3 Effective Home Remedies To Nurse A Cold BY PLAVANEETA BORAH

Follow these age-old home remedies to treat a cold

Home remedies for cold

 Due to change in the weather, one of the most common problems that many people face is a cold. While there are many medicines and antibiotics that one can turn to for quick relief, looking at age-old home remedies can also help as they work like a charm in bringing respite.

Here are three popular home remedies that are known to nurse a common cold:

1. Black pepper tea

Black pepper contains an organic compound called piperine, which makes it a great antioxidant with antibacterial and immunity boosting properties. In most Indian households, it's a common practise to add a few sprinkling of pepper in curries and veggies to nurse a cold. The best way to reap its benefits is to make a simple pepper tea and keep sipping on it to clear congestion in the nose and throat. All you need to do is add half a spoon of black pepper in a cup of hot water, mix well and then drink. You can also add honey to it for better results.

(Also read: 5 Immunity Boosting Foods To Include In Your Diet This Monsoon)

Black pepper contains an organic compound called piperine

2. Ginger, lemon and honey tonic

Active components found in ginger, such as gingerol and zingerone, have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it a great ingredient to fight a common cold. A common remedy is ginger tonic, which can be made by boiling two tablespoons of roughly chopped ginger in water, and then straining into a cup. To it, add one tablespoon lemon juice and one tablespoon honey, mix well and drink. Or you can also enjoy a strong cup of adrak chai.

Ginger has excellent anti-inflammatory properties

3. Cinnamon drink

The aromatic spice is not just for sprucing up flavours in your food, but also comes loaded with many health benefiting properties. It acts as a natural antibiotic and is a great source of antioxidants. Because of its antimicrobial properties, cinnamon is commonly used in ancient medicine to build immunity and cure common cold. Soak a piece of cinnamon in hot water and let the flavour infuse for a few minutes. Add a spoon of honey and drink it about two-three times a day. It will help clear the sinuses too.

Cinnamon helps in reducing throat irritation

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Sip on these ancient health tonics to get rid of cold and to boost your immunity  

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Natural Remedy for Arthritis

Arthritis is a group of painful and degenerative conditions marked by inflammation in the joints that causes stiffness and pain. Osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis, gets worse with age and is caused by wear and tear over the years. Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by the immune system attacking the joints as if they were foreign tissues. Because of this, rheumatoid arthritis is classified as an autoimmune disease.

Doctors traditionally treat arthritis with anti-inflammatory medications and painkillers. However, some medications cause side effects, and a natural approach to pain relief is becoming more popular. Remember to consult your doctor before trying these natural remedies.

Learn more: What do you want to know about osteoarthritis? »

WEIGHT

1. Lose weight

Your weight can make a big impact on the amount of pain you experience from arthritis. Extra weight puts more pressure on your joints — especially your knees, hips, and feet.

Reducing the stress on your joints by losing weight will improve your mobility, decrease pain, and prevent future damage to your joints.

EXERCISE

2. Get more exercise

There are more benefits to exercise than just weight loss. Regular movement helps to maintain flexibility in your joints. Weight-bearing exercises such as running and walking can be damaging. Instead, try low-impact exercises such as water aerobics or swimming to flex your joints without adding further stress.

3. Use hot and cold therapy

Simple hot and cold treatments can make a world of difference when it comes to arthritis pain. Long, warm showers or baths — especially in the morning — help ease stiffness in your joints. Use an electric blanket or moist heating pad at night to keep your joints loose.

Cold treatments are best for relieving joint pain, swelling, and inflammation. Wrap a gel ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables in a towel and apply it to painful joints for quick relief.

Learn more: Treating pain with heat and cold »

ACUPUNCTURE

4. Try acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medical treatment that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on your body. This is supposed to reroute energies and restore balance in your body. Acupuncture is the most researched complementary therapy and is recommended by the World Health Organization for treatment of over 100 different conditions.

It is thought that acupuncture has the ability to reduce arthritis pain. If you want to explore this treatment method, be sure to find a licensed and certified acupuncturist in your state.

MEDITATION

5. Use meditation to cope with pain

Meditation and relaxation techniques may be able to help you reduce pain from arthritis by reducing stress and enabling you to cope with it better. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), studies have found that the practice of mindfulness meditation is helpful for some people with painful joints. Researchers also found that those with depression and arthritis benefitted the most from meditation. When stress is reduced, inflammation and thus swelling and pain drop.

6. Include the right fatty acids in your diet

Everyone needs omega-3 fatty acids in their diet for optimum health. These fats also help your arthritis. Fish oil supplements, which are high in omega-3s, have been shown to reduce joint stiffness and pain.

Another fatty acid that can help is gamma-linolenic acid, or GLA. It’s found in the seeds of certain plants such as evening primrose, borage, hemp, and black currants. You can also buy the oils of the seeds as a supplement. However, be sure to check with your doctor before taking them.

TURMERIC

7. Add turmeric to dishes

Turmeric, the yellow spice common in Indian dishes, contains a chemical called curcumin that may help to reduce arthritis pain. The secret is its anti-inflammatory properties.

The NIH reports that turmeric given to lab rats reduced inflammation in their joints. More research on use of the supplement for humans is needed, but it can’t hurt to add this tasty spice to your dinners.

MASSAGE

8. Get a massage

According to the Arthritis Foundation, regular massaging of arthritic joints can help reduce pain and stiffness and improve your range of motion. Work with a physical therapist to learn self-massage, or schedule appointments with a massage therapist regularly

Your massage therapist should be experienced with working on people who have arthritis. Check with your doctor for a recommendation.

Article source https://www.healthline.com/health/osteoarthritis/arthritis-natural-relief#massage

Natural Home Remedies for Healthy and Moisturized Skin

Winter rashes can be seen on your arms, legs, or hands. And in a few cases, it may also affect the entire body. Without proper care and treatment, your rashes may last throughout the winter season.

Avocado, Banana And Papaya Paste:

How To Use: Peel a banana and mix it with papaya and avocado. Make it into a fine paste. Apply the mixture all over your face. Leave the mixture on for 15 minutes. Wash it off with water.

Cucumber

How To Use: Take one whole cucumber. Peel off the skin and make it into a paste. Apply it evenly on your face and let it sit for 30 minutes. Wash it off with water. You could also rub sliced pieces of cucumber on the affected area. This will help soothe the irritation.

Oils

How To Use: You can either use olive oil, coconut oil, almond oil, etc., to help moisturize your skin. Massage it on your body, preferably after a bath. Use the required amount of oil for your body.

Oatmeal

How To Use: Grind one cup of oatmeal in a mixer and make it into a fine powder. Add water to the powder to form a thick paste. Apply this paste on the affected areas. Cover it with a clean cloth and leave it on for 30 minutes. Wash it off with water.

Milk Cream

How To Use: In a bowl, add a cup of milk cream and mashed bananas. Mix the content properly. Apply the mixture on your face and leave it on for 30 minutes.

Article source http://asianetindia.com/natural-home-remedies-for-healthy-and-moisturized-skin/

Tobacco Consumption May Cause Infertility, Try these Natural Remedies to stop the Habit .

Many recent studies have linked tobacco consumption to infertility in men and women. Some of them indicate that as compared to the non-smokers, active smokers are 14 percent more likely to be infertile and 26 percent women more likely to have early menopause.

This goes without saying that tobacco consumption in any form can have adverse effects on your health. Many recent studies have linked tobacco consumption to infertility in men and women. Some of them indicate that as compared to the non-smokers, active smokers are 14 percent more likely to be infertile and 26 percent women more likely to have early menopause. Moreover, research shows that passive smoking too can affect fertility. Smoking can affect each stage of the reproductive process that includes hormone production, embryo transport and the environment in the uterus. Smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of pregnancy complications, low birth weight and birth defects. Risk of miscarriages may increase with regular smoking. Similarly, men may also face a of health problems such as hormonal issues, erectile dysfunction and reduced libido. Since prevention is always better than cure, here are some natural ways to kick the butt and quit tobacco.

1. Drink lots of fluids
Drinking plenty of water can help curb the habit of chewing or smoking tobacco as it will flush out nicotine faster. Other fluids like green tea, black tea and coffee may be very effective during the withdrawal period.

2. Dried ginger and lemon
Ginger is known to contain sulphur compounds that help in reducing symptoms of tobacco addiction. All you need to do is to soak small pieces of ginger in lemon juice and mix it with pepper and store it in a container. Suck a piece whenever you feel the urge to smoke or chew tobacco.
3. Dalchini and honey
Mix some dalchini with half a teaspoon of honey and consume it with water at least 2-3 times a day to reduce the urge to smoke.
4. Ginseng
Ginseng helps in releasing dopamine as is released on tobacco consumption – a chemical produced in the brain which is associated with pleasure and reward. It helps the body deal with withdrawal symptoms.
5. Licorice stick
Licorice is considered to be one of the most reliable home remedies to quit tobacco. All you need to do is chew on a licorice stick whenever you have the urge to smoke.

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HEALTH BENEFITS OF PEAR FRUIT

Pyrus communis, also known as pear, belongs to the Rosacea family. Pears have a characteristic shape, with a round and wide bottom and a tapering top. They come in different colors like green, brown, red and yellow. Read on further to know some of the popular benefits of this tropical fruit.

The humble fruit is packed with tons of health benefits. Some of the most popular pear health benefits include:

1. Mental Health:

A medium-sized pear provides about 15 percent of our daily recommended copper requirement. Copper is an essential mineral required for a healthy central nervous system. The copper ions affect the component that is responsible for making the neural synapses stronger or weaker. This change affects our ability to learn and remember. The antioxidant, quercetin, found in pears also protects us from Alzheimer’s disease.

2. Antioxidants:

The skin of the pear comprises of more phenolic phytonutrients than the flesh. These include antioxidants, anti-inflammatory flavonoids and even anti-cancer phyto-nutrients like cinnamic acid. Antioxidants prevent infection and keep the immune system strong. It also protects the cells from the damage caused by free radicals.

3. Vitamin K:

Vitamin K in pears prevents blood clotting and improves blood circulation in the body. A study has found that the risk of developing lymphoma was around 45% lower in people who regularly consumed high amounts of Vitamin K.

4. Cancer:

The health benefits of pear extend into the area of cancer risk as well. Fiber in pear binds together with a special group of secondary bile acids. Excessive amounts of secondary bile acid can increase the risk of colorectal cancer. By binding together with the secondary bile acids, pears help to lower the risk of cancer. The hydroxycinnamic acid found in pears prevents lung and stomach cancer. Quercetin, an antioxidant found in the skin of pears, also prevents cancer.

5. Macular Degeneration:

Eating three or more servings of pear daily lowers the risk of macular degeneration, the primary cause of vision loss in elderly people.

6. Heart health:

Pears are a good source of glutathione, an antioxidant, which controls high blood pressure and reduces the risk of strokes. It contains potassium, a mineral, which maintains the health of the heart. Quercetin also prevents artery damage that can cause heart disease. The high levels of pectin in pears lower cholesterol in the body.

7. Anti-inflammatory:

Pears contain phytonutrients, which are known to have anti-inflammatory properties. The anti-inflammatory properties are very beneficial for relieving stomach pain and other common chronic inflammations.

8. Fiber:

Pear is one of the best fiber-rich foods. A medium-sized pear provides up to 30 grams of fiber, including pectin, which helps in toning the intestines and lowering the cholesterol levels. A high fiber diet prevents a bloated belly caused by constipation, while preventing painful hemorrhoids. Fiber also helps to absorb vitamins and minerals from the food.

9. Diabetes:

Certain flavonoids found in pear improve insulin sensitivity in the body. This decreases the risk of type 2 diabetes in both men and women. Therefore, consuming pears fro diabetes helps.

10. Bone Health:

Pears contain boron, a mineral which aids the body to retain calcium. The fruit may, therefore, help in preventing osteoporosis.

11. Folate:

Folate is an essential mineral required for the well-being of the fetus and pregnant women. It prevents neural tube defects in infants. Thus, it is advisable for pregnant women to eat one pear daily during their pregnancy.

12. Throat:

The anti-inflammatory properties of pears help to clear the phlegm from the body for the proper functioning of our respiratory organs. Boil two Chinese pears with raw honey and drink this while warm to soothe the throat and vocal cords. Drink pear juice twice daily to prevent further throat problems.

Skin Benefits of Pear Fruit:

13. Treats Acne, Pimples & Other Skin Infections:

Pears are recommended for the treatment of acne due to the high amounts of vitamins and minerals in it. This fruit boosts the immunity system and enables the skin to fight against acne, pimples and other skin infections.

14. Indirectly Keeps Skin Smooth & Supple:

Pears are full of fiber, a nutrient which prevents fluctuation of sugar spikes. Sugar spikes can damage collagen, a protein that keeps the skin smooth and supple.

15. Regulates Skin’s pH Balance:

You can use pears in the form of a face pack for oily skin. Add a teaspoon of honey and one teaspoon of whipped cream to a mashed pear. Apply the mixture on the face and neck, and wash it off after 15 minutes. The minerals present in pears neutralize skin acids and help in regulating the pH balance of the skin.

Hair Benefits of Pear Fruit:

16. Nourishes, Scalp, Hair Roots & Follicles:

Pears contain several hair-friendly nutrients, which are beneficial for maintaining the health of the hair. Ripe pears contain natural sugar called glucitol, which nourishes the scalp, feeds the hair roots and keeps the hair follicles hydrated.

17. Treats Dandruff & Scalp Psoriasis:

The moisturizing properties of pears are useful for reducing the dryness of the scalp. This keeps dandruff, scalp psoriasis and flaking at bay.

18. For Shiny & Smooth Hair:

You can also prepare a natural hair mask for treating dull and dry hair. Mix the extract of one ripe pear with two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and water. Apply this hair mask on the scalp and hair, half an hour before shampooing. Wash it off to witness shiny and smooth hair.

Article Source:https://www.healthbeckon.com/pear-fruit-benefits/

Baking Soda And 3 Other Remedies For Acid Reflux Posted By Liivi Hess

We all suffer from acid reflux at some point in our lives. Until I adopted a paleo way of eating, I used to suffer from a bad case of acid reflux at least once a week. While that was certainly bad, I continue to have friends and family who suffer from acid reflux every single day. It’s just become a fact of life for them. But it doesn’t have to be.

In this post, I’ll explore some of the most effective natural home remedies for acid reflux. These remedies should provide you with instant relief from heartburn, without the unwanted side effects that often come hand in hand with conventional reflux treatments. But first, let’s wrap our heads around what acid reflux really is, and why it strikes in the first place.

What is acid reflux?

Acid reflux, otherwise known as heartburn, is actually fairly self-explanatory: the acidic digestive fluids in your stomach essentially move in the wrong direction, back up your esophagus.

Because your esophagus isn’t designed to accommodate the low pH of this digestive fluid, you’ll feel burning sensation in your chest and throat. That burning sensation is literally your stomach acid corroding the lying of your esophagus — not the most ideal situation! When I had my once-weekly acid reflux “hit,” I could totally see why it’s commonly referred to as heartburn.

What causes acid reflux?

It seems logical to assume that acidic foods are the underlying cause of acid reflux. In reality however, it’s actually the opposite which is a leading cause of heartburn. With decreasing acidity in the stomach, your gastrointestinal tract is less able to efficiently digest the foods you eat. This means that those foods begin to build up in your stomach and intestines, essentially creating a blockage that can send your acidic digestive juices rocketing back up your throat and creating all kinds of issues.

Clearly, this isn’t meant to happen. That stomach acid is only heading up in the wrong direction because something called your lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is malfunctioning. Under normal conditions, this sphincter acts as a sort of one-way trapdoor, letting food pass through but preventing digestive acids from rising up into your throat. When exposed to a poor diet and high levels of stress, however, this all-important trapdoor weakens and allows those corrosive digestive juices to move upwards and start creating that burning sensation.

A classic example of this is simply eating foods too quickly. When you shovel your meals down too fast, the stomach gets overloaded and can’t keep on top of the digestion game. Those foods sit in your stomach and start to off-gas, causing you to let out an almighty belch. Studies show that in almost 75 percent of cases, this belching was the major precursor to acid reflux — presumably because it opened the LES and allowed those digestive juices to escape into the esophagus.

Other causes of acid reflux include chronic stress, poor gut health, eating overly large meals rather than more smaller meals, obesity, pregnancy and smoking. In addition, as I found when I cleaned up my diet and switched to a paleo diet, processed foods that are high in sugar, table salt, refined oils and artificial ingredients can also contribute to heartburn.

Natural remedies for acid reflux

Aside from cleaning up your diet and easing back on meals, there’s plenty of effective natural remedies for treating acid reflux. Here are just a few.

Baking soda for acid reflux

Baking soda and water will soothe acid reflux fast.

Here’s an acid reflux treatment that I’ve tried myself, and I can personally attest to its effectiveness.Baking soda is an alkaline substance, meaning it’s the yin to acid’s yang. Whereas stomach acid has a pH of anywhere between 1.5 and 3.5, the pH of baking soda hovers around 9.

Now, while this won’t solve the root cause of your heartburn problem, it will immediately soothe the symptoms of that heartburn. Similar to what you see on those fancy schmancy antacid ads on TV, swallowing a mixture of baking soda and water elevates the pH in your esophagus, which instantaneously alleviates the burning sensation.

Here’s a quick and easy recipe for using baking soda for acid reflux. Mix a teaspoon of baking soda in a large glass of water. Sip slowly on the mixture until your heartburn recedes.

Simple as that! It’s amazing how such a commonplace, cheap remedy can be just as effective as the most cutting-edge antacids. And not only that, there’s no side effects… the same can’t be said for those antacids.

Spring water for acid reflux

Sometimes, the best remedy is sitting right under our noses. I’ve done loads of research into the dynamics of drinking water, and discovered that most of the stuff out there, including both tap water and cheap bottled water, is actually quite acidic. This acidity, in addition to corroding your teeth and bones, will almost certainly exacerbate your acid reflux symptoms.

The solution? Get your hands on some good quality spring water, or a high-quality alkalizing water filter. You want your water to be within the range of pH 7-10, and drinking plenty of this alkalizing water will help to soothe your inflamed esophagus.

Ginger tea for acid reflux

Ginger tea prevents acid reflux and calms the digestive system.

Ginger has long been used as an effective treatment for a wide range of gastrointestinal upset, including gas, bloating and of course acid reflux. Sipping on a hot cup of fresh ginger tea can help to calm a chaotic digestive system and soothe the symptoms of heartburn. Here’s what to do

Cut an inch of ginger off a whole ginger root. Slice this piece into smaller sections — the smaller the better, as they’ll infuse the tea with greater efficiency when cut into smaller chunks. Put the ginger slices in a cup, then pour in boiling water. Cover the cup with a saucer or something flat to allow the ginger to steep for five to 10 minutes, then sip to your heart’s content!

Apple cider vinegar for acid reflux

Drink apple cider vinegar and water to prevent acid reflux.

It seems highly counterintuitive that drinking more acid would actually help your symptoms of heartburn, and in the case of acidic tap water or bottled water this is certainly true. But strategically elevating the acid levels in your gastric juices before meals, on the other hand, can help to prevent the development of acid reflux in the first place.

Simply pour a tablespoon of raw apple cider vinegar into a glass, then top up with water. Drink this solution 15 to 30 minutes before meals to aid your digestive juices, and you should see an improvement or discontinuation of your acid reflux problems.

Article source http://www.thealternativedaily.com

Surprising causes of high blood pressure, simple strategies to manage hypertension By: Bel Marra

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How healthy is your blood pressure? And exactly what causes high blood pressure, anyway? It rises with each and every heartbeat and then falls as your heart relaxes between beats. It can change from minute to minute with exercise, stress, sleep, even your posture.

The important thing is you want to keep it in the healthy range: Less than 120/80 mm Hg – less than 120 systolic and less than 80 diastolic – for adults age 20 and over. Most Americans, though, are reading closer to 140/90 or higher, which puts them in the high blood pressure range.

That news is grim. The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that the proportion of Americans reporting they have high blood pressure rose nearly 10 percent from 2005 to 2009. High blood pressure, or hypertension, affects nearly one-third of Americans. And nearly half of those cases are out of control, health officials say.

Furthermore, nearly one in three Americans has prehypertension – a condition which shows elevated blood pressure numbers which can progress into hypertension.

Risks of high blood pressure

Why is it dangerous? Like the pipes running through your house, your arteries can fail when they’re under too much pressure. Then boom – high blood pressure can take you to an early grave. It’s a major risk factor for heart attack and stroke. And it also puts you at risk for the following conditions that won’t make your life better, that’s for certain:

• Heart disease
• Kidney disease
• Dementia

Both men and women are about equal when it comes to the likelihood of developing high blood pressure, but their risks vary at different ages. More men are affected than women before age 64. At 65 and over, more women than men have high blood pressure.

Causes of high blood pressure

Given the sheer numbers of people who have high blood pressure, it’s important to understand the causes of blood pressure issues, reduce your risk and start checking your blood pressure regularly. Most people with high blood pressure don’t even know they have it because it’s considered a “silent killer” – there are no signs or symptoms. A few people early on may have dull headaches, minor dizzy spells or a few more nosebleeds than usual; but these symptoms don’t often come up until the disease reaches the later, life-threatening stage.

Here’s what’s putting you at risk. Consider this a call-to-action to turn your habits around:

• You eat too much salt or sugar
• You don’t eat enough fruit and vegetables
• You are not active enough
• You are overweight
• You are a smoker
• You drink too much alcohol
• You are under a lot of stress and feel anxious

This is where age comes in. The cumulative effects of an unhealthy lifestyle, with many of the factors noted above, can build up and put you in the high blood pressure range. High blood pressure due to stress alone can send it soaring. So imagine what that’s like day-in and day-out for your poor arteries over the years…

Also note that statistics show family history plays a role. You are at higher risk of being in the high blood pressure range if other members of your family have or have had high blood pressure.

Some people, too, may have high blood pressure that is linked to another medical condition, such as diabetes or kidney problems. Often treatment for these other conditions will bring their blood pressure back down from the high blood pressure range to healthy control.

Simple strategies to manage and control blood pressure

There are natural, healthy ways to controlling blood pressure before turning to prescription medication. The three-pronged approach of a healthy diet, weight management and exercise is where you want to start. In fact, if you do require medication after you’ve developed a heart-healthy lifestyle, exercise makes blood pressure medication more effective. Good to know!

Here are good strategies to get you on your way to controlling blood pressure:

Strategy 1. Get active

30 min exercises: You can reap the benefits of exercise with just 30 minutes a day. Grab a friend or your dog for a good walk and get your arms (and heart) pumping. Ride bikes with your kids or grandkids. Housework, climbing stairs, standing while preparing meals – all those activities count. The important thing is to find activities you enjoy, like gardening, tai chi or swimming in a salt water pool (easy on those joints).

Mini-workouts: If you can’t manage 30 minutes straight, try three mini-workouts. Go up and down the stairs for 10 minutes or park your car at the back of the parking lot so you can walk a little further to the grocery store.

Other Exercises: And strengthen that heart muscle with resistance training, like yoga poses that use your body weight to build strength. Or exercise bands that you can tote anywhere and do some simple bicep curls and leg lifts. Getting active doesn’t have to be jogging for miles on end. It’s easier than you think, once you fit it into your lifestyle in ways that are fun and convenient.

Strategy 2. Healthy Eating

We hear a lot about avoiding salt or sodium, but it’s hidden in so many foods. When it comes to eating well for controlling blood pressure, you want to reduce your packaged and processed foods, and eat more nutrient-rich whole foods. Yes, spend more time in the kitchen with fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, healthy grains and healthy fats.

To balance your salt, make sure to get a lot more potassium, from foods like apricots, avocado, bananas, cantaloupe, honeydew, kiwis, lima beans, oranges, potatoes, prunes and squash. Tasty, right?

Watch your sugar intake, too. Sugar messes with your blood sugar levels; elevated insulin puts you at risk for diabetes, but it’s also linked with increased triglycerides, bad cholesterol and high blood pressure. Sugar also has a hand in atherosclerosis, where sticky material collects along the walls of the arteries. That narrows the arteries and increases the pressure.

Strategy 3. Healthy Weight

If you’re exercising regularly and eating well, your weight will fall into place. And that’s essential for controlling blood pressure. Added pounds make your heart work that much harder. Carrying extra weight around your waist puts you at greater risk of high blood pressure. In nearly every case, when the unwanted weight comes off, high blood pressure is reduced or eliminated altogether. So it’s worth the effort to get active and eat well – and turn these into habits for life.

Strategy 4. Manage Stress

You do want to keep your cool to help with controlling your blood pressure (and avoid getting red in the face). It makes a huge difference. Simple deep breathing, right from the belly, can help calm the nervous system. Yoga and meditation can help, of course, but even taking a break to clear you mind and move around for a few minutes will help.

Strategy 5. Alcohol and Smoking

If you’re not a drinker, don’t start! But a little alcohol can be good for you, no more than two drinks a day for men or one for women. Tobacco, on the other hand, is just plain nasty for your heart. It hardens your arteries and the walls of your blood vessels. It also reduces the space in your arteries so the pressure increases. Not good! Nix the habit altogether.

With these good habits well in hand, your heart will be in good care. Controlling blood pressure, and keeping yourself well out of the high blood pressure range, will significantly reduce your risk of the big ones: Heart attack and stroke. The side benefit to all this? Your overall health and energy will flourish. It’s worth putting in the work.

http://www.belmarrahealth.com