Naturally Lower Blood Pressure with Potassium

Potassium is a mineral that is found in clams, poultry, and in almost every fruit and vegetable. It is found abundantly in potatoes, dried peaches, avocados, and bananas. It is good at lowering and controlling blood pressure. There are potassium supplements that can be used, but it is better to obtain potassium through foods. Too much potassium can be harmful for older people, because kidneys are less effective at removing potassium from the blood as a person ages. It is best to consult a healthcare professional before taking an over-the-counter potassium supplement.

Canker Sores

Canker sores are small shallow ulcers in the mouth that can be caused due to issues, such as stress, tissue injury, a virus, irritation to spicy foods, or biting the inside of the mouth. There are foods, such as citrus and acidic fruits and vegetables, that can cause canker sores. To prevent canker sores it is recommended to brush your teeth regularly to keep the mouth free from irritants, avoid foods that cause irritation in the mouth, especially acidic and spicy foods, and avoid irritation from chewing gum. Hard and crunchy food can also cause canker sores.

The sores usually go away without any treatment but there are over the counter products that can provide temporary relief and healing. If the sores are unusually large, are spreading, last longer than three weeks, won't go away, cause high fevers, or the pain doesn't allow you to drink enough fluids, then it is recommended to visit a doctor as soon as possible. A doctor will be able to prescribe a medication that can help.

Lower Blood Pressure with Potassium

It is found that eating potassium rich foods, such as bananas, baked potatoes, tomato paste, lima beans, yogurt, fish, citrus fruits, leafy green vegetables, and cantaloupe, can lower blood pressure levels by speeding up the body's sodium excretion. Potassium is also important because it is a mineral that helps the kidneys to function correctly. Depending on what medications you are taking, potassium supplements can also be used to lower blood pressure.

Safe Tips to Sleep Better

There are several things that you can do to help you to sleep better at night. You can avoid alcohol before bedtime, avoid caffeine, turn down the thermostat, increase carbohydrate intake, and develop a sleep schedule.

It is not good to drink alcohol before trying to go to sleep. Alcohol can have a negative effect on the quality of sleep. Even small or moderate amounts of alcohol can suppress melatonin, which is a hormone that helps to regulate sleep. It also interferes with the monoamine transmitters that controls the body's ability to sleep well. Alcohol can also interfere with restorative N-REM cycles and prevent a person from dreaming by disrupting the second half of the sleep cycle.

Eliminating caffeinated drinks from your diet can help you to sleep better. Caffeine can have a negative effect on sleep by boosting a person's alertness, activate stress hormones, and increase heart rate and blood pressure. It is good to to drink a caffeinated drink at least 8 hours before your bedtime.

Keeping your bedroom or the area where you sleep cool and dark can help you to sleep better. The recommended temperature is between 54 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. A cool room makes it easier for the body's core temperature to drop, which is needed to be able to fall asleep. The body reaches its lowest temperature about 4 hours after a person falls asleep. Researchers have found that when the hands and feet are warm it causes blood vessels to dilate and heat to escape and body temperature to decrease, which could help a person to fall asleep faster.

Increasing the amount of starchy carbohydrates in your diet, such as cereal, pasta, and potatoes, can increase the ability of sleep causing amino tryptophan in the blood, which increases serotonin. Serotonin is a brain neurotransmitter that promotes sleep. Foods high in complex carbohydrates, such as bread, bagels, and crackers, can have a mild effect on sleep.

It can help to develop a regular sleep and wake schedule. That would mean going to bed and waking up at the same time everyday so that your body would regulate itself to fall asleep asleep at a certain time and wake up at a certain time.

Foods and Herbs to Try for a Healthier You

There are several foods and herbs that can be used treat medical conditions, such as arthritis, osteoarthritis, shingles, neuropathy, swelling, and autoimmune disorders. There are also certain natural foods and herbs that can be used to increase energy levels and promote a healthier body, such as blueberries, yogurt, almonds, sweet potatoes, salmon, collard greens, and black beans.

Capsaicin is an active component in chile peppers that can temporarily desensitize pain-prone skin nerve receptors called C-fibers. It can be used for people suffering from conditions that include arthritis, shingles, and neuropathy. A University of Oxford Study found that 40 percent of arthritis patients reduced half of their pain after using a topical capsaicin cream for a month and 60 percent of neuropathy patients had the same results after two months. Patients at the New England Center for Headache had a decrease in their migraine and cluster headache intensity after applying capsaicin cream inside of their nostrils.

Arnica is a herb that comes from an European flower that has anti-inflammatory properties. It can be used to ease pain and reduce swelling after surgery.

Aquamin is a red seaweed supplement that is good for people suffering from osteoarthritis. It is rich in calcium and magnesium and can reduce joint inflammation and help build bone. It is recommended to take 2,400 mg of it a day in tablet form.

Fish oil is effective for joint pain due to arthritis and autoimmune disorders. When fish oil is digested it breaks down into chemicals called prostaglandins, which reduce inflammation. For heart health, it is recommended to take 1,000 mg each day. For osteoarthritis, it is recommended to take 2,000 to 4,000 mg per day. It is recommended to take about 8,000 mg per day for people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune diseases associated with joint pain, such as lupus.

Methylsulfonyl-methane (MSM) comes from sulfur and is often used by people suffering from osteoarthritis. It can be used to prevent joint and cartilage degeneration. It works better when it is used in combination with glucosamine. It is recommended to start by taking 1.5 to 3g once daily and increase to taking 3g twice each day for more severe pain.

Blueberries can increase energy levels due to the amount of carbohydrates that they contain. They also have fiber than can suppress appetite and feelings of hunger. They also contain vitamin C. Blueberries have a substance called anthocyanin that gives them their color and can help to protect cells from damage that can cause cancer, varicose veins, and urinary tract infections.

Yogurt is healthy because it contains live bacteria called probiotics, which can help the immune system to fight off infections. It also helps to keep the intestines healthy and allow them to absorb more nutrients and energy from food. Yogurt also contains vitamin B12 that increases energy levels.

Almonds can increase energy levels because they are high in magnesium and fiber. Both are energy boosters. They are also a good source of protein and zinc.

Sweet potatoes are low in fat and high in fiber and antioxidants. They contain twice the daily recommendation of vitamin A. They also have high amounts of complex carbohydrates, which can cause a lower glycemic index, so that they digest slowly and can keep a person feeling fuller for a longer amount of time.

Fish are usually low in calories and saturated fat. They are also a good source of lean protein. Cold-water fish, such as salmon, sardine, and mackerel, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help protect the body against heart disease. Omega-3 can also help against depression.

Collard greens are low in calories and have plenty of vitamins and minerals. They contain vitamin C, which can help to increase energy levels. They also contain disease fighting antioxidants and folate. Collards and other leafy green vegetables contain magnesium and vitamin B. The combination of magnesium and vitamin B can decrease moodiness and anxiety levels.

Black beans contain iron that can increase energy levels and soluble fiber that can help a person to feel full for a longer amount of time. They are also a good source of protein.

The Damaging Effects of Cola Sodas

Drinking cola type sodas is very unhealthy. Just drinking 16 ounces or more of cola sodas each day can double the risk of developing chronic kidney disease. They can also contribute to hypertension, diabetes, and kidney stones. The phosphoric acid that they contain are commonly linked to kidney stones. They can also cause lower bone density, which increases the risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures. Noncola sodas don't have the same impact on the kidneys but they are still unhealthy. It is a healthy idea to skip sodas altogether.

Celery For a Healthy Mind

t is found that eating celery and bell peppers can help keep your brain healthy. They both contain a plant compound called luteolin than can prevent inflammation in the brain that is connected to aging and other diseases, such as Alzheimer's and multiple sclerosis. Celery also has compounds that can fight Alzheimer's and other degenerative diseases.

Use Choline to Decrease Breast Cancer Risk

Choline is an organic compound that is classified as a water-soluble essential nutrient and is usually grouped within the Vitamin B complex family. It is found that getting enough choline can reduce the chances of getting breast cancer by 24 percent. It also reduces the risk of heart disease and improves memory. Choline can be found in eggs, fish, lean meat, collard greens, and beans. It is recommended that women get 425 mg of choline each day.

Benefits of Soy Yogurt

Soy yogurt is a healthier form of yogurt because it is made with soy milk from soy beans instead of cow’s milk. The natural compounds in the yogurt can help to control blood sugar levels by slowing down carbohydrate digestion. Also, the yogurts are usually all-natural, organic, and dairy free.

California Bans Restaurants From Using Trans Fats

On Friday, California became the first state to ban the use of trans fats in restaurants . Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a legislation that will ban restaurants and other retail food establishments from using oil, margarine, and shortening that contains trans fats.
This legislation would start to take effect on January 1, 2010. Restaurants that violate the ban could face fines between $25 and $1,000 and the only exception would be food that is sold in manufactures' sealed packaging. Both California and Oregon already have laws that ban trans fat from being served in schools.

Trans fats are naturally in meat and dairy products in small amounts. Most trans fats are made when vegetable oil is treated with hydrogen to make baked and fried foods have a longer shelf life. Trans fats are considered bad because they are supposedly linked to coronary heart disease.

FDA Lifts Warning on Tomatoes

The FDA has lifted its salmonella warning on tomatoes saying that even though the outbreak isn’t over, it is slowing down. They also say that the tomatoes currently in the stores are safe to eat. Hot peppers, jalapenos, and serranos are still under warning.

The people that are most affected include elderly people and people with weak immune systems. Investigators don’t know what caused the salmonella outbreak that caused 1,220 people in 42 states to get sick. The tomato industry lost more than $100 due to the outbreak.

Bigger Fruits Aren’t Better Fruits

Bigger fruits aren’t always better and more nutritious. It is known that as fruits and vegetables grow bigger, their amounts of nutrients and antioxidants decrease. When shopping, it is a good idea to choose the smallest and brightest fruits and vegetables. Bright vegetables are good because the brightness is a sign that the produce is rich in phytochemicals, which is a healthy substance that is often considered an antioxidant.

Heartburn Can Lead to Esophageal Caner

Heartburn can increase the risk of developing esophageal cancer. This is due to the backwash of stomach acids damaging the esophageal lining, which can cause cell changes that can lead to caner.

It is recommended to drink a minimal amount of coffee and citrus juices. It is also a good idea to cut back on spicy foods to control heart burn. H2 blockers, such as Zantac, and proton pump inhibitors, such as Prilosec, can help to reduce symptoms and encourage the healing of damaged tissues.

Hot Tap Water is Bad Tap Water

It is found that whether you are drinking tap water or using it to prepare a meal, it is best to get water from the cold tap. The EPA says that hot tap water contains higher levels of lead, because it dissolves the toxic metal in plumbing faster than cold water. It is a good idea to let the water run cold for at least a full minute if the faucet hasn’t been used for at least 6 hours.

How Hormones Affect Food Cravings

It is found that how tempting food may seem could depend on a person’s level of the hormone leptin. Weight is not only controlled by calorie intake and exercise, but also by complex brain complexes. Someday, scientists might be able to develop weight-loss drugs that modify the brain’s reaction to food.

Fight Fatigue with Food

It is found that eating enough inulin, which is found in foods such as chicory root, leeks, onions, garlic, Jerusalem artichokes and some yogurts, can fight off feeling tired. It also boosts good bacteria in the colon and can help the absorption of calcium. It is recommended to get 5 g of inulin per day.

Fiber and Diet

If a person wants to lose weight, it is a good idea to have a diet rich in fiber. Fiber leads to decreased food intake and an increase of excretion of calories from the digestive system to help a person lose weight. The average person should be eating 20 to 30 grams of fiber each day. Foods that are rich in fiber include whole-grain breads, whole-wheat pasta, brown rice, unpeeled fruit, and some cereals.

Restaurant Smoking Bans Decrease Teen Smoking

A recent study shows that restaurant smoking bans help to persuade teenagers not to become smokers. Teens who lived in towns with strict bans were 40 percent less likely to become regular smokers than teens that lived in communities without bans or that had weak bans. Smoking bans discourage tobacco use and sends out the message that smoking is not healthy. The ban also reduces the amount of smoke that teens are exposed to in public places.

Having a parent or close friend that smokes can be an influence as to whether or not a teenager experiments with cigarettes but strong bans in public places play a bigger role in whether a not the teen will develop a smoking habit. The study also found that the bans had a greater effect on younger teens than older teens.

Weight Gain Genes

It is found that overeating is related to the same gene involved in alcoholism and drug addiction. People who carried a certain variant of the gene and who used food to motivate themselves were the highest at risk for eating too many snacks when compared to people who had only one or neither of these traits. People with this gene variant could have a lack in reward-signaling in the brain and have to participate in more of the behavior to get as much pleasure as people with normal signaling. Exercising is something more positive that can release the same reward chemicals in the brain.

What a Mother Eats Can Determine Sex of Baby

A new British research suggests that what a woman eats before getting pregnant can affect the gender of what the baby will be. Eating potassium-rich foods, including bananas, and eating breakfast each day can raise the chances of having a boy.

The study was based on 700 first-time pregnant women in the United Kingdom who didn’t know the sex of their fetuses and they were asked about their eating habits in the year before they had gotten pregnant. 56 percent of the women with the highest calorie intake before pregnancy had boys and only 45 percent of the women with the lowest calorie intake had boys.

The women who ate at least one bowl of breakfast cereal each day were 87 percent more likely to have a baby boy than the women who ate less than one bowl of cereal each week. The women who gave birth to boys also ate an additional 300 milligrams of potassium each day on average before getting pregnant. The women who had boys also ate about 400 calories more each day on average than the women who had girls.