Posted on July 3, 2009 in Heart Disease
Heart muscle is the central part of our body functioning. If it stops then we cease to exist. In the U.S., many young people are also suffering from heart disease along with the elderly. Many deaths occur due to heart disease. It is the number 1 killer in the US. Naturally, effort needs to be made to prevent heart disease.
There are different types of heart disease such as coronary, atherosclerosis, rheumatic, angina, myocarditis, congential, arrhtthamia etc. Heart disease can occur due to congenital defects, high blood pressure, narrowing of the artery walls. etc. Keeping the heart in good shape is very essential. How is this possible?
How can heart disease be prevented
- Proper diet. One must take balanced diet. One should avoid foods that are high in fat content. Have a diet that is low in salt.
- Keep a control on one’s weight. Obesity is major factor for heart disease. Being over- weight is not good for health.
- Exercise is very essential to keep the body fit. Swimming, walking, bicycling and other physical activities. Walking is a good cardiovascular exercise.
- Avoid stress. One must not strain oneself too much physically or mentally. Also one should get rid of worries and tensions.
- Positive attitude keeps the blood pressure under check. A general well-being prevails and stress level comes down.
- One must quit smoking.
- One must relax. Listening to music, reading one’s favorite novel, taking part in extra-curricular activities keeps the mind relaxed.
- Medication can prevent or control heart disease, such as aspirin.
- Lowering of bad cholesterol with drugs such as statins.
- Beta blockers, a type of medication can prevent heart attacks.
Keeping fit both mentally and physically can prevent heart disease. One needs to make necessary changes in one’s lifestyles so in order to avoid stress. Proper diet and sufficient rest can prevent heart disease.
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Posted on July 2, 2009 in Heart Disease
Heart disease is on the increase among young men and women in the US as well as among those above 65 years of age. Obesity, lack of exercise, improper diet, stress are factors often held for heart disease in both the sexes. Women are also vulnerable to heart disease. Cardiovascular disease amounts to about 43% of death among women. Despite this, women do not consider heart disease as a major health risk.
Since women are also prone to heart disease, it is advisable for them to understand the symptoms of heart disease that afflicts them.
What are the symptoms of heart disease among women?
Menopause places women at risk of heart disease. Prior to menopause, the estrogen, a female hormone protects the heart by maintaining sufficient levels of “good” high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, which protects the cardiovascular system. Estrogen also relaxes the artery muscles.
Symptoms of heart attack:
- Unusual fatigue.
- Sleep disturbances.
- Indigestion.
- Shortness of breath.
- Anxiety.
- Chest pain.
- Discomfort.
- Dizziness.
- Cold sweat.
- Irregular heart beat.
- Discomfort or pain in either one arm or in both arms.
Symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease
- Angina.
- Burning or hot sensation.
- Tenderness while touching.
- Nausea
- Vomiting.
- Shortness of breath.
- Extreme fatigue.
- Tingling.
Chronic Angina
- Aching.
- Burning.
- Sharp pain.
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
- Severe leg pain.
- Increased fatigue.
Women need to take the health symptoms of heart disease seriously. If a woman suffers from any of these symptoms she needs to consult a doctor immediately.
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Posted on July 1, 2009 in Heart Disease
Personality plays a major role in the development of heart disease. A person’ nature affects his or bodily system and heart is no exception to this. Stress, mental tensions and physical over exertion happens to be a strain on the heart. Highly stressed people are more prone to heart disease as compared to those who take life more easily. Let us see how personalities have an effect on the heart.
Impact of different personalities on heart
- A relaxed personality generally is not all that prone to heart disease. He or she takes life easy.
- An impatient and over ambitious personality can develop heart disease. Competition in work place in modern times is causing much stress. People are competing hard to reach top positions. It is telling on their system. Heart disease is quite a common occurrence among stressed people.
- Those who get angry and flare up easily are also prone to heart disease. Short tempered people, whose tolerance levels are low generally are more susceptible to heart disease. Blood pressure of such people shoots up causing much pressure on the heart.
- Amiable and friendly people maintain good health as their blood pressure remains at comfortable levels. They are happy people, well-adjusted with themselves.
- People who are suspicious and hostile of others have higher levels of blood pressure.
- Physically and mentally active people are also less prone to heart disease. Taking part in sports, playing games, going for walks, swimming and so on and so forth keeps one physically fit. Hobbies, extra-curricular activities keep the mind alive and alert. A healthy mind and body keeps one away from disease.
- Personalities which can withstand pressures of life are also less prone to heart disease.
- A frank and outspoken person has less problems with his or her blood pressure levels. He or she is candid and open about his or feelings. Those with suppressed feelings usually have higher levels of blood pressure.
- Those who can understand and appreciate others problems and feelings lead a healthier life. They are comfortable with themselves and can help those who are in trouble. They are caring and loving personalities who are liked by all and receive love and affection from others. They face less blood pressure fluctuations.
- Introverted personalities are also prone to heart disease as they tend to hide their feelings and remain aloof. They are not very sociable.
One’s nature determines one’s health condition. An easygoing and relaxed person leads a healthier life as compared to one who finds life difficult to handle.
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Posted on June 24, 2009 in Heart Disease
Cardiovascular health refers to health of the heart as well as the blood vessels. It is important to have proper blood supply to various organs to maintain good health. Heart is the muscle which pumps blood to various organs. If there is any damage to the heart, then other organs also get affected. In case the heart muscle fails to function, then we die.
The heart needs to be well preserved at all times. Proper exercise, healthy habits and positive thinking help to us to maintain healthy lifestyles, which in turn will maintain proper functioning of the heart as well as the entire body.
Main diseases of cardiovascular health problem:
- Stroke.
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- Coronary heart disease.
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- Heart failure.
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- Peripheral vascular disease.
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Casual mechanism of cardiovascular disease:
The main casual mechanism of cardiovascular disease is atherosclerosis, which is caused due to excessive buildup of cholesterol, fats and other substances in the inner lining of the arteries. This build up of fats becomes serious when it blocks the blood supply to the heart (which causes angina or heart attack) or the brain causing a stroke).
Death toll caused by cardiovascular diseases:
Many people die of cardiovascular diseases. More Americans die of it rather than of cancer. Other countries in the world are also faced with this health problem. Bad food habits, hectic lifestyles due to modernization and obesity are some of the causes for this health condition. Smoking is also a major cause of heart disease.
Prevention of cardiovascular disease:
- One must exercise a lot.
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- Eat right. It is necessary to avoid fatty foods and too much salt.
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- Keep one’s weight under control.
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- Control stress levels.
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- Positive thinking.
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- Relax.
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Treatment of cardiovascular diseases:
- Medication is prescribed by physician to control the disease.
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- Surgery is performed in serious cases.
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Cardiovascular disease can lead to death eventually. One has to be careful. Of course, it is reversible and can be treated.
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Posted on June 23, 2009 in Heart Disease
One has to be careful about one’s diet in order to prevent heart disease. One should eat carefully. It would be better if one consulted a dietician. One needs to keep a check on one’s calories.
Obesity can cause heart disease. Being over weight is not only aesthetically ugly to look at but health wise also it is not advisable. The only way one can control one’s weight is to eat right, and avoid foods that contain more fats. Diet and exercise are essential to keep normal weight.
To avoid heart disease, one needs to be aware about the foods that can prove harmful to the heart. Let us have a look at them.
Foods that need to be avoided to prevent heart disease
- Whole milk.
- Meats with less fat.
- Red meat.
- Sugar.
- Hydrogenated oils such as stick margarine
- Animal fat foods such as cheese, sauces.
- Hot dogs, Hamburgers.
- Ice Cream.
- Salt in case you have high blood pressure.
- High fat foods such as chips.
- Pies, pastries and cookies.
- Butter.
- Bacon.
- Lard.
- Gravy.
- Cream Sauce.
- Cocoa Butter found in chocolates.
- Cotton seeds.
- Gravy
- Nondairy creamers.
Overeating and junk foods can cause much damage to the heart. Being over-weight means the heart has to pump blood harder. Shedding some pounds can make heart functioning smoother. One must avoid fatty foods to keep a check on calories. Proper diet would mean less susceptibility to heart disease.
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Posted on April 27, 2009 in Fasting
Juice fasting is a good detoxification process that occurs while fasting. Fresh fruit juice has a lot of nutrients, which are good for health. It is beneficial in many health conditions as it is full of required vitamins and minerals.
Certain metabolic changes take place that affect our body system on the spiritual, mental and emotional level when we go on juice fasting. It helps us in self-reflection. Apart from that it also has therapeutic effect. Many patients take juices for recuperation, and naturally the intake of juice is very good for the body system.
Juice fasting has several benefits and it is worth the try.
Benefits of Juice Fasting
- Body system is rejuvenated again.
- It gives relief to the digestive system.
- Prevents ketosis (disrupting of carbohydrate metabolism while responding to starvation) by providing our bodies with simple carbohydrates which are used by the body system for energy and nutritional development.
- Helps in the elimination of toxins by the breaking up of chemicals that are circulating or are stored within the body.
- Regeneration of liver health condition.
- Kidneys, lungs, colon, and blood are able to throw out toxins and waste products.
- Heals the body.
- Helps in drug detoxification.
- Anti-aging.
- Restful sleep.
- Sharper and clearer mind.
- Mental clarity.
- Purification.
- Beautifies skin.
- Reduces allergies.
Juice fasting is very refreshing for the body and mind. It helps in the healing process and is highly recommended to those recuperating from illnesses.
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Posted on April 25, 2009 in Fasting
Fasting is good for the body as it restores the digestive mechanism. By fasting one is able to give relief to usually “overburdened” digestive system. People often fast for religious reasons, but the effects are physical in nature and mentally, of course, one feels fresh, more confident and vibrant as one can lose weight if necessary.
Fasting no doubt means abstaining from food, but that does not imply that one can just fast the way one wants to. In other words, eat whatever one considers best. One has to follow a particular kind of diet in order to keep a fast. Let us try to understand this better.
How to Fast? - Tips for Fasting
- Begin with a moderate approach then become more stricter in your fasting regimen.
- Beginners should start by small fasts each day.
- To prepare for fasting one has to overcome some habits such as consuming alcohol, taking caffeine and sugar, poultry and red meats etc.
- Eat fresh fruits and raw vegetables or rather salads.
- One can also take fresh fruit juice.
- Initially, you may feel irritated or hungry, but in due course you will be able to adjust to it.
- Do not overeat the day before the fast or after the fast.
- Have a meal consisting of juices, fresh fruits, tea or vegetable snacks to avoid symptoms of irritation, headache etc. It can be a vegetable meal consisting of starch or protein. The detoxification process will be slow in this manner.
- One can also on partial fasting like skipping one meal.
- Water fasting is also very popular.
- One should not fast when one is not feeling too well.
- Take more liquids.
- Reduce calorie intake by 20 to 30%. Do not avoid meals.
- Avoid performing strenuous tasks.
- Do not binge at the time of ending the fast.
Fasting is done in many religions. It is both spiritually and physically good for our body system. One has to take a proper diet consisting of fresh fruits and juices as well as raw vegetables. It requires a lot of will power.
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Posted on April 18, 2009 in Fasting
Water fasting refers to person abstaining from food and taking only water. It is a healthy form of fasting. It is a safe method of healing.
Benefits of Water Fasting
- Cleanses circulatory, respiratory, urinary and digestive systems and destroys all impurities in the body. Deposits of uric acid are eliminated.
- One heals and gets detoxified more easily with water fasting. The digestive passageways as well as organs are able to rest completely, which allows the energy flowing to be used for cleansing and repairing of damaged tissues.
- It is effective in treating Diabetes type II
- Body balance is restored through elimination of wastes.
- Very good treatment for obesity.
- It is beneficial in epilepsy condition. It reduces the length, severity and number of seizures.
- It helps in improving poor immune functioning while fasting.
- It increases the cell mediated immunity as well as immunoglobulin levels.
- It increases one’s life-span.
- It provides relief to the digestive system.
- It is helpful in chronic cases of cardiovascular diseases as well as congestive heart failure, reduces tryglycerides, athermos, increased HDL levels and total cholesterol.
- It controls allergic reactions such as hay fever and asthma.
- Water fasting helps dries up the accumulation of abnormal fluids such as edema in the legs and ankles and swelling in the abdomen.
- High blood pressure is corrected within weeks without the usage of drugs.
- It restores your taste buds for wholesome food items.
- Helps in overcoming addictions and bad habits. It reduces cravings, caffeine, alcohol as well as other drugs.
- Makes you feel motivated to start something new and begin life fresh again.
- Water fasting helps one lose weight.
- It is helpful in treating osteoarthritis as well as rheumatoid arthritis.
- It increases the deposits of new bone area that are affected by osteoporosis.
- Psychosomatic diseases also respond to water fasting.
Water fasting is very beneficial in many ways to maintain good health. It is therapeutic in nature.
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Posted on April 17, 2009 in Herbs and spice
Coconut water is very refreshing in the summer. It has a sweet taste and many people on holiday at several beach resorts drink it. It is also used in many recipes. Incidentally, coconut happens to be the fruit of coconut palm.
Coconut water is not only tasty, but has also properties that are health promoting. It is less carbohydrates, less sugar, and is 99% free of fat. Let us have look at other health benefits:
What are the Health Benefits of Coconut Water?
- The body retains its coolness and temperature that is proper.
- The body gets orally re-hydrated and contains all the required isotonic beverages.
- It carries oxygen and nutrients to the body.
- The immune system gets boosted.
- Helps in weight loss.
- The body fluids gets replenished naturally after exercise.
- Raises the metabolism.
- Fights the viruses and detoxifies.
- Diabetes gets controlled.
- The digestive system gets cleansed.
- Helps the body in fighting viruses such as herpes, AIDS and flu.
- Less risk of cancer.
- Urethral stones and kidney can be treated.
- Improves circulation.
- Contains less sodium.
- It has more potassium.
- Coconut water is good for the functioning of the kidney.
- It is useful in the case of urinary bladder problems.
- Useful for re-hydration.
- Contains less fat.
- Contains no cholesterol.
- Natural balance of magnesium and calcium as well as sodium and potassium.
- An electrolyte drink.
- Refreshes and revitalizes on a hot summery day.
- Stabilizes electrolytes.
- A useful source of fiber for diet.
- Can improve good cholesterol (HDL).
- Free from contamination. Useful while traveling.
- Beneficial for those suffering from acidity.
- Heart burn, sluggish digestion during pregnancy can be taken care of by drinking coconut water.
Coconut water has many beneficial properties for good health. People enjoy the taste as well. It is very refreshing on a hot day and many have to too cool themselves down during summer.
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Posted on April 12, 2009 in Fasting
Fasting is performed as a ritual in many religions such as Islam, Christianity and Judaism as well as Hinduism. One abstains from all kinds of substances, except water giving the body complete rest.
Many argue that fasting is good for physical health. Spiritually, of course, many fast as they feel they would gain in many ways. They try to appease the Gods. Physically, those fasting feel that it has a positive effect on the body system. Let us have a look and see in what way fasting benefits physical health.
Benefits of Fasting
The top fasting benefits are:
- Fat stores in the body get burnt. Once this is over and burning of protein in the body begins to produce energy, then one loses weight.
- Good for the digestive system. Provides temporary relief to the digestion process which is strained throughout the other days on account of our consumption of food.
- Strengthens will power. Those who have weight problem will be able to control their tendency to eat much and as a result lose weight.
- Detoxification takes place. Toxins in liver, colon, lungs, kidney, lymph glands as well as skin are neutralized.
- Healing system in the body is promoted by fasting.
- When one is fasting one is consciously diverting energy from the digestive system to the immune system.
- Growth hormones get released when one fasts as there is increased efficiency in the production of hormones.
- Reduction in core temperature of the body system.
- One feels rejuvenated and a sense of life being extended.
- Addictions can be got over by fasting.
- Fasting is helpful where surgery or drugs have been recommended. The effects of the health conditions are lessened by fasting.
- Fasting helps in the treatment of chronic conditions.
- Eating less can result in psychological well-being. Any person would like to lose that extra pound.
- Organs are given rest when one fasts.
Fasting is good for the body system. It requires a lot of will- power and determination. It provides a sense of spiritual and physical well-being. Who would not like being slim after all? The slimmer you look, the better your self-esteem.
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Posted on April 9, 2009 in Skin & Hair Remedies
Cherry Angiomas happens to be an inflammatory disease, which is related to the sebaceous gland of the skin. The oil produced by the gland gets clogged and results in pustules, papules and comedones. These are generally harmless and benign. Appearance wise they could be quite distressing.
Natural treatment may be slow but is a good solution to treat cherry angiomas. Here are some of the home remedies that one could try out.
Symptoms of Cherry Angionmas
- Skin growth or lesions
- of the size of a small-pin
- Smooth
- Bright Red
Home Remedy for Cherry Angiomas
- One must have plenty of vegetables and fruits. A change in diet helps.
- Avoid junk food.
- Vitamin E, Vitamin A as well as pantothenic acid is essential to maintain a healthy skin. The occurrence of cherry angiomas.
- One can apply some paste of sandalwood and basil leaves on the skin to treat cheery angiomas.
- Bacteria obstruct skin oil and causes cherry angiomas. One can apply witch hazel after the skin has been washed to get rid of bacteria.
- One can also try applying paste of crushed strawberry leaves
- Drink of plenty of water. This helps in getting rid of toxins
One can go in for home remedies to treat cheery angiomas. They are quite useful.
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