Green tea has been used for thousands of years in traditional remedies. It has been credited with being a major contribution to longevity in many cultures. Recent medical research has been able to confirm many of the benefits that healers have claimed for thousands of years.
Many of the health benefits of green tea are due to a powerful anti-oxidant known as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCE). The level of EGCE is much higher in green tea than in any other tea.
Green tea and weight loss is well documented. The following list shows some of the many other benefits.
Green tea has been shown to be beneficial in the treatment and prevention of some forms of cancer.
Is beneficial in the treatment of multiple sclerosis.
Boosts the immune system.
Is effective as a blood thinner which assists with the management of cardiovascular diseases.
Helps to reduce high blood pressure.
May be beneficial in the treatment of neurological condidtions such as Parkinsons and Alzheimer’s diseaeses.
Helps to redcue high cholesterol.
Increases metabolism and fat oxidation to help maintain a healthy weight.
This list is just a start. Click this link for more information on the benefits of green tea diets.

Other Benefits of Dieters Green Tea

Green tea has been used for thousands of years in traditional remedies. It has been credited with being a major contribution to longevity in many cultures. Recent medical research has been able to confirm many of the benefits that healers have claimed for thousands of years.

Many of the health benefits of green tea are due to a powerful anti-oxidant known as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCE). The level of EGCE is much higher in green tea than in any other tea.

Green tea and weight loss is well documented. The following list shows some of the many other benefits.

  1. Green tea has been shown to be beneficial in the treatment and prevention of some forms of cancer.
  2. Is beneficial in the treatment of multiple sclerosis.
  3. Boosts the immune system.
  4. Is effective as a blood thinner which assists with the management of cardiovascular diseases.
  5. Helps to reduce high blood pressure.
  6. May be beneficial in the treatment of neurological condidtions such as Parkinsons and Alzheimer’s diseaeses.
  7. Helps to redcue high cholesterol.
  8. Increases metabolism and fat oxidation to help maintain a healthy weight.

This list is just a start. Click this link for more information on the benefits of green tea diets.

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Understanding High Blood Pressure Readings

If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure you probably already know the importance of regular blood pressure monitoring but do you know what those numbers actually mean?

The device most commonly used as a blood pressure tester is known as a “sphygmomanometer”. These machines have been in use in doctors surgeries since the 1880′s. Early forms of the machine made use of a mercury barometer and were read in terms of how far the mercury rose in a column. Modern devices still use the same scale which is why the readings are given in terms of millimetres of mercury or mmHg.

Most forms of sphygmomanometer make use of an inflatable cuff that is wrapped around the arm. The cuff is inflated until the pressure is high enough to stop the flow of blood in the main artery of the arm. The pressure in the cuff is then slowly released until the sounds of blood rushing through the artery is detected, either by use of a stethoscope or electronic means in the case of a digital monitor. The pressure at which sounds are first heard is the systolic pressure and indicates the pressure in the artery while the heart is beating.

The pressure in the cuff is continued to release until no more sounds are heard. This is the point at which the blood is able to flow freely in the artery and is known as the diastolic pressure. The diastolic pressure indicates the pressure in ther artery beween heart beats when the heart is relaxed. The two pressure readings are recorded in the form systolic/diastolic, eg, 120/80, which is read as “one twenty over eighty”

Blood pressure readings vary throughout the day depending on activity and stress level and can be affected by many other factors as well, such as caffeine or tobacco intake. It’s best to actually measure blood pressure at a time when you are relaxed. Wait until at least 30 minutes after strenuous activity or consumption of caffeine. Try to sit in a relaxed position for 10-15 minutes before the pressure is measured.

Your resting blood pressure is a good indicator of the health of your circulatory system. If your readings are repeatedly at a high level it means extra stress is being placed on your heart and blood vessels. this condition puts you at high risk of serious damage to major organs. Your blood vessels may harden, a condition known as artheriosclerosis. Your blood vessels narrow and there is a greater risk of clotting. This can also lead to life-threatening conditions such as heart failure, stroke or kidney failure.

Generally speaking, blood pressure readings below 120/80 are considered to be normal. Between 120/80 and 140/90 is known as a high normal or pre-hypertension (pre-high blood pressure) range. Above 140/90 is a state of high blood pressure and above 180/110 is considered to be extremely high.

Your doctor would need to measure your pressure a few times over subsequent visits before confirming a diagnosis of high blood pressure readings. They will then suggest a course of treatment which will most likely include a healthier lifestyle and in more severe cases medication may also be required.

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Medications for Reducing High Blood Pressure

In most sufferers of “hypertension” or “high blood pressure” the first course of treatment involves lifestyle changes. A healthier diet and exercise, weight loss, reducing alcohol consumption and stopping smoking are all part of a regimen to prevent or control blood pressure problems. However if lifestyle changes prove to be ineffective or there are other serious health conditions then medication may be needed as well.

A course of medication may involve just one type or medicine or several. Your doctor will decide on the best treatment plan for you and over time will monitor the dosages to keep you on track towards your target blood pressure. The following are some of the main types of medication used for blood pressure control.

Alpha-Blockers: This medication alters the nerve impulses to your blood vessels allowing an easier flow of blood which results in a reduction in blood pressure

Beta-Blockers: Reduce nerve impulses to your heart and blood vessels. They reduce your heart rate as well decreasing your blood pressure.

Alpha-Beta-Blockers: Work as a combination of alpha and beta blockers. They control nerve impulses to your blood vessels and heart resulting in a relaxing of the blood vessels and a reduced heart rate.

Nervous System Inhibitors: Work in a different manner to alpha blockers but also control nerve impulses to relax and widen the arteries.

Diuretics: Are also known as ‘water pills,’are used in the treatment of many diseases. In the case of high blood pressure they are used to help the kidneys flush out excess sodium from the body. Excess sodium is a factor in around 33% of hypertension patients.

Vasodilators: Work to open your blood vessels directly by relaxing the muscles in your artery walls
which then causes your blood pressure to decrease.

ACE Inhibitors: ACE is an abreviation for ‘Angiotensin Converting Enzyme.’ These inhibitors prevent the production of a hormone called angiotensin II which causes your blood vessels to narrow. Decreased levels of angiotensin II allows your blood vessels to more easily relax.

Angiotensin Antagonists: Work by preventing your arteries from responding to angiotensin. As a result the blood vessels become more relaxed.

Calcium Channel Blockers: Prevent calcium from entering your heart muscle and blood vessels which can be a contributor in some cases of high blood pressure.

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Understanding Blood Pressure Problems

Are you concerned about what might increase your blood pressure? There are quite a few things that can factor in to raising your blood pressure. Luckily you can fix many of these with a few lifestyle changes.

If you do not watch your blood pressure frequently, you might not even be aware that you have it. It can creep up on you or just increase over the years. It all depends on many different factors.

If you are overweight you are at an increased risk of developing hypertension. You might already know this and you might not. If this is the case for you, consult your doctor and see what he might recommend for you. Losing at least ten pounds can  lower your blood pressure fast

An unhealthy diet or lack of physical activity or exercise can also put you at risk for high blood pressure. Try to exercise at least thirty minutes a day even if you have to space the time out. Eating less salt and more vegetables and fruits can help lower your blood pressure as well. Try to incorporate this into your present diet and you will see the results rather quickly.

Stress plays a huge factor in high blood pressure and unfortunately everyone is stressed at some point in their lives. If you deal with a high amount of stress, consider relaxation techniques. Do whatever you can that you know will calm you down and help relieve stress.

Using tobacco and alcohol raise your blood pressure. If you use either of these consider quitting. If you are unable to quit right away, limit your consumption of alcohol and use of tobacco. There are many over the counter and prescription products to help rid your self of these habits. Talk with your doctor of any concerns you might have.

Medical conditions also factor into high blood pressure along with your lifestyle. Kidney disease can result in high blood pressure as well as cause it.  Sleeping disorders that interrupt your breathing during sleep will also raise your blood pressure. Talking with your doctor about your condition could benefit your disorder along with your blood pressure.

Certain medications and drugs can also raise your blood pressure. Certain types of anti-depressants will do this as well as certain cold medicines. Be aware of oral contraceptives, nasal decongestants, anorexia drugs and steroids. These can possibly raise your blood pressure as well so talk with your doctor before taking any of them if you are concerned.

While you can control most of the factors that raise your blood pressure there are some you cannot. For instance your race; African Americans are more prone to hypertension, people over fifty-five are at a higher risk, and your family history can play a role in your blood pressure as well. While you cannot control these factors you can easily try to help decrease your risk. Watch your diet, exercise, lifestyle habits, etc. Over time this may be very beneficial to you.

High blood pressure can cause strokes and even heart and kidney diseases. Leading a healthier life style can help you live longer and enjoy your time in a healthy state. Talk with your doctor about any questions or concerns you may have concerning your blood pressure. Learn how to control high blood pressure and you will live a happier and longer life.

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