections. If you want to lower blood pressure with some all natural remedies, here are some superlative food choices that can help you do just that.

Consume some foods containing Garlic if you are looking to reduce hypertension; research has shown that Garlic, a small onion variant, has been proven to act as a blood thinner much as aspirin behaves. The main ingredient in Garlic that works in alleviating hypertension is adenosine, which aids in the dilation of blood vessels and relaxes one's muscles. It is recommended that individuals with high blood pressure consume three to four Garlic cloves each day: the cloves can be easily swallowed down with a fresh glass of water. For those individuals who cannot stomach the idea of swallowing fresh Garlic cloves, there are Garlic oil capsules available on the market for little expense that will provide the same hypertension reduction benefits. Individuals interested in consuming garlic to battle high blood pressure however, are first advised to speak with a physician before doing so; some studies reveal that Garlic can interact with certain medications like saquinavirs, warfarin, and antiplatelets. Those individuals implementing this remedy also need to be wary of the natural side-effects produced by Garlic consumption which include halitosis.

Looking to lower blood pressure via tasty treats; then it's time to pick up some fresh bananas. Bananas are tremendously high in potassium levels and lowered levels of potassium have been correlated with hypertension. If you aren't fond of bananas, you have some splendid, high potassium containing food choices to select from; you can add watermelon and/or fresh oranges to your diet, or you can throw in a sampling of almonds each day if you so desire. You can also incorporate potassium enriched food choices into your main meal selections and have meals with a side of potatoes or a side of tomatoes and spinach as well.

A tried and true tradition for alleviating high blood pressure issues is to partake of a diet that is as near absent of salt products as possible. Salt is associated with elevated blood pressure levels so, if consumed, it should be eaten in the smallest amounts feasible. Recent studies have also revealed that many individuals that develop issues with high blood pressure mainly have to eliminate salt from their diet in order to return blood pressure to healthy levels: these individuals wind up never having to partake of hypertension medications whatsoever. On the same token, for those seeking hypertension reduction foods and beverages, it's a good idea for one to refrain from beverages and food that contain caffeine too.

Things You Can Do to Naturally Lower Blood Pressure

You can naturally lower blood pressure without medication, which can have many benefits to you. Many of these will work for most people and they are easy to implement in your own life easily. By partaking of natural methods, you ma have to make several lifestyle changes, which can benefit you in the long run.

You should exercise more. By maintaining a healthy weight, you can significantly lower your pressure, and it is one of the best things you can do for your body in general. Exercise has many health benefits, in addition to losing weight and blood pressure, it is needed for an over all healthy life.

Eat more potassium rich foods. Y increasing the amount you eat to 2000 to 4000 milligrams a day, you can help keep your pressure lower. It is fairly simple to add these to your diet by eating bananas, raisins, tomatoes and even drinking orange juice.

You should cut the salt out of your diet. Read labels and make sure that sodium is not one of the main ingredients. Since salt is a major contributor to having high pressure, eliminating this can help keep you healthy. Avoid processed foods, since they are some of the worst offenders of high sodium content, and season your food with herbs and lemons instead.

Limit your caffeine intake. By drinking 3 cups of hibiscus tea a day, you can lower your BP up to seven points over the course of just one week, according to studies.

While you can naturally lower blood pressure, if you feel bad and these tips do not make you feel better, you should see your doctor. If you have any concerns over your blood pressure at all, speaking to a doctor can help you answer questions and assist you in lowering it, even naturally.

Correct Blood Pressure Reading - What Are Good Blood Pressure Numbers?

If you take the blood pressure of 50 different people, you will get 50 different readings. If you take the blood pressure readings of some people 50 times, you will get 50 different blood pressure readings. Still, it is possible, that in spite of all these different numbers being read, none of these people will actually have hypertension. In this article, we will discuss why this is and just what a correct blood pressure reading is.

A blood pressure reading consists of two parts. One part is the systolic reading and the other part is the diastolic reading. The systolic part is the higher of the two numbers and of course, the diastolic is the lower.

On a traditional BP reading machine, which is called a sphygmomanometer, the air pressure on the cup around your arm is inflated to a pressure that would be higher than your systolic reading. The air is let out of the cup until the person reading your pressure can hear your heartbeat through a stethoscope.

The point at which he or she hears your heartbeat is your systolic reading. The person reading your BP then continues to let more air out of the cup until he or she no longer hears your heartbeat. The point at which the sound of your heartbeat disappears is your diastolic reading.

A very good systolic reading is 120 and a very good diastolic reading is 80. However, the systolic reading is only mildly high when it is slightly over 140 and the diastolic reading is only slightly high when it is around 90. Add the fact you could go several points lower than 120 and 80 on these readings before hypotension, or low blood pressure was an issue, and you can see there is quite a wide range of good BP readings.

This is good because a normal person's pressure will vary throughout the day. Changes in stress level, exercise and food digestion are all issues which can affect one's BP. In other words, your BP could be a little higher after you eat a heavy meal, but it could also be a little higher if you were very hungry. Of course, if you were to meet a lion face to face, your blood pressure would be very, very high.

For this reason, it is wise to take time to relax throughout the day and to learn how not to become too worked up over little things. Still, unless you are a very unusual person, your blood pressure may be high or at least on the high side once in a while. Because of this, one is not diagnosed with hypertension until he or she is getting high blood pressure readings consistently.

Heart Disease and Water Fasting

Heart disease is the number one killer in America with more than 616,000 deaths attributed to it and the number of non-institutionalized adults with diagnosed heart disease has reached a staggering 26.8 million people, which equates to 12% of the population. (1)

MY CONDITION.

I am one of those non-institutionalized people that is obese, with high blood pressure, edema, gout and breathing problems. Probably the same characteristic as most with heart disease. I was diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure a couple of years ago with a 50/50 chance of making it another ten years. My height is 5'10 and weight 272 lbs. In addition to the above ailments, I also have edema, high blood pressure, psoriasis, carpel tunnel and sleep apnea.

Diseases of the heart usually do not just appear overnight. It takes many years and decades of tobacco, alcohol, bad diet and lack of exercise. Artery blockage can be extremely advanced before one might know they have a problem. It sneaks up on you and when you least suspect it, you have a heart attack. My condition has been getting progressively worse to the point where it is quite a task to go from my basement to the main floor. Physical labor is out of the question now.

I TRIED THIS BEFORE.

Last year I attempted to lose a lot of weight through a process known as Water Fasting. I had done a lot of research on the topic through the Internet and books that I bought, and it felt like it was the right thing for me to do to improve my health. I started at about 265 lbs and got down to 230 lbs in a period of 21 days. But then I quit due to what I later found out was a cleansing reaction. In that 21 days my blood pressure normalized and I quit taking my Coversyl medication. I was taking longer and longer walks, and I could even jog a short distance. This convinced me that I was on the right track but I needed to do some more research before starting another Fast. That was the summer of 2010.

By now you are asking how a Water Fast can benefit someone who has Heart Disease. Well first of all, fasting is proven to reduce blood pressure very rapidly and effectively. Notes from my fast last year indicate I was consistently around 125-130/85 from an average of 165/95, so I know the effects on blood pressure, and I am confident that if I had continued on I would have seen further improvement. In addition, it would appear that Fasting may significantly reduce the amount of plaque that lines the blood vessels which would result in more oxygen and blood to circulate and lessen the workload on the Heart. In a study published in Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, June 2001, 174 patients did a fast and all participants experienced a dramatic drop in blood pressure. The fast lasted only 10 to 11 days and the average drop in blood pressure was 37/13 mm Hg. Those with stage 3 hypertension (180/110+) experienced an average drop of 60/17 mm Hg. No other method to reduce blood pressure has ever shown such dramatic results.

THIS TIME, SUCCESS!

Because of the results I achieved last year on my fast I have decided to start another fast. The purpose being to completely normalize my blood pressure, rid myself of the edema and gout along with a few other health related issues I am dealing with. The Fast will carry on until my hunger returns, which I suspect may be anywhere from 40 to 50 days. I would love to lose 80 to 100 lbs which would take me down to about 195 lbs. This time I will be drinking Medical grade Alkaline Ionized Water to help with the cleansing reactions which stopped my fast in 2010. I will be providing stats, commentary, pictures and video on a regular basis. I invite you to follow my progress at my blog.

Source

(1) Center for Disease Control and Prevention

Controlling High Blood Pressure With Natural Herbs - Does it Really Work?

A lot of people question whether controlling high blood pressure with natural herbs is really possible. They should remember that hundreds of pharmaceutical drugs are based on the chemical compounds produced by plants. For example, over 60% of all cancer drugs are derived from elements found in plants.

Increasingly, scientific studies are backing up the anecdotal claims regarding the healing properties of some herbs. In fact, the Wall Street Journal recently published an article saying that many herbal remedies "are now scientifically documented to be not only medically effective but also cost effective."

Natural cures for hypertension are appealing because prescription medicines come with so many negative side effects. Impotence, cramps, feelings of tiredness, restlessness, constipation....the list goes on and on. That's not the case with natural high blood pressure cures. They're safe, effective, and have no side effects.

Herbs for blood pressure include dandelion, hawthorne berry, and garlic. Dandelion is a powerful natural diuretic that reduces the amount of salt in the kidneys. Hawthorne berry has been shown to maximize a person's ability to exercise while keeping heart and pulse rates at a safe level. And there are dozens of studies that have conclusively proved garlic's ability to effectively regulate the heart and circulatory systems.

One of the best ways of controlling high blood pressure naturally is to take an herbal supplement. However, it's vital to find a first-rate product. Too many herbal remedies use poor-quality ingredients. Or the doses are too low to be truly effective. Look for a product that thoroughly tests its herbs for purity. Those herbs must also be present in large enough amounts to have an effect. 

Curing hypertension through a combination of diet, exercise, and herbal supplements can really work. In fact, many people stop taking their prescription meds once they've been following a natural cure for a while. It's certainly worth a try for anyone who can't afford prescription medications. Or for people who suffer from those drugs' side effects.

Remember, high blood pressure is a killer. You owe it to yourself and to your family to do something about it. If prescription drugs don't work for you, try controlling high blood pressure naturally. It just might save your life.

Blood Pressure Natural Cure - Get Off Medication and Cure Hypertension Naturally

Did you know that there actually is a blood pressure natural cure that works in days? However, major drug companies are doing everything in their power to keep you uneducated, unaware and uninformed about natural health! And if you don't believe me, read this!

Fact! Over 75% of Americans still believe that natural remedies are taboo.

But did you know that natural health research has sky rocketed in just the past decade? And many studies are now showing that some natural remedies are outperforming high blood pressure medications.

In other words, if you would like to be high blood pressure free and side effect free, you can with a blood pressure natural cure. Here are some tips to normalize your blood pressure.

Cure Hypertension Naturally with these Tips

1. Exercising regularly has many benefits and normalizing blood pressure is one of them. Research shows that you should exercise 30 minutes a day for five times per week. Exercise will naturally reduce stress as well as improve the condition of your heart.

2. Another great tip is to practice breathing. Breathing does a couple things that normalize your blood pressure like reducing stress and also keeping circulation normalized. One simple exercise you may wish to try is to take a deep breath and hold it for 5 seconds. Slowly exhale in 3 seconds and repeat. Doing this for 10 minutes a day can shave off 10 points from your score.

3. Lower your salt intake to less than 2400 mg a day. If possible, going as low as 1500 mg a day can be even more beneficial.

4. Potassium is one mineral that is critical for normalized pressure. It is shown that hypertension sufferers are usually deficient in potassium. Studies recommend you get at least 4700 mg a day. Eat foods such as bananas, potatoes or even vegetable juice.

5. Calcium is also a mineral which typically is deficient in high blood pressure sufferers. Begin to supplement 1250 mg daily. If you choose dairy products, make sure to pick low fat dairy.

6. Finally, studies from all over the world are showing that fiber is great for high blood pressure sufferers. Fiber cleans out your body and your arteries. It will naturally flush cholesterol and plaque from your arteries and normalize your blood pressure in days. A great source of water soluble fiber would be fruits and vegetables (6 servings a day).

Is There More?

If you are serious about your health, high blood pressure and life, here are 6 great tips to begin to normalize your blood pressure naturally. But there is more! Because research on high blood pressure has sky rocketed in the past decade, there are well over 30+ remedies and simple treatments you can be doing to lower your blood pressure. In fact, you can be completely off of medication in weeks with simple natural health tips!

Learn more about a 100% guaranteed blood pressure natural cure today!

Fried Eggs, Blood Pressure and Cholesterol - A Healthy Lifestyle?

Fry Your Eggs and Keep Your Blood Pressure Down: A study by the University of Alberta in Canada has found frying your eggs could actually be the healthy option. Scientists believe that when eggs are friend, the intense heat of the pan causes more ACE inhibitory peptides to be released into the body. The ACE (Angiotensin Converting Enzyme) inhibitory peptides work by dilating the blood vessels, which lowers your blood pressure and ultimately lowering the risk of you suffering heart disease. The bottom line is to Get your blood pressure checked regularly. ACE inhibitors (Inhibitors of Angiotensin-Converting Enzymes) are also used for treating patients suffering from hypertension, often being chosen pharmaceuticals for the treatment.

Can Strength Training Help Men Lower Cholesterol and do you really need supplements to reduce it further? A recent study has reported that strength training helps men lower their cholesterol levels, without the need for supplementation with protein. The report by Dr. Carol A. DeNysschen, published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports, studied twenty eight men who had elevated levels of cholesterol. Groups were tested randomly.

The men were randomly split into three groups and performed strength training three days a week for 12 weeks. The three groups of men were given different 'supplements'; one group a soy based, one a whey based supplement and the other group was given a placebo. The conclusion of the study was that men in all three groups had gained strength, lost fat and showed reductions in cholesterol levels. It also indicated that supplementation along with the strength training, actually made no real difference to body fat percentage or the cholesterol levels of the men. However Dr. DeNysschen did suggest that further studies needed to be carried out on soy based protein supplements to see if men who were at risk of heart disease would benefit from this type, more than whey supplementation because they could be healthier for the heart.

Leading Causes of High SGPT

Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase, or more commonly known as SGPT, is a naturally occurring enzyme in our bodies and is normally found in liver and heart cells. Being an enzyme, its function is to assist in more efficient means on the usage of energy when generating chemical reactions in our bodies. In other words, it speeds up the process and uses less energy. Since enzymes exist throughout the body, it is normal to see their presence in our blood test results. However, elevated levels of certain enzymes are cause for concern as they may indicate problems in our general health or even regions related to specific enzymes.

There are some possibilities which may cause a high SGPT level in a blood test result. Since SGPT is present in the liver and heart, the hepatic and cardiac regions are the first to look into. When cells in these 2 organs are damaged, SGPT is released into the bloodstream thus resulting in elevated levels of this enzyme.

Although the occasional drinks and cocktails are considered acceptable practices after work and in dinner parties, social drinking can easily escalate into more excessive drinking habits without exercising proper control. The trend with bad eating habits is steadily growing with processed foods which are easily accessible in the mainstream. These types of foods tend to have low nutritional value, high fat and sodium content. High amounts of alcohol and fat coupled together put an inordinate strain on the liver. Long periods of abuse will eventually cause permanent damage to the organ.

Damage to liver tissue can also be caused by infection due to viral hepatitis, ranging from Hepatitis A, to Hepatitis B which is more acute, or Hepatitis C which can turn chronic and possibly terminal. High intake of certain drugs may also elevate your SGPT level. Some of them comprise of common OTC (Over The Counter) drugs taken over a short term for pain relief and antibiotics, or prescription medication for long-term management of cholesterol levels, heart conditions and antidepressants.

A heart attack can also be a cause of high SGPT level as it disrupts blood flow through the liver. Certain conditions which involve infection and inflammation of the pancreas and gallbladder may also affect SGPT levels.

To detect any abnormalities in your SGPT level, it is advisable to undergo periodic medical check-ups. In doing so, other anomalies can also be spotted and you can bring up your concerns to your doctor for further action.

Hypertension Diets - Easy Ways to Eat High Blood Pressure Away

Hypertension diets are commonly used to lower high blood pressure. Foods enriched in nutrients, mainly calcium, potassium, magnesium, protein and fiber are recommended to lower blood pressure. Decreasing salt and sodium enhanced foods are typically included in all hypertension diets.

The key to hypertension diets are foods low fat foods and lean meats, to stop additional weight gain and/or lose extra pounds, and eating grains, vegetables, fruits, and proteins to obtain the proper minerals and nutrients needed in one's daily diet. The DASH nutrition diet for high blood pressure is the most effective way to lower it or stop one from developing hypertension.

Recommended Eating:

Whole Grains - High in fiber and a major source of energy

6-8 servings

Vegetables - High in magnesium, potassium, and fiber

4-5 servings

Fruits - High in magnesium, potassium, fiber, and calcium

4-5 servings

Low fat - Fat Free Dairy- High in calcium and protein

2-3 servings

Lean Meats and Fish - High in protein and magnesium

2 or servings or less

Fats and Oils - Use as minimal as possible

2 or servings or less

Sweets and High Sugar Foods - Should be low in fat

5 servings per week

The basic idea behind hypertension diets are to control the amount of salt and sodium intake, increasing the minerals such as calcium, magnesium and potassium in one's diet, highlighting whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, as well, as incorporating low-fat dairy and meat products in one's diet. Hypertension diets are shown to work fast and effectively, often displaying changes in one's blood pressure in as few as two weeks.

The DASH nutrition diet for high blood pressure was developed by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute as a safe and effective diet for lowering one's blood pressure. The DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), is a highly endorsed diet program to follow in controlling and possibly eliminating hypertension.

Typically a doctor will recommend the DASH diet to patients with hypertension, and often to people at risk for developing hypertension. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, also recommends exercise and a decrease in smoking and drinking while on the diet in order to gain the full potential of the diet's affect.

Hypertension In Teens - 7 Ways To Avoid It

Can teens suffer from high blood pressure? No way! High blood pressure is just for old people!

If this is what you believe, you are not totally different from most of the people in this planet who associate hypertension or high blood pressure with aging. You also probably wouldn't believe that almost 60 million Americans under the age of 6 are suffering from this condition! This may sound odd to you but this is an unfortunate fact.

Although a mere 1% to 3% of children in the United States have high blood pressure, it is best to have your kids' blood pressures checked every once in a while. It will be a very critical step in ensuring the health of your kids.

What is High Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is defined as the pressure or force your blood exerts against your blood vessels as the heart pumps. The pressure typically rises as your heart pumps (systolic pressure) and falls when the heart relaxes (diastolic pressure). A person's blood pressure can be monitored using a medical device called a sphygmomanometer and the readings are expressed in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). The normal blood pressure for a normal adult should be less than 120 over 80 mm Hg. A blood pressure reading of 140 over 90 mm Hg, on the other hand, can already be considered high.

For children and teens, however, a different set of parameters is used to indicate whether a child or a teen is suffering from high blood pressure. For this age group, high blood pressure is defined as a blood pressure greater than the 95th percentile for their age, height and gender. This means that 95% of all the kids belonging to the same age, height and gender will have a lower blood pressure reading as compared to the one in consideration.

Blood pressure can be influenced by a number of factors. Among these are the degree of rest or physical activity, the temperature, a person's diet, emotions, posture and medications being taken.

Keeping a normal blood pressure is very important to you and your kids' overall state of health. To further complicate matters, it was observed that kids with high blood pressure are 3 times more likely to suffer from the condition as adults.

Help your kids lead a more healthy life as adults by helping them reduce their chances of suffering from hypertension during their teens. Here are some ways that may help you achieve this:

1. Strive to maintain your kid's healthy weight to height ratio.

2. Adopt a regular exercise routine. Regular exercise can give you and your kids a lot of benefits. It can help prevent you and your kids from becoming overweight and aid in shedding off those excess pounds. It can also keep the heart and blood vessels in top condition.

3. Load your kids' diet with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables.

4. As much as possible, reduce salt intake. Scientific studies prove that when a person suffering from high blood pressure consumes less salt, his or her blood pressure lowers considerably.

5. Avoid smoking. Smoking is never considered a healthy habit. What's worse is that smoking and high blood pressure are a deadly combination. The combination of these two can lead to a heart attack or stroke later on in life.

6. Say no to alcohol. Heavy drinking may lead to the development of the disease.

7. Have your blood pressure checked regularly.

CoQ10 and Blood Pressure: What You Need to Know

A study published in the Journal of American Medical Association shows people who lower their high blood pressure can live longer lives. You probably know the dangers if left unchecked. It can lead to heart attacks, stroke and kidney failure.

You may have heard of the benefits of CoQ10 and blood pressure. Multiple studies show this supplement may lower your blood pressure.

What is High Blood Pressure?

The American Heart Association defines high blood pressure as 140 over 90 or higher. If this is you, your doctor has probably described many lifestyle changes such as getting more exercise and cutting out drinking.

And while there's no doubt a healthy lifestyle is good for you it may not be enough to protect your heart on its own. This is where CoQ10 comes in.

What is CoQ10?

CoQ10 - also called Coenzyme Q10 - is a vitamin-like substance that gives your cells energy. Without it, your cells can't function.

As you age, your body stops making as much CoQ10 and you may find you're deficient.

Studies show as many as 39% of people with heart problems don't have enough of this nutrient. To make matters worse, many of the popular statin drugs like Lipitor further reduce your levels of CoQ10.

How Does It Work?

Your heart requires energy to pump the blood through your arteries. In a healthy heart, CoQ10 provides the right amount of energy.

A study in the journal "Pharmacology and Therapeutics" says CoQ10 can lower the viscosity of the blood. This means the blood flows more easily which lowers your blood pressure. It also appears to widen the blood vessels so your blood can flow more smoothly.

According to the Mayo Clinic, studies show it takes 4-12 weeks before you'll see positive results from taking a supplement like COQ10. However, at least one heart patient discovered success in just a month despite years of taking prescription medications.

Can You Get It From Food?

Organ meat and oily fish like herring and salmon can provide you with some of the CoQ10 you need but it isn't enough to meet the needs of most people over 40. You'll probably still need to get more from a supplement.

One way you can enjoy the COQ10 and blood pressure benefits is by combining this necessary nutrient with the essential fatty acids of omega 3. This powerful combination can protect your heart in dozens of ways.

Your goal? To lower your blood pressure safely and naturally, to learn more how CoQ10 can help you meet your health goals, visit my website below.

Know What Food to Eat for High Blood Pressure Relief

Finding out what food to eat for high blood pressure isn't hard. There are many foods that will help reduce your blood pressure significantly. We will also discuss that NOT to eat when dealing with high blood pressure.

Potatoes are a very good food to eat for high blood pressure. They contain a chemical called kukoamines, which researchers have found to lower blood pressure. Of course, boiling potatoes is much healthier and preserves the chemical better than frying. You need to cautious about eating fried foods. Fats and saturated oils will increase your blood pressure!

Low fat dairy products are also believed to lower high blood pressure. Low fat yogurt is a great food to eat for it, along with skim milk and low fat cheese. Studies have found that people whose diets are rich in low fat dairy products are only half as likely to develop high blood pressure.

Do you love fresh fruits and veggies? Good for you! These foods significantly reduce the chance of developing high blood pressure, because of the high content of the vitamin folate. This can also be taken in supplement form, though getting it naturally through fresh foods is the best way get this nutrient.

Taking a supplement such as Omega 3 is also helpful. This can be found in many types of fish and salmon, though those are not recommended as food to eat for this because of the high sodium content. You can find out what types of fish are good for your blood pressure by doing a little research.

Sodium or salt is one thing you definitely want to stay away from when trying to lower bloods pressure, as well as foods that contain saturated fats. Try to steer clear of fried foods and dairy foods such as ice cream. Avoid high sugar content processed foods as well.

To sum it all up, eating healthy is the best way to BE healthy. Shop carefully, and know what food to eat for high blood pressure when you dine out. Pick and choose smart foods, and your blood pressure and health will be much better for it!

How to Control Hypertension - Hypnotherapy to Reduce Blood Pressure

If you have blood pressure problems then you may need to take action to help control hypertension. Hypertension, when left unchecked can lead to all sorts of health care problems. You need to get the support it will take to get your blood pressure under control quickly. The good news is that there is more than one thing that helps lower hypertension and bring your pressure under control. Not all of these things are medicinal or chemical in nature.

Stress and Hypertension

If you really want to do something that will help control hypertension then you want to reduce the amount of stress and anxiety in your daily routine. There are believed to be two of the primary culprits for high blood pressure and the various associated problems.

Stress and anxiety can make a bad situation worse, very quickly when it comes to high blood pressure and your health.

This is a condition that you do not want to gamble with. The consequences of doing so may be much more costly than you anticipate. Make sure that you are putting your health ahead of everything else and getting the help control to hypertension you need. Don't become another statistic of poor health care for hypertension and blood pressure related problems-learn all you can to help control hypertension today and rid your life of this albatross.

Relaxation for Hypertension

Learning deep relaxation exercises, taking up a low stress hobby, getting in a little bit of low impact exercise, or even taking up yoga can greatly reduce the amount of stress and anxiety that you carry around with you. This in effect will also lower the amount of hypertension you experience. The point is to make a plan to incorporate a little relaxation into your life. You deserve it after all and it can save your life if you let it. It will also make you a little bit easier to live with.

Hypnotherapy for Hypertension

One way, that is receiving more and more acclaim to treat hypertension and high blood pressure is with the use of hypnotherapy or NLP (neuro-linguistic programming). An NLP therapist with your best interest in mind will require that you receive a physicians care along with your hypnotherapy if you've been diagnosed as having high blood pressure. This will ensure that you are getting the best possible care and that you will truly be able to help control hypertension from the very beginning.

Neuro-linguistic treatment programs work to help control hypertension because they teach your mind to get the upper hand. When you put your mind in charge, as it should be, you will receive much better results for your efforts at lowering your blood pressure. This works because NLP can be used to program your body to be balanced in combination with hypnosis for hypertension that is mean to help you relax, lower your stress level, and get the sleep you need to succeed.

Blood Pressure Diet - Eating for Better Health

A blood pressure diet plan is not significantly different from any other good, healthy diet plan. A diet that is good for your blood pressure will also be good for your blood sugar, cholesterol and triglycerides. Certainly eating well usually results in feeling well. So, without further ado, let's go eat for great health.

Any changes you make in your diet or exercise plan should be done with the good graces of your family doctor. He/she will know things about your health I wouldn't know. For instance, one of the things a good blood pressure diet consists of is skim milk. However, you could be lactose intolerant and therefore unable to consume this product. Perhaps, you are taking a medication that something in this diet would interfere with. This is why a medical professional should approve of this diet for you.

Hi, High Fiber

A healthy blood pressure diet consists of whole grains and high fiber. One such a product is a 100% bran cereal. This should be eaten for several meals, perhaps 4 to 6, per week. It should be eaten with skim milk or perhaps sugar-free soy milk.

Pasta can also be bought in whole grain or blend varieties. These pastas are much better for you than the high starch pastas we used to eat. Eating whole grain pasta with plain or at least meat free spaghetti sauce would make for a very healthy, low-calorie meal. This is, of course, if you eat a normal serving.

Bye, Starches and Fats

White bread should be avoided. It should be replaced with 100% stone ground wheat bread. This is a high-fiber variety of bread and is much better for you. By the same token you shouldn't butter the bread with high fat butter. However, there are soft butter substitutes that come in so-called tubs and are made from yogurt which make for a great substitute.

Eating beans, whether white, black, soybeans or lima beans are also a must on a blood pressure lowering diet. Beans are high potassium foods and potassium helps maintain healthy sodium levels. This is important when trying to gain optimum health.

Another high potassium food is the potato. The best way to prepare a potato is to bake it and eat it skin and all. Of course, filling it with cream or butter will make it a high-fat meal. A good trick is to take it with a no fat no-calorie salad dressing. This may add some sodium to the meal but it will not be significant unless the potato is drenched in the dressing.

Finally, instead of eating two or three meals a day, you should eat four or five. Eating five meals of 350 calories each will be much better for you than eating one meal of 1750 calories. Basically these are some of the things you can use to replace some of the other things you used to eat. Stay away from heavy alcohol consumption and stay away from fast foods and you will find this change will make a very healthy blood pressure diet.

How Much Salt Do You Get From Your Water Softener?

If you have hypertension and your Dr. has put you on salt free diet. If you have hard water and have a water softener that uses salt, which means you must have hard water, and if you live in the south west where the water is so hard, seems it is full of rock, plus a lot of other undesirables.:) High blood pressure and salt are not comparable!

We had a water softener and we had a visit from some of our family members from the south east and they commented that our water was salty, my daughter could not believe it and I could not get my blood pressure to where the Dr. wanted it to be, needless to say, we knew we had a problem.

The problem was we were use to it but they could taste it even with a reverse osmosis system under the sink for drinking and cooking water.

So we started using potassium chloride in place of salt but it was more costly, but my blood pressure went down!

I wrote this article in case some one out there has this same problem, as it does not give you any warning and if you do not know about the salt increase, then you would not do any thing to change it!

You would blame your high blood pressure on something else, especially is you are taking medicine and are checking your blood pressure several times a day.

Some times it is hard to believe something that tastes so good could be so harmful.

Erectile Dysfunction - How to Increase Blood Flow to the Penis

One of the primary causes of erectile dysfunction is decreased blood flow to the penis. An erection occurs when a rush of blood engorges chambers in the penis called the corpora cavernosa; without healthy blood flow, the penis simply can't get hard. The impacts of this condition cannot be overstated: A man's physical and emotional well-being, as well as his relationship health, may be in jeopardy. Whatever the cause, performance problems are a sign of poor penis health that requires diagnosis and treatment. For men with erectile dysfunction caused by inhibited blood flow, a new treatment method may be the savior of their sex lives.

Shockwave Therapy

Popping a pill to force an erection may no longer be the only recourse men with performance problems have - at least eventually. In recent years, researchers have been investigating the potential effectiveness of shockwave therapy for male problems. This involves the use of a wand that emits energy directly into the penis; the energy stimulates growth factors that create new blood vessels, thereby increasing the amount of blood flow to the member. The treatment method is called ED1000.

ED1000 isn't available yet in the U.S., likely because there needs to be more research in support of its use. However, the research that exists is promising - it has so far shown to be effective for many users, and the treatment seems to create minimal, if any, side effects.

Unlike medications for erectile problems that merely manage symptoms, the ED1000 addresses the root cause of many cases by equipping the penis with the ability to receive adequate blood flow. The therapy is administered over 12 weeks, after which a man may be capable of naturally achieving erections for at least two years.

Risk Factors

Men are at higher risk of blood flow-related performance dysfunction if they have:

- Diabetes: Diabetes changes the way blood flows through the body, including the penis.

- High Blood Pressure: This condition can make blood vessels inelastic, meaning they aren't able to hold onto the in-rush of blood during an erection.

- Clogged Arteries: Just as water can't flow well through a clogged pipe, blood can't run freely through clogged arteries.

- Pelvic Trauma: If surgery has been performed on the bladder, rectum or prostate, blood vessels may have been damaged, inhibiting flow to the member.

- Smoking: Cigarette smoke damages blood vessels, making it harder for blood to flow to the penis and other areas of the body.

Prevention

While the emergence of a somewhat natural therapy for erectile problems related to blood flow restriction is certainly something to be happy about, men are much better off preventing the root causes of such restriction to begin with. Here are a few ways:

- Eat right. Diabetes, high blood pressure and clogged arteries are often diet-related health conditions. Go easy on the sugar, salt, cholesterol and saturated fats. Up the intake of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables.

- Exercise. This not only increases the heart's pumping prowess, but helps keep blood pressure levels down. It also keeps weight in check, meaning it can prevent diabetes.

- Don't smoke. It's that simple.

While men are pursuing healthy behaviors that keep blood flowing freely to their members, they may want to consider adding a penis health cream (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) to their care regimens. While such a product is not a cure for erectile dysfunction, the good ones contain ingredients like vitamin C and L-arginine that support other efforts to maintain healthy levels of circulation. Look for a cream with Shea butter and vitamin E as well, which help keep the skin smooth and supple. Finally, don't forget about those nerves; a quality cream should contain acetyl L-carnitine, which protects nerves from the desensitization they can undergo due to wear and tear.

Stress Management - High Blood Pressure and the African American Woman

I am an African-American woman who was born and raised in the south. My family, like many other southern families, idea of having a good meal is eating smothered pork chops, home made mashed potatoes with gravy, collard greens with ham hock and jiffy cornbread with butter on top. In the south, we love to eat the hog and all of its parts. Southerners are known for eating chitlings, pork ribs, chopped barbecue, ham sandwiches, pork sausage, and bacon.

Everything Good To You Is Not Good For You

My mother cooked and fed her children pork because her parents cooked and fed their family pork. My mother died from too much stress on her heart, as did her mother. They both had high blood pressure and they both died young. I am forty years of age and I have been diagnosed with high blood pressure. Do you see the pattern? Is this a pattern in your family as well?

Eat Healthy

The way that you can manage the stress that is being placed on your heart is by preventing it before it happens. When you eat fried foods and pork products you run the risk of clogging up the walls of your arteries. If your arteries are clogged with build up from grease then you are putting stress on your heart because your heart has to pump extra hard to get the blood to your vital organs. Managing stress starts with your diet by limiting the amount of pork, salt and fried foods that you intake and increasing the amount of fruits,vegetables, whole grains and fiber that you eat. Before you change your diet, you should consult with your doctor. There are also many books out there about healthy eating as it relates to African-American women.

Exercise

You can also reduce the amount of stress you place on your heart by exercising. Your heart is a muscle that is connected to valves which are connected to your arteries. When your heart is pumping blood it moves the valves and when you are inactive there is not enough blood flowing to keep your valves working properly. Walking for about 30 minutes a day is a great exercise for strengthening your heart and keeping your blood flowing properly. You should consult with your doctor before you start a new exercise regime.

Statics show that African American women have a high risk of being diagnosed with high blood pressure. High blood pressure is a disease that can be passed on from family to family but you can also have high blood pressure because of controllable variables such as being over weight, inactivity and having poor eating habits. High blood pressure is a silent killer and can lead to strokes and heart attacks. If you have not done so already, get you blood pressure checked and work on controlling the amount of stress that you place on your heart.

Can Plaque in the Arteries Be Removed Naturally?

High blood pressure often results in the formation of plaque in the arteries and other blood vessels. This plaque is caused by an increased oxidation rate brought on by the excessive number of free radicals that can be found in persons with hypertension. Most people will say that the plaque is the result of the fats and cholesterol and they would be right in the sense if you didn't consume them you'd have less plaque, but the formation of the plaque is the work of the free radicals.

We need free radicals in our body. We just don't need the number that typically appears with high BP. When plaque becomes a major issue, like a blockage, the most common approach to repair it is surgery. However, there is another way.

Plaque build up, like most of the symptoms of high blood pressure, is something we are not aware of until it becomes a major problem. It takes years for the plaque to develop, and conversely, it can take years to reverse it if you chose to do so naturally.

Free radicals can be reduced by increasing the amount of antioxidants in the blood stream. Free radicals are essentially orphaned electrons looking for a new home. At the molecular level that means a free radical can join a cell replacing one of the cell's own electrons. This can lead to the mutation or death of the cell. This mutation or oxidation is what allows the cell to stick to the side of the blood vessel wall.

Antioxidants give the free radicals what they want. They will absorb the electron but will not mutate in the process. The antioxidants are then passed from the body taking the free radical with them.

So where do we get these little miracles. Well we can get them from our food. Antioxidants and systemic enzymes, another great help in breaking up plaque, are abundant in broccoli and broccoli like vegetables. Antioxidants can be found in high concentrations in almost any bright colored berry like blue berries or black berries.

Knowing which foods to eat accomplishes two things. It provides the ingredients for a reversal of plaque, and it's replacing the bad foods that are loaded with the cholesterol that caused the problem in the first place.

If you want to avoid the possibility of surgery in your future, start getting educated today and get your daily dose of "medicine" from the grocers and not the pharmacist's