Since prevention is always better than cure, follow these basic rules to reduce your risk of having heart problems:
1.Eat a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet. Limit your intake of fats and increase your intake of low-fat foods. Eat lot of fruits, vegetables and whole grain.
2.Monitor your cholesterol levels. Get Lipid Profile test done regularly to ensure that there is right balance between LDL(bad cholesterol) and HDL(good cholesterol) levels.
3.Have your blood pressure checked regularly.Always keep it under control, even if it means taking anti-hypertensive medications.
4.Keep your blood sugar under control. Take appropriate medication and follow the recommendations of the doctor if you have diabetes.
5.Exercise regularly.Start slowly if you are not used to exercising and increase it as your fitness improves.
6.Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity and cardiovascular disease often are linked together as the excess weight carried by a person places an extra load on the heart.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Anti-Oxidants in Nutshell!!!!!
Normal processes generate free radicals. They are also produced by a number of external factors such as pollution, tobacco and the sun. Another factor is stress; stress produces adrenaline-related products, which not only restricts blood flow to various parts of our body, but also generates potent, destructive free radicals. Free radicals are toxic molecules which are highly unstable. They attack healthy cells causing cellular damage, the root of many health problems. What is needed then is something to combat these free radicals-that is where anti-oxidants come into picture.
Antioxidants are chemicals that protect our cells by neutralizing external forces (such as damage from the sun, pollution, wind, and temperature) and internal factors (for example, emotions, metabolism, and the presence of excess oxygen). They counter the effect of toxic free radical molecules by stabilizing them. Common antioxidants are Vitamins A, C, E, and beta carotene.
Antioxidants can be endogenous (produced by the body) or exogenous (obtained through the diet). Endogenous antioxidants include enzymes, coenzymes and sulfur-containing compounds such as glutathione. Exogenous antioxidants include vitamins C and E, bioflavonoids and carotenes. In fact, the term “antioxidant” is applied to dozens of different kinds of nutrients, botanicals and supplements, from grape seed extract and selenium to alpha-lipoic acid and superoxide dismutase. So a healthy diet with good helpings of Vitamin C & E can give us our dose of much needed antioxidants. Fruits such as grapes, apples, bananas, melons, and citrus fruits (as well as juices of these fruits), and vegetables such as dark green leafy vegetables, carrots, cauliflower, onions, and beets all are very high in antioxidant content. Also nuts and mushrooms are high in antioxidants.
Antioxidants are chemicals that protect our cells by neutralizing external forces (such as damage from the sun, pollution, wind, and temperature) and internal factors (for example, emotions, metabolism, and the presence of excess oxygen). They counter the effect of toxic free radical molecules by stabilizing them. Common antioxidants are Vitamins A, C, E, and beta carotene.
Antioxidants can be endogenous (produced by the body) or exogenous (obtained through the diet). Endogenous antioxidants include enzymes, coenzymes and sulfur-containing compounds such as glutathione. Exogenous antioxidants include vitamins C and E, bioflavonoids and carotenes. In fact, the term “antioxidant” is applied to dozens of different kinds of nutrients, botanicals and supplements, from grape seed extract and selenium to alpha-lipoic acid and superoxide dismutase. So a healthy diet with good helpings of Vitamin C & E can give us our dose of much needed antioxidants. Fruits such as grapes, apples, bananas, melons, and citrus fruits (as well as juices of these fruits), and vegetables such as dark green leafy vegetables, carrots, cauliflower, onions, and beets all are very high in antioxidant content. Also nuts and mushrooms are high in antioxidants.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Ten Foods You should avoid!!!
Below mentioned are ten foods that you should avoid eating to live a long and healthy life:
1.beer, hard liquor
2.artificial sweeteners
3.coffee
4.White bread, pasta
5.chocolate,candy,sweets
6.cheese, butter,cookies, cakes, pies
7.fried foods, fast foods
8.pizza
9.chips, salted nuts, popcorn
10.soda (diet & regular)
1.beer, hard liquor
2.artificial sweeteners
3.coffee
4.White bread, pasta
5.chocolate,candy,sweets
6.cheese, butter,cookies, cakes, pies
7.fried foods, fast foods
8.pizza
9.chips, salted nuts, popcorn
10.soda (diet & regular)
Ten Foods To Eat Everyday!!!!!
1.APPLE:Unpeeled apples are especially high in non-pro-vitamin A carotenes and pecti.Apples are also rich in beta carotene and vitamin C as well as several B complex vitamins including vitamin B6, folic acid and lots of potassium.
2.PEAR:Pears are an excellent source of water-soluble fiber, including pectin, which makes them useful in toning the intestines.Fresh pears contain potassium which is necessary for maintaining heartbeat, muscle contraction, nerve transmission, and carbohydrate metabolism.Pears also contain Vitamin C.
3.GRAPEFRUIT:Grapefruit is a good source of flavanoids, water soluble fibers, potassium, vitamin C, and folic acid.
4.FLAXSEED:Flaxseed is a rich source of Essential Fatty Acids.Essential Fats, or Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) are essential nutrients that the body can't produce itself.
5.BANANA:Banana is a rich source of potassium.Besides that it also contains Vitamin A, B vitamins, magnesium and folic acid in abundant quantities.
6.ORANGE:It is a great source of folic acid, fiber, antioxidants beta-carotene and vitamin C, and anticancer compounds flavonoids and carotenoids.
7.DARK GREEN LEAFY VEGETABLES:They are a great source of vitamins and minerals, folic acid and antioxidants like beta-carotene and vitamin C, fiber, and anticancer compounds beta-carotene and lutein.
8.BRAN CEREAL (or other rich source of wheat bran): Prevents constipation and is a potent anticancer agent.
9.YOGHURT:It Supplies calcium to prevent osteoporosis, boosts immune function, fights bacteria, has anticancer properties and may prevent yeast infections.
GREEN TEA:Recent evidence supports green tea's cancer fighting properties, most likely due to it's anti-oxidant content. Boosts metabolism and aids in weight loss or its maintenance
2.PEAR:Pears are an excellent source of water-soluble fiber, including pectin, which makes them useful in toning the intestines.Fresh pears contain potassium which is necessary for maintaining heartbeat, muscle contraction, nerve transmission, and carbohydrate metabolism.Pears also contain Vitamin C.
3.GRAPEFRUIT:Grapefruit is a good source of flavanoids, water soluble fibers, potassium, vitamin C, and folic acid.
4.FLAXSEED:Flaxseed is a rich source of Essential Fatty Acids.Essential Fats, or Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) are essential nutrients that the body can't produce itself.
5.BANANA:Banana is a rich source of potassium.Besides that it also contains Vitamin A, B vitamins, magnesium and folic acid in abundant quantities.
6.ORANGE:It is a great source of folic acid, fiber, antioxidants beta-carotene and vitamin C, and anticancer compounds flavonoids and carotenoids.
7.DARK GREEN LEAFY VEGETABLES:They are a great source of vitamins and minerals, folic acid and antioxidants like beta-carotene and vitamin C, fiber, and anticancer compounds beta-carotene and lutein.
8.BRAN CEREAL (or other rich source of wheat bran): Prevents constipation and is a potent anticancer agent.
9.YOGHURT:It Supplies calcium to prevent osteoporosis, boosts immune function, fights bacteria, has anticancer properties and may prevent yeast infections.
GREEN TEA:Recent evidence supports green tea's cancer fighting properties, most likely due to it's anti-oxidant content. Boosts metabolism and aids in weight loss or its maintenance
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Medicinal use of garlic!!!!!
In herbal Medicine, garlic has been traditionally used for asthma, deafness leprosy, bronchial congestion, arteriosclerosis i.e. hardening of arteries, fevers, worms and liver gall bladder trouble. Garlic is good for the heart, a food for the hair and a stimulant to appetite.
In recent times ,experiments have confirmed several ancient beliefs about the healing value of this herb. These experiments have in fact proven much greater power of garlic than known previously. The unpleasant odour in garlic is due to its sulphur content. This mineral is content to a greater degree in its volatile oil, which has remarkable medicinal values.Below mentioned are some of its medicinal uses:
Chest diseases:
Garlic has proved effective in certain diseases of the chest. It reduces stinking of the breath in pulmonary gangrene. Garlic is also useful in the treatment of tuberculosis.
In Ayurveda a decoction of garlic boiled in milk is considered a wonderful drug for tuberculosis. One gram of garlic , 250ml of milk and a liter of water are boiled together till it reduces to one fourth of the decoction. It should be taken thrice a day .Taken in sufficient quantities ,it is marvelous remedy for pneumonia.
Asthma:
Three cloves of garlic boiled in milk can be used every night with excellent results in asthma. A pod of garlic is peeled ,crushed and boiled in 120ml pure malt vinegar .It is strained after cooling and an equal quantity of honey is mixed and preserve in a clean bottle. One or two teaspoon of this syrup can be taken with fenugreek decoction in the evening and before retiring. This has been found effective in reducing the severity of asthmatic attacks.
Digestive disorders:
Garlic is one of the most important herbs for the digestive systems. , It stimulates peristaltis or movement of the intestines and the secretion of the digestive juices.
High Blood Pressure:
Garlic is one of the most effective remedies for lowering blood pressure ,Pressure and tension are reduced because it has the power to ease the spasm of the small arteries. It also modifies the pulse and modifies the heart rhythm.
Rheumatism:
In Russia garlic is used extensively in the treatment of rheumatism and associated diseases.Even in Britain ,garlic is recommended for Rheumatic afflictions.
Heart attack:
Garlic helps to break up cholesterol in the blood vessels, thereby preventing any hardening of arteries which leads to high blood pressure and heart attack If a patient takes garlic after a heart attack, the cholesterol level comes down .Though the earlier damage may not be repaired ,the chances of new attacks are reduced.
Blood Disorders:
The herb is regarded as a rejuvenator. It has been found to help remove toxins revitalise the blood, stimulate circulation and promote intestinal flora, or colony of bacteria that prevent infection by harmful bacteria.
Skin Disorder:
Garlic has been used successfully for a variety of skin disorders. Pimples disappear without a scar when rubbed with raw garlic several times a day. Even very persistance forms of acne in some adults, have been healed with garlic. Garlic rubbed over ringworm, gives quick relief. The area is burnt by the strong garlic and later the skin peels off and the ring worm is cured.
Other uses:
Garlic has a pronounced aphrodisiac effect. It is a tonic for the loss of sexual power from any causes. It also treats sexual debility and impotency caused by overindulgence in sex and nervous exhaustion from dissipating habit .It is said to be especially useful to old men with nervous tension and falling libido.
In recent times ,experiments have confirmed several ancient beliefs about the healing value of this herb. These experiments have in fact proven much greater power of garlic than known previously. The unpleasant odour in garlic is due to its sulphur content. This mineral is content to a greater degree in its volatile oil, which has remarkable medicinal values.Below mentioned are some of its medicinal uses:
Chest diseases:
Garlic has proved effective in certain diseases of the chest. It reduces stinking of the breath in pulmonary gangrene. Garlic is also useful in the treatment of tuberculosis.
In Ayurveda a decoction of garlic boiled in milk is considered a wonderful drug for tuberculosis. One gram of garlic , 250ml of milk and a liter of water are boiled together till it reduces to one fourth of the decoction. It should be taken thrice a day .Taken in sufficient quantities ,it is marvelous remedy for pneumonia.
Asthma:
Three cloves of garlic boiled in milk can be used every night with excellent results in asthma. A pod of garlic is peeled ,crushed and boiled in 120ml pure malt vinegar .It is strained after cooling and an equal quantity of honey is mixed and preserve in a clean bottle. One or two teaspoon of this syrup can be taken with fenugreek decoction in the evening and before retiring. This has been found effective in reducing the severity of asthmatic attacks.
Digestive disorders:
Garlic is one of the most important herbs for the digestive systems. , It stimulates peristaltis or movement of the intestines and the secretion of the digestive juices.
High Blood Pressure:
Garlic is one of the most effective remedies for lowering blood pressure ,Pressure and tension are reduced because it has the power to ease the spasm of the small arteries. It also modifies the pulse and modifies the heart rhythm.
Rheumatism:
In Russia garlic is used extensively in the treatment of rheumatism and associated diseases.Even in Britain ,garlic is recommended for Rheumatic afflictions.
Heart attack:
Garlic helps to break up cholesterol in the blood vessels, thereby preventing any hardening of arteries which leads to high blood pressure and heart attack If a patient takes garlic after a heart attack, the cholesterol level comes down .Though the earlier damage may not be repaired ,the chances of new attacks are reduced.
Blood Disorders:
The herb is regarded as a rejuvenator. It has been found to help remove toxins revitalise the blood, stimulate circulation and promote intestinal flora, or colony of bacteria that prevent infection by harmful bacteria.
Skin Disorder:
Garlic has been used successfully for a variety of skin disorders. Pimples disappear without a scar when rubbed with raw garlic several times a day. Even very persistance forms of acne in some adults, have been healed with garlic. Garlic rubbed over ringworm, gives quick relief. The area is burnt by the strong garlic and later the skin peels off and the ring worm is cured.
Other uses:
Garlic has a pronounced aphrodisiac effect. It is a tonic for the loss of sexual power from any causes. It also treats sexual debility and impotency caused by overindulgence in sex and nervous exhaustion from dissipating habit .It is said to be especially useful to old men with nervous tension and falling libido.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
What Diabetics should know about their Eyes!!!!!
Diabetes can affect the eye in a number of ways. These usually involve the fine network of blood vessels in the retina.The most severe condition that can occur is diabetic retinopathy.Below mentioned are some of the problems that can develop in the eyes of those suffering from diabetes.
Temporary blurring:
The vision may become blurred for a few days or weeks while the diabetes is first being controlled. This is due to the swelling of the lens of the eye.
Cataract:
Young people with diabetes can develop a special type of cataract.Although their vision gets worse, it can be restored by surgery.
older people with diabetes can be especially prone to developing cataracts. Cataracts can be successfully removed by surgery and usually it is possible to insert a lens implant.
Diabetic retinopathy:
The most serious diabetic eye condition involves the retina and is called diabetic retinopathy. This condition is very common in people who have had diabetes for a long time. Your doctor may be able to see abnormalities in your eyes, but there is no threat to your sight.
There are two types of diabetic retinopathy which can damage your sight. Both involve the fine network of blood vessels in the retina.
They are :
Type 1 - Maculopathy:This happens when the blood vessels in the retina start to leak. If the macula is affected, you will find that your central vision
gradually gets worse. You may find it difficult to recognize people's faces in the distance or to see details like small print.The amount of central vision that is lost varies from person to person.
Type 2 - Proliferative diabetic retinopathy:Sometimes diabetes can cause the blood vessels in the retina to become blocked. If this happens then new blood vessels form in the eye. This is nature's way of trying to repair the damage so that the retina has a new blood supply.
Unfortunately these new blood vessels are weak. They are also in the wrong place - growing on the surface of the retina and into the vitreous jelly. As a result these blood vessels can bleed very easily and cause scar tissue to form in the eye. The scarring pulls and distorts the retina. When the retina is pulled out of position this is called retinal detachment. This condition is more rare than background retinopathy and is more often found in people who have been insulin dependent for many years. The new blood vessels will rarely affect your vision, but their consequences, such as bleeding or retinal detachment can cause your vision to get worse suddenly. Your eyesight may become blurred and patchy as the bleeding obscures part of your vision. Without treatment, total loss of vision can occur in proliferative retinopathy.
So the best way to protect your eyes is to keep your blood sugar in check.Those who have been suffering from diabetes for long time should get their eyes examined at the earliest for early detection of any damage.
Temporary blurring:
The vision may become blurred for a few days or weeks while the diabetes is first being controlled. This is due to the swelling of the lens of the eye.
Cataract:
Young people with diabetes can develop a special type of cataract.Although their vision gets worse, it can be restored by surgery.
older people with diabetes can be especially prone to developing cataracts. Cataracts can be successfully removed by surgery and usually it is possible to insert a lens implant.
Diabetic retinopathy:
The most serious diabetic eye condition involves the retina and is called diabetic retinopathy. This condition is very common in people who have had diabetes for a long time. Your doctor may be able to see abnormalities in your eyes, but there is no threat to your sight.
There are two types of diabetic retinopathy which can damage your sight. Both involve the fine network of blood vessels in the retina.
They are :
Type 1 - Maculopathy:This happens when the blood vessels in the retina start to leak. If the macula is affected, you will find that your central vision
gradually gets worse. You may find it difficult to recognize people's faces in the distance or to see details like small print.The amount of central vision that is lost varies from person to person.
Type 2 - Proliferative diabetic retinopathy:Sometimes diabetes can cause the blood vessels in the retina to become blocked. If this happens then new blood vessels form in the eye. This is nature's way of trying to repair the damage so that the retina has a new blood supply.
Unfortunately these new blood vessels are weak. They are also in the wrong place - growing on the surface of the retina and into the vitreous jelly. As a result these blood vessels can bleed very easily and cause scar tissue to form in the eye. The scarring pulls and distorts the retina. When the retina is pulled out of position this is called retinal detachment. This condition is more rare than background retinopathy and is more often found in people who have been insulin dependent for many years. The new blood vessels will rarely affect your vision, but their consequences, such as bleeding or retinal detachment can cause your vision to get worse suddenly. Your eyesight may become blurred and patchy as the bleeding obscures part of your vision. Without treatment, total loss of vision can occur in proliferative retinopathy.
So the best way to protect your eyes is to keep your blood sugar in check.Those who have been suffering from diabetes for long time should get their eyes examined at the earliest for early detection of any damage.
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