Bread Helps Your Blood Pressure

Here's some news to make your heart sing: When you pick the right bread, your blood pressure wins!

Three grains recently tested had blood pressure benefits: whole wheat, barley, and brown rice. Look for them in whole-grain breads, cereals, and other grain-based goodies.

The Whole Story

In a study, all three grains were good for lowering blood pressure in middle-aged people with mildly high cholesterol and prehypertension. How? Chalk up another one for fiber. Both the soluble and insoluble fiber in grains reduce blood pressure -- and soluble fiber takes a bite out of cholesterol, too. High cholesterol and high blood pressure often occur together, and the combo is doubly dangerous for your heart and blood vessels.

 

Eat A Banana for What Ails You

1.       Forget the three cups of coffee or chocolate bar. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.

2.       Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber. And research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout.

3.       Yet, energy isn't the only way a banana can help you keep fit. Eating bananas can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, when added to your daily diet.

4.       Anemia: High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.

5.       Constipation: High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem naturally without the use of laxatives.

6.       Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.

7.       Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body. When suffering from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

8.       High Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat high blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke.

9.       Morning Sickness: Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

10.   Nerves: Bananas are high in B vitamins, which help calm the nervous system.

11.   PMS: The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.

12.   Stress: Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.

13.   Strokes: According to research in "The New England Journal of Medicine, 'eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!

 

Summertime Remedies

Bug Bite?

Regular flavored toothpaste, when applied to an insect bite (especially fire ant bites) will immediately relieve itching.

Or

Make an "X" with your fingernail on the bite. It helps alleviate the need to itch.

Poison Ivy

Witch hazel applied to the affected area soothes the itching.

Instant tea helps dry the poison ivy. Add one 8-oz. Jar of the tea to warm bath water and soak for 15 minutes. The tannic acid soothes and dries the poison ivy.

Bee Sting

Place a penny on the sting and hold it on for at least 5 minutes. It will relieve the pain.

Splinters

Place a fresh onion or tomato on a deeply embedded splinter. Leave it on for 10 minutes. You may have to repeat, however, it should help draw the splinter to the skin surface so you can use tweezers to pull it out.

Another remedy involves glue. Pour a drop of glue over the splinter, let dry, and then peel the dried glue off the skin. The splinter sticks to the dried glue.

 

Coffee Versus Tea:

Many people just can't function without either their morning cup of coffee or tea. We are all busy, and a lot of us are overloaded with work. Managing a family and at the same time juggling a packed schedule can prove to be a daunting task. Under such circumstances, a freshly brewed cup of coffee or tea is the best thing to keep you going.

Yet the caffeine in both tea and coffee makes many believe that these drinks are unhealthy. But what many people don't realize is that caffeine, that magical element in coffee that shakes you up and wakes you up, is present in its sister beverage, tea. In addition to that jolt of caffeine, both coffee and tea can provide a boost to the immune system and helping to fight disease. Here's a quick look at a few of the health benefits coffee and tea have to offer.

Coffee

Both caffeinated and decaf coffee contain antioxidants and other substances that may help regulate blood sugar, possibly leading to a reduced risk of diabetes, according to some studies. There's also evidence that coffee can help manage headaches, boost mood, and even prevent cavities.

Tea

Some studies suggest that habitual tea drinkers' enjoy a reduced risk of developing some forms of cancer risk, stemming from tea's high levels of antioxidants. Antioxidants help to protect the cells from free radical damage and work to prevent and fight diseases. Tea is also believed to protect the heart by relaxing blood vessels, inhibiting clots, and reducing cholesterol levels.

Too Much of a Good Drink?

Of course moderation in anyone's diet is the key to better health. So how many cups are too much? This seems to still be out for consensus, however, some studies and research have revealed that drinking more than three cups of coffee a day could increase heart problems.

Consuming too much caffeine can also speed bone loss, and it might reduce birth weight and raise the risk of miscarriage.

So enjoy your cup of favorite tea or coffee but do so in moderation!

 

Sick Stomach?

Stomachaches and pains can be caused by many things, including:

1.       Chronic constipation

2.       Indigestion

3.       Excessive gas

4.       Food poisoning

5.       Ulcers

6.       Appendicitis

7.       Inflammation of the gallbladder

8.       Kidney stones

9.       Urinary tract infections

10.   Hernia

While some of these causes can be serious, sometimes an upset stomach is just that - a sick stomach. If you suffer from an occasional stomachache, here are some natural ways to remedy the ache:

Natural Remedies for Stomachache

·         Think tea! Add lemon and, if needed, some honey.

·         Eat an apple. Cut it up, keep the skin on, sprinkle with a little sugar and ground ginger. Heat it in the microwave for 40-45 seconds and eat warm.

·         Lime sherbet and lemon-lime soda. Place a few scoops of sherbet in a glass and add some soda. Great for kids.

·         Drink constant sips of either lukewarm or very warm water, but don't drink it fast.

·         If you can, try drinking a teaspoon of vinegar.

·         Flat cola soda is also a helpful remedy.

To Avoid Stomachaches:

·         Drink water and lots of it. Water helps ensure smooth bowel movements.

·         Avoid processed food like cheese, chocolate, and dairy products.

·         Eat a balanced diet with plenty of dark green leafy vegetables.

·         Stay active. A morning walk can help keep your digestive system healthy.

·         Get enough rest – remember balance is the key.

 

Heel or Bone Spur

A bone spur is a pointed growth on a bone, most commonly in the heel. Extreme stress and strain on the heel bone and soft tissues are the main causes of heel spurs. The stress results in inflammation of the plantar fascia, a ligament on the bottom of the foot that attaches the ball of the foot to the heel bone, This condition is known as plantar fasciitis. If it is not relieved, the repeated pulling of the ligament aggravates the heel bone and eventually the body, in an attempt to protect itself, forms a bone spur. The most common sign of a bone spur is severe pain with the first step in the morn- and after periods of inactivity.

Bone spurs can be caused by, or be associated with, physical injury, obesity, gout, lupus, muscle inflammation, nerve problems (such as tarsal tunnel syndrome), strain of the plantar arch, or excessive exercise, standing, or walking. Heel spurs are also common in people who have alkalosis, arthritis, neuritis, or tendinitis. A bone spur may be caused by calcium deposits in unwanted areas of the body. Most people who have heel disorders are middle-aged or overweight. Shoes that are uncomfortable, fit poorly, or lack cushioning for the heel may contribute to the pain.

X-rays may reveal a bony spur within the heel. The presence of this may lead to the formation of tiny turnors at the end of several nerves, and these may be very painful.

NUTRIENTS: SUPPLEMENT  / SUGGESTED DOSAGE  /  COMMENTS

Very Important

Betaine hydro-chloride (HCI) A deficiency of HCl is more common in elderly  people.   Take as directed on label.     Needed for proper calcium up take. Caution: Do not use HCl if you have a history of ulcers.

Calcium 1,500 mg daily.

Magnesium 750 mg daily.

A proper balance of calcium and magnesium helps prevent abnormal calcium deposition. Use chelate or aspartate forms

Important

Proteolytic enzymes.  As directed on label. To aid in absorption of nutrients and in control of inflammation and irritation.

Or Inflazyme Forte from American Biologics. Take as directed on label

 Caution: Do not give these supplements to a child.

Intenzyme Forte from Biotics Research. Take as directed on label

Vitamin C  with bioflavonoids  Take 2,000-4,000 m daily. Acts as an anti-inflammatory; important for collagen and connective tissue.

.

Helpful

Bioflavonoids 100 mg daily. Vitamin C activators that also help relieve pain.

 

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)  Take as directed on label.  Very effective for pain relief.   It  can be applied as a cream or taken by mouth in the pill form.

Vitamin B complex 50-100 mg of each major B vitamin daily. (amounts of individual vitamins in a complex will vary).

 B vitamins work best when taken together.  plus extra  vitamin B6 (50 mg daily.) Necessary for production of (pyridoxine) hydrochloric acid, which helps prevent bone spurs by aiding proper calcium absorption.

HERBS

# Use arnica and chamomile to bathe the foot. You can also wrap the herbs in a cloth and apply it to the affected area as a poultice. (See USING A POULTICE in Part Three.)

# Bromelain, derived from pineapple, and curcumin, from turmeric, reduce pain and inflammation.

RECOMMENDATIONS

# Drink steam-distilled water only.

# Do not eat any citrus fruits, especially oranges. Eliminate alcohol, coffee, and sugar from your diet. These inhibit the healing process and upset the body's mineral balance

# To alleviate pain, try stretching exercises; deep, localized massage; physical therapy; and anti-inflammatory herbs. You can also use hot linseed oil packs. Place linseed oil in a pan and heat but do not boil it. Dip a piece of cheesecloth or other white cotton material into the oil until the cloth is saturated. Apply the cloth to the affected area and cover it with a piece of plastic that is larger in size than the cotton cloth. Place a heating pad over the plastic and use it to keep the pack warm. Keep the pack in place for one-half to two hours, as needed.

# Ice massages on the bottoms of the feet can be helpful. Alternate between hot and cold foot baths.

Select well-made, rubber-heeled shoes; these are better the feet than leather. Choose footwear for comfort-not looks. Some jogging shoes can be very comfortable. .Adding heel cushions to footwear helps to relieve pain.

Use night splints to provide a mild, constant stretching function across the sole of the foot at night while sleeping.

If you normally walk or jog for exercise, try bicycling or swimming instead.

Avoid walking on hard surfaces such as concrete, or hard floors without carpeting.

CONSIDERATIONS

A two-week raw food fast or a cleansing fast can be beneficial

It is best not to have a heel spur surgically removed unless it extremely irritating or painful.

Steroid injections have been the used to treat this condition. They are are not without potential complications, however.

They may cause loss of the fatty tissue pad at the bottom of the heel and bring about a condition that is painful and irreversible.

Foot surgery is a last-resort option that is usually reserved for extremely rare, severe cases. An incision is made over the heel to release the attached fascia from the heel bone. Recovery time is approximately six to ten weeks before walking  can be resumed comfortably.

"A proper balance of calcium and magnesium helps prevent abnormal calcium deposition."

 

Unpleasant Stretch Marks

Stretch marks can be a nuisance and they are not easy to get Rid of. If you already have them, keep in mind that it takes Time, patience and regular skincare before you can fade Stretch marks away.

What can you do?

If you massage your body regularly with coconut and almond Oil, it will keep stretch marks away.

Consult a doctor to start with a daily dose of Vitamin E Capsules. Vitamin E is believed to improve stretch marks. Or, add a couple of vitamin E capsules to your body massage oil. 

It is believed that smearing the area with egg white and Letting it dry before washing off with ice cold water regularly can help in getting rid of stretch marks completely.