Medicine and Health

How Well are You?

2011-02-19T04:21:00.001-08:00

Health is a common subject worldwide and many thing could be discussed about it. From a lifestyle until new product to improve your health.

It's starting from wake up in the morning until you sleeping.

Stop worrying and your health can be better? Is that right? Like the penguins in this picture. Start loving yourself. Give a time for some improvement.

Pain Relief and Depression - Treatments and Drugs By Methuew Hogard

2011-01-11T02:57:00.000-08:00

Tramadol is a very popular pain relief medication. It has been known to treat moderate to severe pain problems. There also is an extended release product that is used to treat chronic pain.

There are other uses for this medication as well. These are considered "off-label" uses or alternative usages other than the main purposes for which it is used-which is to relieve pain.

Short Usage Guide

Usually Tramadol is available in regular and extended release capsule forms. It also is available in tablets of several different forms such as regular, extended release, chewable, low-residue, or uncoated tablets.

This pain relief substance also has been made available in suppositories, effervescent tablets and powders and injections. It also is available in other forms.

No matter what form you use it in, this medication should be taken exactly as directed. If you have any questions about the usage of it you should talk to your doctor about it. Never should you exceed the dosage required or the dosage level that is suggested by your doctor.

As far as other uses besides relieving paint, Tramadol is being researched for effectiveness and/or used for the following reasons:

Obsessive-compulsive disorder-A condition usually characterized by extreme worry and repeated actions to relieve anxiety. A person of this condition may open and shut doors or check window locks over and over again. They might also be a hoarder or a packrat or a total "neat freak" and be afraid of germs. The main characteristic though is that they feel the need to repeat even the smallest action to relieve anxiety.

Premature ejaculation-The inability to hold an erection for long enough to please a sexual partner. Usually in this situation a man starts to have sex and then sometimes almost immediately "comes," or sometimes he ejaculates within minutes.

Migraine headaches-This is a condition that is characterized by severe headaches, nausea, and just altered perceptions in general. Sometimes pain is involved but sometimes people experience such a thing as a "silent migraine."

Opiate withdrawal-When a person is trying to stop using certain types of drugs they might experience a withdrawal. In the process, they may need to turn to using a drug like Tramadol to relieve withdrawal symptoms such as shakiness, convulsions, or extreme anxiety.

Fibromyalgia-A condition in which connective tissue and muscle pain is very widespread. A person suffering this chronic condition is also very often fatigued, insomniac, or stiff in the joints.

Diabetic neuropathy-This is a nerve condition that is associated with diabetes. Affects also the blood vessels that are associated with certain nerves. This condition is thought to be related to micro vascular injury.

Postherpetic neuralgia-This is a condition that seems to follow "shingles" otherwise known as herpes zoster. It is a type of skin condition.

Usage Info and Warnings

Tramadol is not recommended for people who have been in the past addicted to drugs or alcohol. It can be very easily habit-forming and it just so happens that the trend these days is to abuse prescription drugs.

The Relief and the Side Effects By Chris Cornell

2010-12-30T13:16:00.001-08:00

Nobody likes pain. Sadly, it is an inevitable part of live. We employ different means and methods to combat all sorts of pain once in a while in our lives. For the physical pain, we more than often pop pills to relieve them. Some we deem are not strong enough so we up the dosage or shop for something stronger. There have been issues where people become addicted to pain relievers and resort to it at any slightest chance turning it into a recreation drug. The incessant use of it, has led to many vendors offering competitive prices to rev up sales.

When it comes to pain management, tramadol is like a one-stop center. This powerful pain reliever is used to treat mild to very severe pain. Some of the side effects of the drug is said to be akin to the feelings one has when in an inebriated state - impaired thinking and/or reactions, seizures, etc. The narcotic nature of the pill has affected tramadol prices some argue, and has led to warning that people with addictive tendencies should abstain from it. Its effectiveness and ease of availability has encouraged abuse of the drug and overdosing on it can be very fatal. Taking it with alcohol or other drugs can lead to short of breathe and instant death.

Tramadol prices can greatly vary depending on where you get them. Today, for various personal and convenient reasons, most people get their medical subscriptions over the internet. This trend has greatly increased the possibility of getting a substandard product. Due to its addictive tendencies, the dangers of consuming fake tramadol cannot be over emphasised. One must not be carried away by vendors offering lower tramadol prices, especially over the internet; cost does not necessarily dictate quality when it comes to drugs, beware! Get your drugs only from a certified physician or outlet.

Tramadol is a powerful pain killer that works like morphine.

What You Need to Know About Pain Medication By Joan One

2010-12-30T13:14:00.000-08:00

Tramadol is a generic version of Ultram which is a synthetic analgesic medication. Although the exact process by which tramadol works is not known, it is believed to function just as morphine does. This involves binding the opioid receptors in the brain. These receptors are responsible for the transmission of pain sensations throughout the body.

Tramadol is prescribed by doctors for purposes of treating moderate to moderately severe pain. It belongs to a class of drugs called opiate agonists and works by altering how the body senses pain. When taken for up to three months, this medication has been found to help to reduce pain and stiffness, while improving function and overall well being of patients suffering from osteoarthritis. Although commonly mistaken for an NSAID or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, tramadol is not any of the above.

Tramadol may be prescribed in a 50mg dose as an immediate release tablet, or in a 100, 200 or 300 mg dose in an extended release table. The latter is normally prescribed to patients suffering from chronic pain who are in need of continuous treatment in the long term. Tramadol should be taken properly while following the prescription instructions so as to avoid serious side effects or even death. For instance, the extended release tablets should be taken whole, and not chewed, split or crushed.

Avoid taking tramadol when pregnant as the safe use of this medication by expectant or breastfeeding mothers has not yet been established. Avoid taking more tramadol than your prescription provides as this could lead to dependency. You should also not stop taking tramadol without prior consultation with your doctor as this could lead to withdrawal symptoms. Most doctors recommend gradually decreasing your dosage over time.

If you are already taking other medications, be sure to inform your doctor before he starts you on tramadol. This is because drug interactions are possible with tramadol including reduced effects by Carbamazepine, increased concentration of 50-60% by Quinidine, and seizures or other serious side effects due to MAO or SSRI inhibitors. Your central nervous system and respiratory depression may be increased when tramadol is combined with certain substances such as narcotic drugs, alcohol, sedatives, anesthetics and tranquilizers.

Although tramadol is normally well tolerated, it does result in certain temporary side effects such as constipation, nausea, headaches, dizziness, vomiting and drowsiness. Other less common side effects include sweating, itching, dry mouth, rash, diarrhea and vertigo as well as rare cases of seizures. Symptoms of an overdose of tramadol include difficulty in breathing or remaining awake, decreased pupil size, seizure, coma, heart attack or loss of consciousness.

Joan One is a freelance journalist and creative writer who immensely enjoys writing and researching into any topic under the Sun. She specializes in writing "green" eco-friendly topics aimed at enabling environmentally conscious readers to find simple ways to reduce their carbon footprint and help save our planet.

The Unique Pain Medication By Yury Bayarski

2010-12-30T13:11:00.000-08:00

Tramadol has been used as an analgesic since the late 1970s, and became one of the most popular analgesics of its class in Germany. International interest for the drug has been renewed when it was discovered that tramadol not only acts like opioids, but also inhibits serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake.

Mechanism of action
Tramadol is a unique medication. Its mode of action and safety profile distinguishes it from other opioids. It is classified as an atypical centrally acting analgesic, and has opioid and non-opioid properties. Tramadol is a synthetic analogue of codeine that has weak opioid agonist properties. It also inhibits the neuronal reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin as do the antidepressant drugs
Tramadol has strong structural similarities to the antidepressant venlafaxine. Because of its similarities to venlafaxine, tramadol may possibly exert a degree of antidepressant effect in certain patients, particularly those with chronic pain.

Side effects
Tramadol is generally well tolerated, the most common side effects being nausea and vomiting. In contrast to agents such as morphine and pethidine, respiratory depression rarely occurs during tramadol treatment at equipotent doses. But large doses of tramadol may increase the respiratory effects of other drugs. It is also associated with a low incidence of cardiac depression and significantly less dizziness and drowsiness than morphine.
Finally, dependence and abuse potential is relatively low because it has only a weak opioid effect. The low abuse potential of tramadol has been demonstrated by postmarketing surveillance data.
Tramadol appears to carry the same risk of urinary disorders (difficulty in micturition, urinary retention) as other opiates.
The medication should be avoided in persons with epilepsy and used cautiously in those taking medications which lower the threshold for seizures.

Tramadol uses
It is effective in different types of moderate-to-severe pain, including neuropathic pain. This medication has a dose-dependent efficacy that lies between that of codeine and morphine, with a parenteral potency comparable to that of pethidine.
Comparative studies have demonstrated that tramadol is more effective than NSAIDs for controlling post operative pain. Moreover, as the mode of action of tramadol does not overlap with that of NSAIDs, it is a useful agent to be combined with these drugs. Use of a combination of tramadol and NSAIDs allows the tramadol dose to be reduced and results in a lower incidence of side effects.
Tramadol may be particularly useful for elderly population suffering from osteoarthritis because, unlike NSAIDs, it does not aggravate high blood pressure and cardiovascular complications, nor does it have the potential to cause peptic ulcer disease.
Tramadol has been used with good results for the management of labour pain without respiratory depression of the neonate. It is effective for the treatment of pain from myocardial ischaemia, renal colic and acute trauma.

Recommendations

The recommended daily dose of tramadol is between 50 and 100mg every 4 to 6 hours, with a maximum dose of 400 mg/day; the duration of the analgesic effect after a single oral dose of tramadol 100 mg is about 6 hours.

Do I Need More Vitamin D? 3 Reasons Why! By Jane Sawyers

2010-11-26T15:48:00.000-08:00

Do I need more vitamin d? It's a question that everyone should ask themselves seeing as it's a very common problem. Vitamin d is needed by the body and is an essential element in ensuring strong and healthy bones. It can be gained via eating certain foods, but the body can also manufacture it when it is exposed to enough sunlight. If you fall into any of the following categories then you may well require more of it.

Your body is not exposed to enough sunlight
This is more of a problem in the northern hemisphere where there are less daylight hours. If your lifestyle is such that you spend a lot of time indoors, or if you cover up when you are outside then you may well find that you do need more vitamin d. Darker skinned people also tend to need more daylight than those who are lighter skinned to have the same effect. As you get older, and your skin thins, then the body does not manufacture as much of the vitamin.

Increased need
Pregnant women and breast feeding women come under this category. Growing children need a plentiful supply to aid healthy bones, so the mother provides a store of this when breast feeding. The body stores supplies of vitamin d, and when a woman is pregnant she uses up these stores. If she then gets pregnant again very quickly, the body will not have had a chance to replenish them before the next pregnancy starts.

Vegetarians or those who don't eat vitamin d rich foods
Certain types of food contain the vitamin, such as liver, oily fish, dairy products and mushrooms. If your diet doesn't contain these items then you are at a high risk of being vitamin d deficient. Many cereals and breads are not fortified with vitamin d (this means it is artificially added), so that it makes it easier to ensure that everyone is able to eat foods which are rich in it.
You need to take a close look at your diet and lifestyle and then you will be able to work out for yourself the answer to the question 'do I need more vitamin d?'

Acai Berry Actives - All About Brazilian Acai Berry By Anna Goco

2010-11-26T15:41:00.000-08:00

One of the healthiest fruit that was recently discovered is the Brazilian acai berry. Sure this fruit has been around for hundreds of years, but it was only recently that it was revealed to the rest of the world. It became known as the number one superfood with all the nutritional factors that it offers. With regular consumption of this fruit, the benefits you will receive are an improved immune system, improved cardiovascular system, longevity, and also weight loss benefits. Since this fruit is highly perishable, you can have your fill in other forms such as supplements like Acai Berry Actives.

Acai berries originated from the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil where it grows on majestic palm trees. It is a small, purplish miracle fruit that looks similar to blueberries with a grape-like color. The fruit's nutritional content comes from the pulp, which is only 10% of the fruit while the other 90% consists of the seed. Seeing as the seed is inedible and has no nutritional value, it has to be carefully separated from the pulp when harvested. They are highly perishable so the only way to preserve its nutritional content is by freezing it.

These berries consist of proteins, antioxidants, fatty acids, and vitamins that all make this fruit the wonder that it is. The antioxidants in one berry alone are more than ten times the amount found in grapes. All these ingredients are what makes this fruit good at improving the immune system, clearing the mind, strengthening the heart, improving sleeping habits, and many other health benefits.

Another thing this fruit is known for is its ability to slow down the aging process. This is the secret to longevity that many have been after to help in keeping them looking young. Aside from that, these berries also achieves healthy, glowing skin. You don't have to spend loads of money on anti-aging creams any longer because with this great fruit you can stay youthful forever.

Acai berries also offer weight loss benefits that eliminates the toxins in the body and improves the digestion process. Another benefit is that it also breaks down fat and suppresses appetite making it perfect for those who are trying to shed some pounds.

Finding Brazilian acai berry just anywhere is not an easy task since it is a highly perishable fruit. If you want to obtain all these great benefits, the solution is to opt for supplements such as Acai Berry Actives. This way, you can still receive all these health benefits with getting all the same nutrients that this fruit has to offer through this supplement.

Know What Hypertension Does To Your Body? By Ralph J. Greene

2010-11-12T23:28:00.001-08:00

One of the most common causes of fatality in the growing population of the world is hypertension. There never has been an exception in terms of age, race and gender so as to speak. Anywhere in the world, what comes into reality is that day by day, the earth loses hundreds to thousands of lives because people tend to take their health for granted.

Lifestyle may define a person's state of health, and one must consider how great and essential it is to be particular with such. Hypertension, the significant elevation of the blood pressure, is a predisposed medical condition that greatly affects the middle-aged to old aged. But genetic factors have been said to be contributing some percentage of possibility for a person to acquire this condition. It may also be present to people having such factors as insulin resistance, mutation and low birth weight. This risk may be triggered or precipitated with the form of lifestyle that one have, sedentary that is. All others will include stress, potassium and other mineral insufficiencies, obesity. This is the characteristic of essential hypertension.

Secondary hypertension that is, is caused by identifiable conditions and it is important to recognize because of the course of treatment that may vary from the essential one. There are underlying medical conditions that lead to elevation of blood pressure. It is caused by the disruption of homeostasis in the pathophysiological mechanisms such as your hormones and the organs that are responsible in its regulation.

The diagnosis of such is readily done through thorough assessment and history taking to also undergo physical examination. Basically it will require three separate sphygmomanometer measurements at least one week apart. There will be laboratory measurements to create the baseline of the treatment and to help work on a plan of action in treating the condition. Creatinine and additional testing for your protein for your renal function to check if kidney problems are present, glucose sampling to check for the presence of diabetes, electrocardiogram or ECG to evaluate heart insufficiency and chest x-rays to ensure there is no enlargement or damage in your heart and tissues.

Since lifestyle is subjective, change is the best way to get through with this. There is a known guideline that suggests a good line of lifestyle changes, and these are the following:

Discontinuation and cessation of tobacco and alcohol consumption have been proven effective in lowering the blood pressure. Since these two stimulants have been constricting or narrowing your blood vessels and impeding the blood flow, the stoppage of such will lead to a better circulation of your blood.

Weight reduction, regular exercise and proper diet improves the heart flow and eliminates the storage of fats and cholesterol which leads to regulation of heart rate and blood pressure.

Lifestyle modifications, medications and maintenance will help save lives from throwing into waste resulting from negligence and failure to take better care of one self. Ensure your future and be very vigilant and critical when it comes to health care.

Natural High Blood Pressure Cures That Work By Tom Chua

2010-11-12T23:27:00.000-08:00

Uncontrolled high blood pressure or hypertension damages the arteries and organs like the brain, heart and kidneys. About 90 to 95 percent of people suffering from hypertension have no known causes. Experts know that there are many factors involved including lifestyle, stress, smoking and diet.

Below are five top natural supplements that can treat hypertension recommended by experts in natural cures.

#1 - Hawthorn

This is one of the well known herbs that is used to treat hypertension. Studies show that hawthorn causes blood vessels to relax and this in turn will treat hypertension.

#2 - Calcium and Magnesium

These two minerals are known to help keep the bones healthy and strong. But studies also show that calcium and magnesium can bring hypertension under control as these two minerals are involved in muscle contractions.

As an added benefit, it will also keep your bones strong. To ensure proper absorption of calcium, take vitamin D as well.

#3 - Potassium

Potassium lowers high blood pressure but you will need a dose around 2,000 mg daily. Several studies show that it works well. However, keep in mind that this is a high dose and you will want this therapy to be supervised by your healthcare professional.

#4 - Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

There is a lot of interest in using coenzyme Q10 to treat cardiovascular diseases. It is a vitamin-like substance that seems to strengthen the heart and treat hypertension. Some hospitals are giving patients who suffered heart attacks Co Q10 supplements along with conventional prescription medications.

#5 - Fish Oil

Fish oil not only protects the heart and blood vessels, it is commonly used in patients suffering from hypertension. No experts will disagree that fish oil, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, is a must-take supplement for anyone with any type of cardiovascular disease.

Signs And Symptoms Of Hypertension Headaches By Greg J Ray

2010-11-12T23:25:00.000-08:00

Hypertension has become a common lifestyle disease and about 1 in every 6 individuals is diagnosed with high blood pressure. There are a number of signs and symptoms of hypertension on which you need to keep a check to avert any fatal consequences. Headache is very commonly associated with hypertension. If you are suffering from unexplained headaches, it is very important that you are going for a medical checkup to diagnose the individual cause.

There are quite a number of effects of hypertension headaches. There is a pulsating feeling behind the eyes. In some extreme case, people also tend to experience sudden blackouts. Some of the other symptoms of hypertension on which you need to keep close watch are shortness of breath, frequent urination, cramping in legs, fatigue, nervousness, restlessness and irregular heartbeats. Induce vomiting and inability to digest foods is some of the other factors that the patients tend to suffer from.

Hypertensions most of the times are accompanied with mild headaches. This must be considered seriously and doctor must be consulted as early as possible to ensure that there is nothing really serious with your health. The symptoms, if left untreated can lead to fatal consequences.

Hypertensive headaches usually occur towards the morning and the pain is experienced usually at the back of the head. Age and gender are two other factors, which are taken into consideration while offering proper care for hypertension. According to the research findings, women are more susceptible to headaches compared to men. Again compared to the older patients, those under 50 years are more vulnerable to hypertensive headaches. Obesity and too much of stress are two very prominent factors for hypertensive headaches.

If you are experiencing morning symptoms of hypertension headaches, you must visit a doctor as early as possible. With an early diagnosis, you can protect yourself from devastating effects. Headaches can seriously interfere with your daily activities and you may not be able to carry out the day-to-day activities of yours.

Proper medication and changes in lifestyle are some of the factors that you should constantly take care of to ensure that you are able to carry out your basic activities. Regulated diet and regular exercise are two of the best things that you can practice to keep your pressures within normal range. Poor circulation and sluggish metabolism are two primary reasons that add to the stress and lead to increase in the blood pressure level.

Natural Hypertension Treatment - Yes, It's Possible to Lower Blood Pressure Without Drugs By Dr. Wayne Sodano

2010-11-10T03:00:00.000-08:00

With cardiovascular disease remaining the number one killer in the United States, an estimated 50 million or more Americans are at risk of heart attacks and strokes because of high blood pressure. What gets less publicity is the fact that your high blood pressure can often safely and naturally be reversed.

Hypertension = High Blood Pressure

Physicians distinguish between two forms of hypertension. Primary Hypertension is when there is no obvious cause of elevated blood pressure, although genetics, nutrition, environmental factors, lack of exercise, tobacco use, and stress contribute to it. Secondary Hypertension occurs as a predictable result of some other disease, such as kidney disease or diabetes, among others.

Many times, Hypertension has no visible symptoms and is detected only through a routine blood pressure check at the doctor's office.

Over the last quarter century, mainstream medicine has focused on drug treatments rather than prevention. However, by finding the underlying cause of a particular patient's hypertension and using natural therapies, practitioners can help lower a person's blood pressure to the point where this resolves the problem.

Alternatives to Drugs

Because of the potential side effects of traditional medications used for Hypertension, if your high blood pressure is not at an advanced stage, it makes sense to begin with a conservative natural approach. Sometimes all it takes is a little investigative work to identify and then remove the cause of the problem.

Many drugs and over-the-counter substances are known to raise blood pressure. These include steroids, oral contraceptives, NSAIDS (such as ibuprofin and aspirin), appetite suppressants, nasal decongestants, and certain antidepressants.

Nutritional deficiencies of magnesium, calcium and other essential nutrients are also linked to hypertension, and these can be remedied through supplements. Diuretic drugs cause nutrient losses of important minerals that help to regulate the electrical activity of the heart.

Stress causes an increase of adrenal hormones, which can lead to Hypertension, so lifestyle changes that reduce or manage stress can lower blood pressure.

Lifestyle Changes That Work

A change to a healthier diet, drinking adequate amounts of water, an increase in regular exercise, and learning stress management techniques are excellent tools with profound effects in lowering blood pressure. If you smoke, it is essential to stop.
Practicing Yoga or Tai Chi, and having acupuncture or massage treatments are excellent stress reducers and often help resolve Hypertension.

Where to Find Help?

Functional Medicine practitioners, who may have the professional health care identity of a chiropractor, naturopath, acupuncturist, nutritionist or medical doctor, are trained as medical detectives. They track down the cause of an individual's symptoms rather than assuming that similar symptoms in two different people should be treated in the same way. Also, they tend to help patients with natural, science-based treatments besides drugs.

Dr. Wayne Sodano, D.C., is a chiropractic internist and a faculty member of Functional Medicine University, a training program for medical professionals. He also sits on the Advisory Board of YourMedicalDetective.com, a site that helps the general public understand the root causes of medical conditions - including high blood pressure and a broad range of other health problems

The Link Between Drinking Water and Managing Your Hypertension By Robert Reddin

2010-11-10T02:58:00.000-08:00

There may be no cure for hypertension, but there are things we sufferers can do to manage our condition effectively. One simple step we can take is to ensure that we drink sufficient water, for there is a link between our high blood pressure and the amount of water we drink each day.

Water is the natural cleanser for our bodies. That means it is the most effective way of flushing toxins out of our bodies. Whilst those toxins do not directly cause our hypertension, they can contribute to it by causing to other conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, which often goes hand in hand with our condition.

In addition, drinking plenty of water each day helps to eliminate excess levels of sodium. We need some salt in our diet. However, our modern Western diet is high in processed foods, fat and salt. We are consuming far too much sodium without even realizing it. The effect of this is to skyrocket our blood pressure to levels that would be dangerously high if they were to be maintained. Yet, by the nature of our diet and modern sedentary lifestyle, that is exactly what we are doing. Drinking adequate amounts of water each day helps to flush out the excess sodium through our kidneys and lower those all-important readings.

Keeping our bodies properly hydrated is important for our overall health. It helps our bodies to function more efficiently. One advantage of proper hydration is that it helps to keep our blood vessels elastic. Our hearts need to pump blood at higher pressures when our blood vessels lose their elasticity. Our blood vessels lose their elasticity as we grow older, which is one reason why older people tend to have higher blood pressure than do younger people. Drinking plenty of water can help alleviate this.

An indirect benefit of drinking plenty of water is that it makes us feel fuller for longer. This can be a useful aid to a healthy diet as it reduces the temptation to eat between meals and can contribute towards weight loss. As high blood pressure is often associated with obesity, losing weight is beneficial to our condition.

There is another beneficial side effect of drinking adequate amounts of water each day. That is, the more water we drink, the more we need to pass water. Our bodies try to maintain a natural balance. Part of which is balancing the volume of blood in our bodies, thus helping to maintain normal levels of blood pressure. In a way, drinking plenty of water is a natural diuretic, but without some of the side effects.

What, then, is an adequate amount of water? It is easy to become over enthusiastic and treat this method of managing our condition as a panacea. It is not. Most doctors and dieticians agree that our bodies need at least two litres of water a day to function efficiently, but there are health risks in drinking too much water too quickly.

We should aim to drink between six and eight glasses of cold water spaced out throughout the day. That will keep us properly hydrated. If we drink too much water or drink too much too quickly, while increasing the elimination of salt and water from our bodies, we may also be robbing ourselves of valuable minerals such as potassium and magnesium. This can leave us weak and confused.

Drinking an adequate amount of water each day may not be a panacea, but it is a very effective and simple way of helping us to manage our hypertension.

Reducing our hypertension does not necessarily mean that we have to take drugs to normalize our BP readings.

Natural Ways to Lower Blood Pressure - The Top 3 By John M Anthony

2010-11-10T02:56:00.000-08:00

There are many natural ways to lower blood pressure, and most, if not all of them hold some merit. Getting rid of Hypertension however, is not a sprint, but a marathon. In addition to this, it's often best to combine the efforts of a few natural ways to reduce BP readings to gain the best results. The goal of course is to always avoid taking Pills. Once you start taking pills, you can expect to feel significantly worse in many departments. This article will rate three different natural means of lowering your systolic and diastolic readings, and hopefully be of some use to hypertension sufferers.

3: Change your diet!

One of the most tried and true natural ways to lower blood pressure is of course to make changes to your diet. We all know that eating healthy has a huge overall effect on our well-being, and to lower BP, it's essential to be eating the right foods. Some kinds of foods that help with hypertension are high potassium foods (spinach, tomatoes, apricots etc) foods high in calcium, and garlic. Diet is a great start to lowering blood pressure, but probably has the least sizeable impact.

2: Increase your cardiovascular Health
Another of the natural ways to lower blood pressure that people often groan when they hear is to actually exercise and attempt to improve their cardiovascular health. Despite it being one of the toughest and most laborious ways to improve your BP readings, it is indeed a very important and effective method. Going for a 30 minute jog daily is enough, and will have you dropping a few points both systolic and diastolic in no time.

1: Slow Breathing Techniques
Interestingly, the most powerful and easiest natural way to cure hypertension is to practice slow breathing techniques. It's been known for a long time by experts that daily use of slow breathing techniques can have a huge positive effect on your BP, yet the information has never really hit the mainstream in any real way. It really is a great way to reduce stress and indeed take points off your BP Readings.

If done correctly, to a proper system, slow breathing has been known to reduce blood pressure by up to 40 Points systolic and 15 points diastolic - not bad results!

How to Relieve Stress - 4 Ways How to Relieve Stress

2010-10-26T06:15:00.000-07:00

There are many ways to relieve stress. In fact, with such a plethora of ideas to choose from it could become stressful! After becoming an adult with all of the responsibilities and strains that come with it, it seems like we slowly lose our natural ability to have fun. With our hectic lifestyles, we tend to ignore our stress levels and act as if chronic stress is somehow natural. But sadly, uncontrolled stress levels can lead to physical or mental illness and cause or contribute to dangerous conditions such as high blood pressure. So it's important to take stock of your stress and take action to relieve it.

Firstly, if at all possible the best way to start is to take some time off your normal, mundane and tiring routine and have break! Take a day or two off and take a getaway trip to some exciting or interesting place you've been wanting to see. If you're pressed for case or don't like travel you can achieve the same results by just doing something different or going somewhere new in your local area. Sit back and enjoy the scenery. It feels great to leave the boring everyday life behind now and then. Enjoy the new sights and sounds and appreciate them, because most people are not able to do this regularly. This is strictly a tactic for urgent circumstances and can help kickstart you onto a new, lower stress pathway.

The second factor to consider is other people: love 'em or hate 'em! Some people find relief and solace being among their loved ones; others have to get away from them once in a while. If you are a working professional, either a mom or a dad, then chances are you are always busy with your work and have little time to spend with your children. The resulting guilt only increases your stress. So take this opportunity to take your kids out for a picnic, to the beach or a trip to the theme park. For many people, their families are a big source of joy and happiness and spending some extra time with them can go a long way toward de-stressing.

On the other hand, if are single or if your relationships are currently a source of tension you may be better off hanging out with friends! Call up some friends to chill out at the pub and have a great time. Or there may be times when you just want to be alone. There's nothing wrong with that. The important thing is for you to divert yourself away from the source of your stress.

Everyone loves music, whatever form that may take. This effective stress buster is an easy and quick way to relax and loosen up when you don't have a lot of time available. Sing along if you're in the mood. There is a lot of scientific evidence showing that both music and singing relieve stress and lower blood pressure. Singing is actually a good physical workout and relieves muscle tension as effectively as any other exercise.

Speaking of workouts, a good blast of physical activity is a great stress reliever. Some people prefer aerobic exercise and others like anaerobic workouts. While aerobic exercise like jogging is generally better for lowering your blood pressure and strengthening your heart, an intense session on a punching bag or other strenuous exertion can often relieve stress more effectively.

After a workout you may need another form of stress relief: rest and relaxation. Most of us don't even get the eight hours of sleep we used to believe sufficient, let alone the 9 or 10 hours many experts now recommend.

Taking a break, spending time with friends and family, listening to music, exercise and rest; these are just a few easy ways to unwind and prevent modern stress from taking another casualty.

Jan Oliver is an academic, writer and researcher in Natural Health.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jan_Oliver

The Effects Of Stress Could Result In Hypertension And Worse

2010-10-26T06:10:00.000-07:00

Could the effects of stress cause high blood pressure? Most people think so. Even worse is the possibility stress, along with other risk factors, has a negative effect on overall health. So, what can we do to make sure all the stress that invades our lives will not hurt us in the long run? In this article, we will examine this question.

There are, of course, different kinds of stress. If we go out for a walk or jog we will put a certain amount of stress on our knees and ankles. In fact, any sort of physical activity we do, even if it is unpacking our groceries and putting cans of food on our shelves, will cause a certain amount of physical stress. However, in one way, physical stress is different than mental stress.

To examine how this can be, take the example of a professional athlete. He or she works out more than most other people. When working out, this athlete will probably do a lot of deep knee bends, a lot of running and a lot of weightlifting.

Of course, these things put a great deal of stress on all the muscles and joints in the body. However, when done correctly, athletes build up their strength as their workouts progress from their beginning stages to their advanced stages.

So, athletes prepare their bodies for more stress as they go along. Mental stress however, is not something we can regulate. Unlike physical workouts we do not choose how much stress we experience in beginning stages, intermediate stages or advanced stages. Stress and anxiety simply come at us.

So, we have to prepare ourselves for stress by learning how not to let it affect us. This is done by practicing relaxation, meditation or visualization and ironically, physical exercise.

Practicing relaxation simply involves deep breathing exercises while seated or laying down comfortably. Usually, relaxation is combined with either meditation or visualization. Simply put, after one gets into a relaxed state he or she visualizes pleasant and calming thoughts. These thoughts could be of some peaceful scene he or she has enjoyed visiting or by simply making up a scene that is relaxing.

Exercise, in itself, helps a person relax, not only immediately after the exercising is done, but on through the day. Exercise brings about chemical changes in the body that help one deal better with stress on a mental level.

The result of exercising and practicing relaxation is being better able to deal with stress, or to put it another way, the ability to blow off stressful situations. In turn, this is very good for the blood pressure and general overall health.

Jason Falson once battled with serious hypertension but now has normal BP readings. He has credited his remarkable recovery to following a few simple rules. Of course, one of these rules is following his doctor's orders. His Website, Blood Pressure Symptoms discusses Jason's rules of blood pressure control. Also, learn more about the connection between hypertension and anxiety and how to control your anxiety at Dealing with Anxiety.

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Stress Relief Exercising Could Help Reduce High Blood Pressure

2010-10-26T06:06:00.000-07:00

Stress relief exercising can be very helpful in one's pursuit to feel better and reduce high blood pressure. At first, doing exercises to relieve stress, you may feel better simply because exercising has a tendency to reduce nervousness. Over a longer period of time, this can result in feeling better on a whole different level because being calm over a long period of time helps reduce blood pressure and has a positive effect on one's feeling of well-being. In this article, we explain stress relief exercising.

To begin with let's remember there is no substitute for regular medical checkups. If during one of these checkups you are diagnosed with hypertension, make sure to follow your doctor's orders.

Prepare the Body
Most people are familiar with progressive relaxation. Progressive relaxation is a form of stress relief exercising because it can take a person from being very anxious to an absolutely peaceful state of mind. When relaxation is combined with the proper mental imagery, stress relief will result. Here's how it's done:

Make yourself as comfortable as you can by either sitting or lying down. Many people have the greatest success lying down at home in their bed. However, others have better success being in a reclining chair. Then again I and some others I know of have had successful stress relieving exercise sessions in their cars while they were parked in a parking lot.

Take a deep breath to the count of five while filling your lungs completely. Then, hold your breath for 3 to 5 seconds. Some people have no problem holding their breath for 5 seconds, while for others, it is a struggle. So do the best you can. If you can only hold your breath for one second that is fine.

The next step is to exhale. With relaxation exercising, you always want to exhale to twice the count of your inhale. So, since you have inhaled to the count of five, exhale to the count of ten. Do this four more times.

Deep Relaxation

Turn your mind's attention to one of your feet. Whether it is your left or your right, it does not matter. In your mind, instruct your foot to relax. Then move your attention to your other foot and instruct it to relax. While doing these things get the feeling the muscles in your feet are actually loosening up while they are relaxing. Move your attention upward to your calves. Little by little, move your attention up your body as you Instruct each body part to relax.

Continue relaxing all of your body parts until you get to the top of your head. Tell your scalp to relax. Next, get the feel of being totally relaxed. Then, turn your attention to your breathing. Don't listen to anything else just your breathing. If any negative thoughts should come into your mind, don't try to fight them. Just let them do what they will and continue to listen to your breathing.

As you listen to your breath enter into and exit your lungs, feel yourself becoming more and more peaceful. Study how this peacefulness feels to you and examine it from all aspects. Enjoy this feeling for several minutes. You will know when it is time to get back up and resume your normal activities.

You should practice this exercise at least three times a week. The exercise sessions usually last from 20 minutes to a half hour, but it is fine if they go longer.

Take Relaxation with You
At any time during the day you can recall the feeling you had when you were in a totally relaxed state. Recalling the mental imagery of yourself being totally relaxed will help squelch any sudden adrenaline flow that may come over you because something stressful has occurred during your day.

This will benefit you greatly because you will be able to hear stress knocking but by recalling the calmness you have experienced, that stress will not be able to come through your door. This is one of the great benefits of stress relief exercising. The long-term benefit may be better blood pressure and a better possibility of not being afflicted by the many illnesses and diseases we normally associate with stress.

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Fact About Hypertension

2010-10-26T06:03:00.000-07:00

Hypertension is one of the common ailments that people have. In the United States, a statistics of one out of every three adults have High blood pressure. An estimated two million teenagers and children have Hypertension which is a really alarming and major public issue.

What is Hypertension?
Hypertension, also known as High blood pressure is defined as a pressure that builds up in the arteries. The arteries are where our blood is being carried from the heart to all over the parts of our body.

There are stresses like emotional tension that elevates pressure of the blood. However, it doesn't mean that you already have a Hypertension.

The normal range would be around 120/80 or below. If the pressure falls between 139/89 and 120/80, you are in danger of hypertension. If the pressure goes up to 140/90 and above, you are now in the Hypertension category.

The first number that is mentioned in the blood pressure reading is called systolic blood. It measures the pressure within the arteries as the heart contracts and pumps blood in and out.
The last number that is mentioned in the pressure reading is called diastolic pressure. This one measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart goes on relaxation after pumping the blood.

Hypertension can't be easily discovered. That's why people call it the "Silent Killer". You're lucky if you showed symptoms like feeling dizzy, blurred vision, loss of breath and headaches. You can still have medications and prevent it. Usually, people will only know they already have a high blood pressure if and when complications already went through. Hypertension is normally discovered when a person have been already rushed to a clinic or any hospital because of stroke, heart attack, kidney failure or impaired vision.

There is only 1% of the current population that has malignant Hypertension already. The diastolic blood pressure exceeds 140 which can already lead to a stroke. The person would experience kidney failure, dizziness and visual symptom or sever head ache already. It's a very small number because people wouldn't go to a checkup not unless they're feeling something already.
So how do we prevent Hypertension? We can prevent it by living healthy. It's easier said than done but this is the safest thing we can do. If you want to have an added precaution, you can have a regular check up with your doctor. It's better to be safe than sorry.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eric_A_De_Jesus

Hypertension - Foods That Can Help Lower High Blood Pressure

2010-10-26T05:58:00.000-07:00

Hypertension, which is more commonly referred to as high blood pressure is one of the major health predicaments that a lot of individuals are scared to encounter. This is because hypertension is known to be related with several health conditions that can bring about life-threatening conditions like heart attack and stroke. While it is bothering when you have been discovered to be suffering from hypertension, you should not prevent this from causing too much trouble which may lead to worsening of the condition since stress can also be a factor that can make the person more hypertensive.

However, the condition can be managed by following a healthy lifestyle and consumption of medications specifically to lower the blood pressure. Following a healthy lifestyle includes eating foods that can help in reducing increased blood pressure level or at least maintaining a good blood pressure level.

It should be noted that the food you eat is one of the most significant factors that can contribute to having high blood pressure. This explains why hypertension can be hindered if you consume foods that are favorable and avoid foods that can cause high blood pressure. This is why doctors always recommend a healthy diet specifically for hypertensive patients only. This article will name some of the foods that should be included in the diet plan of a hypertensive patient.

• Fruits Fruits do not contain fats or carbohydrates and other nutrients that when taken in large amounts would contribute to increasing the level of blood pressure. Apple, banana, strawberries, oranges, and apricots are some of the common and easy to find fruits that are classified as anti-hypertension foods or fruits. Including appropriate servings of any of these foods would help you keep up with a healthy diet for hypertension patients.

• Lean Meat For sure, even hypertensive patients would also like some variety in the foods that they will eat as part of their diet plan. To stay on the safer side, it would be ideal to include lean meat either red or white meat. If you want to eat poultry recipes, it is better that you remove the skin of the chicken. It is greatly advised that you either grill or bake it instead of frying the meat in oil.

• Dairy Products If you want to drink milk, it is greatly advised that you choose low fat varieties including skimmed milk and other low-fat milk products. To have your regular supply of calcium, you can also try fat-free cheeses that are available in groceries and supermarkets.

• Vegetables Vegetables are known to be healthy foods because it comes with essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that can all bring good benefits to your body. Vegetables like spinach and tomato are known to be responsible in maintaining normal blood pressure level.

• Whole Grains Complex carbohydrates in the most natural form are considered ideal food sources for people diagnosed with hypertension. Oats and barley products are some of the common foods that you can include in your hypertension-free diet plan.

In keeping up with a hypertension food plan, it is important that you stay away from eating foods that are processed because they possess high levels of salt, which is not good for people suffering from hypertension. Generally, ideal foods for hypertension patients should be low on fat, moderate levels of proteins, and rich in fiber nutrients.

Tono has been writing articles for nearly 4 years. His latest interest is about weight loss.

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What Is Dengue Fever?

2010-10-25T16:13:00.000-07:00

The tropical regions of our world are very beautiful. They have awesome beaches and scenery and the temperature always reminds you of summer. However not everything is bright and filled with sunshine.

The tropics are host to many diseases. Malaria is famous but it is usually found in the middle of the jungle. Closer to home and but not quite as dangerous is dengue fever or sometimes called dengue hemorrhagic fever. It is a life-threatening disease. It begins as a normal fever but it gets worse. The fever lasts for 2 to 7 days. There will be pain, behind the eyes, or in the joints or muscles. Skin rashes develop. Bleeding can occur in the nose, gums and the skin. Patients experience abdominal pain and their vomit turns into something colored like coffee and their stool is black. It is definitely not pretty.

The virus is transmitted by one particular mosquito, the Aedes. The mosquito is their means of transportation. Dengue cannot spread from one person to another.

There is no vaccine to the dengue virus. Finding one is complicated. There are four serotypes of dengue. None of which will provide immunity when infected by the others. Vaccines against dengue have also been known to make patients more susceptible to other more severe diseases.

Preventing dengue becomes an effort of controlling the population of the mosquitoes. Make sure that there are no stale water sources out in the open. In ponds or tanks, sometimes the natural enemies of mosquito larva are placed together with it.

A person can also try to prevent mosquito bites. Aedes mosquitoes are active early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Be careful during those times. Use repellents or wear long-sleeved shirts. However, there's not much to worry about if your environs are clean.

Most of the time, dengue fever isn't fatal. It's treated like a regular fever. Rest, drink lots of fluids and eat healthy food. Most of the time this works, however patients should be monitored carefully. If dengue progresses and the worst symptoms start to occur then they should be sent to the hospital as soon as possible.

Even if the fever goes down after 3 to 5 days, keep monitoring. This is actually the most dangerous period because they are not out of the woods yet. The symptoms could suddenly come back together with the bleeding and the vomiting. Proper hospital treatment is necessary should this occur.

For the casual tourist, dengue shouldn't be something to worry you unless an outbreak occurs. Most of the time just avoid dirty and moist areas and you'll be fine.

Jonathan Russell is an artist and blogger that has been writing articles on many different topics for the last 2 years.

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I Have a Fever - What Is a Fever and How to Treat It

2010-10-25T16:11:00.000-07:00

Wake up and think to yourself "I have a fever"? But you're not entirely sure? Here is a clear, short explanation of what is a fever, including symptoms and treatment

When you have a fever, your body temperature is higher than the normal level. Your normal body temperature should be 37 degrees Centigrade or 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. A fever is one way the body responds to infection. Fevers may be caused by many factors. The most common include a viral illness such as a throat, chest infection or flu, or an urinary infection. It might be due to diseases, or caused by sunburn and heatstroke. Fevers may even be caused by a reaction to a particular drug.

As well as your body temperature going up, you might feel shivery and chilled. Or hot and flushed. If the fever continues, you might get dehydrated.

Although you might feel hot and you can compare your temperature with someone who feels healthy by feeling the warmth from each forehead, the only accurate way to truly check if by using a thermometer. There are aural digital thermometers, you put the tip of it inside your ear and wait for the beep and read the temperature display. For other digital thermometers, you put them in your mouth or squeeze in your armpit - again waiting for the beep.

You should see your doctor if you're feeling feverish and unwell, particularly if you have another specific symptom - for example you might have earache, or a rash or a bad cough including a cough with phlegm.

Go see a doctor immediately if:
- your temperature is over 39.4 degrees C of 103 degrees Fahrenheit
- You are confused or feeling drowsy
- If you are having trouble breathing
- If you have a headache, stiff neck, a sensitivity to light and/or a rash

There are painkillers such as ibuprofen and paracetamol will can help to reduce fever symptoms including fever chills and headaches. Take the painkiller as instructed on the packet as soon as you are feeling feverish or have fever chills.

If the fever lasts more than two days despite attempts to bring it down - pay a visit to the doctor, and if you develop other symptoms.

You can also help yourself treat a fever by resting. Do not go to work and take it easy. Keep yourself hydrated - drink lots of water or diluted fruit juice. Caffeine found in coffee and tea can dehydrate you further so avoid this. The old housewives were right - chicken soup or broth can help too if you are off your appetite. Don't over wrap yourself - wear light, loose clothing and make sure the temperature in the room is not too hot (but not too cold too).

If you are feeling shivery or have the fever chills, there is a temptation to wrap yourself up in blankets and comforters. Don't do that as you might make your temperature rise even further - especially if there is a fever in children. Instead, use a sheet or light blanket as a cover. If you're all hot and sweaty, use a damp, lukewarm towel to warm down your face from time to time.

Jennifer Carver is a writer, researcher. Her latest topic is on the lot of confusing, vague and even bad information out there on taking care of leopard gecko pets.

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The Incredible Health Benefits of Vitamin B Complex

2010-10-25T16:07:00.000-07:00

Vitamin B or Vitamin B Complex, are a group of water-soluble vitamins that play a major role in the optimum functioning of our bodies. Research has shown that this group of vitamins, in particular, are essential for digestion, the nervous system, energy production, healthy hair, skin and nails.

Nutritionists place vitamins into two main categories based on how they dissolve in the body. Vitamins are either water soluble or fat soluble.

It is important to note that the body does not store Vitamin B, as it is water soluble, and is passed out through urine. We therefore need to obtain this vitamin through maintaining a varied and nutritional diet.

The group of B vitamins work together in the body and studies have shown, deficiency in one leads to improper functioning of the others. It has been recommended by some to take a Vitamin B Complex supplement, and to top up any individual B vitamins as required, to ensure the correct levels are present and to maintain them.

The health benefits of Vitamin B have been reported and confirmed through detailed research and clinical studies. Results have shown that a deficiency in Vitamin B can cause dermatitis, dry and greying skin, acne, rashes, wrinkles, hair loss and weak nails.

Riboflavin, a B2 vitamin is important for red cell production and has the ability to process calories that we obtain from carbohydrates, protein and fat. A B2 deficiency will result in decreased energy, an increased sensitivity to light and possible skin rashes.

Pyridoxine is the medical term for Vitamin B6, crucial in the functioning and regulation of the nervous system and optimum brain function. In order to fight illness and disease, the body requires this vitamin to produce antibodies. Vitamin B6 is also effective in the breaking down of proteins and increased doses of this vitamin are needed for people who have a diet high in protein.

Although Vitamin B Complex is essential to maintain health, there have been claims that too much of this vitamin can lead to other health complaints. A high dose can lead to the production of bright yellow urine, as the excess is passed out of the body in this manner. This is not something to worry about and has not proved to be harmful to health.

It has however been claimed, that excessive doses of Pyridoxine, have the ability to cause numbness and neurological disorders. The symptoms that have been suggested include mouth sores, depression, irritability and confusion.

A healthy diet of fresh produce will ensure correct levels of Vitamin B are absorbed into the bloodstream, although it is important to realise that incorrect preparation and storage of food could see the food stripped of essential B vitamins.

One of the best ways to give your body the nutrients it requires is to use a high-quality natural supplement that contains vitamins, minerals, trace elements, enzymes and a host of other proven effective nutrients.

Henri K. Junttila is a health researcher, and believer of using the best natural options to stay healthy and young.

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Vitamin B Complex - Benefits, Side Effects and Deficiency

2010-10-25T16:04:00.000-07:00

We all need vitamins and minerals to keep us healthy and strong. These are essential to our overall well being and the state of our mind and body. This article provides information on the vitamins comprising vitamin b complex, their benefits to human nutrition, common side effects and the consequences of deficiency.

How Can This Vitamin Help Me?
Vitamin B complex, is a combination of several water soluble vitamins. The B complex group is made up of of eight B vitamins namely, B1(thiamine), B2(riboflovin), B3(niacin), B6(pyridoxine), B12(cobalamine), folic acid, panthothenic acid and biotin. Each of these vitamins has a distinctive function to perform in the body. Vitamin B complex helps in the healthy functioning of the immune and nervous system. It helps in the production of red blood cells and prevents anemia.

What are the Side Effects and How Much Should I Take?
Consuming more than 400 mg/day of vitamin B 6, which is 200 times the RDA, can cause difficulty in walking, some neurological disorders and numbness in the mouth and hands. An overdose of vitamin B 3 , also known as niacin may result in the following symptoms: faintness, pounding in the head, diarrhea, jaundice and impairment of liver function, low levels of glucose tolerance, other skin lesions and abdominal cramps. Most of the effects are reduced on withdrawal of the vitamin. The recommended daily allowance is 1.4 mg for Vitamin B1, 1.6 mg for Vitamin B2, 2 mg for Vitamin B6 and 1 ug for vitamin B 12. If you want to get your intake from food sources then plants are not a good source of Vitamin B. Most of it is obtained from animal protein.

What Happens If I am Deficient in Vitamin B complex?
Vitamin B deficiency can affect the nerve transmission and proper functioning of the brain. It increases the risk of heart disease. Deficiency of vitamin B12 can lead to the formation of abnormal cells called megaloblasts and result in anemia. It can also cause problems like depression and loss of memory. There are a number of reasons why many people suffer from a deficiency of this vitamin and a deficiency of the B complex vitamin might lead to a lot of health problems such as chronic exhaustion and fatigue, insomnia, lack of concentration and irritability. Should you think you are deficient, then the best course of action is to talk to your doctor or health professional who can advise you on supplementation.

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5 Top Reasons You Need Vitamin B Complex

2010-10-25T16:02:00.000-07:00

The Vitamin B Complex comprises of the essential B Vitamins - Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B9, Vitamin B12 plus the vitamins Biotin, Choline and Inositol.
Vitamin B Complex is needed for the proper functioning of almost every process in the body. Here are my 5 top reasons you need to get plenty of B Complex vitamins in your diet.

1. Energy Production

Vitamin B1 is needed to help convert the carbohydrates we eat into glucose.
The following B Vitamins are needed at a cellular level to convert glucose into energy - Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6 and Biotin. A Vitamin B deficiency in any of these vitamins can lead to decreased energy production, lethargy and fatigue.

2. Healthy Nervous system

The Vitamin B Complex is essential for the healthy functioning of the nervous system. Vitamin B5 is needed for the correct functioning of the adrenal glands and the production of some hormones and nerve regulating substances. Vitamin B1, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12 are essential for the regulation and correct functioning of the entire nervous system including brain function. Vitamin B9 is essential to prevent neural tube defects to the foetus during pregnancy. A deficiency in any of the Vitamin B Complex vitamins can lead to feeling stressed, anxious and depressed.

3. Good Digestion

The Vitamin B Complex is essential for correct digestion, production of HCl (Hydrochloric acid) and to assist in the breakdown of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. Especially vital for good digestion are Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3 and Vitamin B6. A deficiency in any of these B Vitamins can lead to impaired digestion and deficiency of essential nutrients.

4.Healthy Skin, Hair and Nails

The Vitamin B Complex is essential for correct RNA and DNA synthesis and cell reproduction. As our Skin, Hair and Nails are constantly growing and renewing themselves we need the following B vitamins to ensure the good health of these structures - Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B9, Vitamin B12, Biotin and Choline. Deficiencies of any of these B Vitamins can lead to dry, grey skin, dermatitis, wrinkles, acne, rashes, falling hair and weak, splitting nails.

5. Synergy

The B Vitamins work so closely with one other that a deficiency in any one B Vitamin can lead to poor functioning of any or all of the others even if they are in good supply. Always take the B Vitamins in a Complex and then top up with any individual Vitamin B, if needed.

Nadine Masseron ND DN MRN is a registered Naturopathic Physican and Nutritionist. She is dedicated to increasing awareness about the benefits of natural health.

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Understanding The Benefits of Vitamin B Complex

2010-10-25T15:59:00.000-07:00

Vitamin B complex is a group of vitamins that includes thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, B-6, folate, B-12, pantothenic acid, biotin and choline. Some of the benefits of vitamin B complex supplements include increased energy, improved or more stable moods, healthier skin, hair and eyes.

The vitamins are important for proper nervous system and immune system function.
Actually, adequate amounts of the vitamin B complex group are needed on a daily basis to insure the proper function of many systems of the human body. Niacin (found in the vitamin B complex group) is found in every cell of the human body. Inadequate amounts of niacin in the diet can result in dermatitis (dry, itchy, inflamed skin), muscle soreness, cramping, exhaustion, insomnia, indigestion, mental problems, sores in the mouth and loss of appetite.

Another very important part of the vitamin B complex group is folate, known until recently as folic acid. Healthy men and women over the age of 13 need at least 400 mg per day. Women who are pregnant or nursing need more to support the growth needs of infants. Deficiencies can result in a variety of learning disabilities and growth problems.

No upper limits have been established for the vitamin B complex group. No toxic affects have been noted, except after intravenous injections of pharmaceutical quantities. When taken orally, the body uses what it needs and excretes anything that is left over.

The benefits of vitamin B complex to the elderly include improved memory and mood. No matter what their age, most people notice an improvement in memory and ability to concentrate, as well as a decrease in depressed feelings and irritability.

Vitamin B complex is used by the body to convert carbohydrates into glucose, which is then converted by the cells into energy, commonly referred to as metabolism. The symptoms of vitamin B complex deficiency are similar to symptoms of low blood sugar levels. Increased irritability is one of the first symptoms. Those with sluggish metabolisms or problems controlling their weight often benefit from vitamin B complex supplements.

Most people who start taking a vitamin B complex supplement notice an increase in energy immediately. If you suffer from dry skin or hair, it may take a few weeks to notice a difference, but you will see an improvement.

It is nearly impossible to get adequate amounts of the vitamin B complex from a typical daily diet. In addition, certain things increase an individual's daily vitamin B complex requirements. Drinking coffee or alcohol increases the need for the B vitamins. Taking birth control pills, sulfa drugs and sleeping medications increase the need for the vitamin B complex group. It is interesting to note that a lack of vitamin B complex in the diet can lead to insomnia, which could lead someone to ask for a sleep aid, which increases the need for the vitamins. Before you reach for a sleeping pill, you may want to look at your diet and whether or not you are getting adequate amounts of the vitamin B complex group.

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The Connection Between Omega 3 and Brain Health

2010-10-24T12:08:00.000-07:00

Have you heard the sayings "eat your fish, it's brain food" and "an apple a day keeps the doctor away" only to shrug them off as old wives tales that have no merit? You may be surprised to discover that both of these statements actually have scientific backing and are vital for our overall good health.

Fish is the main source of the essential fatty acids known as omega 3. Brain health is dependent on DHA, one of the fatty acids. The brain needs adequate levels of DHA, docosahexaenoic acid, to rebuild and maintain cells. When you eat fish or consume fish oil supplements you are providing the necessary building blocks to support optimum brain activity. This omega 3 and brain health go hand in hand.

Apples have been named as one of the top 25 most nutritious foods along with blueberries, broccoli, dark leafy greens and of course oily fish, just to name a few. Apples are rich in fiber, fruit flavonoids, and antioxidants.

Eating this nutritious fruit can help decrease cholesterol levels and has been known to improve defenses against cancer and other illnesses. They contain quercetin, an antioxidant that may reduce your risk of lung cancer.

One Penn State research study discovered that people who ate an apple fifteen minutes before lunch consumed about 200 calories less during that meal than when they didn't have their fruit snack ahead of time, therefore being able to maintain a healthier weight.

An apple is easy to just grab, and as long as it has been thoroughly washed, it is all ready to eat. Fish isn't so simple, but it is possible to obtain the necessary dosage of DHA with the convenience of fish oil dietary supplements in capsule form. So whether you are just taking omega 3 capsules along with your daily multi-vitamins, or sitting down to a complete salmon dinner, you can be assured you are helping your brain with its normal day-to-day function.
One other area of study that has been done in regard to omega 3 and brain health is that of dementia. A very encouraging report published in the Archives of Neurology stated that those over age 65 who ate fish twice a week slowed their rate of cognitive decline by 13 percent. In contrast, studies have also shown that degenerative brain conditions like Alzheimer's disease are more prevalent in people who have a lower blood plasma level of DHA.

Many people find it hard to get sufficient amounts of omega 3 and brain benefits by consuming enough seafood alone. They find it easier to take DHA dietary supplements in capsule form. The dosage is documented on the packaging so they are assured of getting enough of this vital nutrient.

Elizabeth Ruby is passionate about good health and is a firm believer in taking quality nutritional supplements. She has extensively researched Omega 3 fatty acids for optimal health.

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