Natural Cures Not Medicine: heart health

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Showing posts with label heart health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label heart health. Show all posts

9 Herbal Foods That Naturally Lower Cholesterol And Keep Your Heart Healthy

Image: wikimedia.org

Patricia BratianuOff The Grid News

Keeping your heart and blood vessels healthy prevents many serious illnesses and enhances longevity. Many factors influence the heart and the circulation. Unfortunately, the stresses of modern life, coupled with poor nutrition and inactivity, put us at risk for several heart and blood vessel problems. As a result, heart attacks, strokes and other life-threatening cardiovascular conditions abound. Herbs may be used as a very important part of a wellness plan to enhance the health of your heart and blood vessels.

Cholesterol and Triglycerides

Low density lipoprotein cholesterol, also known as LDL or bad cholesterol, begins as a sticky substance that builds inside the walls of blood vessels. It hardens over time, creating rough surfaces and inflexible blood vessels. As a result, blood vessels harden and contribute to high blood pressure, blood clots, heart attacks and strokes. Blood flow throughout the entire body is impaired.

High density lipoprotein cholesterol, also known as HDL or good cholesterol, protects the heart and blood vessels from damage due to LDL buildup and other factors.

Triglycerides are other kinds of fats in the blood. Many experts believe that elevated triglyceride levels are a more important predictor of cardiovascular disease than elevated levels of LDL cholesterol.

Several herbs which are used to reduce harmful cholesterol and triglyceride levels are right in your own kitchen. Others may be grown easily or gathered from the wild.

Herbal Foods With Cardiovascular Benefits

1. Shiitake mushrooms reduce inflammation, and lower LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Many large grocery stores sell fresh shiitakes. I keep dried ones on hand, too. Several companies offer kits which provide you with opportunities to grow your own. Shiitakes are one of the most valuable herbal foods available, in my opinion.

2. Flax seed binds with excess cholesterol and aids in its elimination from the body. Flax seed may be obtained in large grocery stores. It is very inexpensive. Flax also reduces inflammation, a major contributor to heart and blood vessel disease. Simply grind two tablespoons of flax seed each day. Add it to cereals, smoothies or yogurt. Do not purchase ground flax meal. Flax loses its healing benefits quickly when ground or heated. It is easy to grind in a coffee grinder reserved for herbs.

3. Garlic has been studied extensively for its many healing benefits. Garlic’s relatives — onions, shallots, leeks and chives — offer healing benefits as well; however, the active compounds in garlic are the most potent. Researchers have discovered that while garlic reduces LDL and triglyceride levels, the herbal food does much more to ensure cardiovascular health. Garlic lowers blood pressure and even relieves leg cramps which are due to poor circulation. Garlic tablets and capsules are available for purchase, but I recommend eating at least one clove daily for maximum benefits and economy. Either eat the garlic raw or lightly sautéed. This way you will retain all of the healing powers of this wonderful herbal food.

4. All peppers are beneficial for the cardiovascular system as they contain fiber and high amounts of vitamin C, a potent anti-inflammatory agent. Cayenne pepper has been studied extensively. I believe that any other hot peppers likely offer similar benefits. Cayenne helps to increase the efficiency and strength of the heartbeat, without increasing the blood pressure. It prevents harmful blood clots from forming. Blood clots are responsible for several life threatening conditions, such as strokes, heart attacks and pulmonary emboli. Cayenne prevents hardening of the arteries and relaxes the blood vessels. This helps to decrease blood pressure and relieve leg pain due to poor circulation. Again, I believe that the best way to reap the healing benefits of this herbal food is to simply include cayenne in your diet. Be careful if you are preparing fresh peppers, as they can cause burns. Some people with digestive issues are unable to tolerate cayenne.

5. Did you realize that black pepper reduces cholesterol levels? It improves the circulation of the entire body and has been used to relieve hypertension, high blood pressure.  Like many other herbal remedies for cholesterol, black pepper is considered to be an herbal stimulant. It enhances the circulation of the entire body and improves blood pressure.

Wild Herbal Remedies for Heart Health

6. Hawthorn is an amazing herb. The berries may be gathered from the wild. Just be sure that you correctly identify the bush. I think of hawthorn as a kind of “miracle herb” If your blood pressure is too low and you consume a little bit of hawthorn, it will bring it up to a healthy range. On the other hand, if it is too high, you can lower high blood pressure by consuming a larger amount of the berries. Hawthorn reduces unhealthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels, too.

7. Motherwort is an easy to grow herb which can sometimes be found in the wild. It is a relaxing herb that offers health benefits for the circulatory system and the entire body.

8. Kudzu may be “the vine that ate the south,” but it has some redeeming qualities. Kudzu root extract lowers blood pressure, unhealthy triglyceride and cholesterol levels. Kudzu reduces the pain of angina by improving the circulation within the heart itself. Historically, kudzu was used to relieve irregular heartbeats and reduce rapid heart rates.

9. Dandelion leaf reduces edema, excess swelling in the body, which can stress the heart. Unlike pharmaceutical diuretic drugs which rid the body of needed potassium, dandelion leaf is a great source of potassium and other nutrients.

These are just a few of the many herbal remedies which we have available to use to improve heart and blood vessel health. Include a wide array of culinary herbs in your diet, as many of them offer health benefits to the heart, circulation and entire body. By incorporating herbs as part of your wellness plan, you will feel better and prevent serious illnesses from impacting the life of you and your loved ones.

Source: offthegridnews.com

10 Foods To Avoid With Acid Reflux

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An estimated 25 million American adults have acid reflux, or a severe form of heartburn, and experience the issue on a daily basis. More than 60 million suffer from heartburn once a month. And while simple overeating can be to blame, there are several foods that only exacerbate the condition and make it worse. Here you will learn of many foods to avoid with acid reflux.
Heartburn isn’t something to take lightly. In addition to the almost unbearable pain, the acid consistently irritating the esophagus can lead to lasting damage and increase your risk of esophageal cancer.
Interestingly, health professionals prescribe medications known as proton pump inhibitors to reduce the amount of acid build up when the condition is actually caused by too little acid in many cases, not too much acid. In some cases, the disorder is caused by a faulty valve between the stomach and the esophagus. However, in others, it is only made worse by diet.
“After food passes through your esophagus into your stomach, a muscular valve called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) closes, preventing food or acid to move back up. Gastroesophageal reflux occurs when the LES relaxes inappropriately, allowing acid from your stomach to flow (reflux) backward into your esophagus.”
Foods to Avoid with Acid Reflux
In addition to utilizing these 5 natural remedies for acid reflux, here are some foods to avoid when heartburn and acid reflux are a common problem:
·         Chocolate - Apparently chocolate works to relax the sphincter muscle, allowing acids to flow back into the esophagus. But that isn’t the only reason it’s bad for acid reflux—it also contains the next thing on our list:
·         Caffeine - Whether you get your daily jolt from coffee or soda, caffeine is a known contributor to acid reflux.
·         Soda - The bubbles in soda can expand in the stomach, causing acids to back up. Sodas that are caffeinated are doubly bad.
·         Alcohol - Like chocolate, alcohol relaxes the sphincter, allowing acid to flow freely. One drink may not be a problem, but when paired with other heartburn culprits, you’re only asking for greater pain.
·         Citrus fruits - The acid content in these fruits are especially problematic when consumed on an empty stomach or when paired with other acidic foods.
·         Tomatoes - While they are otherwise good for you, tomatoes are very acidic too.
·         Spicy foods - Among other foods to avoid with acid reflux, hot and spicy foods can make heartburn a problem. Simply swap out milder alternatives for the spicy dishes you like.
·         Fried and other high fat foods - Fried foods are a common heartburn culprit, but even high fat dairy and meat products can be problematic for some sensitive people.
·         Meat – Meat is one of the hardest foods to digest. Limit consumption and try to choose non-fatty meats like chicken or turkey.
·         Dairy – Dairy may provide temporary relief, but it could also cause problems.
If acid reflux is a problem for you, learn your triggers and how best to avoid them. In the end, you will have to find out exactly which foods are OK, and which foods to avoid with acid reflux. Learn to know your body.

Source : TruthTheory.com

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How using a sauna can improve your health

If you are not in the hot seat, you may want to be...

Our environment is filled with pollution.  Among these are air, water, food, sound, and bad attitudes.  It should be no surprise that heat can help melt the stress away and help us flush out toxins.

Saunas are great for getting away from the grind of the day and collect your thoughts.  The stress relief is just one part of the overall benefit from regular sauna use.  The heating effect causes improved blood circulation which can help improve healing.  Also, heat has been known to relieve pain, especially resulting from strenuous physical activity.  Sauna use is also thought to help ease pain resulting from arthritis.  When the body's temperature is raised a certain amount, endorphins are released which help to relax and relieve pain.  The increased blood flow also improves skin health while toxins and bacteria are removed from the pores via sweat.  Using a sauna can improve heart health, it has been shown to effect the heart rate and can be used to strengthen heart muscles and is believed to help people enjoy a deeper sleep.  Always be careful to not stay in the sauna for too long and avoid saunas if you are pregnant or have some health problems.


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Health benefits of onions

Try to add some raw onions to your salad or sandwich.  Enjoy some fresh salsa or guacamole loaded with onion to enjoy the great flavor and positive effects on your health that onions have to offer!


Grilled or sauteed onions are delicious but the best way to have onions is raw when it comes to reaping the natural healing rewards.  Onions can help with lung function, especially for people who have asthma.  Onions are known to protect against infections and even cancer.  Onions can even contribute to cardiovascular health by reducing the risk of blood clots.



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Health Benefits Of Hemp Seed Oil



Hemp seed oil: "Nature's Perfect Food for Humanity"

Hemp Seed Oil has been shown to help with:

Heart Disease - Heart Health - Acne - Psoriasis - Eczema - Smoother thicker hair - Cancer - Cardiovascular diseases - A great source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) - Pre-menstrual tension - Rich in Omega 3 - Omega 6 - Omega 9 - Anti - Inflammatory - Moisturizes your skin and is a Natural Sunblock!

If you want to buy Hemp Seed you can try some of these products from Amazon.com - 



Want to learn how to make it?
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Dairy free calcium sources for your diet

Calcium rich options for the dairy  free diet.

Herbs:  Basil, oregano, and thyme all have over 80 mg of calcium per tablespoon, so make good on recipes that include these tasty spices.










Green Vegetables:  Broccoli, kale, spinach, and Swiss chard are good sources of calcium.  Be careful how much spinach you have in your diet as it also contains compounds that inhibit calcium absorption.
Nuts:  A cup of almonds beats a cup of milk when it comes to calcium.  What?  Brazil nuts are also a good choice, packing a whopping 213 mg. of calcium per cup.





Seeds:  A cup of flax seeds contains 428 mg. of calcium among all the other beneficial compounds found in the superfood.











Garlic:  A bulb of garlic contains many nutrients and has a score of health benefits.  Yes, calcium is one of them so don't hold back on the garlic.










Are you a vegan?  Do you have calcium deficiency?


Did you know that calcium contributes not only to bone health but also helps prevent Osteoporosis? 


Disclaimer:

Before trying anything you find on the internet you should fully investigate your options and get further advice from professionals.

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