Health Blog Review

The latest factor to determine the risk of a heart attack is the test of C-reactive protein (CRP). CRP is a molecule produced by the liver in response to an inflammatory response. A simple blood test can check your level of CRP. A reading of 3.0 or higher triples the risk of a heart attack.

Under normal circumstances, the inflammation is a short-term condition; signs include swelling, redness and warmth. Swelling and redness are caused by the extra blood flow to the injured area. This results in infection more white blood cells to the combat zone. Heat is another defense mechanisms in your body. Microbes are killed by heat. In the short term, this is not a problem.

When chronic inflammation is present, levels of CRP increase. Chronic inflammation can be caused by rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, long-term infection, smoking, obesity, and hypertension. It is also caused by plaque buildup in the blood vessels. It is now proven that chronic inflammation of low quality causes atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries.

Here are ways to lower CRP:

1. lower Stress-tested methods include exercise, meditation, laughter and having pets

2. Diet – olive oil, walnuts, salmon, mackerel, herring, tomatoes, blueberries, eggplant, beans, food grains, fruits and vegetables all have an anti-inflammatory effect

3. Smoking – just another reason for stopping

4. dental hygiene – science is connected cavities, gingivitis and missing teeth to cardiovascular diseases; the same bacteria that causes tooth decay causes inflammation in blood vessels

5. lose weight-fat cells secrete proteins that cause inflammation in the bloodstream

6. air pollution – long-term exhibition of auto exhaust and coal power plants causes inflammation

7. Alcohol – a drink a day has an anti-inflammatory effect

The following drugs are being studied for their anti-inflammatory effect: cardiovascular

1. statin drugs – in addition to lowering cholesterol, they can reduce levels of CRP in just two weeks

2. ACE inhibitors – lowers blood pressure and CRP

3. Diabetes Meds – Actos and Avandia have been shown to lower CRP

4. aspirin – current research looks promising, another reason to take a daily aspirin

5. Multivitamins – reported to reduce CRP after six months from 1/3

Researchers are still studying the exact connection between inflammation and heart disease. I’d recommend adding a CRP test next time you’re getting a routine blood test. It is rather cheaply and could shine light on a possible problem before it is too late.

Posted in Nutrition | | No Comments »

I have many friends in recent years who have decided to become a vegetarian. I saw a friend after friend jumping on the bandwagon that being a vegetarian had become, and I have to admit that I almost jumped on the bandwagon myself without giving the choice much thought.

After almost two months of research and some pretty serious self-evaluation, I decided to become a vegetarian. There is no part of me that is against the people decide that being vegetarian is right for them. My only frustration is that too often people make that choice without taking even a moment to think about the reasons why or the consequences that being a vegetarian will have on their lives.

So, my advice is simple and probably obvious. You only have one life to live, living in a body and a few years in which a lifetime that you can experience. Don’t make the decision to become vegetarian lightly or without thought. I hate to see someone commit to that decision of ignorance and then face the consequences long after.

One of the best ways to make a good decision about becoming a vegetarian is to inquire. Talk to people who have decided to arise and the choice of a vegetarian lifestyle for themselves. Go to your local library or in a food store and find literature on ins and outs of effective vegetarian living. Learn the reasons why people choose to become vegetarians and see if your reasons measure up. The Internet is another amazing resource that can help you make a wise and informed decision for you, the health needs and your lifestyle.

Know that if you decide to become vegetarian, will life in many ways. Obviously, it will affect the foods you choose to eat and prepare. Don’t forget, though, as it will affect your ability to eat in restaurants or eating food that make your friends and family. Consider the costs of becoming a vegetarian. Depending on where you live and what types of foods are available, becoming a vegetarian can save or cost a lot of money. So proceed with caution.

I loved my experience of being a vegetarian. I felt like my reasons for changing my lifestyle were valid and I knew I could incorporate things that being a vegetarian must quite easily in my lifestyle. You must make these decisions for you.

Posted in Nutrition | | No Comments »

Imagine hundreds of auto zoom down an eight-lane. One lane disappears and then another, until the same cars bumper-to-bumper crawling along a country road a lane. This is the sort of thing happens when you have atherosclerosis. Arteries, the highways for your blood, harden and narrow, and the same amount of blood must make his way through a space much narrower. This engorgement in the arteries leads to all sorts of trouble, including heart attack and stroke.

Atherosclerosis occurs when cholesterol, fat, and other substances in the blood accumulates in the walls of the arteries. The process may start when you’re a child, but can not become a problem until you’re in your late 50 or 60 years. As this manure collects in the arteries, plaque form. Plaque can block or completely block the arteries, cutting off the blood flow to your heart or brain. This is when you have a heart attack or stroke.

Too much cholesterol and triglycerides-fatty-types in blood, high blood pressure, smoking and damage most of the arteries. Other risk factors for atherosclerosis include diabetes, a family history of the condition, stress, obesity, and an inactive lifestyle. Men in general are most at risk, as people who have a body shape “apple”-with the fat collection at the belly, rather than the hips and thighs.

You can fight atherosclerosis making good food choices. Reducing saturated fat and cholesterol than meat and whole milk dairy products and try the following foods that lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure and keep your blood flowing smoothly.

Nutritional Blockbuster fighting atherosclerosis

Fish. Reel in a fish big, fat and wriggle off the hook of atherosclerosis. Omega-3 fatty acids, polyunsaturated fats found in fatty fish such as tuna, mackerel and salmon, protecting arteries from damage.

First, omega-3 pulls out of triglycerides, fats that accumulate on your artery walls. It also stops blood platelets from clumping together. In this way, your blood remains smooth instead of sticky. May coagulate blood sticky and block the flow of blood. Finally, omega-3 could lower blood pressure.

No wonder so many studies show that eating fish may reduce the risk of heart disease. The American Heart Association recommends eating fish at least two meals per week.

You can find a form of omega-3 called alpha-linolenic acid in nuts, that lower cholesterol. Other sources of omega-3 include flaxseed, wheat germ and some green vegetables, green, like spinach, cabbage and Arugula.

Garlic. Nothing can do fish garlic does, too. Sulphur compounds in this amazing grass not only lower cholesterol and triglycerides, but they also go after only LDL or “bad” cholesterol and leave your HDL or “good” cholesterol alone.

Garlic may lower blood pressure even so arteries do not take more than a pounding. Thanks to a substance called Ajoite, garlic keeps from aggregation and blood clotting. One study showed even garlic helps your aorta, the main artery of the body, remain flexible as you age.

Experts recommend getting 4 grams of garlic-on a clove-in your diet every day.

Fiber. During one day, you should eat about 25-35 grams of fiber. If you do, you will Boost your overall health and atherosclerosis quite a battle.

Some types of soluble fibre, such as oats, barley, apples and other fruits, reduce cholesterol levels. It works by slowing down the food as it passes through your stomach and small intestine so the “good” cholesterol has more time to take your liver and cholesterol out of the body. Eat more than 25 grams of fiber each day could also cut the risk of developing high blood pressure by 25 percent.

Fibre comes with an added bonus-you fills up. After meals rich in fibres, feel full, so you’re less likely to overeat and put on unwanted pounds.

Incoming keyword for this articles:

• atherosclerosis omega 3

Posted in Nutrition | | No Comments »

Cholesterol is a fat of blood needed by the body in moderate amounts. However, high cholesterol levels can lead to atherosclerosis and coronary artery (CAD). Angina is chest pain caused by restriction of blood flow to the heart (ischaemic heart disease). Nitrates can be used to relieve angina.

Most people will have blood tests regularly, including cholesterol triglycerides, HDL (http://www.cholesterol-reduction.org/treatment/increasing-good-cholesterol.html), total cholesterol and LDL. Methods to increase the good cholesterol or lowering cholesterol levels (http://www.cholesterol-reduction.org/cholesterol/cholesterol-levels.html) may include cholesterol lowering drugs like statins, Fibrates, niacin (Nicotinic Acid) and bile acid resins. However, these drugs do not reverse the calcification. A heart attack occurs when the coronary arteries become blocked. Cholesterol has many types. The two main components are called (low-density lipoprotein), LDL and HDL (high-density lipoprotein). And simplifying, we speak of LDL is bad cholesterol and HDL is good cholesterol.

This means that the bad cholesterol tends to accumulate in the arteries, it tends to form plaques, tends to be the precursor of what ultimately may end up being a heart attack.

Good cholesterol actually acts in part reverse cholesterol transport, takes out of cholesterol plaque in the artery and can return circulation, liver to be excreted. These are two principal categories, but within each of these there are different, different particles, different lipoprotein cholesterols that carry cholesterol and are the players of differential mode.

Some of LDL cholesterol, namely, the bad cholesterol, is worse than others. And tends to be the size of small particle that is very dense. Cholesterol particles you can think like marbles, perhaps, small dense, and larger, lighter could be ping-pong balls. And so the small marble are more dangerous.

From the other hand, HDL, the good cholesterol, has a few components that are better than others. Cholesterol is a complex topic, and we are increasingly developing therapies that aim not only at the total cholesterol, but altering the good and the bad.

Posted in Nutrition | | No Comments »

Many parents are concerned that their children do not consume the proper foods they need to stay strong and healthy. The truth is children can be picky eaters. Some children will go through stages where they will refuse to eat anything other than a favorite food, while other children will try new foods, but do not take to them.

Children’s vitamins are available to parents who want to ensure their children are receiving the necessary nutrients he or she needs to grow strong and healthy. Even parents who have children who eat well are supplementing their children’s diet with vitamins. The fact is the earth’s soil is rapidly being business of nutrients, and the rigors of food processing also leaves many foods deficient in vitamins and minerals.

Children’s vitamins are packaged in such a way that they are attractive to children. Most children’s vitamins as colorful and fun shapes. Many manufacturers of children’s vitamins are vitamins in packaging their gum ball and lollipop, gummy bear varieties. Because these vitamins resemble candy, it is important that you keep them away from a child’s reach and that you monitor their intake. If you find your child has taken extra vitamins, you should consult their pediatrician or your local poison control center.

There are instances when a pediatrician will prescribe vitamins for a child. If a child has a vitamin deficiency, does not have access to fluoridated water, or has anemia or other illness or disease, vitamin supplements may be prescribed for a child. However, in general, many pediatricians believe that children do not need vitamin supplements if they are being fed properly. They feel that children can receive all the vitamins and minerals they need if they eat according to the Food Pyramid. Consult with your child’s pediatrician before starting them on a vitamin.

Vitamins and supplements are not replacements. Children vitamin supplements should never be viewed as a replacement for healthy eating. Encourage your child to eat foods they need and do things to make nutrition fun and tasty for them. For example, let kids add grated cheese to their vegetables will make some children more interested in eating. Allowing a child to drink calcium fortified orange juice plus milk works well for a child who is not like milk. Let your child participate in making a vegetable pizza, or let them choose a fruit market and place it in its own special area at home. All of these tips can go a long way to help a picky eaters overcome their fears so consuming vitamins they need.

Posted in Nutrition | | No Comments »