Celiac disease is a malabsorption syndrome and chronic digestive disorder. The intestine is not able to absorb vital dietary nutrients from foods containing gliadin, an alcohol-soluble portion of gluten. This condition which is often hereditary means the sufferer has a serious intolerance to wheat (including durum, semolina and spelt), rye, oats, barley, and related grain hybrids such as tritaclae and kamut.
Arthritis refers to inflammation of the joint. The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis which is characterised by joint degeneration and loss of cartilage. Rheumatoid arthritis is a type of inflammatory arthritis which is also an autoimmune disorder. In this case the body's immune system attacks its own cartilage and tissue surrounding the joints.
Some detoxification experts advocate fasting, while others do not. It is known that the components of any well-designed detox program will stimulate the body to cleanse itself, but people who are underweight, are undernourished, have weak hearts, have blood sugar issues or are ill should avoid fasting. Some studies have shown that restricting food intake can actually lead to bingeing.
Hemorrhoids are extremely common in industrialised countries and it is estimated that fifty percent of persons over fifty years of age have symptoms of hemorrhoidal disease. Although most people may begin to develop hemorrhoids in the twenties, the symptoms do not become evident normally until in ones thirties!
High blood Pressure / Hypertension - natural treatments
- What is hypertension?
- How can I treat high blood pressure naturally?
- High blood pressure- Natural treatments and remedies
- Diet for treatment of high blood pressure
- Supplements for treatment of high blood pressure
- Lifestyle guidance for treatment of high blood pressure
- Herbs for treatment of high blood pressure
When the heart pumps blood through the arteries, the blood presses against the walls of the blood vessels. In people who suffer from hypertension, the pressure is abnormally high. It is defined as an average systolic blood pressure above 140 mm Hg, a diastolic blood pressure above 90 mm Hg, or both. High blood pressure increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. In the early and middle adult years, men are more likely than women to develop the condition, but as men and women age, the reverse is true; more women older than the age of 55 have high blood pressure than men of the same age.
Often there are no symptoms of hypertension at all. Occasionally, some individuals may experience a mild headache when their blood pressure is high. Serious cases of hypertension, which happen infrequently, may produce the following symptoms; severe headache, confusion, nausea, visual disturbances and seizure.
How can I treat high blood pressure / hypertension naturally?
While the optimum blood pressure is 115/80 mm Hg, even partial reduction in blood pressure is beneficial. One of the main goal's in treating hypertension is to reduce the risk of serious complications, including heart disease and stroke. Lifestyle modifications, including diet, exercise, and relaxation, are necessary with or without medications. Herbal treatment is often also very beneficial.
High Blood pressure - natural treatments and remedies
Healthy eating habits can help reduce high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and excess body weight -- three of the major risk factors for heart disease. The dietary guidelines below are aimed at promoting an overall healthy eating pattern to promote good cardiovascular health, while assisting in reaching desirable blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels.
Healthy cardiovascular diet relies on natural, whole foods that will not only protect your heart and arteries but leave you with more energy, feeling younger and fitter and basically a happier person.
Diet for treatment of high blood pressure
(This is a suitable diet for those that have high cholesterol levels and signs of atherosclerosis as well)
- A variety of fruits and vegetables (5 to 9 servings/day of different colours). Vegetable juices are great for you and blueberries are one of the best foods you can eat.
- A variety of grain products, with an emphasis on whole grains (6 or more servings/day). Lecithin is a good food for you, as is oat bran. Try the LSA for breakfast or the linseed breakfast recipe.
- At least 2 servings of fish per week, but 3- 4 is better. Eat cold water oily dark fish preferably.
- Limit total fat intake to <30% and saturated fat to <10% of energy. Replace dietary saturated fats and trans fatty acids with monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (including good helpings of foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids). Food sources of omega-3 fatty acids include fatty fish (such as salmon), flaxseed and flaxseed oil, soybean oil, canola oil, and nuts.
- Limit dairy products to low-fat items (2 to 4 servings/day)
- Limit sodium (salt) intake to an absolute minimum.(remember a lot of processed foods are very high in sodium)
- Limit alcohol intake to 2 drinks/day for men and 1 drink/day for women. Remember red wine is generally better for the arteries than any other alcohols
- Maintain a healthy body weight by matching calorie intake to energy needs; this includes a moderate level of regular physical activity (30 to 60 minutes within target heart range most days per week) See our file on weight loss on this website for further tips and recommendations.
- Eat garlic and onions liberally as they are such good antioxidants. Other good antioxidant foods that will help stop damage to the arteries wheat grass wheat grass, chlorella and seaweed. Also asparagus, the cabbage family, papaya, soy beans and brazil nuts and pumpkin seeds (but only if eaten uncooked and unsalted).
- Drink at least 8 glasses of pure water a day
- Decrease coffee and tea to absolute minimum or better still cut out all together. Drink green tea or herb tea which you can generally drink in liberal doses. Don't drink liquorice tea with high blood pressure as it can raise blood pressure even more.
- Grapefruit can be a great addition to your diet as it can assist the break up of calcification on the arteries, however please check that it is not contraindicated with any medication as it can change some medications metabolism in the liver.
- With high blood pressure eat potassium rich foods. Potassium has been shown to help lower blood pressure. Potassium rich foods are bananas molasses, raisins, potato,rock melon, tomato, mushroom, pumpkin, oranges, fish and avocado.
- Take 2 tablespoons of flaxseed oil a day
Supplements for treatment of high blood pressure
Specific nutrients and supplements that have been studied for hypertension include the following:
Antioxidants
Eating several servings of fruits and vegetables each day can ensure optimal intake
of antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene, which may protect
against the development of hypertension. If you can't get enough of these nutrients
through your food, supplements of these nutrients maybe useful for treating hypertension.
Calcium
The DASH study compared a diet rich in fruits and vegetables to a diet rich in fruits
and vegetables as well as low-fat dairy products. The addition of low-fat dairy
products led to a greater improvement in reducing blood pressure than the typical
American diet or a diet rich in fruits and vegetables alone. Some experts believe
that the calcium in these low-fat dairy products is responsible for the improvement;
however, given that dairy products also contain other nutrients such as modest amounts
of potassium and magnesium, that conclusion is not entirely clear. However it seems
calcium is important for blood pressure and you may need to consider supplementation
if you cannot get enough through your diet.
Co enzyme Q10
Studies including a small number of people suggest co-enzyme Q10 (a substance found
in oily fish, organ meats such as liver, and whole grains) may significantly lower
blood pressure.
Magnesium
Dietary magnesium may be associated with lowered blood pressure, but most studies
have failed to establish a link between magnesium supplementation and lowered blood
pressure. Foods rich in magnesium include legumes, nuts, whole grains, and leafy
green vegetables.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Recent studies indicate that supplementation with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty
acid (PUFA), a substance found primarily in fatty cold-water fish, such as salmon,
mackerel, sardines, and herring, may significantly lower blood pressure in people
with hypertension. Available omega-3 supplements include eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA),
docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), flaxseed, flaxseed oil, and fish oil capsules. Fish
high in mercury (such as tuna) should be avoided because this may increase blood
pressure.
Potassium
Some studies have linked low dietary potassium intake with hypertension, but results
of clinical trials do not suggest that supplementation with potassium lowers blood
pressure. A diet high in potassium from fruits and vegetables, such as potatoes,
avocados, bananas, oranges, prunes, and cantaloupe, is generally recommended
Lifestyle guidance for treatment blood high blodd pressure
Maintaining a desirable weight. Being overweight is one of the strongest predictors of development of high blood pressure. Similarly, maintaining a normal body weight is one of the most effective ways to prevent high blood pressure. Weight reduction, therefore, in overweight individuals of any age should be a priority in the prevention of hypertension.
Increasing physical activity. Several studies suggest that physically inactive people may be at an increased risk for developing hypertension.
Stress is often a major contributing factor to hypertension. Mind/body techniques such as self-hypnosis and biofeedback can work really well. Yoga and meditation have shown to be highly beneficial. Remember: worry is bad for your heart.
Stop Smoking
Herbs for treatment of high blood pressure
Herbs effectively been centuries effectively for the maintenance of a healthy heart, lowering blood pressure and maintain healthy arteries. A herbalist or naturopath will be able to assist you in your choice. Some of the herbs best known for heart and cardiovascular health are:
Garlic (Allium sativum) Raw garlic may have beneficial cardiovascular effects, including lowered blood pressure Since garlic is relatively safe and has a number of other healthful benefits, a professional herbalist may recommend 5 to 10 minced raw garlic cloves per day or 300 mg of dried garlic extract three times per day for those at risk for heart disease.
Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) considerable evidence and experience, supports the cardiovascular benefits of this herb and it is used regularly for blood pressure. Studies suggest that hawthorn can be taken safely by people with hypertension who are taking blood pressure medications. A professional herbalist may recommend between 160 and 900 mg of hawthorn leaf and flower extract per day for six weeks or more
Other widely used herbs by herbalists depending on your specific condition include lime blossom, yarrow, mistletoe, motherwort, danshen, coleus and scullcap.
