Friday, November 21, 2008

How Effective Are Herbs For High Blood Pressure?

Are there any herbs for hypertension? Well, doctor may say it's impossible to improve this health problem. They may tell you to take medication forever. However, too many people permanently improved their hypertension with lifestyle changes and herbs like Ganoderma Lucidum.

High blood pressure or hypertension is defined in an adult as blood pressure greater than 140 mm Hg systolic pressure or greater than 90 mm Hg diastolic pressure.

The silent killer

It can be dangerous. There are usually no warning signs in the early stages. Although you may not feel anything, untreated high blood pressure gradually damages your body organs.

It can also cause heart failure. Here, heart muscles become so weak that your heart cannot pump enough blood for your whole body.

Over the long term, untreated high blood pressure can either burst blood vessels or cause them to gradually narrow and become blocked. In both situations, blood flow stops. Depending on which blood vessels are affected, it can cause

  • stroke
  • heart attack
  • kidney failure
  • and even blindness.

High blood pressure treatment

In most cases, the mainstay of high blood pressure treatment is medication. This treatment is very important. You must consult your doctor for drug prescription first before taking any herbs for high blood pressure such as Ganoderma Lucidum.

Medications reduce blood pressure quickly and keep it down. However it doesn't cure the disease. If you haven't improved your diet and lifestyle, your blood pressure will shoot up again when medication is discontinued.

Medication side effects

Since high blood pressure medication is for long term, can you withstand those side effects? Some people understand this. So they avoid taking any hypertension pill. This is even more dangerous!

A better alternative is to follow doctor's advice on proper medication first. Once your condition is controlled, you can use herbs for high blood pressure such as Ganoderma Lucidum for long term improvement. Ganoderma detoxification ability helps to neutralize toxics from medication. Therefore, it reduces side effects from drug medication, protects your liver and kidney.

But before this, it's even more important for you to change to a healthier diet and lifestyle.

How to reduce high blood pressure naturally

Keep in mind the following points even you're taking medications and herbs for high blood pressure.

1. Keep your weight within the healthy weight range

2. Take less fat and cholesterol food

3. Eat less salt

4. Drink less alcohol

5. Take more fiber

6. Exercise regularly

7. Don't smoke

8. Manage stress and anger better

Only with healthier diet and lifestyle, you can have better chances to improve your hypertension. And here's how Ganoderma Lucidum herb really help to further improve hypertension.

Ganoderma herb effect on high blood pressure

One of the causes for hypertension is the accumulation of fats and cholesterol in blood vessel wall. In adapting to narrowed blood vessels, the heart pumps harder resulting in higher blood pressure.

The Triterpenes in Ganoderma Lucidum herb effectively clears blood vessel blockage by reducing accumulated fatty substances such as cholesterol and triglycerides.

Ganoderma's Adenosine Monophosphate (AMP) can dissolve thrombus (blood clot) and further helps to remove blood vessel blockage. Ganoderma Lucidum herb makes the blood flows smoother, reducing the stress on your heart. Thus it helps in lowering high blood pressure naturally.

Blood pressure stabilizer

Besides improving hypertension, Ganoderma Lucidum even helps to stabilize blood pressure for long term. It effectively acts as preventive herbs for high blood pressure.

Learn more about Ganoderma herb at http://www.ganoderma-for-health.com or learn how to choose the best Ganoderma extract to improve your hypertension at http://www.ganoderma-for-health.com/ganoderma-extract.html

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Maintain Healthy Blood Pressure the DASH Way

High blood pressure is the silent killer and a leading cause of heart disease. The DASH diet is a clinically proven way to maintain healthy blood pressure and reduce your risk of an early death. More of a dietary choice than a weight loss program, the DASH diet (Dietary Approach to Stopping Hypertension) successfully maintains healthy blood pressure and eliminates the need for toxic prescription drugs.

Clinical Studies Support the DASH Diet

The results from several clinical studies clearly support the DASH diet as a safe and effective way to prevent and treat high blood pressure. The economic impact alone from this simple dietary approach is astounding. High blood pressure costs the United States billions of dollars. One health economic study concluded that it could save billions of dollars by preventing high blood pressure.

Grouping the results from population studies investigating the DASH diet, the following can be concluded:

  1. The dietary approach can reduce the systolic pressure (the top number) by 12-14 points.
  2. The dietary approach can reduce the diastolic pressure (the bottom number) by 6-8 points.
  3. The dietary approach could help millions of people maintain healthy blood pressure without drugs.

The DASH diet, supported by the American Medical Association, stands for the Dietary Approach to Stopping Hypertension. By choosing the right foods and supplementing with the right nutrients, you can maintain healthy blood pressure and help prevent heart disease.

Research identified the following nutrients that make up the DASH diet approach:

  1. Increased Calcium
  2. Increased Magnesium
  3. Increased Potassium

Additionally, it keeps salt intake to less than 2.5 grams per day. By simply increasing your daily intake of calcium, magnesium, and potassium, while reducing salt intake, you can maintain healthy blood pressure.

Visit the DASH Diet web page to learn more about maintaining healthy blood pressure.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

High Blood Pressure - 12 Dietary and Lifestyle Changes You Can Make to Help Lower Yours

High blood pressure is frequently referred to as the silent killer. Many times, individuals fail to realize they have this condition, until it's too late. But, understand there are lifestyle and dietary changes you can make, to keep you heart-healthy. Here are 12 things you can do to help ensure a healthy cardiac system, and a long life.

1. Stop Smoking

First, stop that pack a day habit. Cigarettes contain nicotine, which causes constriction of your blood vessels, which, subsequently, produces a hypertensive response. By quitting smoking, you can significantly reduce your risk of having a heart attack.

2. Lose Weight

The heavier you are, the more pressure that is exerted on your arterial walls. That's because more blood is being produced, as the oxygen requirements for your tissues, are increased. Discuss with your physician what you can do to reduce your weight.

3. Include Vital Minerals in Your Diet

Although sodium may be contraindicated for hypertension, two other minerals, magnesium and potassium, are not. A recent study in the Journal of Clinical Hypertension, found that individuals eating a diet full of mineral-rich, fruits and vegetables, were able to reduce overall blood pressure.

4. Listen to Classical Music

Listening to 30 minutes of classical music daily, combined with slow abdominal breathing, can reduce blood pressure. Also, transcendental meditation may help lower BP levels, as much as taking a second medication, according to a University of Kentucky study.

5. Exercise Regularly

By exercising regularly, you accomplish two things: you lose weight, while lowering your blood pressure. In fact, according to a recent Korean study, walking could be one of the best ways to lower blood pressure, with reductions ranging from 2 to 5 points.

6. Enjoy a Glass of Wine

A recent study from Harvard University, found that drinking a glass of wine each day, can help lower blood pressure in women. It is important to remember, however, to drink in moderation, as too much alcohol, can contribute to other health problems.

7. Cut Back on Salt

Not everyone is affected by sodium, but it can increase blood pressure in some individuals. Try to limit your daily salt intake to 2400 mg or less. Check the labels on food products; don't add salt to your foods. While some foods are obviously high in sodium, other foods, such as breads and cheeses, may have high levels also.

8. Eat Some Chocolate

For all you chocolate lovers out there, here's some good news. Eating approximately 1 1/2 ounces of dark chocolate each day can reduce blood pressure levels, approximately three points, according to a recent Yale study. Apparently, the antioxidants in dark chocolate are thought to be the key constituents responsible for lowering BP.

9. Take Coenzyme Q10

There is some evidence that taking Coenzyme Q10, can help reduce blood pressure. In one 12-week trial of individuals with systolic hypertension, participants were able to reduce systolic levels by 17 mm Hg., in the group taking Coenzyme Q10.

10. Take Garlic

Eating Garlic can have a significant impact on your blood pressure. In seven clinical trials involving hypertensive individuals, when they were given garlic, a significant reduction in both systolic and diastolic levels was seen.

11. Take Fish Oil Capsules

Taking fish oil capsules may also help lower your blood pressure levels, according to research. One of the components of fish oil, docohexaenoic acid, is thought to be the primary ingredient that lowers blood pressure.

12. Add Hawthorn To Your Diet

Hawthorn is a herb that is often recommended for hypertension. In one English study, 79 individuals with type 2 diabetes, were given either 1200 mg. of Hawthorn extract daily, or placebo. At the studies and, those taking the Hawthorn extract, reported a reduction in their diastolic blood pressures, around 2.6 mm Hg. Unfortunately, there is no magic pill that guarantees you won't have a heart attack. However, by following these 12 steps, you will certainly reduce the likelihood that this will happen.

Kearney Adams is a writer and Webmaster for a website that focuses on home remedies. You can learn which home remedies work and which ones don't. Discover information on home remedies and treatments for a variety of conditions.

Visit http://www.home-remedies-digest.com for more useful information on home remedies.

For more information on hypertension, click: http://www.home-remedies-digest.com/hypertension.html

Blood Pressure and Your Health

One in four adults over the age of 18 or approximately 60 million Americans suffer from high blood pressure. Hypertension, as it is also know as, is a serious health condition that can affect the overall health of an individual. Experiencing hypertension for long periods of time can lead to heart disease, strokes, aneurysms, and even death.

Blood pressure is the measure, in millimeters of mercury (mm hg), of how much the force of blood has on both the heart and arteries when pumping throughout the cardiovascular system. The normal blood pressure reading for a healthy individual is 120/80, as mentioned before, these numbers represent the measure of the force of blood on the arterial walls of the heart and the measure of the pressure in the arteries in between heart pumps, respectively.

Those who suffer from high blood pressure suffer from a blood pressure reading of 140/90 or higher. There are a number of contributing factors to high blood pressure, some of which can be controlled and some that cannot. Factors that cause high blood pressure that can be controlled are: weight, alcohol consumption, lifestyle, and diet.

A person who is overweight is likely to suffer from hypertension. High blood pressure due to obesity can be reversed when a person begins to lose weight. Maintaining a healthy body weight for the size frame and age, will take away extra stress on the heart and return the blood pressure back to a healthy range.

Alcoholism is also another contributing factor to hypertension. Sleep deprivation and reaction time are not the only effects of drinking alcohol. Consuming excessive amounts of alcohol increases a person's blood pressure, and constant abuse of alcoholic beverages can also lead to the problems that are associated with hypertension.

The lifestyle that a person leads is also often reflected in their blood pressure reading. Those who lead a sedentary lifestyle do not exercise the heart to make it stronger, thereby resulting in a high blood pressure reading. Starting an exercise routine will make the heart stronger and lower a person's blood pressure.

Finally, what a person eats is also predictive of what the blood pressure reading will be. Those who eat a diet high in cholesterol, fat, and sodium are more likely to suffer from hypertension. Eliminating the previously mentioned dietary factors from the diet as well as adding fruits and vegetables, is the best way to lose weight as well as lowering blood pressure.

Keywords: Hypertension, high blood pressure, best way to lose weight, sleep deprivation and reaction time, lose weight

Susan Patterson has been studying alternative medicine and health for over 10 years. She loves to write to help others, especially in the area of quick weight loss, which can be accomplished safely. She has found several herbal remedies to be effective in her journey to better health without the side effects that medications cause. She is particularly passionate about hoodia for weight loss.

What's Stopping You From Lowering Your High Blood Pressure

Lowering your blood pressure is not as difficult as one may think. There are different ways of achieving a normal level if you're willing to do your part. It could be the best decision you ever make, and it just may add years to your life.

Effects

The effects of hypertension can be devastating. There are a lot of different effects that It can have on a body, such as headaches, blurred vision etc. You can also learn how you can reduce hypertension naturally without harmful drugs or side effects.

Symptoms

Most of the time, high blood pressure occurs with no signs or symptoms. That is why it is often called the silent killer. The individual feels fine and healthy all while their pressure is constantly elevated. If you ignore these signs it could lead to short-term memory loss, as well as other serious medical problems later.

Changes

Making lifestyle changes is the first way to go when you want to lower your blood pressure. If you need help making changes, contact your doctor, a pharmacist, registered dietitian or qualified nutritionist, or other health care professional. Diet and exercise are the two most important lifestyle changes required to lower your pressure. Your body typically can easily handle changes in blood pressure, but if it remains elevated over a long period of time, it can cause major damage in any number of organs.

Medications

When diagnosed, however, it is often treated with medications. HBP medications are one of the most commonly prescribed drugs. How ever if you want to try to control it with out using medication, there are natural ways to do it. To know more about natural ways for controlling your pressure you should consult your doctor.

Lowering your HBP is more important than having a beer. It's simple and with just a few changes in your lifestyle and diet. It is one of the best things you can do for you body. The best thing that can really work for lowering hypertension is drinking a lot of plain water while avoiding consuming soft drinks, particularly those that are processed drinks and those that contain sugar. Another important step in lowering your pressure is to make sure your getting all the essential vitamins, nutrients and minerals required for a healthy cardiovascular system.

When it's all said and done, the only thing that is stopping you from lowering your pressure is you.

LA is an established free lance writer who enjoys writing articles to give consumers enough information to make informed decisions.

For more information and products on this and a variety of other topics visit LA's site Live Your Best Life at http://www.bestlife-la.com

For more information on self help and motivation visit LA's site Man in the mirror at http://www.mitm-la.blogspot.com

Maintaining a Healthy Blood Pressure

High blood pressure or hypertension damages the coronary artery lining and eventually coronary blockages form. As blood pressure goes up, the blood strikes the side of the arterial wall with greater force. This causes some injury to the lining of the artery and the wall starts to thicken. Then the blood flow is restricted and the heart has to work harder.

Blood pressure is measured as systolic over diastolic. Systolic measures the heart at work, or the pumping of blood as the heart contracts. Diastolic measures the pumping of blood while the heart is resting.

A normal measurement is less than 130 systolic and less than 85 diastolic. The ideal is less than 120/80. When your measurement is 140/90 or higher you have high blood pressure or hypertension. Even slight hypertension puts one at risk for a heart attack.

Fortunately, hypertension can be prevented. Finnish researchers found that magnesium and potassium are very powerful blood pressure regulators. A diet, which is high in these two minerals, is very effective in controlling blood pressure. Bananas, milk, yogurt, wheat germ, and strawberries are good sources of these minerals. These minerals are available in supplements but you should check with your doctor before taking the supplements.

A diet high in fruits and veggies is also helpful. Nutritionists recommend eight daily servings of fruits and vegetables. Another recommended food is salsa and a half-cup of salsa is equal to a full serving of vegetables.

Most overweight people tend to have high blood pressure. If you are overweight you can lower you blood pressure three points by losing just ten pounds. Research shows that people who eat a breakfast that is low in fat but high in nutrients can do this. And even if you are not overweight, the low fat high nutrient breakfast will still help keep your blood pressure at optimal levels.

Another important factor in lowering blood pressure is relaxation. Epinephrine and cortisol are two stress hormones that raise blood pressure. Engaging in an activity that relaxes you decreases the levels of these hormones. A sure fire way to do this is to introduce some humor into your life. Read a funny book; watch a comedy sitcom or attend a comedy show. Whatever causes you to laugh will also relax you.

Moderate exercise is also effective in preventing hypertension. You don't have to work up a sweat at your local gym. Engaging in any aerobic activity that you enjoy is just as effective. The easiest one is walking if that is something you enjoy doing. However, when involved in any aerobic activity, you need to perform it for at least thirty minutes to derive the maximum benefit.

Also, remember when doing aerobic exercises you should always be "in oxygen." This means you should not be short of breath at any time you are actively engaged. For example, if you are walking, you should follow a pace at which you can carry on a conversation and not be out of breath. If you don't have a partner to converse with, try singing.

There are many hypertension medications available and if you have severe hypertension, your doctor will certainly prescribe these. However, many of these drugs have side effects, some of which are just beginning to be discovered. It is very much to your advantage if you can maintain your blood pressure at healthy levels through lifestyle changes and avoid the use of prescription drugs.

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Proven Alternative to Cure Hypertension

It is estimated that no less than 600 million people worldwide are affected by hypertension. Described as a 'silent killer' hypertension causes 5 million premature deaths each year (World Health Organisation) and the numbers are rising.

There are two kinds of hypertension: primary hypertension, which cannot be attributed to any one thing, and secondary hypertension, which is attributable to some other illness in the body. Both are equally threatening, and wield the same damage on the body such as: cardiovascular disease (angina, stroke, heart attack or atrial fibrillation).

Commonly treatment is two fold: lifestyle and medication. Lifestyle changes include: stopping smoking, reducing alcohol intake, eating more healthily, getting more exercise, and more rest. Medications include ACE inhibitors to make the walls of the blood vessels relax and widen, Calcium channel blockers to widen the blood vessels, Diuretics to trigger hormonal changes and Beta Blockers to reduce the work of the heart during physically stressful times. Unfortunately the effectiveness of these treatments whether administered separately or together varies, ranging from good to poor. And of course, there is a double-edged sword when medication is used: its positive effects being offset by its negative.

But hypertension can be treated in another way, a way that has been clinically proven to achieve consistently good results, often eliminating the disease altogether while effecting other positive side effects that promote increased health and greater well being. It is the practice of meditation.

In the past 30 years there has been extensive research on the effects of meditation on health, and there is no longer any doubt about the positive effect it has not only on the spirit, but on the mind, and the body also. Meditation changes a persons brainwave frequencies and by doing so, changes the bioelectrical activity of their brain and the commands that it sends to the rest of their body.

When meditating, a person may have more endorphins released into their system causing them to feel 'high', they might also have an increase in the neurotransmitters (dopamine and serotonin) that are associated with positive mental states, their brain might also give the signal to release more melatonin, and DHEA (anti ageing and rejuvenating hormones) into the blood stream and all of these are extremely beneficial to physical and mental well being.

When one feels mentally well it cannot help but have a positive effect on ones physical well being. Likewise, ones physical well being will have a positive effect on ones mental well being. Through practiced meditation, the mind body connection becomes positively symbiotic. There is consistent positive feedback between the two that, in time, will result in a person not only reducing their blood pressure, but improving their overall physical and mental well being.

For more information on meditation, how to meditate for better health, and easy ways to achieve a meditative state please visit: http://www.positivemindstates.com/AboutMeditation.htm