Having hypertension is one indication that you are living an unhealthy lifestyle, and it is probably about time that you made some lifestyle changes in order to make sure that you live a much healthier and happier life.
Hypertension or high blood pressure is one of the most common health problems that is affecting people worldwide. Although most physicians and doctors are recommending of-the-counter pharmaceutical medicines, those which are being sold in drug stores, as the means to treat hypertension, a lot of researchers and scientists are beginning to lean towards the use of some alternative natural remedies in treating the condition.
Diet change as one natural way of treating hypertension
There are a lot of different alternative natural remedies that can be used by people who may be experiencing hypertension in lowering their blood pressure, most of which are safe and effective. In order to know which one to use, it is important to remember first that these natural health remedies rely on how people balance their diet, intake of supplements and their lifestyle, which means that a person can improve his high blood pressure by simply focusing on those aspects.
Garlic
One natural way of treating hypertension is through the consumption of foods that help maintain blood pressure. A person’s diet plays an important role in how a person can maintain his blood pressure. One of the type of food that can help with hypertension is garlic, either raw or cooked, although raw garlic is more potent than the other. Garlic, which contains a compound called adenosine which functions both as a muscle relaxant and as an aid in vaso dilation, helps dilate the muscles of blood vessels, thereby avoiding blood clots and lowering blood pressure.
Potassium
Being deficient in potassium intake can help increase a person’s risk in worsening their hypertension, which is why eating a high-potassium diet, such as bananas, potatoes, tomatoes, skimmed milk, oranges, watermelon, soya beans, almond and spinach, can help lower their blood pressure.
Fruits and vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are also known to have an effect on blood pressure due to the fact that they are some of the best sources of vitamin C, and they contain potassium and loads of soluble fibre, all of which have an effect in lowering blood pressure.
Omega-3 fatty acids in fish
Omega-3 fatty acids, which have the ability to dilate blood vessels, are also able to significantly lower blood pressure, which is why the consumption of fishes which contains omega-3 fatty acids can be a good diet for people who are experiencing hypertension.
Calcium
Calcium, which has a relationship with blood pressure, also plays a role in maintaining a person’s blood pressure, especially with regards to muscle contractions including the heart’s. Calcium is able to regulate the heart’s muscle contraction, making it easier for a person to manage his body’s blood pressure.
Hawthorne
Hawthorne berries can also be used to treat hypertension as well. It has the ability to strengthen the pumping ability of the heart, as well as protect the arterial walls. It also helps dilate the blood vessels, thereby lowering a person’s blood pressure. Unfortunately, it may take some time before its effects can be felt by the person using it.
By Vanessa A. Doctor
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Here is a list of natural remedies that you can use when you have acid reflux or heartburn. No need to use antacids, which have unwanted side effects and contain aluminum, which has been associated with senility and Alzheimer’s disease.
Anise, peppermint, and lavender
Here’s a tea that you can make to help you with acid reflux or heartburn. It will help you reduce the amount of acid you have in your stomach. Mix together equal amounts of aniseed, peppermint and lavender. Make an infusion of this tea:
* boiling 2 ½ cup distilled water
* pour this water over a teaspoon of the herbal mixture
* let this tea sit for 3- 5 minutes
* strain the tea and add a little bit of honey if you like
* place this tea in a thermos
Drink up to 8 oz in the morning and 8 oz in the evening to get relief of acid reflux.
Aniseed or anise – is a powerful herb that helps in digestive conditions and has many other benefits for your body. Use only the ash-colored anise called green anise, European anise or sweet anise. There are two other types of anise, star anise and caraway, which should not be used here.
Peppermint – is another powerful herb for stomach conditions or heartburn. It helps in digestion, stomach distension, cramps, ulcers, and gas.
Lavender – known for it scent has enormous healing activity for your body. Is also an excellent stomach aid. It is useful in reducing acid in the stomach.
Betain, Pepsin, and Papaya digestive enzymes
As you get older, your stomach weakens in its ability to produce hydrochloric acid to digest protein. It is undigested protein that leads to acid reflux or heartburn. Use digestive enzymes that contain Betain, pepsin, or HCl with each meal to make sure you digest all of your protein.
Papaya digestive enzymes, which contain papain, are also excellent for protein digestion and you can use them with each meal. Use 500mg or more of papaya enzymes per meal.
Pineapples
Pineapples are a store house of enzymes and contain bromelain, an enzymes that reduces protein. Pineapples support digestion, reduce inflammation, and supports wound healing. The fresh juice has a high level of enzymes that will help you stop your acid reflux.
You can also buy bromelain as tablet and take 200 – 500mg per meal.
Chicory Root
Chicory comes from a family of bitter herbs that contain endive and escarole. Boil 1 ½ cup of chicory root for 5 - 10 minutes. After it colds to room temperature, drink this tea to correct acid reflux or heartburn.
Adding these herbs to your salad will also have benefits in preventing acid reflux. Eating those foods that are alkaline is the best way to avoid acid reflux and heartburn.
Using the remedies listed here will give relief from your acid reflux. But more importantly add a salad to your diet everyday and you will have less acid reflux in your life.
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Let me summarize here a wide range of sinus infection home remedies and give the best natural cures for sinus infection. Inflammation of the sinuses, sinus infection, sinus congestion, sinus pain, sinus pressure and blocked sinuses are common and often recurring problem for some people.
Let’s see my collection of the most effective and safe external and internal sinus home remedies:
The best and may be the most simple natural cure for sinus infection is the old folk medicine:
APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
Mix 1-2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar in a glass of water and gulp the mixture at once. Use it 3-4 times a day for 4-6 days. Improvement occurs often in 1 hour, latest in 1 day. If you don’t notice any ease of the sinus infection after 2 days, stop taking the remedy.
Another simple possibility is opening the Apple Cider Vinegar bottle and just inhale (through your nose) the vapour coming out of it. It is able to open up the sinus passages immediately. Don’t overuse it, the acidic vapour may damage the mucus membrane.
Most of the people desire warm onto the congested sinus area. You may use a hot-water bottle, an infrared lamp, a warm flannel or simple blow warm air from a hair-drier.
HOT COMPRESSES and POULTICES
To encourage drainage of mucus apply hot compresses or poultices to your sinuses. They are really old home remedies used by our grandmothers for sinus infection. You may use different aromatic oils (e.g.eucalyptus oil) in hot water, but the best natural cures are using GINGER (Zingiber officinalis) or black MUSTARD (Brassica nigra). Both stimulate the circulation strongly and help decongest stuffy nasal passages.
HOT STEAM INHALATION
Steam inhalation is an excellent natural cure to relieve sinus congestion and painful sinus pressure. It thins the mucus so that it can be expelled.
By Christina Tasnadi
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The pleasure of being treated by having needles inserted into your skin is not even considered or visualised by most people. However, to several who have discovered alternatives with holistic healing and Chinese medicine, this is the perfect remedy. The theory of acupuncture in Chinese medicine is significant to helping with correcting the energy flow in someone.
The fundament of acupuncture is that there are certain points in the body that are significant to ones healing and to assist with the healing process pressure needs to be exerted at these points by means of a device. Pathways of Qi energy should flow freely in a healthy person and any symptoms of illness will indicate any barriers to this movement. The free flowing energy provides everything the cells need and removes all waste that has formed, the consequence being an improvement in the emotional and physical health. Symptoms of any illness will become manifest if Qi is blocked at any level.
Although many observe acupuncture as involving needles, other techniques are also used, including herbs, burning and electric stimulation. However, needles are used as the prime means of reconnecting the energy flow in the body.
Determining where to place the needles will be dictated by the need to return the flow to normal. Acupuncture practitioners begin by studying the areas where the flows of energy are. These are known as meridians or channels in the body and there are twelve major channels where the energy flows and cycles within the body. Illness or disease is evident when these channels have become blocked at their interconnecting points. These points are examined and unblocked by exercising pressure at the specific points by the use of acupuncture.
Once the practitioner has diagnosed the locations for the acupuncture, then it is crucial to analyse the effects that all of these connections will have. Elements that are directly related to what the body needs to be at optimum health are associated to these different points. These are principally linked to the five elements that are conceived to be the basis to the laws of the universe.
One of the most beneficial ways to improve or sustain good health is with acupuncture and specialists are able to ascertain which areas of Qi are not flowing correctly by determining the respective channels and connections in the body. By affecting the way that the energy flows helps to restore and revitalize the energy levels in the body and by reaching a better flow of energy can attain optimum health.
Many people have regular acupuncture treatments in order to stay healthy and maintain their Qi levels at an optimum level and more and more people are turning to acupuncture as an alternative to conventional medicine. The benefits of this ancient practise are becoming better understood and encouraged by conventional western medicine. Generally speaking, the advantages of acupuncture are considered to be helpful in relieving any kind of imbalance or misdirected energy by use of a safe, non-drug process.
By John Philips
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Many now are willing to consider herbal remedies for arthritis as they wish to reduce their reliance on using drugs. Herbal remedies for arthritis have been highly recommended by natural health experts.
Some of the herbs which are said to be effective for reducing inflammation and for pain relief include Chinese Thunder God Vine, feverfew, cat’s claw, willow bark extract,and stinging nettle.
Reports also show that ginger and willow bark extract are effective herbal remedies for arthritis. Their only drawback is that they contain chemicals that are similar to conventional NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal anti-Inflammatory compounds). The NSAIDs as drug compunds produce a few side effects. For example, they may cause inflammation of the stomach lining and intestines. If you ingest a substantial amount, they can also interfere with blood clotting or cause fluid retention.
Because of these reasons, they are considered harmful for those with high blood pressure or with heart diseases. In comparison to ginger and willow bark extract, Chinese Thunder God Vine seems to be better herbal remedies for arthritis as they can also relieve pain and joint inflammation quite well. However, it is best that they are not used over a prolonged period. Consuming too much may lead to osteoporosis.
Herbal remedies for arthritis can be brewed in the form of cleansing teas or soups. For the herbs, you can get them at a herbal store. Ask the herbalist to mix a concoction for you. Herbs come in different grades. You should always choose the best quality ones for your arthritis.
Traditional Chinese Medicine or Ayurveda Medicine also recommends boiling herbal remedies for arthritis to serve as a tonic soup or drink. You will need to consult a practitioner as he can then examine you and prescribe a preparation based on your specific condition. You will need to consume herbal remedies for arthritis over a period of time before you can feel any positive effects from them.
Herbal remedies for arthritis can also be consumed as a supplement. Just visit any vitamin supplement store to get them. Do ensure that you stick to recommended dosage instructions.
Herbal remedies for arthritis are worth considering especially if you wish to explore alternative methods to finding pain relief. Do ensure that your herbs do not interfere with drugs that you are taking for other medical conditions as well. Be sure to check with your doctor first.
By Sandra Kim Leong
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Anyone may think that arthritis is a simple condition that afflicts the elderly but the more than forty three million Americans who have arthritis do not consider their conditions simple, much more, easy.
No one is exempted from getting arthritis no matter what age bracket the person may belong to. However, people who are 65 years and above are more prone to developing a rheumatic condition. The number of those who already have arthritis and other rheumatic condition is even expected to increase every year.
People who have arthritis will do everything just to keep the pain away. Some are dependent on medicines while others prefer to stick to alternative methods of treating their condition. Such is the scourge of arthritis that people would be willing to try one or two or even a combination of traditional or even weird arthritis remedy.
For people who could not stand the pain of arthritis, there is always an option to take in medicines. However, the possibility of being too dependent on such medicines plus the fact that it can be very expensive to continue with medical treatments has resulted to the search for non-traditional ways of managing arthritis pain.
Some people rely on herbal medicines to get them through arthritis pain. Others however feel more confident with prescription medicines and supplements. It really depends on how the patient wants to manage his arthritis.
In all cases, it is a good idea to consult a medical professional first before taking any herbal or non-traditional medicine to make sure it will not cause more health damage. Some herbal medicines may produce allergic reactions to the patient which can even make matters worse.
One such non-traditional remedy for arthritis is gin-soaked raisins. Some people may laugh at the thought of an arthritis patient eating raisins that have been soaked in gin just to cure his arthritis pain. But from the point of view of arthritis patients, trying anything and everything can be worth it if it manages to ease the pain.
The gin-soaked raisin is among the common folk or non traditional remedy especially for people who want to save up on medical costs or even for those who have tried medical prescriptions that have not been effective.
People who want to try the remedy should choose white raisins, not the kind that is ordinarily used for salads. Pour gin over the raisins and soak it for a certain period. When the gin has already evaporated, then that is the time the raisins can be eaten as arthritis remedy.
The remedy was actually made famous by Paul Harvey, a radio announcer who mentioned the gin-raisin solution to arthritis. Some people say an arthritis patient should eat nine gin-soaked raisin everyday but there is as yet no scientific evidence that eating three or nine or any number of gin-soaked raisin can cure arthritis.
There are a lot of theories on the alleged healing effect of gin-soaked raisins including its sulfur or junifer berries content. Some believe it is purely the raisin itself that causes the healing.
A person with arthritis is free to test all methods possible to ease the pain provided this is done with prior consultation with his doctor to make sure that no complications arise.
By Charlene Nuble
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Whenever you see “itis” at the end of a condition, you know there is going to be inflammation involved. In this case, it is an inflammation of the joints.
The word Arthritis comes from a Greek root, arthro. It is used to describe a group of conditions that are characterized by pain and swelling in the joints of the human body. Joints are connections between bones and consist of soft tissues. In the various forms of Arthritis, this soft tissue is the source of the pain. Some types of Arthritis are said to be autoimmune in origin. This means that the body is actually attacking itself causing the damage. The most common form of Arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis is an example of this. Septic Arthritis is caused by an external infection.
Gouty Arthritis is caused by the deposit of uric acid crystals in the joints. The most common form of Arthritis is Osteopathic Arthritis. It can be the result of infection or the aftermath of trauma. It is sometimes just the result of the normal aging process. The normal method of diagnosis is the presence of pain. Depending on the type of Arthritis and the severity of the condition, the pain might only be present at certain times, or only associated with movement.
The condition is very common and is the leading cause of disability in persons over 55 years of age. There is some evidence of ankle joint arthritis in the bones of dinosaurs. The evidence of this condition in human beings goes back at least 5000 years. It was found in the famous ice age mummy found in the Alps as well as in Egyptian mummies.
In the very early days of medical history, it was discovered that chewing willow bark gave some relief to the pain of Arthritis. This treatment was first recorded in 500 B.C. Over 2000 years later, European scientists began to study the chemical compounds in willow bark to isolate the one that was helping with the pain. They isolated a compound known as salicin that was responsible, but it was too harsh to be easily tolerated by the stomach. In 1897, a man named Fredrick Hoffman who was employed by the Bayer Company, a dye making firm, isolated salicin and found a way to make it more tolerable to the stomach. This led to the discovery of Aspirin, which is to this day, considered one of the best treatments for Arthritis.
Arthritis can be extremely severe or it can be just a mild annoyance. It is one of those conditions that are so general that it is hard to pin down a specific cause or suggest a sure fire cure. Some success has been had with the use of certain alternative medicines such as acupuncture and herbal treatments. It is still, too often, one of the disadvantages of growing old and about the most that can be hoped for is some relief from the pain.
By John Grimes
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The symptoms of osteoarthritis vary, as do treatment options. Osteoarthritis pain relief is the goal of most treatment plans, although preventing further deterioration of the cartilage protecting the joints is also a primary concern. Here we have an overview of the symptoms of osteoarthritis, as well as nutritional options for osteoarthritis pain relief.
It is important to note that joint pain should be evaluated by a physician. Joint pain and progressive stiffness, without the presence of fever probably indicates the onset of osteoarthritis, but joint pain is also found in other forms of arthritis and in other diseases, so professional evaluation is advisable.
The symptoms of osteoarthritis can range from daily and disabling to minor and intermittent. Some patients may experience years of pain free intervals, while others spend years searching for effective osteoarthritis pain relief.
The most common symptom is pain in a joint after repetitive use. For example, a person who has been hiking for years may suddenly experience pain in one knee that is not related to a fall, sprain or other injury. Examination by X-ray may show deterioration of the cartilage that prevents the joints from grinding against each other.
Joint pain typically worsens as the day wears on. Long periods of inactivity, such as taking a car trip or sitting through a movie can lead to stiffness and pain.
If the cartilage cushions are completely lost, there can be pain associated with any activity or even at rest.
Symptoms of osteoarthritis in the weight bearing joints (knees, hips and ankles) sometimes include limping or outward curvature of the knees (bow legged). When other measures do not provide osteoarthritis pain relief or if the cartilage in the knees or hips deteriorates to the point of joint dysfunction, surgery to “replace” the affected joint is sometimes necessary. The most common reason for “total knee replacement” in the United States is osteoarthritis.
Symptoms of osteoarthritis in the spine include neck and lower back pain. Bony spurs may form along the spine irritating the nerves and causing severe pain or numbness and tingling.
Bunions are symptoms of osteoarthritis in the joint at the base of the big toe. If the joints of the fingers are affected, they may become enlarged and spurs may form. If the disease progresses, it can be difficult to perform simple tasks, like buttoning a shirt.
Recent surveys have shown that acetaminophen (Tylenol) is the most commonly used over the counter medication for osteoarthritis pain relief. Interestingly, acetaminophen is not an anti-inflammatory, and it is inflammation in the joints that causes the pain. In addition, many people are unaware that excessive regular use of acetaminophen can lead to liver damage. Other prescription and non-prescription pain relievers can have serious side effects, as well.
Clinical research has shown that regular daily supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids and an extract from the New Zealand green lipped mussel can provide effective osteoarthritis pain relief, without any detrimental side effects.
The University of Maryland’s Medical Website states:
“Similarly, New Zealand green lipped mussel ( Perna canaliculus ), another potential source of omega-3 fatty acids, has been shown to reduce joint stiffness and pain, increase grip strength, and enhance walking pace in a small group of people with osteoarthritis.”
Omega 3 occurs naturally in the diet, but most people do not obtain the proper balance of omega 3 to omega 6 fats through diet alone. The immune system uses omega 6 fats to create compounds that increase inflammation, while omega 3 is used to make compounds that decrease inflammation.
In addition to providing osteoarthritis pain relief, omega 3 fatty acids may prevent further deterioration of the cartilage cushions. Laboratory research has shown that omega 3s inhibit the activity of enzymes that destroy cartilage.
Long considered a natural part of the aging process, it now appears likely that symptoms of osteoarthritis may be avoidable. Although heredity may be a factor, maintaining a healthy weight, participating in regular moderate physical activity and increasing intake of omega 3 fatty acids, reduces the risk of developing the disease.
By Dan Ho
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Osteoarthritis or arthritis is the most common type of arthritis in the over 200 types of arthritic conditions. This disease is afflicting over 40 million Americans and 80% of them are over 51 years. Here is some arthritis diet information that can help those that don’t have arthritis yet and those that do.
First, arthritis is a condition where the protective layer and lubricant between bones has been decreased, worn down, injured, or destroyed. The result is, in the worst case, bone to bone rubbing cause continual pain and inflammation in the affected joint or joints.
What causes arthritis to appear will depend on your lifestyle and history. Here is a list of some of the causes:
” Injury to the bone or joints at any time in your life
” Allergies to certain foods that lead to joint inflammation
” A diet that is high in acidic foods, such as animal protein, fat, and processed foods
” Overweight, which over works joints, especially in the knees
” Emotional stress, since stress creates acid, which attacks joints oil and cartilage
” Poor digestion, which results in undigested food entering the body causing acid, allergies, and decreased immune system function
” Imbalance in hormones
” A distortion in skeleton structure causing excess pressure in specific joints
Now here are some diet suggestions to help you reduce arthritis pain, rebuild the joint, and reduce your inflammation.
” Eat flaxseeds or use flaxseed oil to reduce inflammation
” Eat fish weekly or take at least 1500 mg to 2000 mg of fish oil to reduce inflammation
” Eat plenty of raw vegetables, which provide phytonutrients that fight free radicals - broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and dark green lettuce
” Eat whole grains to provide the B vitamins - brown rice, wheat germ, oat bran, oats
” Eat foods high in sulfur to help repair cartilage - asparagus, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, watercress, cranberries, avocados, broccoli, carrots, celery, corn, cucumber peas, potatoes, spinach, tomatoes, kale, cabbage, garlic, or onions
” Drink water every 2 hours to avoid dehydration and reduce arthritis pain
” Eat pineapple to get the enzyme bromelain or chew on bromelain tablets.
” Take MSM supplements, 2000 to 5000 mg or more per day
There is one more list to consider in this arthritis diet - the foods to avoid:
Acid in your body gives you more arthritic pain. You need to move your body to a more alkaline body. This is done by avoiding those foods which create acid in your body and eating those that produce alkaline residues.
Here are the foods to reduce in your diet or to eliminate completely. Red meat, eggs, saturated fats - butter-, oils fried foods, sugar, dairy products, refined carbohydrates - white rice -, breads pasta, and caffeine. And, strictly avoid those foods that you know you have allergies to.
The arthritis diet consist of moving towards more whole grains, vegetables, fruits, legumes, which make your body more alkaline and reducing animal products which create acid and inflammation in your body. If you have allergies to specific foods then avoid them completely. As you improve in your arthritis condition, then later you can eat some of the foods you need to avoid now.
By Rudy Silva
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When you consider arthritis home remedy in treating arthritis, you will think of the common items you have at home. You may opt for home remedies when you are concerned about the side effects from using prescribed pain medications. You can find simple solutions from the books, the Internet, and the old folks.
Arthritis home remedies are an alternative if you are looking for a safer way to treat arthritis. Arthritis attacks the joints and causes pain and swelling in different degrees from one person to another. With so many forms of arthritis, it can be difficult to treat. In order to get a proper treatment, you need to consult your doctor for a correct diagnosis of your arthritic condition.
If you feel the pain is minor, you can try some of the following home remedies for arthritis.
Heat pack can temporarily relieve pain. When you apply the heat on the affected joint, you can feel an immediate relief. Heat allows your muscles to relax. It also contracts your muscles so that your nerve endings can relax. However, the pain will return when your muscles begin to tense. You should not use the heat pack more than ten minutes for each session. This treatment not only relaxes your muscles and eases joint stiffness but also improves circulation and cell function.
You should protect the affected joints. Do not maintain one position for too long. You can protect your hand with gloves that have thick palm padding. With such padding, it protects the joints on your hand. You use less force on the hand joints when you are holding something. As long as you prevent activities that require tight grip, you should feel less pain.
In your kitchen, you can easily use garlic and ginger as a home remedy to treat arthritis. Garlic and ginger contain anti-inflammatory properties. They have shown to relieve arthritic pain in some studies. You can either take them orally or apply them topically on the affected area.
Old folks use raw potato juice in treating arthritis. Slice a medium-sized potato. Leave the skin on the potato. Soak the slices overnight in a container of cold water. The moment you wake up the next morning, drink the juice. Make sure your stomach is empty before drinking.
Arthritis home remedies are natural and safe to use. They don’t cost as much as pain medications. If after trying home remedies for a few days and the pain still persist, then you need to visit your doctor.
Do you know which herbs can relieve arthritic pain? Find out exactly what they are and how you can use herbs in treating arthritis.
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