Lower Pressure Blog

Well… some scientists say that Asparagus does lower blood pressure. Research shows that green asparagus acts as an ACE-inhibitor and can lower blood pressure.

I do not know about you, but if I could eat something natural to lower my blood pressure instead of toxic medications I am all on board with that. And frankly you should be too.

Asparagus has the following benefits:

• Lowers systolic blood pressure
• Pro-Biotic
• Contains Vitamins, K, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6
• Contains Phosphorus which improves Energy
• Diuretic, so it’s a great Kidney detoxifier
• Protects against Kidney Stones
• Great for Diabetes

Does Asparagus lower blood pressure?

Green asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) is known to be rich in functional components. In a study published in the US Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, naturally hypertensive rats were checked to see if green asparagus prevents hypertension by inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity.

Six-week-old males were fed a diet with 5 percent of asparagus for 10 weeks had significantly lower systolic blood pressure, urinary protein excretion/creatinine excretion, and ACE (Angiotensin-converting enzyme) activity in the kidneys compared with the group who did not receive the vegetable.

The test group also had significantly higher creatinine clearance — the rate at which blood plasma is cleared of creatinine and is an indicator of overall kidney health. The researchers say that their findings suggest “that asparagus has an overall effect of benefitting the kidneys and lowering blood pressure for cases of hypertension.”

In addition, by boiling water extract of asparagus, they found ACE inhibitory activity. After purifying and isolating the inhibitor, it was identified as 2-hydroxynicotianamine. ACE increases blood pressure by causing blood vessels to constrict. For this reason, drugs known as ACE-inhibitors are used in medications to dilate blood vessels and thus lower blood pressure.

The researchers concluded that the 2-hydroxynicotianamine in asparagus “may be one of the factors inhibiting ACE activity in the kidney, thus preventing hypertension and preserving renal function.”

Healthy Asparagus Recipe:

Here’s an easy recipe from TarlaDalal.com for healthy asparagus soup that takes 10 minutes to prepare:

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups chopped asparagus
• 2 tsp. low fat butter
• 1/2 cup chopped onions
• 1/2 cup peeled and chopped potatoes
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper powder to taste
• 1 cup low fat milk (99.7% fat-free)

Instructions

• Sauté the asparagus spears in 1 tsp. butter for 30 seconds and keep aside for garnish.
• Heat the remaining butter in a deep non-stick pan, add the onions and potatoes and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes.
• Add 2 cups of water, mix well and simmer till the potatoes are nearly cooked.
• Add the asparagus, mix well and cook for a few more minutes. Cool completely.
• Blend the mixture in a mixer to a smooth puree and strain it using a sieve.
• Transfer the puree back to the pan, add the salt, pepper and milk and bring to boil.
• Serve hot garnished with the sautéed asparagus spears.
• Decorate with 8 asparagus spears.

We collected dozens of great heart healthy recipes for you – Here they are…

Getting an accurate blood pressure reading is a vital aspect of getting a physical exam. When I was in nursing school we were not allowed to go near a clinic, or patient until we demonstrated that we could perform this exam accurately. That is how important getting an accurate blood pressure reading is.

New guidelines from the American Medical Association spell out in great detail the proper way to take a patient’s accurate blood pressure reading.

AMA Blood Pressure Reading Guidlines

First, you need to be seated in a chair with your feet on the floor. You should sit there quietly, without talking, for about 5 minutes. And don’t cross your legs. Ensure that the Nurse or nurses assistant is taking your blood pressure reading correctly. This means no answering questions while they are taking your blood pressure.

When the BP reading is taken, your arm should be supported by something, like a table, and it should be roughly at the level of your heart. Also, the blood pressure cuff should not be over any clothing.
Chances are you’ve never had your blood pressure taken this way.

3 things that help ensure an accurate reading:

• Don’t eat or exercise before your blood pressure is taken
• No caffeinated beverages 30 minutes before
• Make sure you don’t feel the need to go to the bathroom. A full bladder can raise blood pressure.

“All of these things probably have just a small effect on your blood pressure, but because your blood pressure is so important, we need to know what it actually is and we need to do it right to get that number,” said Dr. John Swartzberg, head of the editorial board at the UC Berkeley Wellness Letter.

Why Is My Blood Pressure High When I Visit My Doctor?

If your blood pressure is higher than normal when you go to visit your doctor, there are three questions your physician should ask you.

“Was I rushing to get here or physically active right before this appointment?” Multiple factors can influence blood pressure measurement, so you should have time to rest before having your blood pressure checked and you should be sitting quietly.

“Have you been taking your medication?” If you are on medication for high blood pressure, it’s important to be taking it. Costs, complicated regimens, and side effects can all be reasons why people stop using their medication, so make sure you take it as prescribed. If you are having trouble discuss any factors that prevent you from sticking with the plan with your physician.

“What’s your diet and physical activity regimen like?” If you don’t choose healthy foods or abstains from physical activity, find out why. You can find community resources that can help you with proper diet and exercise. Learn how eating healthy foods and staying active can help lower blood pressure.

Ensuring Optimal Blood Pressure Reading

7 points to remember when getting your blood pressure taken at home or in the doctor’s office.

• Make sure your feet are flat on the floor, and legs are uncrossed.
• Ensure your arm and back are properly supported.
• Use the restroom before getting your reading a full bladder can elevate your reading.
• Sit comfortably remain still.
• Make sure your arm is bare, and the blood pressure cuff is on the skin, not over any clothing.
• Don’t talk while getting your reading done.
• Wait for at least three minutes of prior to the measurement. Take a quiet moment first.

If you talk during the measurement, for example, or if your feet aren’t flat on the floor, there’s a chance that blood pressure measurement will give a falsely high reading. This could lead to a prescription for unnecessary medication.

At the same time, other factors can contribute to unidentified and untreated hypertension, which can be deadly. Even when you visit your doctor please request that the staff follow these guidelines if they are not already. But be polite when asking them. Clinics today are overloaded and hectic and the staff is usually stressed.

Additional articles on blood pressure reading:

• How to choose a blood pressure monitor
• White coat syndrome
• Checking your blood pressure at home

When I think of a good cup of tea for sleep I think of Chamomile. Then again there is also Valerian tea and a plethora of other great teas. But banana tea? Yes, banana tea.

Using only a couple items that are likely already in your kitchen, you can whip together a banana tea in no time! This organic, banana-infused sleep remedy has worked wonders for many.

How does it work? Bananas, especially the peels, contain potassium and magnesium. While magnesium helps prevent sleep disturbances, both magnesium, and potassium work together to help relax muscles.

In fact, magnesium is one of the best minerals for relaxation!

Banana Tea Recipe 1:

This tea takes less than 10 minutes to prepare and can be enjoyed every night before bed.

Ingredients:

• 1 organic banana
• 1 small pot of water
• a dash of cinnamon (optional)

Directions:

1. All you need to do is cut off both ends of the banana and place it, peel and all, into boiling water.

2. Boil it for around 10 minutes.

3. Using a colander, pour the water into a mug. If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle the cinnamon into the tea.

4. Drink it one hour before bed-time.

If you’re worried about being wasteful, you’ve clearly never had a boiled banana before!

After the banana has been boiled, sprinkle some cinnamon over it. Eating the warm, gooey fruit and its peel along with the tea will increase its soothing effects… Not to mention it makes a yummy dessert!

Banana Tea Recipe 2: Creamy Banana Tea

Ingredients:

• 1 banana
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup almond milk
• 2 teaspoons coconut oil
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 1 teaspoon carob (instead of chocolate so there is no caffeine)
• 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon (also helps in sleep).Directions:

Directions:

1. Boil water and add the ingredients and boil for about 10 minutes. Strain, and enjoy 30-60 min before bed!

“I’ve taken tea on Bahrain’s isle, Sri Lanka and Hong-Kong, Where desert sands run a mile on mile And sunlight’s powerful strong Tea from the gallery in our plane Gave ease when flights were long. In tropic heat, in freezing rain The tea-cup came along. Tea in Japan, tea in Malay, Tea in Aden’s heat. At cricket, on a summer’s day, A tea is hard to beat. And I remember taking tea in the land of Lorna Doone With Devon cream – just you and me Whilst on our honeymoon.”

– Tea, Please by Jasper Miles, 1994

Panic attacks are scary. They can come out of left field, smack between the eyes and leave you reeling. If you have never had one count your blessing. But in today’s modern world, panic attacks are on the rise.

Panic attacks are notoriously physical anxiety events that in many ways mimic heart attacks. They put strain on your body, cause lightheadedness and trouble breathing, and increase your heart rate to rapid rates. This causes many people to worry about their blood pressure, and whether or not they need to be concerned about their blood pressure during a panic attack.

What Are The Symptoms Of A Panic Attack

A panic attack is the abrupt onset of intense fear or discomfort that reaches a peak within minutes and includes at least four of the following symptoms:

• Palpitations, pounding heart, or accelerated heart rate
• Sweating
• Trembling or shaking
• Sensations of shortness of breath or smothering
• Feelings of choking
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Nausea or abdominal distress
• Feeling dizzy, unsteady, light-headed, or faint
• Chills or heat sensations
• Paresthesia (numbness or tingling sensations)
• Derealization (feelings of unreality) or depersonalization (being detached from oneself).
• Fear of losing control or “going crazy”
• Fear of dying

According to Thomas Pickering M.D, “The role of anxiety and tension in hypertension has long been a subject of debate, and our patients commonly think that the tension part of the word in hypertension refers to a psychic rather than a physical phenomenon. Although hypertension is officially regarded as being an asymptomatic condition, anyone who spends time seeing hypertensive patients knows that this typically is not so. Patients who experience symptoms from whatever cause, are more likely to seek medical care and show up in hypertension clinics as well as other medical clinics. The symptoms are often vague and difficult to relate to any specific cause.

A related and overlapping set of symptoms is panic attacks; a recent paper has described an association between those symptoms and hypertension. A survey of a general practice in England, which included both a people with normal blood pressure and a high blood pressure group. A hospital hypertension clinic in England found a significantly higher prevalence of panic attacks in people with high blood pressure than in people who do not have high blood pressure.

According to another research team, “The increase in high blood pressure does not apply to patients with mood disorders. The study also showed that patients who developed mood disorders were not at a higher risk of developing hypertension. It is possible to have both. It is very common to be depressed and anxious. But our study separated them out and found – at least over one year – that anxiety is a major culprit in hypertension.” Stated Dr. Bacon.

Panic Attacks And Blood Pressure Spikes

A major problem of a panic attack can be a blood pressure spike. Unlike traditional high blood pressure, where there are no visual symptoms until major damage has occurred, sudden high blood pressure spikes can alert you immediately.

Symptoms:

• Blurred vision
• Chest pain
• Headache
• Coughing
• Nausea or vomiting
• Shortness of breath
• Weakness or numbness in arms, legs, face
• Mentality changes such as anxiety, fatigue, confusion, restlessness

In extreme cases of sudden high blood pressure, there may be bleeding from damaged blood vessels, blindness from ruptured retina nerves or vessels, and possibly seizures.

Only a doctor can diagnose whether or not your high blood pressure is caused by anxiety or by a more serious health condition. Age, weight, gender, and family history all play a role. High blood pressure is rarely the only symptom of anxiety.

Want to enjoy a wonderfully tasty Mediterranean dish that is heart healthy? This is one of my favorite dishes. The warmth of the spinach, onions, and phyllo, wow my mouth is already watering. Enjoy this tasty dish with a hearty Greek salad, minus the feta cheese, for an additional heart-healthy treat. Then enjoy a small piece of sweet Baklava afterward. This recipe comes from the kitchen of Chef Dimitra Shanahan.

Ingredients

For the phyllo dough:

• 3 cups all purpose flour
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• salt
• lukewarm water enough to make a pliable dough

For the filling:

• 1/2 kg/1 pound spinach
• 4 spring onions
• 1 leek
• 1 bunch dill
• 1/4 cup rice
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt

Preparation:

1. Place all the dough ingredients in a big mixing bowl and knead well for about 10 minutes.

2. Divide the dough in 4 equal size balls

3. Cover them with plastic wrap and let them rest for an hour

4. Finely chop and wash the spinach, onions, leek and dill. Drain them well, add the olive oil and salt and massage them for at least 5 minutes.

5. Press the mixture with your hands to remove the excess water

6. Flour a surface and using a wooden rolling pin open each dough ball into flat circles (as big and thin they can get)

7. Brush a baking pan with olive oil and place the first phyllo at the bottom, brushing it with olive oil too. Place a second phyllo on top of the first one. Make sure that the phyllo are big enough for your baking pan as the edges must be hanging a bit outside the pan

8. Spread the spinach filling and sprinkle with the rice

9. Cover with the other two phyllo, brushing with olive oil

10. Place the edges of the all phyllo together and press them at the edge of the top layer using olive oil so that the edge of the whole pie is nicely sealed

11. Brush the top of the pie with olive oil and lightly cut the pie in portions, but without cutting down to the bottom

Bake in a preheated oven at 180C/350F for about 45 minutes, until the pie gets a nice golden brown color

12. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with few drops of water and let it cool a bit before serving

We collected dozens of great heart healthy recipes for you – Here they are…

How To Choose A Blood Pressure Monitor

High blood pressure is a common condition in which the long-term force of the blood against your artery walls is high enough that it may eventually cause health problems, such as heart disease.

Blood pressure is determined both by the amount of blood your heart pumps and the amount of resistance to blood flow in your arteries. The more blood your heart pumps and the narrower your arteries, the higher your blood pressure.

You can have high blood pressure (hypertension) for years without any symptoms. Even without symptoms, damage to blood vessels and your heart continues and can be detected. Uncontrolled high blood pressure increases your risk of serious health problems, including heart attack, and stroke.

High blood pressure generally develops over many years, and it affects nearly everyone eventually. Fortunately, high blood pressure can be easily detected. And once you know you have high blood pressure, you can work with your doctor to control it.

Monitoring Blood Pressure At Home

A study published in March 2013 in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes found that people who monitored their blood pressure at home were more likely to reach their blood pressure goals than those who were monitored only by their doctor.

Because of this more physicians are recommending that their patients with high blood pressure regularly check their blood pressure at home. Doing so helps people to see where their blood pressure stands in between office visits. This, in turn, can motivate them to care more about their health. It also helps your physician to make medication adjustments to keep your blood pressure in the healthy zone. But home blood pressure monitors aren’t always as accurate as they should be.

Because many doctors do rely at least in part on home measurements to guide treatment, such inaccuracies could end with some people taking too much or too little blood pressure medication. Physicians are going down that road of asking people to measure their pressures at home. They want to empower patients, but also want to make sure the measurements are accurate.

The American Heart Association (AHA) also recommends that anyone with high blood pressure should monitor his or her blood pressure at home. Home monitoring can help you keep tabs on your blood pressure in a familiar setting, make certain your medication is working, and alert you and your doctor to potential health complications.

Why Should I Check My Blood Pressure At Home?

It helps with early diagnosis. Self-monitoring can help your doctor diagnose high blood pressure earlier than if you have only occasional blood pressure readings in a medical office. Home monitoring is especially important if you have slightly elevated blood pressure (prehypertension) or another condition that could contribute to high blood pressure, such as diabetes or kidney problems.

Helps track your treatment. The only way to know whether your lifestyle changes or medications are working is to check your blood pressure regularly. Monitoring blood pressure changes at home can help you and your doctor make decisions about your treatment, such as adjusting dosages or changing medications.

Encourages better control. Self-monitoring can give you a stronger sense of responsibility for your health. You may feel even more motivated to control your blood pressure with an improved diet, physical activity, and proper medication use.

Cuts your health care costs. Self-monitoring might decrease your number of visits to your doctor or clinic.

Check if your blood pressure differs outside the doctor’s office. Some people experience spikes in blood pressure due to anxiety associated with seeing a doctor also called White Coat Hypertension. Other people have normal blood pressure at a clinic but elevated pressure elsewhere (masked hypertension). Monitoring blood pressure at home can help determine if you have true high blood pressure. Not everyone can track blood pressure at home. If you have an irregular heartbeat, home blood pressure monitors might not give you an accurate reading.

How to use a home blood pressure monitor

• Sit still
• Don’t smoke, or drink caffeinated beverages or exercise within 30 minutes before measuring your blood pressure.
• Sit correctly: Sit with your back straight and supported on a dining chair, rather than a sofa. Your feet should be flat on the floor and your legs should not be crossed. Your arm should be supported on a flat surface, such as a table with the upper arm at heart level. Make sure the middle of the cuff is placed directly above the eye of the elbow. Check your monitor’s instructions for an illustration or have your health care provider show you how.
• Measure at the same time every day: It’s important to take the readings at the same time each day, such as morning and evening, or as your healthcare professional recommends.
• Take multiple readings and record the results: Each time you measure, take two or three readings one minute apart and record the results using a printable or online tracker. If your monitor has built-in memory to store your readings, take it with you to your appointments. Some monitors may also allow you to upload your readings to a secure website after you register your profile.

What is the Best Blood Pressure Monitor for me?

Pharmacies and online merchants, such as Amazon, sell a variety of blood pressure monitors. Monitors typically range in price from $23 to $100, although a higher price doesn’t necessarily correlate to better quality. Ask your health insurance company whether it will cover part or all of the cost.

When shopping for your best blood pressure monitor, look for these features:

• Buy a monitor that goes around your upper arm. Wrist or finger monitors aren’t as accurate.
• An automatic monitor is easiest to use because it doesn’t require a stethoscope and the cuff inflates by itself. Manual monitors require you to squeeze a bulb to inflate the cuff, which can be hard to do if you have arthritis.
• Choose a monitor that meets standards for your age and health conditions according to an organization such as the European Society of Hypertension, dabl Educational Trust, or the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI). Each organization has posted its list of approved devices on its website.
• Make sure the cuff fits your arm. If it’s too large or too small, the reading won’t be accurate.

As you can see from the article there are many advantages to measuring your blood pressure at home. It easy to do, and the best blood pressure monitor cost in recent years has become more affordable. With all the great reasons to start doing this, isn’t it time you took control of your high blood pressure?

We are always on the lookout for simple but hearty and heart-healthy recipes to share with our readers. Today’s recipe embraces a little Tex-Mex cooking that is sure to tantalize your taste-buds. Add a little low fat sour cream and pico de gallo and enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large red onion, thinly sliced.
• 1 red pepper, cored, de-seeded and thinly sliced.
• 1 yellow pepper, cored, de-seeded and thinly sliced.
• 450g (14 1/2 oz) skinned chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips.
• 1/8th teaspoon paprika.
• 1/8th teaspoon mild chili powder.
• 1/4th teaspoon cumin.
• 1/4th oregano.
• 4 soft flour tortillas.
• 1/2 iceberg lettuce, finely shredded.
• Guacamole, to serve (optional).
• Tomato salsa
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped.
• 425g (14oz) small vine-ripened tomatoes.
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed.
• Large handful of fresh coriander leaves, chopped.
• Freshly ground black pepper

Directions:

First make the tomato salsa. Combine the red onion, tomatoes, garlic and coriander leaves in a bowl. Season with black pepper, then cover and chill for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.

Heat the oil in a wok or large nonstick frying pan. Add the onion and peppers and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes. Add the chicken, paprika, chili powder, cumin, and oregano and continue to cook for a further five minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

Meanwhile, wrap the tortillas in foil and warm in the oven for five minutes or according to packet instructors.

Spoon one-quarter of the chicken mixture into the center of each tortilla, add a couple of tablespoons of tomato salsa and the shredded lettuce. Roll up and serve warm, accompanied by guacamole, if you like.

We collected dozens of great heart healthy recipes for you – Here they are…

Water Water Everywhere

Today I see more people drinking water than ever before. Water has become so available to us including vending machines. Whether I travel by plane, bus, or train, I have many people with their water bottles. There are many choices of water to be had. Glacier water, filtered water, plain and flavored water. I am not so sure that the chemicals in the flavored water are good for you. My personal favorite is mineral water. But why is drinking water so important?

Water And The Human Body

The human body is comprised of about 60 percent water. Water is so important to our survival that is can only go without water for so long. Whereas we can go without food for long periods of time, we will only survive three days without water.

Think of water as being an essential nutrient. We get water from the foods we eat to the water we drink. When I speak of foods I am referring to fruits and vegetables, not pizza.

Water is responsible for digestion, absorption, circulation, and the creation of saliva. Water is responsible for transporting nutrients to our bodies cells. It also is responsible for regulating the body’s temperature. When I was in nursing school we also learned that water is the great fat emulsifier. If you want to lose weight, stick to water, not soda.

Six Reasons to Drink Water:

• Drinking Water Helps Maintain The Body’s Balance Of Fluids.
• It Helps Control Calories.
• Water Helps Energize Muscles.
• Drinking Water Helps Your Skin Look Young.
• Flushes Out Your Kidneys.
• Helps Maintain Bowel Function.
• Creates Balance Important For A Healthy Blood Pressure.

How Does Drinking Water Lower Blood Pressure?

Staying hydrated is one of the simplest ways you can maintain healthy blood pressure. If you are not hydrated your body will begin to retain sodium in order to save water. By this bodies mechanism increase, sodium means increased blood pressure. Your arteries and capillaries will narrow and your blood pressure will go up. This is the bodies survival mechanism. To ensure this mechanism does not kick in stay well hydrated.

What Is The Best Water to Drink for Lower Blood Pressure?

This is actually a really good question. Are all waters the same? The answer is yes and no. There are basically 5 types of drinking water they are:

Drinking water

Drinking water is just that: water that is intended for drinking. It is safe for human consumption and comes from a municipal source. There are no added ingredients besides what is considered usual and safe for any tap water, such as fluoride.

Distilled water

Distilled water is a type of purified water. It’s water that has gone through a rigorous filtration process to strip it not only of contaminants but any natural minerals as well. This water is best for use in small appliances — like hot water urns, or steam irons because if you use it, you won’t have that mineral buildup that you often get when you drink tap water. Though it may seem counterintuitive, this water is not necessarily the best for human consumption, since all of the water’s natural, and often beneficial, minerals are absent.

Purified water

Purified water is water that comes from any source but has been purified to remove any chemicals or contaminants. Types of purification include distillation, deionization, reverse osmosis, and carbon filtration. Like distilled water, it has its advantages and disadvantages, the advantages being that potentially harmful chemicals may be taken out and the disadvantage being that beneficial minerals may be taken out as well.

Spring water

This is what you often find in bottled water. It’s from an underground source and may or may not have been treated and purified. Though spring water sounds more appealing (like many others, I imagine my spring water coming from a rushing spring at the base of a tall, snow-capped mountain), it’s not necessarily the best water for drinking if you have other options. Studies done by the NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) have found contaminants in bottled water such as coliform, arsenic, and phthalates. A lot of bottled water is labeled as spring water, but the source of that water is often a mystery, as this Environmental Working Group report makes clear. This topic has been a popular one in recent years, sparking plenty of controversies.

Mineral Water

Mineral water is my favorite water and there are good reasons for that. According to some of the latest research mineral water containing magnesium and calcium have been proven to lower your blood pressure.

The Health Benefits of Mineral Water

For thousands of years, mankind has been drinking mineral water from natural springs and wells and bathing in them too to support health and aid healing.

Though the ancients may not have known exactly why ‘taking the waters’ conferred therapeutic benefits, they were onto something, absorbing minerals by drinking and soaking them in, at wells and baths. On the therapeutic ingredient list? —

Sulfate, calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate and a number of trace minerals, some of which we don’t always get enough of from food but can absorb more easily through (naturally) mineral-infused water.
Mineral water comes from natural underground reservoirs and mineral springs, giving it a higher mineral content than tap water.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), mineral water must contain at least 250 parts per million of total dissolved solids. The FDA prohibits these manufacturers from adding minerals to their products.

Minerals that are often present in mineral water include:

• calcium
• magnesium
• potassium
• sodium
• bicarbonate
• iron
• zinc

Unlike tap water, mineral water is bottled at the source. Some people prefer mineral water due to its perceived purity and the lack of chemical disinfection treatments.

Having low levels of magnesium may contribute to high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, and conditions that cause irregular heartbeats.

Mineral water rich in magnesium may, therefore, help lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.
A small-scale 2004 study involving 70 adults with borderline hypertension and low magnesium levels found that drinking 1 liter of mineral water per day decreased their blood pressure.

Which Mineral Water Should I Buy?

First off I am not here to promote one company over another. I have my favorites of course. First, if you have high blood pressure you do not want to purchase mineral water that is high in sodium. Having a high content of sodium is going to cause your blood pressure to soar! Not go down. The first thing I do is check the sodium content.

Next, I look for mineral water with a good amount of magnesium and calcium. Two components of healthy blood pressure. If you have kidney disease I would avoid mineral water unless approved by your physician. Water is important first and foremost. If you cannot afford to buy mineral water then at least drink plenty of water. If you are afraid of drinking tap water you may consider a water filtration system like Britta.

Berberine is an alkaloid found in the barks, leaves, twigs, rhizomes, roots, and/or stems of various plants, such as the barberry, Oregon grape, and tree turmeric. Traditionally, berberine has been used as an antimicrobial, antiprotozoal, and antidiarrheal agent in Ayurveda medicine and traditional Chinese medicine.

Most research in humans has examined berberine’s effects on markers of glycemic control, blood lipids, markers of liver function, and anthropometric parameters in people with metabolic disorders.

Here are a few health benefits of bererine that will help enhance your health.

Lower High Cholesterol

High levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides may increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Some evidence suggests that berberine could help lower LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. According to one review, studies in both animals and humans indicate that berberine has cholesterol-lowering effects.

It may help reduce LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol and increase high-density lipoprotein, or “good,” cholesterol.

A literature review found that berberine combined with lifestyle changes works better than lifestyle changes alone in treating high cholesterol.

Furthermore, a study of hamsters observed that berberine helps move excess cholesterol to the liver, where the body can process and remove it. This, in turn, helps lower total cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Researchers believe that the effects of berberine might be similar to those of drugs that reduce high cholesterol, while berberine does not cause the same side effects.

Help With The Prevention of Cancer

Berberine can create changes within the molecules of cells, and this could have another potential benefit: fighting cancer.

One review found that berberine has “clear inhibitory effects” on the following cancers:

• colorectal cancer
• lung cancer
• ovarian cancer
• prostate cancer
• liver cancer
• cervical cancer

Another article states that berberine helps treat cancer by interfering with its progression and its typical life cycle. It may also play a role in killing cancer cells.

Based on this evidence, the authors state, berberine is “highly expected to be effective, safe, and affordable” as a cancer-fighting agent.

However, it is important to remember that researchers have only studied berberine’s effects on cancer cells in a laboratory, not in people.

Obesity: The Number One Cause Of Other Health Problems

Obesity is a common condition that can increase the risk of:

• type 2 diabetes
• heart disease
• high blood pressure
• high cholesterol

One Study reported that people who took 750 milligrams (mg) of barberry twice a day for 3 months had a significant decrease in weight. Barberry is a plant that contains high amounts of berberine.

Also, a double-blind study found that individuals with metabolic syndrome who took 200 mg of barberry three times a day experienced decreases in their body mass index readings.

The team behind another study observed that berberine may activate brown adipose tissue. This tissue helps the body turn food into body heat, and increased activation may help treat obesity and metabolic syndrome.

Some research suggests that berberine works similarly to the drug metformin, which doctors often prescribe to treat type 2 diabetes. In fact, berberine may have the ability to change the bacteria in the gut, which could help treat both obesity and diabetes.

Is Berberine Safe?

People should speak with their doctor before taking products containing berberine.

Here are some possible risks, according to the NCCIH:

• Berberine may interfere with other medications, such as metformin.
• It is not always clear how much of an active ingredient is present in a supplement, which could lead to taking the wrong dose.
• Adverse effects can occur if people take too much or if a person is susceptible.
• There is not enough scientific information to prove that goldenseal and other berberine products are safe for long-term use.
• Taking berberine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding could have a negative impact on the fetus or newborn.

Conclusion:

Research suggests that berberine could be a promising treatment for several conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. However, more research is needed to show that it is safe to use as a treatment option.

Berberine is a natural remedy that could be as powerful as some prescription drugs. As such, people should use it with care and speak with a doctor before taking it.