Lower Pressure Blog

Jiaozi (pot-stickers)are a kind of Chinese dumpling, commonly eaten in China and other parts of East Asia. They are one of the major dishes eaten during the Chinese New Year and year-round in the northern provinces.

Add them to this stir fry and you have a wonderful home made meal for your family. Instead carry-out, this a definite must try in your kitchen this weekend. Serve with a tasty side salad with a fresh ginger salad dressing.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp. canola oil
• 16 frozen vegetable pot-stickers
• 2 tbsp. low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tsp. honey
• 2 scallions, thinly sliced
• 1 red chili, thinly sliced
• 1 clove garlic, very finely chopped
• 1 tbsp. finely grated fresh ginger
• 12 oz. sugar snap peas
• 1 large carrot (about 6 oz.), cut into matchsticks
• 1 yellow pepper, cut into 1/2″ slices
• Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions:

1. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pot-stickers and cook until lightly browned on all sides, 4 to 6 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons water to the skillet, cover and cook until the water has evaporated and the pot-stickers are cooked through, 1 to 2 minutes; transfer to a plate. In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce and honey.

2. Heat the remaining tablespoon oil and add the scallions, chili, garlic, and ginger and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the snap peas, carrot, and pepper and toss to combine. Cover and cook, shaking the pan occasionally, for 2 minutes. Uncover and continue cooking, shaking the pan occasionally, until the vegetables are tender.

3. Add the soy sauce mixture and toss to combine. Return the pot-stickers to the pan and toss with the vegetables. Serve with lime wedges, if desired.

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

A panini or panino is a sandwich made with Italian bread, usually served warmed by grilling or toasting. However, in many English-speaking countries, a panini is a grilled sandwich made from many types of bread. Examples of bread types used for modern panini are baguette, ciabatta, and michetta.

This weeks panini recipe will leave your mouth watering for more but don’t do it. I like serving a kosher deli pickle on the side. If you don’t have a panini grill, place sandwiches in a grill pan or large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray over medium heat. Cover sandwiches with foil, and top with a heavy skillet. Cook 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until golden brown.

Ingredients

• 8 (0.9-ounce) slices crusty Chicago-style Italian bread
• 4 ounces very thinly sliced prosciutto 1 1/4 cups
• (4 ounces) shredded fontina cheese
• 1/2 cup baby arugula leaves
• 1/4 cup fig preserves Olive oil-flavored cooking spray

Directions:

Step 1- Preheat panini grill.

Step 2- Top each of 4 bread slices evenly with prosciutto, fontina cheese, and arugula. Spread 1 tablespoon fig preserves evenly over 1 side of each of remaining 4 bread slices; top sandwiches with remaining bread slices. Coat outsides of sandwiches with cooking spray. Place sandwiches on panini grill; cook 3 to 4 minutes or until golden and cheese is melted. Cut panini in half before serving, if desired.

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

What Are Probiotics?

The root of the word probiotic comes from the Greek word “pro”, meaning “promoting”, and biotic, meaning “life”. The discovery of probiotics came about in the early 20th century, when Elie Metchnikoff, known as the “father of probiotics,” had observed that rural dwellers in Bulgaria lived to very old ages despite extreme poverty and harsh climate.

He theorized that health could be enhanced and senility delayed by manipulating the intestinal microbiome with host-friendly bacteria found in sour milk. Since then, research has continued to support his findings along with suggesting even more benefits.

Probiotics are live microorganisms that are intended to have health benefits when consumed or applied to the body. They can be found in yogurt and other fermented foods, dietary supplements.

Although people often think of bacteria and other microorganisms as harmful “germs,” many are actually helpful. Some bacteria help digest food, destroy disease-causing cells, or produce vitamins. Many of the microorganisms in probiotic products are the same as or similar to microorganisms that naturally live in our bodies.

What Types of Probiotics are There?

Lactobacillus is a type of bacteria. There are lots of different species of lactobacillus. These are “friendly” bacteria that normally live in our digestive, urinary, and genital systems without causing disease. Lactobacillus is also in some fermented foods like yogurt and in dietary supplements.

Bifidobacteria are a group of bacteria that normally live in the intestines. They can be grown outside the body and then taken by mouth as medicine. Bifidobacteria are commonly used for diarrhea, constipation, an intestinal disorder called irritable bowel syndrome, for preventing the common cold or flu, and lots of other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support many of these uses.

Saccharomyces is a genus of fungi that includes many species of yeasts. Saccharomyces is from Greek σάκχαρον (sugar) and μύκης (mushroom) and means sugar fungus. Many members of this genus are considered very important in food production. It is known as the brewer’s yeast or baker’s yeast.

Criteria for Health Benefits:

With so many choices on the market when it comes to your health, many probiotic companies claim health benefits of their products. Here are two things two look for.

Probiotics criteria for products that do not make a health claim:

• A member(s) of a safe species, which is supported by sufficient evidence of a general beneficial effect in humans or a safe microbe(s) with a property (for example, a structure, activity, or end product) for which there is sufficient evidence for a general beneficial effect in humans
• Proof of viability at the appropriate level used in supporting human studies.

Probiotics criteria for products that make a health claim:

• Defined probiotic strain(s).
• Proof of delivery of viable strain(s) at efficacious dose at the end of shelf life.
• Convincing evidence needed for specific strain(s) or strain combination in the specified health indication.

can probiotics help lower blood pressure?

Comparing results from randomized, controlled trials on humans, there were a total of 9 studies included in the analysis. Participants received supplemental probiotics in the form of yogurt, fermented sour milk, supplements, rose hip drinks or cheese.

Overall, the analysis showed that consumption of probiotics led to a significant decrease in both diastolic and systolic blood pressure measurements. As could be expected, larger changes were seen in those who started with high blood pressure than those who were healthy to begin with.

Probiotics are well studied for their health benefits in improving immune system function and preventing diarrhea. It has also been demonstrated that probiotics and their products can improve BP through mechanisms including improving total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, reducing blood glucose level and insulin resistance,and regulating the renin–angiotensin system.

In one study, people with high blood pressure who ate one ounce of Grana Padano—a semi-fat hard cheese similar to Parmigiano Reggiano—daily for two months improved their systolic blood pressure (the top number) by 7 to 8 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and their diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) by 5 to 7 mm Hg.

Possible Side-Effects When Starting Probiotics

While many people starting a probiotic regimen experienced no side effects there is a population of people who do.

Possible side effects may include:

• Unpleasant digestive symptoms such as bloating, constipation, and increased thirst.
• Probiotic foods may trigger headaches. Probiotics contain what is called “amines”. Biogenic amines are substances that form when protein-containing foods age or are fermented by bacteria. Amines can excite the central nervous system, increase or decrease blood flow and may trigger headaches in people sensitive to the substance.
• They can increase histamine levels. When histamine levels rise, blood vessels dilate to bring more blood to the affected area. The vessels also become more permeable so that immune cells can easily get into the relevant tissue to combat any pathogens. This process creates redness and swelling in the affected area, and can also trigger allergy symptoms such as itching, watery eyes, runny nose or trouble breathing.
• Ingredients could cause adverse reactions. People with allergies or intolerances should read the labels of probiotic supplements carefully, since they might contain ingredients they could react to.
  For example, some of the supplements contain allergens such as dairy, egg or soy. These ingredients should be avoided by anyone who is allergic, as they may trigger an allergic reaction. If necessary, read labels carefully to avoid these ingredients.
• Probiotics could increase the risk of infection. Probiotics are safe for the vast majority of the population, but may not be the best fit for everyone.

In rare cases, the bacteria or yeasts found in probiotics can enter the bloodstream and cause infections in susceptible individuals. Those at greatest risk for infection from probiotics include people with suppressed immune systems, prolonged hospitalizations, venous catheters or those who have undergone recent surgeries.

7 foods containing probiotics

Not all probiotics help increase cardiovascular health and decrease cardiovascular risk. But all probiotics offer health benefits. Here are 7 foods that contain probiotics:

Yogurt

The health benefits of yogurt are so impressive that many health-conscious people make it a daily habit. And each year, more and more research is published adding insight into the health benefits from eating yogurt.

Kefir

Kefir is a fermented milk beverage that tastes tart like plain Greek yogurt, but is thinner in texture, making it drinkable. It’s also extremely versatile; you can drink kefir plain, add it to your blender to bulk up your morning smoothie, or sprinkle on some sweet toppings (honey, agave, and dark chocolate chips are all delicious) to transform the superfood into a tangy, nutritious dessert.

Sauerkraut

Sauerkraut is made by fermenting shredded cabbage with lactobacillus bacteria. Basically, you must combine cabbage with salt in an airtight container and let it ferment for several months. Add spices, cranberries, beets, caraway seeds or shredded carrots, if desired. Fermentation by live bacteria takes place naturally. WARNING!Sauerkraut is rich in histamine and may cause adverse reactions in those who are prone to allergies. Also do not purchase sauerkraut in a can. The good bacteria has been killed off.

Tempeh

Tempeh is a nutrient-dense soy product with a high amount of protein, as well as various vitamins and minerals. It may decrease cholesterol levels, oxidative stress and appetite while improving bone health. Tempeh also contains prebiotics, which may improve digestive health and reduce inflammation.

Kimchi

The traditional Korean dish, usually served as a condiment or a side, is made from fermented cabbage. At face value, it sounds very similar to sauerkraut (which is also made with fermented cabbage). But there are some key differences that make it stand apart. Kimchi is fermented at a lower temperature than sauerkraut, and for a shorter period of time. It also uses other vegetables like radishes and scallions along with cabbage, and is seasoned with fish sauce, chili pepper, and garlic.

Miso

Miso is rich in essential minerals and a good source of various B vitamins, vitamins E, K and folic acid. As a fermented food, miso provides the gut with beneficial bacteria that help us to stay healthy, vibrant and happy; good gut health is known to be linked to our overall mental and physical wellness.

Kombucha

Kombucha is a fermented tea that has been consumed for thousands of years. Not only does it have the same health benefits as tea it’s also rich in beneficial probiotics. Kombucha also contains antioxidants, can kill harmful bacteria and may help fight several diseases.

Final Thoughts

So from the research there are many advantages of incorporating probiotics into your lifestyle. Not all of them have reported lower blood pressure. But as I have stated they all have some health benefits.

The best research article I found regarding probiotics and lower blood pressure can be read here.

Want to know about more ways of lowering blood pressure? Learn 6 ways to maintain healthy blood pressure naturally.

The American Heart Association reports that one in three people suffer from hypertension in the United States. The symptoms of high blood pressure are not evident, and by the time symptoms develop, it has often become a life-threatening condition.

Along with dietary and lifestyle changes, you might decide to try herbs to help reduce your blood pressure. Some herbs may cause side effects, so you can consult your health practitioner or a “Naturopath” practitioner, before using herbs to treat this serious condition.

The Problem With Conventional Hypertension Therapy

Conventional anti-hypertensives are usually associated with many side effects.

A side-effect is any unwanted effect of medicines that you are taking. Some people can have side-effects from blood pressure ­medicines. ­Although these can be uncomfortable, they are usually not dangerous. But for other people they claim that the side effects of the medication is worse than having high blood pressure.

Herbs do not cause side effects like weakness, tiredness, drowsiness, impotence, cold hands and feet, depression, insomnia, abnormal heartbeat, skin rash, dry mouth, dry cough, stuffy nose, headache, dizziness, swelling around eyes, constipation or diarrhea, fever or anemia alone and associated with pressure medicines.

The Role of Herbal Medications:

About 75 to 80% of the world population use herbal medicines, mainly in developing countries, for primary health care because of their better acceptability with human body and lesser side effects.

In the last three decades, a lot of concerted efforts have been channeled into researching the local plants with hypotensive and anti-hypertensive therapeutic values. The hypotensive and anti-hypertensive effects of some of these medicinal plants have been validated and others disproved.

18 Herbs to Lower Blood Pressure

1. Indian Snakeroot

This herb has been used for years traditionally to treat many problems related to the heart. Indian snakeroot (Rauwolfia serpentine) does improve cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure.

This herb has high levels of alkaloid reserpine, a powerful compound that regulates heart function in the body. This is extremely helpful when heart issues or blood pressure is due to stress or high levels of anxiety.

2. Garlic

Garlic is a very powerful herb that is well-known to be highly effective for a number of physical ailments. In fact, many of the benefits of garlic are still being discovered. Recent research done at the University of Berlin found that garlic can remove nanoplaque.

Nanoplaque is a compound that gets deposited on the walls of cells, which leads to clogged arteries and atherosclerosis. Garlic is known to stop blood clots, lower overall cholesterol levels, which will stop high blood pressure.

3. Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo biloba can thin the blood while dilating your blood vessels, which allow the blood to circulate more easily, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

This popular herb is also high in important antioxidants, terpenoids, and flavonoids, which are known to lower blood pressure, which improves the health of your heart.

4. Hawthorn

Hawthorn supports the overall health of your cardiovascular system by strengthening the walls of the heart. It’s also a terrific tonic for those with heart issues. Hawthorn can also reduce blood pressure when taken as directed. Always consult your doctor before you start any herbal treatment.

5. Cinnamon

This is a tasty way to bring down your blood pressure. It’s easy to consume this tasty herb in your daily diet. Studies show that consuming cinnamon every day lowers blood pressure in those with diabetes. Try adding a dash to your coffee in the morning for a unique taste. Read more about the health benefits of cinnamon.

6. Basil

This is another delicious way to lower your blood pressure. Basil works well in so many foods! Basil extract has been shown in studies to lower blood pressure (but only for a short while). Add more fresh basil to your diet, it certainly won’t hurt anything! You can probably grow basil right in your kitchen window.

7. Cat’s Claw

Traditional Chinese medicine has used cat’s claw to treat high blood pressure as well as neurological problems. Studies show that it can help reduce your blood pressure by acting on the calcium channels inside cells. You can buy cat’s claw in many different forms at any health food store or online.

8. French Lavender

Not only does this plant smell heavenly, but it’s also long been used to induce relaxation. This herb can lower your blood pressure by making you more calm and relaxed. Although many people don’t think of lavender as something you can eat, the fact is, you can! Use the flowers in baked goods. The leaves can be used anyplace you use rosemary.

9. Celery Seed

Celery seed is a terrific herb that can be used to add flavor to soups, casseroles, egg dishes, and stews. China has used celery seed for hundreds of years to treat high blood pressure, but you can actually juice the entire plant, leaves and all, and get the same effects.

Celery is a known diuretic, which might be why it lowers blood pressure so effectively. A word of caution. I used this one and it works great, but I did grow tired of excessive trips to the bathroom.

10. Cardamom

Cardamom spice comes to use from India and is used quite often in the South Asian foods. One study found that subjects that ate powdered cardamom every day for several months had a significant reduction in their blood pressure.

11. Black Cummin Seeds

Black Cumin seeds, also known as Nigella sativa seeds, have been traditionally used as a spice but also revered for their medicinal properties. Studies suggest that daily use of black cumin seed extract for 2 months may have a blood pressure-lowering effect in patients with mild hypertension (HT).

It also helps reduce LDL cholesterol levels, which is further beneficial for cardiac health. Similar results were seen when 70 healthy volunteers aged 34 to 63 years were given Nigella sativa oil for 8 weeks in a clinical trial. Take 100 and 200 mg of Nigella sativa seed extract twice a day, or 2.5 mL Nigella sativa oil twice every day.

12. Flax Seed

Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is the natural precursor of the cardio-protective long-chain n-3 fatty acids, flaxseeds protect heart health by reducing serum cholesterol, stabilizing blood pressure, and improving glucose tolerance. It’s also a potent antioxidant and so easy to add to any dish.

According to research published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, dietary supplementation with flaxseed oil (8d/day) lowers blood pressure. Another study found that there’s a significant reduction in both Systolic BP and Diastolic BP following supplementation with various flaxseed products.

Since whole flaxseed can pass virtually undigested through the human body, its best to grind flaxseed to enjoy their nutritional benefits. This makes it very easy to stir a spoonful or two into any cooked dish, beverage, smoothies or even salads. Add 30 grams of milled flaxseed to your diet every day.

13. Buchu

Buchu is primarily used in western herbal medicine for urinary or bladder infections, infections anywhere in the genito-urinary system and as a warming and stimulating tonic to the kidneys and for kidney disorders.

It soothes the burning and irritation from conditions such as cystitis, urethritis, and prostatitis. It can also be used in formulas to help with the prevention or treatment of bladder stones, bladder weakness, kidney stones, bedwetting, urinary incontinence, blood in the urine and nephritis.

Its leaves are rich in essential oils such as diosphenol which acts as a stimulation to the production of urine. This means it can be used to eliminate water retention, help to lower high blood pressure and assist with shedding excess weight.

14. Guelder Rose Bark

Also known as “Cramp Bark”. Viburnum opulus otherwise known as Guelder Rose bark is also one of the herbs for high blood pressure. It is a highly effective heart tonic and relaxes the muscles and the arteries and veins.

Guelder Rose bark is known to calm the cardiovascular system and to relieve nervous tension which is sometimes related to high blood pressure. It is a highly valued tree for the medicinal remedies and purposes it can give.

15. Annona Muricata:

Is also known by its Spanish name Guanabana or also called soursop. The long, prickly fruit comes from the graviola tree, an evergreen native to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. It’s also known as custard apple, guanabana and Brazilian paw paw.

Practitioners of herbal medicine use soursop fruit and graviola tree leaves to treat stomach ailments, fever, parasitic infections, hypertension and rheumatism. It’s used as a sedative, as well. In treating hypertension it helps block the angiotensin 1 enzyme which is also what an ACE inhibitor is used in the treatment of hypertension.

16. Blond Psyllium:

Indian plantago has a number of unique properties that makes it suitable to be widely used in traditional medicine around the world.

This perennial herb has been used as a traditional medicinal plant for centuries to treat several illnesses including colds, hepatitis, skin diseases, infectious diseases, problems related to the digestive organs, respiratory organs, reproduction, circulation, and it is used to reduce fever.

Several biological activities have been attributed to plantago leaves including anti-inflammatory, antiviral, analgesic, antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-tumor, anti-fever, immune modulator, and anti-hypertensive effects and it has also been used to neutralize internal and external toxins.

17. Commelina Virginica:

Virginia dayflower is a perennial herbaceous plant in the dayflower family. It is native to the mideastern and southeastern United States, where there are wet soils. Whole plant extract has been reported to decrease the tension of phenylephrine-stimulated isolated guinea pig aorta rings by 15% to 35%.

18. Lumnitzera Racemosa:

Black Mangrove is a small tree found on the coast of India and on the Andaman and Nicobar Island. According to local traditional medicine, the fruits of this plant are curative in skin disorders and useful for treating snake and insect bites.

Antihypertensive action has been studied for the aqueous acetone extract of the plant. The antihypertensive activity of eleven hydrolysable tannins contained in the leaves of L. racemosa has been investigated. From the screening in spontaneously hypertensive rats, corilagin, castalagin, and chebulinic acid were identified as the major active substances.

Concluding Thoughts

Personally, I use three of these natural remedies but I only use 1 consistently every morning. The one I use every morning is Divya Mukta Vati. Every morning I take 2 tablets with a glass of water. Now mind you I am on the lowest dose of hypertensive medication prescribed by my doctor. I think it makes him feel better.

Along with using RESPeRATE and diet my blood pressure the other morning was 110/62. That is the best I have registered ever since keeping records.

The recommended daily dosage for these herbs usually will be found in the packaging of the individual herbs themselves, or can easily be found on-line

The appropriate dose of herbs depends on several factors such as the user’s age, health, and several other conditions.

Individuals using herbs as a natural herb to lower blood pressure as remedy should also check for interactions with current medications they are taking.

I believe strongly in alternative forms of medicine. They truly work for many people. At the same time there is also a lot of quackery out there, so please get knowledgeable about what you want to do and see someone who specializes in this area. You would not want a plumber performing open heart surgery on you. So be smart, read, research and then decide.

A word of caution

You must not rely solely on the information on our website as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or other professional healthcare providers.

If you have any specific questions about any medical matter, you should consult your doctor or other professional healthcare providers.

If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition, you should seek immediate medical attention.

You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice or discontinue medical treatment because of information on our website.