Nature's Wisdom

The Early Bird gets the . . . Hypertension

2007-10-05T04:22:00.000-07:00

A recent study in the journal Hypertension, reports that women who are sleep deprived have a greater risk than men of developing high blood pressure (hypertension). Nearly 7,000 people were evaluated in Warwick, Britain. Women who slept less than five hours per night were twice as likely to have high blood pressure compared to those who slept seven or more hours. Interestingly, no such association applied to men in the study.... read more

Another Natural Way to Lower High Blood Pressure

2007-06-14T11:37:00.000-07:00

To lower your blood pressure naturally, you can start by modifying your diet. Knowing what foods to eat and what foods to avoid, and by making little lifestyle changes everyday can have a beneficial affect on your overall health.

I found this article on MyHeartCentral.com and the below quote reassuring. You can read the entire article by following this link:

Omega-3 Fatty Acids May Lower Blood Pressure

"If you can reduce blood pressure a few millimeters from eating less salt, losing a few pounds, avoiding heavy drinking, eating more vegetables, whole grains and fruits (for their fiber, minerals, vegetable protein and other nutrients) and getting more omega-3 fatty acids, then you've made a big difference," said Dr. Hirotsugu Ueshima, professor and chairman of the department of health science at Shiga University of Medical Science in Japan.

The Heartburn Cure - A Short Review

2007-06-02T20:50:00.000-07:00

The Heartburn Cure - Get Rid of Your Heartburn Naturally is a very detailed, concise, and easy to read e-book. The author goes into great detail to identify the different causes of heartburn and how to avoid them. You will find simple lifestyle adjustments to get relief from heartburn without comlicating your life. I myself like the idea of natural remedies for the relief of heartburn as opposed to taking any type of medication or antacids.

Do you know that heartburn left untreated can lead to more serious conditions and can cause more damage to the esophagus? Is it heartburn or heart attack, you will find out how to tell the difference. Learn what foods, herbs, and spices can help or contribute to your heartburn suffering. Learn what GERD is and why you must know the facts.

You can find natural relief from heartburn in The Heartburn Cure - Get Rid of Your Heartburn Naturally. You can read more about this e-book by visiting the site Click Here!

What Do We Americans Really Know About Health? What We Say And Eat May Be Two Different Things

2007-05-31T20:34:00.000-07:00

I found this article from CNN intriguing. We may know what is good for us and why, but still find it difficult to put into practice. Maybe it's our hectic lifestyles, lack of time, too many other commitments, with our kids and in our communities. I will do my best to pass on to you any healthy alternatives and ideas for better health and living.

Study spots gaps in Americans' diet, health IQ

5 Steps You Can Take Today To Lower Blood Pressure Naturally

2007-05-25T12:15:00.000-07:00

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is not something to be taken lightly. It is a serious disease, the cause of which is unknown. One fact health care professionals do know is that left untreated, high blood pressure over time can lead to serious heart disease and other vascular troubles, even death.

Blood pressure medications come in a wide range of formulas and
dosages; each aimed at reducing the pressure going through the
blood vessels either as the heart pumps blood or relaxes. Some
medications strengthen the blood vessels while others thin the
blood in an effort to reduce the strain. Trial and error is usually
a doctor's only course of action when determining which combination of drugs and treatments will benefit a specific patient. The problem with this approach is the dangerous side effects, which often accompany these medications.

There is however some good news about hypertension! There are steps you can take today that will begin to lower your blood pressure almost immediately. Overtime, the result is a sustained healthy blood pressure reading that supports your blood vessels and heart for years to come.

Start with these 5 easy lifestyle changes. Always consult with your doctor before trying anything new with your health regime, and never go off of any medication without the advice of your doctor. Here is a list that any doctor can approve of:

1. Drink Water. Yes, water is a way to cleanse and refresh every
part of the body, even your blood vessels. Drink 8-10 glasses each day to flush out excess salt and toxins that make their way into the blood stream. You can use water to replace some drinks
containing caffeine that temporarily raise blood pressure.

2. Stop Smoking. If you are a long time smoker, you know how it
affects your breathing. What you may not realize is its impact on
your blood pressure. If you can't quit completely, then cut down.
Even a 50% reduction in the number of cigarettes smoked each week can help.

3. Exercise. A cardiovascular workout strengthens the heart. This is important because high blood pressure over time puts added strain on the heart. Just 20 minutes, 3 times per week of a
sustained increase in heart rate will aid in lowering blood
pressure.

4. Eat Right. If you are eating better and exercising, a nice
by-product will be weight loss. By reducing your weight by 10%, you can significantly lower blood pressure. A diet that includes the freshest fruits and vegetables will support healthy blood pressure. Reduce or eliminate salt intake, and especially beware of "hidden" sodium found abundantly in pre-packaged convenience foods.

5. Relax. Many people have a temporary raise in blood pressure when they are under stress. If you have high blood pressure because you are over weight or have a family history of hypertension, then stress raises it that much more. Try taking a walk, meditating or listening to relaxing music to take the edge off a stressful day. Make time for decompressing each and every day.

Discover many more safe and effective methods that will make a positive impact on your blood pressure level:

"The Blood Pressure Miracle"

------------------------------------------------------------

Frank Mangano is an active member of his community
who works diligently providing assistance to senior citizens
and probing as a health advocate to discover new and innovative
ways to promote well being. Find out how you can maintain
healthy blood pressure at: "The Blood Pressure Miracle"

If You Are Taking Pills For Diabetes, Please Read This

2007-05-22T09:14:00.000-07:00

This is a very important news article concerning medications used to control diabetes. Please read this if you or someone you know may be taking Avandia and Avandamet. "Diabetes pill tied to heart risks"

Complete Body Detox

2007-05-21T10:59:00.000-07:00

There are a lot of environmental pollutants in our atmosphere. Toxins and other harmful substances are absorbed into our bodies causing a myriad of illnesses and diseases. They can range from chronic headaches to cancer, from sluggishness to difficulty concentrating.

A complete body detox program is a natural and effective way to rid your body of the harmful toxins and improve your health. Learn what foods are good for a body detox and what foods can prevent the elimination of toxins. Did you know that stress can reduce your immunity and increase your chances of developing disease? The 12 Steps To a Complete Body Detox – A Natural Path To Superior Health will guide you to remove the toxins and harmful substances from your body safely and naturally while providing other incites and techniques for better health.

You can read more about this program here.

What Americans May or May Not Know About Cancer

2007-05-18T15:05:00.000-07:00

I came across this news article that I feel is important to share with you. This article pretty much sums up what Nature's Wisdom blog is all about. That choosing to live a more natural lifestyle by eliminating harmful chemicals and toxins, eating wholesome organic foods, get plenty of exercise and sleep, will greatly improve your overall health and significantly reduce the risk of cancer and disease. You can read the article here...
Then you will want to read about Natural Cancer Treatments.

7 Healthy Tips to Naturally Boost Metabolism

2007-05-14T11:23:00.000-07:00

Do you need to boost your metabolism? Are you concerned about the possible side affects of the next miracle weight loss pill? These seven tips to boost your metabolism naturally will help you reach your weight loss goal and help you develop new habits for a healthier lifestyle.

Metabolism is the process in which the human body burns energy through digestion, blood circulation, the regulation of body temperature, and detoxification, just to name a few. Calories are the units of heat contained in food that are released from the body through the process of metabolism. Food is then converted into the energy the body needs to perform all its functions.

A slow metabolism can be due to a number of factors. A sedentary lifestyle where the body does not get enough activity to allow the burning of calories will cause the body to conserve its energy. Poor nutrition such as foods high in sugar and fats will trigger an insulin response where the body goes into fat storing mode. Eating large meals once or twice a day will slow metabolism because the body gets accustomed to not getting frequent refueling and has to store food in the form of fat until its next refueling.

These 7 tips will get you started towards a healthier you:

1. Get plenty of sleep – your body needs adequate amounts of sleep to rejuvenate and repair at the cellular level. Mentally, a deep delta rhythm sleep will make you feel well rested and alert.

2. Always eat breakfast – after you have been asleep, your body’s functions have slowed down considerably. You need to jump start your metabolism by giving your body something to work on.

3. Drink plenty of water – water that is chilled will increase metabolism because it will burn more calories in order for the body to regulate its temperature.

4. Eat smaller meals and eat more often – by eating smaller meals, the body has less to work on and can burn those calories more efficiently. By eating more often, you will not cause the body to go into fat storing mode because it is getting regular refueling.

5. Good nutrition – Eat foods higher in fiber such as fruits and vegetables. They have fewer calories and take longer for the body to digest, thus burning more calories. Limit the amount of sugar therefore decreasing an insulin response.

6. Exercise – exercise gets the body moving, the blood flowing, and tones the muscles. Increasing lean muscle will increase metabolism because it takes more energy to grow and repair muscle tissue.

7. Reduce stress – stress releases the neuro-chemical cortisal. Cortisal stimulates the body’s metabolism of fats and carbohydrates. This increases appetite and the pattern of binge eating causing weight gain.

By following these seven tips to naturally boost your metabolism, you will not only reach your weight loss goal, but you will also have gained healthy habits to improve your overall health. You will have improved your immunity response, regulated your blood pressure, reduced cholesterol and triglyceride levels, as well as increased your HDL (good cholesterol) levels.

Maximize Your Metabolism will show you how to improve and increase your body's metabolism, cleanse your body of imprurities and toxins that can slow down your metabolism, how to maintain a stable weight, and so much more. All in a safe, healthy, and natural manner. Click here for more details.

The Causes of Heartburn and the Steps to Take to Prevent It

2007-04-23T10:15:00.000-07:00

Heartburn is the burning sensation felt in the chest which can spread up into the throat and may result in a sour or acidic taste in the mouth. This is due to a weakened lower esophageal sphincter, more commonly referred to as LES. The LES is part of the esophagus which connects to the stomach. Food and liquid pass thru the LES into the stomach. When the LES is relaxed or becomes weakened, stomach acid moves back up into the esophagus.

The most common causes of occasional heartburn are:

* Caffeinated beverages - coffee, tea, soft drinks
* Chocolate
* Tomatoes and tomato products
* Citrus fruits and juices
* Alcohol
* Fatty and fried foods
* Smoking
* Being over weight
* Wearing tight fitting clothing i.e.- belt, elastic waistband
* Lifting and straining
* Eating 2-3 hours before lying down or going to bed
* Pregnancy
* A hectic and stressful lifestyle

It is important to note that frequent heartburn may be an indication of a more serious condition and one should consult with their primary care physician. Other health conditions that have heartburn symptoms are: gastritis, hiatal hernia, and gastroparesis.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD is a more serious condition and occurs when the LES does not close properly and allows the stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus. The esophagus can become damaged if exposed to the stomach acid for long periods of time.

One of the key principles in naturopathic and holistic medicine is that the cure to an illness or disease is often the same as the preventive. By avoiding the causes of heartburn will prevent heartburn, and by avoiding those causes will cure heartburn.

By simply noticing when heartburn occurs; during the middle of the night, after eating a heavy meal or consuming a caffeinated beverage or citrus juice, after a stressful event, lifting or straining to move an object, heartburn can be avoided. Diet and lifestyle changes are the beginning of most if not all paths to healing and a healthier and more vibrant life.

There are natural remedies and alternative techniques that can alleviate the pain of heartburn. Recipes for remedies can be made using ingredients found in the kitchen. All of this information and more can be found here!

The Many Health Benefits of Cinnamon

2007-04-16T07:15:00.000-07:00

The health benefits of cinnamon are the focus of recent research studies. Preliminary findings reported in 2004 by Agricultural Research Service (ARS)
indicate a relation between the use of this common household spice to the regulation of insulin and blood sugar levels.

Apparently, researchers found cinnamon has the ability to aide fat cells to respond to insulin and increase the removal of glucose from the blood stream.
The same study also reported lower LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglyceride levels in the study’s participants who had type 2 diabetes.

Other health benefits of cinnamon still being studied are:

Relief from arthritis pain - cinnamon contains anti-inflammatory properties which reduce joint and muscle pain.
Thinning of blood - cinnamon has an anti-clotting effect on the blood that can reduce the chance of heart attack and stroke.
Boosts cognitive functions - the smelling of cinnamon has been reported to increase mental alertness and memory.
Kills bacteria - a Kansas State University study found that cinnamon killed most of the E. coli bacteria that was added to apple juice.
Suppresses bacteria that cause urinary tract infections and the fungus that causes yeast infections.
Good source of: fiber, manganese, iron, and calcium.
Improves digestion and helps ease stomach bloating.

Research into the health benefits of cinnamon continue. Any considerations of changing your lifestyle or health program should first and always be discussed with your primary care physician. Especially if someone is already taking medications for diabetes or blood thinners, because of the effects cinnamon has on insulin regulation and its blood thinning properties.

For additional information on natural diabetes control, please click here!

Foods That Boost Metabolism

2007-04-12T10:00:00.000-07:00

Simply stated, metabolism is the process in which our bodies burn calories at rest. The human body expends energy (the burning of calories) for the process of digestion, breathing, blood circulation, the regulation of body temperature, and detoxification.

Foods that boost metabolism are high in fiber, lower in calories, and are nutrient dense. These foods are also known as whole foods and they are: fruits and vegetables. whole grains, lean meats, poultry, fish, and low fat dairy. Due to the higher fiber content in these foods, the human body takes longer to digest them, thus burning more calories, and your appetite is suppressed longer. Another benefit is the higher nutritional value.

Green tea helps to detoxify the body and is a power house of antioxidants that remove free radicals that can lead to dis-ease thereby improving the immune system. There are studies that show the compound EGCG found in green tea can increase the body's metabolic rate.

Fish that are high in omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, and fish oil supplements, increase the levels of fat burning enzymes and decrease the levels of fat storing enzymes. They also help with lower blood pressure, lower LDL (bad cholesterol), and raise HDL (good cholesterol).

Proteins help build muscle, and more muscle mass helps to improve metabolism. Weight training, resistance and strength training help build muscle.

Water is important in a higher protein diet. A diet rich in protein can stress the kidneys, therefore, an increase in water consumption is needed.

Always eat breakfast. Your body's metabolism has slowed down during the night. To rev up your metabolism you must break the fast by eating a healthy breakfast.

Eating whole foods that boost your metabolism will not increase your metabolism alone. You also need to incorporate exercise, weight or resistance training, and get adequate sleep into your lifestyle.

If you would like to learn more about how to maximize your metabolism and receive a free e-course, please click here!