medicine

Natural Remedies For High Blood Pressure

by Steve Brodie

Around one in three adults in western industrialised nations will suffer from high blood pressure, a further third of these will be unaware of their condition because high blood pressure is a silent and deadly disease.

Blood pressure at a normalised rate will look something like 120(systolic)/80(diastolic)mmHg. Pre-hypertension is between 120-139/80-89 and stage one and two hypertension range between 140-160/90-100 or higher. Nosebleeds, headaches and dizziness are some of the symptoms of high blood pressure, though symptoms are rare in the early stages.

There is no identifiable cause of high blood pressure (unless it is secondary hypertension which is directly related to another illness) rather it is a combination of lifestyle factors which lead to the disease. Lifestyles that are sedentary, involve high intake of salt and sugar, smoking and alcohol consumption will all carry risk of hypertension as will excess weigh, increased age and a family history of the disorder.

There are many natural remedies and lifestyle changes which can help to get your blood pressure lower naturally. Most doctors will recommend medications for controlling hypertension and in severe cases this is very necessary, but try and work with your doctor to find natural solutions to hypertension ” in any case leaving high blood pressure untreated can lead to kidney disease, stroke and heart attack.

Some natural remedies worth looking into include coenzyme Q10, which has seen promising results in studies for lowering blood pressure. Garlic is one of natures wonder plants, and as a natural blood thinner helps in lowering blood pressure ” including it in your diet is a great health benefit even without hypertension, though if you are taking garlic supplements then consult your doctor to see how it will react with any other medication you are one.

Hawthorn is also great for high blood pressure. Hawthorn extract has seen marked reductions in studies of hypertensive patients without any herb-drug reactions.

Calcium, Potassium and Magnesium have all shown to have results in helping to lower high blood pressure. Potassium helps counter the effects of salt on the kidneys and helps to lower blood pressure there. There are many other herbal and natural remedies out there, so try all your options before going on life-time medication.

Stress is also a significant factor in high blood pressure, so learning to de-stress your life is essential to controlling the disorder. The fight against hypertension can also be helped by using your mind ” techniques such as autogenic training and biofeedback have shown postivie impacts on high blood pressure. Both techniques are about learning to control otherwise involuntary functions like breathing, temperature, heart rate and of course blood pressure. These techniques are positive life practices, though they do require a lot of effort.

Low impact exercise evens out blood flow and will lower your resting heart rate and blood pressure, so taking a daily walk is another good treatment. High intensity exercise is not recommended for hypertensive patients, though any new exercise program should be run past your doctor first to be on the safe side.

Ayurvedic, Chinese and other alternative medicical practices also have treatments for high blood pressure. Constitutional types are used to treat patients in Ayurvedic medicine, so each remedy will differ for each patient . Chinese medicine sees a lack of vital energy or Qi as being realted to high blood pressure and emotional issues such as depression and anger linked to hypertension. Chinese medicine practitioners will generally combine acupuncture with herbal treatments.

It is very important to remember that natural remedies are available and can work quickly to lower blood pressure. Finding ways to deal with high blood pressure naturally is essential if you are a hypertension sufferer and even if you think you may be at risk.

About the Author:

If you liked this article on take a peek at my remedies for blood pressure website How To Lower Blood Pressure Naturally for plenty of valuable tips for you!

Find Out How You Can Find Relief From Carpal Tunnel massage

By PHT Support

by Tom Nicholson

People that suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome know all to well about the days of intense pain and suffering as well as the reduction in their activities due to the reduced of motor activity in their hands and fingers. Many people will seek medical help and be given both pain medications and a supportive wrist brace. In severe cases surgery may be recommended to relive the pressure and pain in the wrist and hand. Surgery can often be avoided by combining carpel tunnel exercises with carpal tunnel massage. This method of relief is effective and has fewer side effects than surgery.

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve becomes compressed. By doing exercises that will strengthen the shoulder, neck, forearm and back muscles it is possible to prevent the condition from developing. People that do repetitive hand motions either for their work or hobbies are advised to take preventative measures in order to avoid the onset of this condition. Regular massage is effective at relieving any pressure that may be building as a result of the repetitive movements.

Carpal tunnel syndrome isn’t only caused by these repetitive motions. Conditions like a wrist injury, pregnancy, arthritis, obesity, and cigarette smoking can cause the median nerve to become compressed. The median nerve is critical to the operation of the thumb, the wrist, and the first three fingers on the hand. When the nerve compresses, the result can be debilitating. The pain is usually severe and a reduction in the use of the affected hand is common.

Once the condition has developed it is critical to begin a treatment plan as early as possible. This will prevent additional nerve damage and will relieve the pain associated with CTS. If left untreated the pain will likely begin to worsen with time. By massaging the area the carpal tunnel pain can be greatly reduced and the nerves functions may be restored.

By using a deep and stroking massage method, the pain of carpal tunnel syndrome can relieved and is a great alternative to surgery or pain killers. Long strokes that are administered from the forearm to the wrist should last for a few seconds in order to stimulate the blood circulation. Use pressure that feels good as well as hurts at the time the stroke are being applied.

Doing exercises that will strengthen the arm, back, shoulder and neck muscles should be done in addition to the carpal tunnel massage techniques. By doing resistance and squeezing exercises, muscles are stretched while the blood flow is increased in these areas. After just a few weeks of doing the carpal tunnel massage therapy along with the proper exercise the pain will be reduced considerably. If treatment is continued it is possible for the median nerve to return to normal.

People that are suffering from CTS know that the pain can be very intense at times. While it does take some time and effort in order to heal the condition the effort will pay off. By administering self massage, carpal tunnel exercises, and allowing the muscles and nerves to rest, relief can be found. This method of treatment will allow sufferers to avoid the risk that is involved with any type of surgery.

About the Author:

Wouldn’t you like to ease the symptoms of by your carpal tunnel syndrome using simple exercises instead of resorting to surgery? simple massage has been around for thousands of years and used around the world to keep the body healthy and maintain youthfulness. discover carpal tunnel exercises that can help you recover from CTS.

Depression Versus Normal Sadness? -Do You Know The Difference?

By PHT Support

Do you ever wonder if you have depression? Many of us will have feelings that fit the definition of depression, but is it really depression? Clinical Depression is a mental disorder that affects millions of people. Disrupting lives, weaving itself into all aspects of our life, yet the feelings of depression can also be normal. Confusing? Let’s look at some of the criterias for depression.

First of all, having days when you feel down, or sad, is normal. We all have days when we feel blue, or down. It is just part of life. If those sad, blue feelings become your most predominant feelings however, like a dark persistent cloud, your emotions may not be just a “mood” but depression.

Depression is an illness, a mental disorder that overwhelms your mind and body. It is not a transient mood that can be dismissed. The victim of depression is powerless to command it to leave. It changes how you think and how you feel. It essentially changes who you are and affects how you interact with others.

So how can you tell the difference between actual clinical depression and normal feelings of sadness. Essentially it’s about intensity and time. The feelings associated with depression are much more intense. Your character and your ability to cope with reality become severely affected. It becomes almost impossible to function on a daily basis.

The threshold for diagnosing depression in terms of time seems to be about two weeks. Being sad and withdrawn for a short period of time is a normal human reaction to significant negative events. However, if your personality and interaction with others fails to return to normal after about two weeks time, then you may have entered a major depressive episode. Depression can last for weeks, months or even years–without treatment.

How is depression treated? The good news is that depression is very treatable. Combining therapy with medication is usually quite effective. Investigating some of the newer “Energy Therapies” such as Emotional Freedom Techniques or Tapas Acupressure Technique can bring some impressive results and can be done in conjunction with traditional methods.

No one is immune to the effects of depression. It is not an indication of weakness or failure. If you suspect that you or someone you know may be suffering from depression, it’s important to get professional advice as soon as possible.

Hand and Wrist Positions for Relieving CT Symptoms Pain

By PHT Support

by Tom Nicholson

You probably already know about the nightmare that carpel tunnel syndrome can be to deal with. You have probably heard of the condition from a friend or co-worker that has battled it an know that you want no part of it. You may be thinking that you should take some steps to prevent this from happening to you. If you work in an office, are a construction worker or an athlete, you are probably wise to think like this. Anyone that uses their hands a repetitive way is at risk and should take steps to prevent carpel tunnel syndrome.

We always think our hands will be there for us. We don’t mind when we get a little burn or scratch from a pet. It seems that our hands can take a beating and just keep on going. The truth is that our hands are extremely valuable to us, and we need them to carry out countless chores throughout the day. But for those of us who use them in our daily jobs, they become even more valuable. You’d think people would take more preventative measures to keep their hands in tip-top shape!

What is carpal tunnel syndrome and what affect can it have on our hands? This condition can be very painful and often starts of as a tingling or numbness in the hands. The symptoms can also be present in the elbow and forearm depending on how long the symptoms have been present. Some people may loss the function of their hands and fingers and may require weeks of rehabilitation before they can be fully productive at their work. If the body starts to compensate for the pain of the carpel tunnel syndrome other conditions such as neck pain, shoulder pain, or back pain could occur.

Carpal tunnel syndrome happens when the median nerve-which runs the length of the arm-is compressed at the wrists. This compression occurs when the transverse carpal ligament is put under pressure and becomes tightened. The transverse carpal ligament is necessary because it binds ligaments and nerves together at the wrist and is important for maneuverability and functionality in your hands. By not keeping the hands loose and stress free, you are inviting pain and discomfort into that area. The good news is that there are some preventative habits you can acquire to prevent this from happening.

While some people may consider surgery for carpal tunnel pain, you may want to think twice. After all, the procedure does involve severing the transverse carpal ligament in the hopes that it will relieve the stress on the median nerve. While it does tend to give immediate pain relief, the lasting effects are unknown and can be devastating if not properly considered.

The one principle that should be considered when looking for relief from carpel tunnel pain, is how it can be done in a non-invasive and natural way. The first thing to look at is your eating and exercise habits. If your body is getting the proper nutrients it will be able to fight the effects of the carpel tunnel syndrome more effectively. Think about taking a few extra breaks while you are working in order to your hands a chance to rest. In addition to these steps, stretch and loosen you your wrist occasionally to keep them from becoming overly stressed. It will help to shake the hands occasionally to keep the blood flowing to the hands and fingers. Last but not least, good posture is critical when trying to prevent carpel tunnel syndrome.

About the Author:

If you have persistent signs and symptoms that might be due to carpal tunnel syndrome that interfere with your normal activities – including sleep – see your physician. If you leave the condition untreated, nerve and muscle injury can occur. visit carpal tunnel exercises first option to do.

Knowing Nutritional Guidelines

By PHT Support

by Anastacia Sampson

Many foods are packaged with accompanying nutritional information written on the packaging. It may be read and taken at face value. However many factors determine your true gains of nutrients.

Recognize that farming conditions can alter a plants level of nutrients! A seasons harvest can have different nutritional levels to another seasons harvest. While we receive our nutrients from plants or other foods, all foods receive their nutrients from the soil or sea; which receive their nutrients from rocks. There is more to a rock or stone than meets the eye, as these hold nutrients! By the processes of erosion there is minute chipping away to permit release of nutrients. The released nutrients can then be taken up by the surrounding sea or ground.

Any garden is improved by the presence of stones. Constant planting and taking from the ground does deplete our soils. To compensate we need to give back. A plant to be packaged or taken to any store can not demand to have a certain level of nutrients, as the packet or box said it will have it! Plants only take what is available.

Climates affect plants and when growing in different climates the same type of plants have different nutrient content. Needs alter according to where we live and the climate affects nutritional needs. Note when you read the nutritional information of two similar foods, as information on various brands can be provided by different sources. On any day if we all ate exactly the same level of nutrients, our absorption tends to differ. Stress tends to lower rates of nutrient absorption and retention of nutrients.

Anyone may consult with a relevant health professional to asses whether or not they are receiving levels of nutrients to match their needs. True, nutritional charts are extremely beneficial and essential to work out how to help anyone to be healthy! What we should realize is that we can not bet on that fixed numerical number and our bodies do not absorb the same percentage always. Generally we absorb more if we need it, but sometimes other factors disrupt this; such as alcoholism, certain drugs and digestive-related disruptions.

Nutritional guidelines can sway choices along a healthy way. Do not worry about the extra calorie to the detriment of better mineral levels in foods. Watch of calorie content should not accompany dismissal of the levels of minerals and vitamins. Use whole foods to be on a more nutritious path to lead to health. Indeed a little of nutritious fatty nuts may support some people to lose weight, as we need minerals and vitamins to actually burn calories. We will always need minerals and vitamins; have a balanced view and intake of nutrients.

About the Author:

Anastacia Sampson is a Nutritional Medicine Practitioner and freelance journalist, and lives in East London in South Africa. It is through consulting and advising the public on nutritional information that her health book has been published.

Anxiety – Therapy and Counseling

By PHT Support

by Gordon Dalwood

As any sufferer can attest to, having to deal with anxiety and panic attacks can be notoriously difficult and because this condition can virtually destroy the quality of a person’s life, seeking professional treatment is vital. In this case, the most common approach is to seek counseling and therapy from a duly qualified mental health professional.

Therapy and counseling are utilized to get to the psychological roots of the anxiety. The goal here is once the root of the problem is discovered it can be possible to reverse the ravages of the problem. However, one needs to have realistic expectations about these sessions in order to get the most out of them.

First of all, you need to realize that a counseling session is simply not able to deliver an immediate cure for anxiety. Strangely enough, many seem to think that a counselor will somehow reveal magic secret that will eliminate anxiety once and for all. To the contrary, it simply doesn’t work that way. Instead, a counseling session will attempt to reverse any problems which are associated with anxiety and this will be done in different steps. Given enough time and patience, a phenomenal amount of progress can be achieved with regards to excessive anxiety.

One should also bear in mind that while there are standardized psychological tests, the specific questions asked and also the actual approach will vary from one mental health professional to the next. Of course, each mental health professional will have their own methods for administering these tests in order to make a diagnosis. As such, there’s no “one-size-fits-all” approach with regards to counseling or therapy sessions.

Another aspect to the testing is there are no correct or incorrect answers to the therapist’s questions. The questions should be answered to the best of your ability. It is very important to be completely honest with your answers and do not keep anything to yourself. This will interfere with the success of the sessions.

You also need to bear in mind that counseling sessions are a two-way street. In other words; it’s not only your councilor that should be asking the questions but instead, you should be asking them questions as well in order to learn more about the condition. These are highly qualified people with plenty of experience so don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Keeping a journal of how the anxiety is affecting you and what you have done to deal with this problem since the beginning of the therapy is another thing you may do when you are not in the sessions. This may help to show you what it is that may cause the attacks to start. Through keeping this journal you may better understand your behavior and see if you think the sessions are helping.

Counseling remains probably the most common treatment of anxiety. For many, these sessions not only help reduce anxiety, they can also reverse various other psychological problems that are discovered during the session. As such, the process is highly recommended to those looking to gain control of their life once again.