Lower Pressure Blog

Have you ever wondered what to do with that leftover chicken from last nights dinner? Here is a great chicken salad recipe to the rescue. This chicken salad can be served with on a salad, whole grain bread or just served alone. It also is a great salad for picnics. It can be made in a pinch.

I also like to add walnuts and apples to my salad. It gives the chicken salad a bit of sweetness and a great crunchy nutty flavor too.I would also suggest using low fat mayonnaise

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup chopped or shredded cooked chicken or turkey
• 2 tablespoons chopped celery
• 1 tablespoon light mayonnaise dressing or salad dressing
• 1 tablespoon salsa
• 1 tablespoon shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 Mini taco shells or scoop-shaped tortilla chips

Directions:

1. For chicken salad, in a small bowl combine chicken, celery, mayonnaise dressing, salsa, and cheese; toss to mix. Spoon into a container; cover tightly.

2. Wrap taco shells in plastic wrap. Pack chicken salad and taco shells in an insulated bag with an ice pack. To serve, use taco shells to scoop up the salad.

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

The sleep cycle is an oscillation between the slow-wave and REM phases of sleep. It is sometimes called the ultradian sleep cycle, sleep–dream cycle, or REM-NREM cycle, to distinguish it from the circadian alternation between sleep and wakefulness. In humans, this cycle takes 1–2 hours.

The Stages of Sleep

Stage One: Alpha Waves

When we are preparing to drift off, we go though Alpha and Theta, and have periods of dreaminess, almost like daydreaming, except we are beginning to fall asleep.

These are interesting states, in that we experience them throughout the day and some people may have more of these waves than others.
Those who practice meditation, or deep prayerfulness, often kinda “hang out” in Alpha. It’s a restful place. During this stage, it’s not unusual to experience strange and extremely vivid sensations or a feeling of falling followed by sudden muscle contractions. These are known as hypnogogic hallucinations.

You may even feel like you are hearing someone call your name, or the phone ringing.
We then begin to enter Theta, which is still a relatively light period between being awake and asleep. This usually lasts for 5-10 minutes. Research has shown that the average sleeper takes about 7 minutes to fall asleep. You may fall asleep sooner, or take longer.

Stage Two: Deep Relaxation

The second stage of sleep lasts about 20 minutes. As we move into stage 2 sleep, the body goes into a state of deep relaxation. Theta waves still dominate the activity of the brain, but they are interrupted by brief bursts of activity known as sleep spindles . A sleep spindle is a rapid burst of higher frequency brain waves that may be important for learning and memory. In addition, the appearance of K-complexes is often associated with stage 2 sleep. A K-complex is a very high amplitude pattern of brain activity that may in some cases occur in response to environmental stimuli. Thus, K-complexes might serve as a bridge to higher levels of arousal in response to what is going on in our environments.

Stage Three: Delta Waves Begin

Deep, slow brain waves known as Delta Waves begin to emerge during this stage. It is a transitional period between light sleep and a very deep sleep. Stage 3 and stage 4 of sleep are often referred to as deep sleep or slow-wave sleep because these stages are characterized by low frequency (up to 4 Hz), high amplitude delta waves. During this time, an individual’s heart rate and respiration slow dramatically.

It is much more difficult to awaken someone from sleep during stage 3 and stage 4 than during earlier stages. Interestingly, individuals who have increased levels of alpha brain wave activity (more often associated with wakefulness and transition into stage 1 sleep) during stage 3 and stage 4 often report that they do not feel refreshed upon waking, regardless of how long they slept.

Stage Four: Delta Sleep

This is sometimes referred to as Delta Sleep because of the delta waves that occur during this time. Stage Four is a deep sleep that lasts for about 30 minutes. Sleepwalking and bed-wetting typically happen at the end of Stage Four sleep. (This does not include the problems that can happen with sleep medications like Ambien and Lunesta).

Stage Five: REM Sleep Phase

Most dreaming occurs during Stage Five, known as REM. REM sleep is characterized by eye movement, increased respiration rate and increased brain activity. REM sleep is also referred to as paradoxical sleep because, while the brain and other body systems become more active, your muscles become more relaxed, or paralyzed. Dreaming occurs because of increased brain activity, but voluntary muscles become paralyzed.

Voluntary muscles are those that you need to move by choice, for example, your arms and legs. Involuntary muscles are those that include your heart and gut. They move on their own.
Rapid eye movement, or REM sleep, is when you typically dream. You may have images float by in earlier stages, particularly when you are going through Alpha or Theta, but the actual dream state occurs in REM.

This period of paralyzation is a built-in protective measure to keep you from harming yourself. When you are paralyzed, you can’t leap out of bed and run. Do you ever feel like you can’t escape during a dream? Well, the truth is, you can’t. You can breathe, and your heart is working, but you really can’t move.

Do Cycles Go In Order?

Sleep does not progress through all of these stages in sequence, however. Sleep begins in Stage One and progresses into stages 2, 3, and 4. Then, after Stage Four sleep, Stages Three, then Two are repeated before going into REM sleep. Once REM is over, we usually return to Stage Two sleep. Sleep cycles through these stages approximately 4 or 5 times throughout the night.
We typically enter REM approximately 90 minutes after falling asleep.

The first cycle of REM often lasts only a short amount of time, but each cycle becomes longer. This is why we need long periods of sleep each night. If we get short periods of sleep, we can’t really get through the stages we need to heal and stay healthy. REM can last up to an hour as our sleep progresses. In case you are wondering, if you feel like a dream is taking a long period of time, it really is.

Contrary to what was once believed, dreams take as long as they actually seem.
Do you ever wonder why you don’t dream when you sleep? The truth is, if you are getting proper amounts of sleep in proper time periods, and not taking medications or using alcohol or illegal substances, you are dreaming. You just don’t remember them unless they wake you.

The Arabic bābā means “father”, while ghannūj could be a personal name. The word combination is also interpreted as “father of coquetry” or “indulged/pampered daddy.” I personally love Baba Ghanoush. The first time I tried this middle eastern delicacy was while I was traveling in a market in Istanbul. The sites, the sounds, and oh the flavors.

When traveling abroad I stay away from American cuisine and try what the locals have to offer. So whether you serve this as a side dish for dipping vegetables or as a spread on fresh warm pita bread it is amazing. Simple to make and tasty to eat, enjoy this at your next gathering.

Ingredients:

• 2 to 3 medium eggplants (about 3 pounds total)
• 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/3 cup tahini
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
• Juice of 2 lemons (about 1/2 cup)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 450°F. Rub the outside of the eggplants with olive oil and place them in a roasting plan. Roast the eggplant until the skin has charred and the interior is tender 15 to 20 minutes. Let cool.

2. Peel and seed the cooled eggplant, roughly chop the flesh and then transfer it to the bowl of a food processor.

3. Into the processor bowl add the tahini, garlic, lemon juice, some salt and pepper to taste, and a few teaspoons of cold water. Process the mixture to a coarse paste, adding a bit more water as needed to allow the mixture to blend.

4. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste and serve.

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

The need for a good and safe solution to the problem of high blood pressure has never been greater. According to the CDC, as many as 70 million adults in the U.S. have high blood pressure, which is roughly one out of every three. This is a startling statistic because high blood pressure dramatically increases a person’s risk for two of the three leading causes of death in our country: heart disease and stroke.

High blood pressure can be caused by a number of issues, including smoking, obesity, a poor diet, stress and a lack of sleep. While high blood pressure can often be regulated by adopting a healthy diet and exercising regularly, doctors are alarmingly quick to prescribe medications to deal with the problem. These medications often carry a number of downright scary side effects, which is why many people prefer to try to treat the issue naturally.

Ancient Chinese techniques can yield impressive results

If you’ve already improved your diet and exercise regimen, and are looking for other ways to lower your blood pressure, you might want to consider a holistic solution suggested by Lu Hun Sen, a doctor for Moscow’s Spartak soccer club. This Ancient Chinese acupressure technique can help regulate your blood pressure without the need for any type of drugs or chemicals.

Acupressure is a self-applied therapy that tends to bring about relief quickly and effectively, and it gets even more effective with regular use. It is based on the theory that invisible energy known as qi in Chinese, carries a tremendous healing power. When pressure is applied at special “acupoints” that are connected to various glands, it is believed that qi flow can be boosted.

There is even research done in Oct-2016, at the China Medical University of Taiwan, in the field of Acupressure Points for High Blood Pressure, which points to its effect on blood pressure

Finding the pressure points

Acupressure entails massaging key points on the body to help stimulate blood flow. The first line stretches from behind the cartilage in your ear to the middle of your neckline bone. Gently touching this line with your fingertips ten times on both sides of your body is sufficient. Take care not to squeeze or rub it, and remember to keep a light touch.

The other point starts half an inch away from your ear at earlobe height and stretches out toward your nose. Press on both sides of this line for about a minute. Your touch should be gentle and just strong enough that you can start to feel the pressure. Healthy Food House reports that this method is quite effective if it is practiced on a regular basis.

Modern Reflexology suggests a number of other useful acupressure points for high blood pressure. One is the “Large Intestine 4,” which is used for chronic pain in addition to high blood pressure It’s found on the webbing that is between the thumb and forefinger. Pressing here can calm and balance blood flow in the body while also boosting immunity.

Another effective point is known as “Gall Bladder 20.” This point is situated on the back of the neck at the base of the skull in a depression on both sides of the vertebra. The thumbs can be used to apply a medium amount of pressure for a minute or longer while also taking deep breaths. This not only evens out high blood pressure but also helps with balance and headaches.

The many pressure points found on the body can be used to heal a host of problems. Acupressure has been shown by scientific studies to be useful for a number of other issues, including labor pain, post-operative nausea, and headaches, among others.

Not all pasta recipes are based on the combination of tomatoes, oil, and hard Italian cheeses. This light, creamy recipe is a new, delicious option. You can substitute sauteed sliced fennel, edamame or fava beans for the artichoke hearts.

I like serving this with a cherry tomato, basil, and mozzarella salad. Add olive oi and balsamic vinegar. Try to stay away from adding bread sticks and butter. The unwanted carbs and fat will ruin the heart healthy factor.

Ingredients:

• 8-ounces whole wheat rotini
• One 10-ounce can whole artichoke hearts, drained
• 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 shallot, minced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
• 1/4 cup dry white wine
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 6 ounces baby spinach
• 1/2 cup reduced-fat ricotta cheese
• 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
• Freshly ground pepper

Directions:

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions, drain and set aside.

2. While the pasta is cooking, slice the artichoke hearts into quarters and set aside.

3. Heat the oil in a nonstick skillet. Add the shallot and garlic, and saute over medium heat until soft, about 5 minutes.

4. Add the oregano, wine, lemon juice, and reserved artichoke hearts. Simmer, stirring, until the artichokes are heated through.

5. Add the spinach and continue to cook until the spinach is wilted about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the ricotta, lemon zest, and pepper. Add the pasta to the sauce; stir and reheat. Serve immediately.

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

Whether it is Starbucks, Au Bon Pain, or Seattle’s Best, Americans have a love affair with coffee. It is estimated that 161 million people start there day with coffee and for some of them it does not end with one cup. For some the “Java Jolt” is an all day affair.

At times the research on coffee can be confusing. Some researchers stating it is not bad for overall cardiac health, others waving a red flag warning of the impending dangers that will soon follow. But there is new compelling evidence coming out of Western University and Lawson Health Research Institute in London, Ontario, Canada.

According to the researchers calcium channel blockers where not only stopped from lowering blood pressure but with the consuming of coffee helped increase the individuals blood pressure. One cup of coffee will raise the blood pressure to its highest peak after one hour and will keep the blood pressure raised for several hours. So that an individual who drinks more than one cup of coffee a day will spend over half of their waking day with elevated blood pressure.

According to Dr. Bailey, ” “Even one cup of coffee containing a relatively low amount of caffeine remarkably compromised the anti-hypertensive effect of this drug at the maximum recommended dose. If you wanted to overcome the effect of the coffee, you had to double the dose of this anti-hypertensive drug which could increase the risk of unwanted excessive drug effects, particularly during the period when coffee is not consumed.”

Four lots of the generic high blood pressure medication quinapril tablets have been recalled by its manufacturer, Lupin Pharmaceuticals, because of abnormally high amounts of a probable cancer-causing impurity.

This isn’t the first time high blood pressure medications have been recalled due to high amounts of nitrosamine. In April 2022, for example, Pfizer removed five lots of Accupril (quinapril HCl) tablets. In October, Aurobindo Pharma USA recalled two lots of quinapril-hydrochlorothiazide tablets.

Recent testing revealed levels of a nitrosamine impurity (N-nitroso-quinapril) were above the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) acceptable daily intake level.

Lupin is voluntarily recalling five (4) lots of Accupril (Quinapril HCl) tablets distributed by Lupin to the patient (consumer/user) level due to the presence of a nitrosamine, Nnitroso-quinapril, observed in recent testing above the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) level.

What Are Nitrosamines?

Nitrosamines are common in water and foods, including cured and grilled meats, dairy products and vegetables. Everyone is exposed to some level of nitrosamines. These impurities may increase the risk of cancer if people are exposed to them above acceptable levels over long periods of time.

What Is Accupril(Quinapril)?

Accupril is indicated for the treatment of hypertension, to lower blood pressure. Accupril is also indicated in the management of heart failure as adjunctive therapy when added to conventional therapy including diuretics and/or digitalis. Accupril has a safety profile that has been established over 30 years.

Further Information

To date,Lupin is not aware of reports of adverse events that have been assessed to be related to this recall. Lupin believes the benefit/risk profile of the products remains positive based on currently available data.

Although long-term ingestion of Nnitroso-quinapril may be associated with a potential increased cancer risk in humans, there is no immediate risk to patients taking this medication. Patients currently taking the products should consult with their doctor or health care provider about alternative treatment options for them.

Lots Recall Information

The product lots were distributed nationwide to wholesalers and distributors in the United States and Puerto Rico.

• 20 mg tablets, lot number G102929, expiration date 04/2023
• 40 mg tablets, lot number G100533, expiration date 12/2022
• 40 mg tablets, lot number G100534, expiration date 12/2022
• 40 mg tablets, lot number G203071, expiration date 03/2024

Lupin places the utmost emphasis on patient safety and product quality at every step in the manufacturing and supply chain process. Lupin has notified direct consignees by letter to arrange for return of any recalled product.

Wholesalers and distributors with an existing inventory of the lots, listed in the table above, should stop use and distribution and quarantine the product immediately.

If you received a free product through the Lupin Patient Assistance Program (PAP) or the Lupin Institutional Patient Assistance Program (IPAP), please check your stock immediately against the table above. If you have any of the affected product lots in your inventory, please follow the instructions above for returning the product to Inmar Rx.

Physician Information

Additionally, if you are aware of any patients to whom you dispensed the affected lots who still may have the product in their possession, please ask them to return the product to you and then follow the instructions above for returning the product to Inmar Rx.

Patients who are taking this product should consult with their healthcare provider or pharmacy to determine if they have the affected product.

Lupin Contact Information

Anyone with questions regarding this latest recall should contact Inmar Rx Solutions at 877-538-8445, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST. For reimbursement, consumers will need to provide the lot number, which can be found on the side of the bottle label.

Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax.

FDA Contact Informaton

Complete and submit the report Online

Regular Mail or Fax: Download form or call 1- 800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178

This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
References: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug safety and availability information about nitrosamine impurities and medications

Veggie burgers have become quite the rage. Even in restaurants, you can order a very tasty veggie burger. But not all veggie burgers are created equal. I have had some veggie burgers that would serve a better purpose as a hockey puck rather than food.

Now, these flavorful veggie burgers are sure to become a family favorite. Serve them with lettuce, raw onions, tomatoes, and organic pickles.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup chopped red onions
• 2 cups chopped Portobello mushrooms
• 1/2 cup chopped carrots
• 1/2 cup peeled and chopped zucchini
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon white miso
• 1 cup cooked brown rice
• 1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds, ground
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• 1 cup whole wheat bread crumbs
• olive oil (small amount)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.

2. Heat 1/8 cup water in a large pan over medium heat. Water sauté onions, mushrooms, carrots, zucchini and garlic about 10 minutes or until vegetables are tender, adding more water if needed to prevent sticking. Stir in miso.

3. In a food processor, add sauteed vegetables, cooked rice, ground sunflower seeds, parsley, and basil and pulse several times until well mixed.

4. Add breadcrumbs and pulse again until all the ingredients hold together.

5. Rub a baking pan with a small amount of olive oil. Shape mixture into 3 1/2″ by 1/2″ burgers and bake for 10 minutes on each side, until firm.

6. Makes 6-8 burgers.

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

Roasted beets, raw beets, and juiced are a great way to lower your blood pressure. Beets contain nitric-oxide. Nitric-oxide helps relax the blood vessels in the body. With as much power behind them as any blood pressure medication, beets are a great way to lower your blood pressure naturally.

Ingredients:

• 4 lbs beets
• 6 cups baby or wild arugula
• 1/2 cup pignoli nuts
• 6 ounces goat cheese
• 7 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 4 tbsp kosher salt
• 6 tbsp reduced balsamic vinegar

Instructions:

1. Roast nuts in a frying pan till they turn golden brown

2. Rub 2 tsp olive oil on beets and roast at 350 degrees for an hour till tender

3. Remove from oven, peel under running water, cool and slice into thin slices

4. Toss the arugula in kosher salt with 3-4 tbsp of dressing

5. Arrange 4-6 beets on a salad plate and toss some wild arugula over them.

6. Make grape size balls with the goat cheese

7. Place one ball of goat cheese on each beet

8. Toss some nuts over the salad

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Watch how Julie Lowered her Blood Pressure Naturally. It was 170/110, this morning it was 120/80 Learn More…


• Drizzle 1 tsp of balsamic dressing and 1 tsp of olive oil over each serving of salad.
• Enjoy a cool healthy nutrient packed salad !!
• To make Balsamic Glaze
• Pour one bottle of balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan and bring to boil over high heat. Lower heat to medium-high and continue to boil until the vinegar starts to thicken and forms a syrup like consistency. about 15-20 minutes. Don’t thicken too much or it may become like goop. Test it by inserting a wooden spoon into the syrup. If mixture coats the spoon, it is ready to remove from heat. It’s quite concentrated so a little is all you need. Will keep in the fridge for 2 months.

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