High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

Hypertension is often called a "silent killer" because even severe, uncontrolled high blood pressure usually has no obvious symptoms.
The elderly are at increased risk for hypertension, and high blood pressure can occur as the arterial walls lose their elasticity with age and cause the pressure of the blood moving through the arteries to rise. In most cases (those known as "essential hypertension"), doctors cannot pinpoint the precise cause of high blood pressure. However, they do know that certain factors can increase the risk of developing high blood pressure:

• Stress can cause hypertension by activating the sympathetic nervous system, causing the arteries to maintain a more rigid tone.
• Eating large amounts of sodium can cause excess water retention, expand blood volume and ultimately increase blood pressure.
• Caffeine acts as a cardiovascular stimulant and raises blood pressure.
• A diet low in calcium, magnesium and potassium can increase blood pressure.
• Insulin resistance can increase blood pressure by causing the kidneys to retain sodium.
• Regular alcohol intake can increase blood pressure.
• Being overweight increases blood pressure.
• Medications. Some prescription drugs, including steroids, birth control pills, decongestants, NSAIDS and diet pills can raise blood pressure. Some over-the-counter medicines, such as those containing licorice root, ephedra, guarana, kola nut, yerba mate, ginseng and yohimbe, may also raise blood pressure.

Suggested Lifestyle Changes for High Blood Pressure Treatment

• Limit your caffeine intake. The caffeine in coffee, tea and sodas can contribute to high blood pressure.
• Limit alcohol intake. Blood pressure increases as your body metabolizes alcohol.
• Avoid processed foods. These are the biggest sources of sodium in today's diet.
• Maintain optimal weight. Even small amounts of weight loss can improve blood pressure.
• Relax. Meditation, yoga, breathing exercises and biofeedback are all relaxation techniques that can help lower blood pressure.
• Don't smoke. Smoking contributes to all cardiovascular diseases - and many other life-threatening conditions as well.
• Exercise. As little as 30 minutes of moderate exercise a day, like walking, can be one of the most effective natural remedies for high blood pressure.
• Check your meds. Discuss your current medications and their risks of increasing blood pressure with your doctor.

Nutrition and Supplements
The DASH diet, developed by researchers at the National Institutes of Health's National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute is based on a large-scale research study that identified the foods that affect blood pressure (visit www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/hbp/dash/new_dash.pdf for more information). The most important parts of the DASH are generous amounts of fruits and vegetables and low-fat or fat-free dairy products that provide adequate calcium. The diet is also relatively low in fat and sodium. DASH researchers have shown that diets rich in potassium, calcium and magnesium, and low in sodium (2,400 mg or less), play an important role in high blood pressure treatment. People with high blood pressure should incorporate the components of the DASH diet into their daily routine.
In addition, make sure you do the following to lower high blood pressure:

• Eat 8 to 10 servings of fruit and vegetables per day.
• Limit animal protein to 6 oz per day, emphasizing lean sources.
• Say no to salt. Those with salt sensitivity or a family history or hypertension may benefit from reducing salt to about one teaspoon a day (2,400 mg).
• Use garlic, which has a modest effect on lowering blood pressure and may help relax blood vessels.
• Consume 4 to 5 servings of nuts, seeds and dry beans per week (2 Tbsp nuts or seeds, or 1/2 cup cooked dried beans).
• Eat plenty of fish. Include at least three servings of fish a week, emphasizing cold-water fish like wild Alaskan salmon and sardines, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Take fish-oil supplements if you cannot get enough omega-3-rich foods.
• Take a Super Antioxidant. (OPC3) OPC-3 is a dietary supplement that bears some of the most powerful bioflavonoids currently known to research scientists. These bioflavonoids are scientifically termed "oligomeric proanthocyanidins," commonly abbreviated OPC. The purest and best-researched OPCs chosen for OPC-3 are prepared from grape seed, red wine, bilberries, Pycnogenol from pine bark and citrus fruit. This combination of potent OPCs is unique to OPC-3, as is the Isotonix delivery system, which enables rapid and highly efficient absorption of the OPCs. Isotonix OPC-3 has been shown to provide a variety of health benefits including, but not limited to, helping promote cardiovascular health, helping reduce mild menstrual cramping, supporting healthy sperm quality, demonstrating anti-inflammatory activities, helping support visual health and healthy blood glucose levels, and helping maintain joint flexibility. 
• Take Isotonix calcium and magnesium. Inadequate intake of both of these minerals has been associated with high blood pressure. Women should get between 1,000 and 1,200 mg of calcium a day from all sources, while men may want to get no more than 500-600 mg daily from all sources.
• Take Isotonix Advanced B-Complex. Supplementing with a B-complex has shown to help manage stress and give increased energy
• Take Isotonix vitamin C. A supplement of this antioxidant vitamin has been shown to lower blood pressure in people with mild to moderate hypertension.

Drinking a Stress cocktail will get you on your way to managing your stress and high blood pressure.  I cap each of Isotonix Calcium & B-Complex is very blissful!

To order your Isotonix supplements click HERE

Have a Healthy and Successful Day!

Cigarettes Won’t Kill You

But Smoking Them Will!

Cigarette smoking remains the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the North America today.

At a time when the government is aggressively trying to cut health costs, why are they trying to ban an option that might help people quit smoking tobacco, perhaps the most devastating health problem in the Canada?

The FDA held a press conference recently to scare Canadians about the so-called “e-cigarette” – claiming it was loaded with harmful “toxins.” The agency was implicitly saying: Stay away from these new, untested cigarette substitutes. It’s better to stick with the real ones, the ones that we’re more familiar with, the ones that cause over 37,000 deaths annually in the Canada, the ones that produce irritating and dangerous second hand smoke.

Traditional cigarettes are lethal, not because of the trace level presence of specific “toxins,” but because by using them, smokers inhale enormous amounts of smoke – otherwise known as “products of combustion.” It is the inhaled smoke that kills in so many ways – from cancers, cardiovascular and lung disease, and more.

People smoke to get the addictive drug, nicotine, but the drug alone does not cause cancer.

Many mistakenly believe nicotine alone causes cancer disregarding the dangerous addition of deadly smoke.

The delivery system, a cigarette full of hundreds of toxic chemicals that are inhaled along with nicotine does. This misinformation leads many smokers to smoke 'light' cigarettes, thinking they will inhale less nicotine. In reality, smokers tend to smoke more light cigarettes and inhale more deeply to get nicotine from light cigarettes, resulting in a significant amount of harmful chemicals being inhaled.

The e-cigarette, a cigarette–mimicking device made up of a battery, an atomizer and a cartridge, allows smokers to inhale, getting a dose of nicotine they crave, and then sending steam out the other end with little or no odor, to mimic the ritual and feel of smoking normal cigarettes.

The FDA complained that the e-cigarette is a “nicotine delivery system.” Well, that much they have right. But again, it’s the smoke that kills, not the nicotine. Yes, nicotine is highly addictive, and it is what keeps the smoker hooked. But getting the nicotine without the smoke is an enormous health advantage for cigarette smokers (the nicotine inserts come in various strengths and the users can adjust them downward as they wish, making it easier to quit).

More than 1 million smokers are now using the e-cigarette. A realistic product that offers some, if not all, of the “social amenities” of the real thing, like holding the cigarette, taking a drag, seeing a plume of “smoke” is catching on. It offers more control for the smoker and less danger to the innocent bystanders.

Cigarette smoking remains the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the Canada today. Any alternative product that is acceptable to addicted smokers should be taken seriously.

Who do they have in their best interest? Makes you wonder doesn’t it?

I have been smoke free for 6 years today, and I have never felt better. I feel my health is getting better with age all because I made the decision to change my life.

There are many natural options out there today to help aid with quitting. I used Freedom Laser. To check them out click HERE.

Have a Healthy and Successful Cigarette Free Day!

Ways to Get Omega-3s

Most Canadians are deficient in omega-3 fatty acids - the anti-inflammatory, essential fats found naturally in cold-water, oily fish. Omega-3s are necessary for optimum health, and their activity in the body can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, as well as cancer, inflammatory disorders and mental and emotional problems. I recommend eating several servings of oily fish, such as wild Alaskan salmon, per week, but if fresh or frozen wild Alaskan salmon is not in your budget, try these economical choices:

• Canned sockeye salmon. Sockeye salmon is always wild-caught and costs less than fresh or frozen salmon. The canning process adds another benefit - it softens the bones, making them an edible source of calcium.
• Canned sardines. Another fish-based source of omega-3s, choose sardines packed in water or olive oil.
• Walnuts and freshly ground flaxseed. Both are affordable and good vegetarian sources of omega-3 fatty acids.
• A high quality fish oil supplement. For the brand I use click HERE. 

 Have a Healthy and Successful Omega 3 filled Day!

White fruits shown to protect against stroke

(NaturalNews) A new study coming from the Netherlands and published in Stroke: Journal of the American Heart Association reveals that consuming large quantities of white pulp fruits and vegetables can significantly lower the risk of stroke.

Over the years, numerous studies linking high fruit and vegetable consumption to a decreased risk of stroke and other cardiovascular incidents have been conducted. The contribution of the Dutch study is that now, for the first time, we have established a positive correlation between different food colorings and their impact on stroke incidence. This means that pigments play a crucial role in determining the healthfulness of a fruit. The coloring of the pulp is a good indicator for the presence of carotenoids and flavonoids - which are phytochemicals that have been linked to numerous health benefits, including anti-cancer and anti-mutagenic effects.

The vast, population-based study spanned 10 years and looked at the health development of over 20 thousand adults, with the average age of 41. At the start of the study, all participants were free of cardiovascular disease and had completed a 178-item food frequency questionnaire concerning their eating habits for the previous year. Four color groups were established for fruits and vegetables:

1. green - which includes dark leafy vegetables
2. orange/yellow - including citrus fruits, apricots, carrots
3. red/purple - consisting mostly of red vegetables, such as tomatoes and watermelon, but also prunes and blueberries
4. white - of which more than a half were apples and pears

Correlation between white pulp fruits and decreased stroke risk

During the 10 years that followed, 233 strokes occurred in the documented population. While no definite relation between stroke incidence and color could be established for green, red and yellow/orange fruits and vegetables, a definite correlation emerged between white pulp fruits and a decreased stroke risk. Individuals who had a high intake of white fruits also had a 52% lower incidence of stroke. In fact, the Dutch scientists were able to determine a fairly accurate relation: each 25 grams of white fruits consumed per day lowers the risk of stroke by 9%. The average apple and pear weigh approximately 125 grams. Lead study author, Linda M. Oude Griep, M.Sc. explained: "[T]o prevent stroke, it may be useful to consume considerable amounts of white fruits and vegetable. Eating one apple a day is an easy way to increase white fruits and vegetable intake."

The flavonoid found in white fruits and vegetables, and responsible for lowering the risk of stroke, is called quercetin, and it appears to play a key role in our overall health. Quercetin is believed to boost metabolic rate, reduce blood pressure and fight cancer, and it may also have antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. Fortunately, the U.S. federal dietary guidelines now also include color among the criteria for establishing the nutritional values of food items.

Researcher Oude Griep added that further tests are to be conducted in order to fully confirm her team's findings. "Other fruits and vegetable color groups may protect against other chronic diseases. Therefore, it remains of importance to consume a lot of fruits and vegetables," she concluded.


Have a Healthy and Successful White Fruit Filled Day!

Myth - Drinking Diet Soda helps you Lose Weight

If you drink diet soda will you lose weight?

WRONG!

Diet soda isn’t the golden ticket to weight loss that its often made out to be.

Nor does it prevent weight gain.

In fact, drinking diet soda is strongly correlated with being overweight and with obesity!

A 2005 study, by Sharon P. Fowler at the University of Texas Health Science Center, showed that people who drank diet soda gained weight – lots of it. In fact, the research found, “There was a 41 percent increase in risk of being overweight for every can or bottle of diet soda a person consumes each day.”

Some health experts speculate that, while diet soda doesn’t directly cause obesity, people who are starting to put on weight think choosing diet soda alone will stop the process. But, the experts say, this is false logic, because it ignores the true cause of weight gain – inactivity, overeating and poor eating.

Diet soda will slow down your metabolism. So that meal you just ate now takes even longer to digest. Now you just may have added weight.

Diet drinks are not diets.

Many people say, “I am drinking diet soda because it is better for me.”

This myth usually has 2 downsides: 1- When you supersize your meal and wash it down with a diet soda, don’t try to justify the large fat intake of the meal because the soda was diet! 2 – The low-calorie chemical Aspartame used to sweeten diet sodas is very dangerous to your health! This is a chemical you do not want entering your body! You can also read past blog on aspartame. Once you read that you will never drink "DIET" drinks again!!!



Recommendations:

I strongly recommend  water. When you are craving a soda, make a conscious choice to drink a big healthy glass of filtered water. It is not only the healthy thing to do, it will also do a much better job of quenching your thirst! (For more information on the benefits of water search my blog and read, “Are you drinking enough water?”) If your body is made up of up to 66% water than doesn't it make sense to drink up to that percent of your weight with water? So if your a 200lb man you would like to get to approximately 132oz of water a day.

The second choice I recommend would be a fresh squeezed natural juice or green tea, as low in sugar as possible.

If you absolutely need to drink a soda make it a regular. Stay away from the diet soda. It has no benefits and many pitfalls!

If you enjoyed this article please feel free to pass it on to your friends and family.

This link was not part of the original post, click HERE to " How Aspartame Became Legal - The Timeline" Very interesting!!!

Have a healthy and Successful Diet Soda Free Day!

Are you getting the Flu Shot?

You must watch this

All kidding aside, please make sure you get ALL the information on the flu shot before you decide! With less and less flu shots being given out the government is pushing hard this year with advertising campaigns  to get more and more people out. Don't be tricked (brainwashed) into thinking you need the flu shot. There are more natural ways to prevent the flu.  I will have a post very soon on the best way to prevent the flu.

For some shocking news about the flu shot click HERE.

Have a Healthy and Successful Flu Shot FREE Day!

Restless Legs Ruining Your Sleep?

If you regularly experience unpleasant sensations in the legs such as tingling and "crawling," you may be suffering from restless legs syndrome. This movement disorder has symptoms that typically come on at night when you're trying to get to sleep, and are accompanied by an urge to move the legs, which usually does not quell the symptoms, making quality rest and sleep difficult. (You should note that these symptoms can also occur during the day when you're seated and inactive for a length of time - during a meeting, perhaps, at a movie, or while traveling by plane or train.)

Here are some tips on how to lessen the burden.

1. The most effective supplement I use for clients is Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins (OPC's). I have seen clients add OPC's in the morning and just before bed and the issue was resolved.
2. If you smoke, stop. Smoking can impair blood flow to leg muscles.
3. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, both of which can make symptoms worse.
4. Take a calcium/magnesium supplement at bedtime. Try 500 mg of calcium citrate and 250 to 500 mg of magnesium to calm nerves and muscles.
5. Exercise, stretch or massage your legs (this can help when symptoms are mild).
6. Take a hot bath to relax your legs.

For most cases, OPC's should to the trick. For more severe you may have to incorporate more steps.

For more information on OPC's click HERE.

For the most absorbable calcium on the market click HERE

Have a Healthy and Successful RLS Free Day!