Swobidu Health

Posts Tagged ‘medication’

It might be hard to believe that there are actually foods that lower high blood pressure, but it is true. There are actually a number of foods that can do just that. sure, you will still need to do things like exercise and cut out salt, but it can be a great benefit to you to start lowering your blood pressure naturally. If you are prescribed blood pressure medicine, these foods will not eliminate the need for you to continue taking it, but if you have borderline high blood pressure and don’t yet need medication or you still need help even with your medication, then eating some of the foods outlined in this article might just be the answer you are looking for.

Drinking skim milk daily can help reduce your blood pressure up to ten percent. This milk is low in fat, but very high in Vitamin D and calcium, both of which are known to combat high blood pressure. Calcium can also be found in sardines, salmon, nuts, sunflower seeds (unsalted), and dark green leafy vegetables. Magnesium rich foods such as beans and spinach are also an excellent way to lower blood pressure. Other good sources of magnesium are figs, grapefruit, yellow corn, whole grains, almonds, and apples. dark chocolate is great for helping to lower the blood pressure and satisfying a sweet tooth at the same time. the flavonoids in dark chocolate have been found to cause a noticeable drop in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings. Potassium rich foods such as bananas, soybeans, oranges, watermelon, spinach, zucchini, and baked white potatoes are another very good food for maintaining a lower blood pressure, as potassium helps the body rid itself of extra fluid so that the heart does not need to pump as hard. Research also shows that eating foods high in fiber, such as oat bran, fruits, and vegetables can significantly reduce high blood pressure, and even improve blood pressure in healthy individuals. Omega-3 fats, typically found in oily fish and flaxseeds, are known to have a lowering effect on blood pressure, as is garlic.

All in all, there are a number of foods that lower high blood pressure. Since there are a number of vegetables on the list, there are a number of meals that can be made combining them with fish, poultry, and lean meat that would greatly benefit people suffering with high blood pressure. Snacking on fruits high in magnesium, potassium, or calcium and the occasional dark chocolate can be an excellent way to curb hunger between meals while still managing your blood pressure. With skim milk and oat bran on the list as well as fruit, there are enough different foods that can lower your blood pressure to eat one at every meal without having to eat the same thing every day. Some studies have shown that eating enough of these foods in the right combination can be as effective as medicine for some people. Just remember to let your doctor determine whether you need medication and never adjust your dose yourself, even if your blood pressure is lowered by your diet.

Allergy testing may be recommended by your physician for several reasons:

-Your medication is no longer alleviating your symptoms.

-You have experienced a severe reaction that requires knowing its exact cause.

-Your allergy symptoms are worsening over time.

-Simply want to know what allergens to avoid.

Allergy testing is a fairly basic procedure that is completed within the doctor’s office, with almost immediate results. Most patients opt for one of three basic skin tests since they are faster, easier, more accurate and less expensive than a blood test to determine what allergens affect you the most.

The Skin Prick is the most common of all the allergy tests used. it involves dipping a set of 5-10 needles into a solution of individual allergens, then pressed into the skin (usually on the back) to see if any reactions occur. the entire test takes less than 20 minutes and is considered highly accurate. once the solution has been allowed to seep under the skin, a physician will check the area for redness, bumps, hives, or any other type of allergic reaction. since most patients will undergo as many as 100 of these pricks during the testing, some itchiness may occur at the affected sites, but can be alleviated after the test is done with a basic antihistamine or other prescription drug offered by the physician.

The skin prick test can be used to detect airborne allergens; food allergies and to determine what medications a patient may be allergic too before prescribing certain drugs. an intradermal test may be required if the skin prick test comes out negative to suspected allergens, yet symptoms continue. this test requires actually injecting a small amount of allergen serum into the skin to see if a reaction occurs. this is usually only done to verify a few allergies.

The skin patch is primarily used to determine a skin allergy called contact dermatitis. this test involved soaking a prepared patch in allergen solution, then placing it on the skin for 24-72 hours.

In the event a patient can not undergo any of the skin tests to determine allergies due to medications that may alter the findings or a severe case of eczema which would make it difficult to see any reaction form the testing, a radioallergosorbent (RAST) blood test may be ordered. Although is can detect allergies by measuring immunoglobin E and lgE levels produced in people with allergies and asthma, the RAST test is not as sensitive as the skin testing available and is reserved for patients who can not undergo skin testing or who has tested positive to too many foods that a more detailed test is required.

Being tested for allergies is fairly simple and very accurate, allowing both patients and their physicians to see exactly what allergens are causing distress in order to best treat the patients symptoms and sometimes even alleviating the need for ongoing medications.

With the incidence of Erectile Dysfunction(ED) increasing among men as they become older, many people mistakenly assume that the condition is a normal part of the aging process.

Statistics also seem to support that connection. According to the Archives of Internal Medicine, about four percent of men in their 50s are diagnosed with erectile dysfunction, which is defined as the inability to sustain a firm erection during sexual intercourse. The incidence rate climbs to 17 percent for men in their 60s and 47 percent for those 75 and older.

However, health experts for the NIH say ED — which affects as many as 30 million American men — is not an inevitable consequence of aging.

There are several types of erectile dysfunction. Those associated with an injury or disease, such as Peyronie’s disease, or the side effects of medication, should be treated by a doctor. in these specific cases, lifestyle changes are not a factor. This is why it’s important to see a physician for diagnosis if signs of ED are present.

But sometimes, there are lifestyle changes men can make to reduce their risk of other types of erectile dysfunction, according to the NIH. The health agency also indicates that the condition is treatable at any age. Lifestyle factors that reduce the risk for ED generally are the same as those for reducing the risk for chronic diseases. Out of all the chronic diseases, diabetes has the most significant link to erectile dysfunction. almost one out of every two men with diabetes will experience erectile dysfunction and, particularly, impotency.

Other conditions that may cause ED include cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), high blood pressure, and kidney disease. these illnesses can damage smooth muscles, arteries, nerves and fibrous tissues, which contributes to erectile dysfunction. if there are indications such conditions exist, consult a doctor before beginning treatment for ED.

Here are 5 lifestyle changes that could reduce a person’s risk for developing chronic diseases and, as a result, erectile dysfunction:

1.       Stop Smoking

According to the American Cancer Society, some studies have found that male smokers may be more likely to experience erectile dysfunction than nonsmokers. Smoking also is considered an indirect factor for ED because it contributes to atherosclerosis, which is caused by a build-up of plaque in the arteries.  This condition causes the heart to work harder to pump blood through the body.

 2.       Limit Alcohol Intake

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, binge drinking and excessive drinking is linked to various health problems, including stroke, high blood pressure and other cardiovascular diseases — all of which are associated with ED. The CDC also links excessive drinking directly to sexual dysfunction.  In healthy men, moderate amounts of drinking should not cause erectile dysfunction.

 3.       Don’t Use/Abuse Drugs

Like excessive drinking, drug abuse can contribute to ED, according to the NIH. Some prescription drugs, like high blood pressure medication or antidepressants, also have been linked to ED. it is important to talk to a physician before discontinuing the use of a prescribed medication.

4.       Maintain a Healthy Weight/Exercise

Obesity is another factor that contributes to erectile dysfunction because it lowers testosterone levels, the Livestrong Foundation reports. The primary sex hormone among men, testosterone plays an important part in libido and sexual function. Obesity also contributes to diseases like hypertension and diabetes, both contributing factors to ED. Hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol and heart disease all contribute to erectile dysfunction by affecting how blood flows in and out of the penis. by tackling weight issues with diet and exercise, a person can reduce his risk for obesity-related diseases as well as ED.

5.       Address Psychological Issues. in some cases, erectile dysfunction is related to emotional issues of a personal or interpersonal nature, the NIH reports. these psychological problems could stem from marital and relationship issues to depression or prior negative sexual experiences.

The good news here is that all these causes of erectile dysfunction are treatable. in fact, whether ED is caused from physical conditions or lifestyle choices, treatments are available and generally quite effective. As always, consult a physician before beginning any ED treatment.

Thomas Stone is a writer, blogger, and health advocate. she often blogs about love, health and relationships on behalf of menshealthpd.com

Category: diabetes, Health News, Heart Disease, Men’s Health

Yoga meditation is an exercise that has a philosophy of observing and understanding who we are as a being. it can also bring balance and the person after practicing it feels productive as well as a whole person. it also works with all aspects of the body including breathing, thinking, and even deeper into our soul and consciousness. it is extremely holistic in nature and involves meditation, contemplation, prayer, and mantras.

Studies have shown that with this meditation practice, yoga meditation can really increase flow both energetically and with the blood which has resulted in healing of some individuals. what some forms of medication couldn’t do for them, yoga meditation has. Philosophically, yoga meditation also explores our reality and on how we construct ourselves with the mind on all levels that are related to Hindu philosophy, especially in consciousness and awakening.

There are too many forms of Yoga meditation that can be found all over the world. for example, in some practice the Iyengar version which involves using the philosophy and symobology of Hinduism into a Yoga poses that can be translated as a form of prayer, exercise, or a meditative stance. this is especially true with the pose known as the Sun Salute that involves movements in which one is honoring God or another form of deity. when practicing it, if feels like you are exercising more than meditating and yet you are doing these two things at the same time without really realizing or knowing it.

There is also lying down after a yoga workout called the Dead Man pose in which you are lying flat on your back with hands on your sides. here you are calming and centering your body, letting your body rest and refresh. you are closing your eyes and breathing deeply for a few minutes, which is also what one does when meditating anyway. in fact, for some general forms of meditation, this pose is recommended as a position for practice.

Originally it was taught by the Himalayans as a science, especially by way of how it has healed the individual as explained before. Since that time it has been destroyed and seen more as a spiritual form of meditation practice. it has been broken down so much that today is only referred to as the practice of Yoga which is now seen as a popular form of exercise for health and well-being.

What if we said that YOU control seven major factors for memory loss, Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive dysfunction? And that changing a few daily habits cuts your threat from these brain thieves in half. You’d pay attention, right?

Then listen up. old age and dementia do not have to go hand-in-hand. Take as many of these seven steps as you need to (we’ll help), and enjoy keeping all your marbles.

1. Quit smoking. not today. Yep, it’s better to wait a month. our realistic plan will help you quit for good 30 days from now. Find it at RealAge.com.

2. Get active. start small. For instance, walk in place whenever you’re on the phone. Eventually, put a treadmill or stationary bike smack in front of the TV and don’t watch unless your feet are in motion.

3. Get smarter. going back to school, especially for new job training, is a twofer: Brain work makes you sharper forever and improves your job odds in tough times. (There are 35,000 vacant jobs around Cleveland alone. Get trained!)

4. Brighten up. Fighting bouts of depression? see your doc about starting or changing your medication. And get extra-serious about step 2: Walking daily is a powerful depression fighter. (So are meditation and yoga. Get tips at clevelandclinicwellness.com.)

5, 6, 7. Stop three brain threats at once. We’re talking hypertension, obesity and diabetes. what prevents or reverses them is identical: Eat more fruits, vegetables, fish and 100 percent whole grains. cut saturated fat and calories. Exercise 30 minutes a day. Lose weight. Enjoy feeling terrific!

The YOU Docs, Mehmet Oz, host of “The Dr. Oz Show” and Mike Roizen of Cleveland Clinic, are authors of “YOU: Losing Weight.” For more information go to RealAge.com.

Natural alternative health has become very popular in recent years, as orthodox medication is found wanting in more and more ways. But as knowledge and information about such aspects of it as Traditional Chinese Medicine spreads, a counter current has appeared that has seen a deterioration in the standards of hygiene that ought now to be expected of everyone.

What’s the point in everyone knowing all the secrets of natural alternative health if we’re all walking around all the time with millions of harmful bacteria and microbes on our hands. Why keep to a healthy diet with plenty of fiber, and practice all the Yoga and other exercises if we then neglect to wash our hands after visiting the washroom?

Let’s take two devices most of us use every day, or nearly every day. First is the mobile phone. Nearly everyone on the planet has one, and uses it regularly. They are usually kept in our pockets or handbags, i.e. in warm, bug-friendly places, even in cool climates.

We handle them frequently, and press our fingers on the buttons several times a day or more. So any bacteria on our hands quickly spreads to these venerable devices that we love to use and handle. So how would you like to handle the mobile phone of someone who routinely comes out of the toilet without so much as a glance at the rows of wash basins just outside?

Among the nasty bugs to be found on millions of mobile phones at any time are Staphylococcus aureus. This particular bacteria is related to the super-bug, MRSA, and can cause pimples, boils, and even pneumonia and meningitis.

The second device is something nearly all of us need to use regularly, but it has to be shared with thousands of other people. it is the ever-present ATM, from which we all collect our cash as and when we need a top-up. the buttons of the typical ATM are touched by thousands of people every day, and hardly ever cleaned.

If you had a microscope and examined the keys and surrounding areas of this ATM you would almost certainly find bacteria such as the super-bugs MRSA and C.diff. These, together with candida albican, which causes thrush, can survive here for months. a recent study in the UK by Rentokil, a leading hygiene company, found that 40 per cent of ATM keypads contained bacteria that could cause severe gastroenteritis.

That takes no account of the cash itself. the same study examined a bank note taken from an ATM and found it to contain Staphylococcus aureus (see above) and bacillus bacteria, which can cause food poisoning.

The lesson to be learned here is that, apart from keeping your own mobile phone clean by regularly wiping it with an antibiotic wipe, avoid using ATMs any more than you have to, and after using one keep your hands away from your nose, mouth and eyes until you’ve washed them thoroughly. Using anti-bacterial gel is just as good.

Natural alternative health treatment can only do so much. Simple personal hygiene practices such as washing your hands when you ought to are fundamental to a healthy lifestyle.