Everything New Scientists Learned About Hypertension in 2019

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is one of the most prevalent health conditions in the world, affecting 1 in 4 men and 1 in 5 women on a worldwide scale according to the World Health Organization. Nearly 1.13 billion people in the world are suffering from the condition, and less than half have the condition under control, which is very alarming given that high blood pressure is known to contribute to heart attacks and heart failure, stroke, and kidney failure.

Needless to say, the scale of this global problem makes it the subject of continuous research, and every year, scientists learn more about the causes and ways to treat and prevent hypertension. Here are the most intriguing and noteworthy hypertension research findings of 2019:

1. Taking Midday Naps Can Help Reduce Blood Pressure

An afternoon nap may be as effective as other lifestyle changes (e.g. cutting out alcohol from your diet) at reducing your blood pressure - found a Greek study published in early March of 2019. The scientists measured an average 5.3 mm Hg drop in systolic blood pressure of the study participants, who were diagnosed with pre-hypertension and had an average 129.9 mm Hg systolic blood pressure.

This is a significant drop in blood pressure since a difference as small as 2 mm Hg can sometimes be the deciding factor of whether or not someone suffers a heart attack or other cardiovascular emergencies. So, if you have the luxury of taking a quick midday-nap, take the chance every time, and your heart and cardiovascular system will thank you for it.

2. Moderately High Blood Pressure May Be Actually Beneficial to Some

Another European study, this time from Germany, challenged what we consider 'normal blood pressure' in adults past the age of 80. This longitudinal study was published in July of 2019, and it discovered that it may actually be better NOT to lower blood pressure below 140/90 since they found that blood pressure below that margin increased the risk of death in the population that was 80 and older by 40%.

3. Spirulina Supplements Are Capable of Reducing Blood Pressure

Spirulina is a popular 'superfood' supplement people take for various reasons starting from weight loss to metabolic issues and immune health. Essentially, the product is the dried biomass of the marine bacterium Spirulina platensis, which happens to be rich in a number of nutrients, vitamins, and protein while being very low in calories.
Among the most common uses of spirulina is as a contributing treatment of hypertension, and a recent study did not just find that it is capable of reducing blood pressure, but also explained why that is the case. The researchers discovered a specific protein that our body produces as a result of digesting spirulina. This protein, named SP6, causes blood vessels to relax, and the authors suggest that it may be developed into a new, even more effective, treatment of hypertension.

4. Your Oral Health Affects Blood Pressure, Too

A beautiful smile may not just be the reflection of your oral health and impeccable oral hygiene, but it can also reveal your risks of hypertension. One study published in September showed that the presence of gum disease, or periodontitis, can increase one's risk of high blood pressure by 49%. The more advanced the gum issue, the more likely you are to suffer from hypertension - the authors of the study concluded.

Another study also linked the use of antibacterial mouthwash that contained the chemical called chlorhexidine with increased blood pressure just after one week of use. The researchers suggest that the antibacterial agent kills beneficial mouth bacteria, which produce an important chemical that naturally relaxes the blood vessels called nitric oxide. So. maybe using mouthwash isn't worth it, after all.

5. Hypertension May Soon Be Diagnosed Through an Eye Exam

A British study published in October of 2019 suggests that an eye exam may be a very quick, easy, and cost-effective way of diagnosing or even predicting hypertension years before it actually develops. This is because we have very small blood vessels in the back of our eyes, which are easily visible with the right tools. These tiny capillaries are the first to show signs of cardiovascular disease, years before any other symptoms.

Needless to say, this examination has the potential of becoming an effective screening method for hypertension, and the disease could be prevented in millions of people

6. Frequent Urination at Night Might Be a Sign of Hypertension

People suffering from inexplicable nocturia, or the need to wake up several times during the night to urinate, may want to check their cardiovascular health and salt intake. In Japan, where salt intake is much higher than other countries and hypertension is the national disease, a study published in March of 2019 revealed that nocturia can be caused by hypertension, high sodium intake and increased fluid buildup in the body. Luckily, decreasing the amount of salt in one's diet typically makes the night trips to the bathroom go away.

This is not to say that nocturia is exclusively caused by hypertension, as the condition may be the manifestation of other serious diseases as well, as discussed in the following article: The Surprising and Often Dangerous Causes of Nighttime Urination. If you're experiencing the condition and drinking less before bed or decreasing your salt intake doesn't help, it's recommended to see a doctor.

7. Low Zinc Blood Levels Can Raise Your Blood Pressure

Foods That Are An Excellent Source of Zinc

Zinc is one of the most important minerals we have to eat every day, as it plays a key role in supporting our immune system, preventing skin issues and hair loss, as well as keeping depression at bay. It turns out that we can add to that list, since zinc also aids in the excretion of sodium through the kidneys, thereby preventing cardiovascular issues, such as hypertension.

High sodium levels are a known risk factor of hypertension, so keep your zinc levels in check, especially if you're vegetarian or in your 60's and older, as these people are more likely to have a zinc deficiency.

8. Dementia and High Blood Pressure May Be More Closely Linked Than Expected

Another seminal finding made this year was the correlation of hypertension with all varieties of dementia, including Alzheimer's, and not only vascular dementia as was previously believed. Vascular dementia occurs as a result of a stroke, and hypertension increases the risk of stroke, so there isn't any doubt that the two conditions are linked, but it turns out that even Alzheimer's is somehow associated with the condition, too.

In a recent article, it was shown that a drug called Nilvadipine used to treat hypertension increased the blood flow in a certain brain area called the hippocampus in Alzheimer's patients. The hippocampus is one of the memory centers of the brain, and it is heavily affected in Alzheimer's, so the findings that a hypertension medication can mitigate the damage are exciting, to say the least.

9. Drinking Mineral Water Is Beneficial for Hypertension

Water enriched in minerals, such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium is also typically higher in sodium than normal drinking water, so it must be bad for hypertension, correct? It turns out that the answer is 'Not Quite', as shown in an article published in the journal of the American Heart Association in May of 2019.

Conducted in the southwest coastal region of Bangladesh, where water varies in both salinity and mineral composition, the study found that the harmful salt content of the water was neutralized by the calcium and magnesium it also contained. In fact, the mineral water had an overall blood-pressure-lowering effect thanks to its mineral content. This finding is evidence that both minerals have the potential of helping blood pressure normalization, further emphasizing the importance of a healthy diet in hypertension prevention and treatment.

this is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.     
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What is spirulina and why you must have it

Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae, which is among the world’s most popular dietary supplements. Many people consider it as a super-food due to its excellent nutritional content and health benefits.
Nutritional value of spirulina

Spirulina is high in protein and vitamins, thus making it a great dietary supplement for vegans and vegetarians. Studies suggest that spirulina also has antioxidant, inflammation-fighting properties and the ability to boost your immune system. Below are the seven health benefits of spirulina and why you must consider having it: 

It can help you lose weight
Creating a calorie deficit is the first step towards losing weight. Spirulina can help you lose weight as its low in calories but is power-packed with nutrients. People who ate spirulina for 3 months showed improvement in their BMI (body mass index), says a study.

Can help manage diabetes

A study conducted in 2018 found that spirulina significantly lowered fasting blood sugar levels. High fasting sugar is a common issue with people suffering from Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

In a 2017 animal study mice with type 1 diabetes were given spirulina extract. The mice showed lowered blood sugar, higher insulin levels and improved liver enzyme. The antioxidant effect of spirulina is also helpful in treating type 1 diabetes.

Lowering cholesterol

Cholesterol is the unhealthy fat that can increase the risk of heart diseases. Taking spirulina supplements can have a positive impact on the blood lipid levels. In a study, it was found that consuming spirulina decreased the level of LDL (bad) cholesterol and increases the level of HDL (good) cholesterol.

Helps in lowering blood pressure

There is evidence that spirulina can help lower blood pressure. A small study conducted in 2016 found that eating spirulina for three months regularly can help control blood pressure in people who were overweight and had hypertension.

Improves gut health

Spirulina is easily digestible as its cells do not have tough fibrous walls. Studies show that spirulina can support gut health as people age. A study conducted in 2017 on mice suggests that spirulina can help preserve the healthy gut bacteria.

Spirulina is not rich in fibre, thus it’s important to consume high-fibre foods along with it.

Packed with nutrients

Spirulina has no side effects and is packed with protein and vitamins. It also contains thiamine, niacin, riboflavin, vitamins B-6, A and K.

One tablespoon (around 7 grams) of dried spirulina has:
20 calories
4.02 g of protein
1.67 g of carbohydrate
0.54 g of fat

8 milligrams (mg) of calcium

2 mg of iron

14 mg of magnesium

8 mg of phosphorus

95 mg of potassium

73 mg of sodium

0.7 mg of vitamin C

this is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.     
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https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
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7 new super-foods for men and women

Hormones can cause huge havoc in men and women. Whether it is severe acne and hair on the face, fatigue, yo-yo weight gain, irregular menstrual cycles, low libido, brittle hair, depression or poor fertility. The symptoms of hormonal imbalance and their severity may vary but they are very distressing. And are today an epidemic of sorts. Hormones sound complex (after all, there are about 200 of them). To keep your hormones happy include these seven foods in your diet on a regular basis.

Spirulina to tackle Estrogen
Estrogen imbalance shows up in abdominal obesity, bloating, cold hands and feet, hair loss, mental fogginess, hot flashes, night sweats and temperature swings.
Food pick: Spirulina has the essential fatty acids that help the liver metabolise excess estrogen. Have it mixed with water or add to smoothies.

Cinnamon to keep insulin stable
Insulin is the body’s sugar regulator. Imbalance shows up in the form of lethargy, hunger, brain fog and weight gain.
Food pick: Cinnamon helps keep your blood sugar stable through the day and insulin tamed.

Mackerel to keep thyroid healthy
Thyroid keeps our metabolism in shape, and its imbalance leads to us feeling cold or sluggish all the time.
Food pick: Thyroid has the highest selenium content, and its deficiency is often a primary cause of thyroid disorders. Mackerel is a good source of selenium.

Banana to cosy up melatonin
This sleep hormone helps you stay rested and sleep well. And sleep debt is associated with higher weight and hormonal imbalance. Its imbalance shows up as you begin to experience fatigue, impaired memory and lack of concentration.
Food pick: Pile on B6 rich foods, particularly banana, as it helps the body produce melatonin naturally.

Jamun to strengthen the liver
Liver is our body’s master filter – it cleans out toxins we are exposed to and is the powerhouse of all hormone production and metabolism.
Food pick: Jamun can keep it healthy as it prevents excessive lipid accumulation, which leads to fatty liver and multiple hormonal messes.

Ghee to keep cortisol low

When cortisol rises, it makes our body hoard fat as it encourages conversion of blood sugar into fat for long-term storage. It also leads to food cravings and, addictions and irritability, frequent headaches, anxiety, high blood pressure.
Food pick: Good fats are building blocks of all hormones – and are especially helpful with stabilising the production of stress hormone cortisol. Eat ghee from grass fed cows to keep cortisol low.

Spinach to boost adiponectin
This fat-burning hormone works on the brain to regulate inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which contribute to weight gain.
Food pick: Have spinach as it has certain enzymes and antioxidants, which stimulate this hormone.

Finally, the important thing to understand is that all our hormones are interconnected, and interact and work together synergistically – so even if one is out of whack, it can start a bad cascading effect. Don’t let that happen – for the sake of your weight and health. Eat a hormone stabilising diet. 

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.                                    PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO  VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                           https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/    

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Artery Cleansing Foods

More people die of heart disease than any other cause of death. A lot of these deaths are caused by what they’re putting on their plates. This is because certain foods lead to plaque buildup in the arteries, blocking blood flow and increasing your chance for a heart attack, aneurysm or stroke. However, certain foods are actually artery-friendly and can prevent plaque from forming and causing blockage.

Avocados - A well-known food for its healthy fats is the avocado. This fruit can reduce bad cholesterol by as much as 17% and also increasing your good cholesterol. Avocados make delicious guacamole, go well in salads and on sandwiches and can even be added to warm vegetable side dishes. Olive oil - Olive oil is a healthy oil that is good for the well being of your heart. Firstly it provides your body with healthy fats and secondly it works to reduce your bad cholesterol. It can be eaten daily: Add it to pasta, salads or just about any vegetable. Regular olive oil consumption has been shown to reduce your risk of a stroke by 41 percent. Plant sterols - These can be found in fortified margarine or butter, milk, and orange juice. These compounds reduce cholesterol-filled oils because like cholesterol they travel to the digestive track, and their presence prevents cholesterol from being absorbed into the bloodstream. Check the labels of yogurts, salad dressings, and snack bars because plant sterols are often added to these.

Nuts - Nuts can help your heart be in optimal health because of their good fats. They contain monosaturated fats, omega-3 fatty acids, and alpha-linoleic acid, all substances that lower bad cholesterol levels. Just a handful of walnuts, cashews or almonds can provide adequate nutrition. Eat them as a snack between meals or give your salad a crunchy element. Asparagus - Asparagus is a green vegetable that removes clots and decreases inflammation, helping to keep your arteries unclogged. Asparagus adds a lovely flavor to soups, salads or pasta, and can also be eaten by itself. Broccoli – Broccoli is a great source of vitamin K, which prevents calcium from damaging the arteries. This vegetable lowers bad cholesterol levels and helps with the regulation of healthy blood pressure. Eat a cup of broccoli with your lunch or add it to salads or soup.

Persimmons – This yellow fruit is a rich source of fiber, polyphenols and antioxidants. Together these three substances help prevent cholesterol buildup, reduce triglycerides and bad cholesterol, and fight free radicals, respectively. This makes persimmons somewhat of a super-fruit. Enjoy it as a snack, add it to fruit or vegetable salads, or make a marmalade or jam with it. Salmon - Like nuts, this freshwater fish boasts a large array of healthy fats. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which helps reduce triglyceride levels, decreases inflammation and increases good cholesterol levels. While salmon makes a delicious lunch or dinner option, fish like mackerel, tuna and herring also offer similar health benefits.

Turmeric – This yellow-colored spice contains curcumin, which works to eliminate fatty deposits and decrease inflammation, all beneficial for the health of your arteries. Add this bright-hued spice to couscous, rice or meat dishes. You can also drink some turmeric tea to reap its many benefits. Cinnamon – This delicious spice can add flavor to a piece of toast, sweet potatoes or even drunk as a tea. While it offers flavor, it also has health benefits, mainly by preventing plaque from building up on artery walls, reducing bad cholesterol levels by as much as 26 percent. You can start feeling the benefits by adding a few teaspoons a day to your diet. Orange juice – A glass of freshly squeezed orange juice is filled with nutrients and high amounts of antioxidants, which improve blood vessel function. The juice has also been found to reduce diastolic (resting) blood pressure. It’s recommended that you drink two cups a day. Drink it between meals with a snack, or first thing in the morning with your breakfast.

Spirulina - Spirulina is an algae rich in minerals, vitamins, carotenoids, antioxidants and proteins. It can be bought in powder form and added to a smoothie, or dried flakes can be added to salads. This superfood helps regulate healthy blood pressure and relaxes your artery walls. Regular consumption can help bad cholesterol drop by 10 percent and good cholesterol levels can go up by 15 percent. Cranberries – A holiday favorite, cranberries are a fantastic source of potassium. These berries have been shown to reduce bad cholesterol levels and increase good cholesterol. Regular drinking of cranberry juice has reduced the risk of heart disease by 40 percent. Cranberries taste delicious in pies, in salads or as a snack and their juice makes for a welcome morning drink. Green tea – This hot drink contains the antioxidant cetachin, which gives the drinker various health benefits. It stops cholesterol from being absorbed by the body and fights off obesity. Enjoy a cup or two any time of the day. Watermelon - Watermelon is a refreshing summer fruit, consumed on its own, as well as in fruit salads or as a beverage.  This fruit contains much L-Citrulline, an antioxidant that stimulates nitric oxide production, which helps widen the blood vessels and generally promotes good health heart.   Whole grains - When you eat whole grains you can lower your bad cholesterol levels. This is because of the high amounts of soluble fiber found in the grains. These fibers attach themselves to the bad cholesterol and prevent it from building up in the arteries. You can get plenty of whole grains in whole wheat bread, or in oatmeal (a delicious breakfast choice), or in cereals. You can also find it in brown rice. Spinach – This leafy green vegetable is rich in potassium and folate, which reduce the risk of developing heart disease by as much as 11 percent. Eating this vegetable fresh daily helps unclog the arteries and lowers high blood pressure rates. It adds flavor to salads and sandwiches, and is an easy-to-prepare side dish. Pomegranates - This fruit adds a rich flavor to fruit salads and smoothies. It is also rich in phytochemicals, which encourage nitric oxide production, helping to prevent your arteries from getting clogged up. Phytochemicals also regulate blood flow.  THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES. PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO VIEW MY BLOG- HTTP:GSEASYRECIPES.BLOGSPOT.COM       FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG HTTP://KNEE REPLACEMENT-STICK CLUB.BLOGSPOT.COM/ FOR CROCHET DESIGNS- http://My Crochet Creations.blogspot.com/

GREEN SUPERFOODS

Greens are good, Green Superfoods are even better! Green superfoods have the highest concentrations of easily digestible nutrients, fat burning compounds, vitamins and minerals to protect and heal the body. They contain a wide array of beneficial substances including proteins, protective photo-chemicals and healthy bacteria helping you to build cleaner muscles and tissues, aid your digestive system function and more effectively protect you against disease and illness.

Green superfoods are extremely rich in chlorophyllthe pigment that gives plants their green color. The molecular structure of chlorophyll is very similar to that of human blood and studies show that when this is consumed, the production of hemoglobin in blood is increased. Higher amounts of hemoglobin in the bloodstream means more oxygen-rich blood, the first and most important element that cells need to thrive.

Wheat grass

Wheat grass is the sprouted grass of a wheat seed. Unlike the whole grain, because it has been sprouted, it no longer contains gluten or other common allergic agents. Wheat grass is super alkalizing and is excellent for promoting healthy blood. It normalizes the thyroid gland to stimulate metabolism thus assisting digestion and promoting weight loss due also to its high enzyme content and cleansing effect.

Barley grass

Barley grass has 11 times more calcium than cows milk, 5 times more iron than spinach and 7 times more Vitamin C and bio-flavonoids than orange juice. It contains significant amounts of Vitamin B12 which is very important in a vegetarian diet. Barley grass juice has anti-viral activities and neutralizes heavy metals such as mercury in the blood.

Wild blue-green algae

Algae was the first form of life on Earth and its power is immense. Wild blue-green algae is a phyto-plankton and contains virtually every nutrient. With a 60% protein content and a more complete amino acid profile than beef or soy beans. It contains one of the best known food sources of beta carotene, B vitamins and chlorophyll. It has been shown to improve brain function and memory, strengthen the immune system and help with viruses, colds and flu.

Spirulina

Spirulina is a cultivated micro-algae which has been consumed for thousands of years by the indigenous peoples in Mexico and Africa. It is one of the highest known protein sources on Earth and contains 70% complete protein, towering over steak which consists of only 25% protein once cooked. Studies have shown that spirulina can help control blood sugar levels and cravings thus making it a key food for diabetics, and can be used to assist in weight loss and as a general nutritional supplement.

Chlorella

Chlorella is a fresh water algae and like its other algae cousins contains a complete protein profile, all the B vitamins, vitamin C and E and many minerals. It is amazing for the immune system and for reducing cholesterol and preventing the hardening of the arteries, a precursor to heart attacks and strokes.

Green leafy vegetables

Green leafy vegetables are so readily available and so highly nutritious, however most people do not eat enough of them. Studies continuously confirm that populations that eat a diet high in green leafy vegetables run a far lower risk of heart disease and cancer. Fresh raw green leafy vegetables contain high doses of chlorophyll, easily digestible proteins, enzymes and a wide range of vitamins and minerals. These particular vegetables act as mini-transfusions for the blood, a health tonic for the brain and immune system and a cleanser of the kidneys. Try any of the following: rocket, spinach, dandelion greens, kale, watercress, parsley, lettuce, endive, chicory, broccoli sprouts and mustard sprouts.

PS- THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.

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