FOUR SIGNS OF HEART ATTACK

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Health and Wealth

Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is the pressure (force per unit area) exerted by circulating blood on the walls of blood vessels, Blood pressure readings are represented as one figure over another – the top figure being called the systolic reading (that measures blood pressure when your heart contracts) while the bottom figure being called the diastolic (that measures the pressure when your heart relaxes) and are measured in millimeter of mercury (mmHg).

When your heart contracts, it pushes forward a large volume of blood to your arteries. The arteries should expand to accept this high blood volume. However plaque (as in the case of oxidized cholesterol deposits) when deposited on the blood vessels will result in these arteries becoming rigid and thus restricts their expansion when the heart contracts causing blood pressure to rise higher than normal. The less flexible arteries are the higher blood pressure rises. As deposits progress the arteries become narrow and increases the blood pressure even more. This increase will be evident in both the systolic and diastolic reading of your blood pressure.

Although high level of oxidized cholesterol plays its part in increasing blood pressure, aging is also another factor that resulting in blood pressure rising above the normal average reading of 120/80. As one grows older, ones tissues tend to become more ridged which will also result in increased blood pressure. Diet is also a mark factor. Each food plays its part in keeping tissue walls pliable and thus maintaining the elasticity of these tissues. If proper nutrition is ignored tissues including those of the blood vessels looses their elasticity and thus resulting in rigidness. Water is also important for the maintenance of flexible tissue walls as well as free circulation of blood.  Hypertension is also as a result of some underlined medical condition as well as being an inherited condition.  Stress is also another cause of hypertension.  Stress causes the walls of the arteries to constrict and thus restrict the free flow of blood, thus causing a rise in blood pressure.

Even though research is still in progress to determine the gender factor of susceptibility to hypertension, there seem to be no conclusive evidence that gender do affect blood pressure. It is still acceptable that both male and female do carry the same average reading.

While stroke and heart attack can be caused by other factors, hypertensive patients are more susceptible, hence stirring the controversy regarding whither systolic or diastolic reading is more important in determining ones susceptibility to heart attack and stroke. In 2003 the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC) published a new classification of blood pressure for adults, stating unequivocally that in people over 50, a systolic reading of more than 140 mm Hg is a much more significant factor in cardiovascular disease than the diastolic reading.

The Framingham Heart Study showed that systolic blood pressure alone correctly identified 91% of those who needed treatment, while high diastolic pressure identified only 22% of individuals needing treatment. On the other hand others still hold on to believing that diastolic reading is more important possibly because they are able to tell based on the reading if a person is pre-hypertensive or hypertensive. Also precisely which type of hypertension a person is suffering from can be determine from the diastolic reading – accelerated malignant hypertension, being at serious risk of succumbing to a stroke or heart attack, benign hypertension, blood pressure remaining at one high level for extended period of time; labile hypertension, diastolic pressure constantly fluctuate between 80 and 100mmHg.

While this controversy continues of which is more important, there is one very important point to note; both readings usually rise with blood pressure and falls with lower blood pressure, and are both measurement of pressure of the blood against the arteries, except one is while the heart is at rest while the other is at the highest point of contraction of the heart.

How to Regulate your Blood Pressure

Diet plays a vital roll in preventing hypertension as well as regulating the pressure of those who are already hypertensive. Even those whose pressure tends to be lower than normal average can restore normal reading just by adjusting their diet. Most persons suffering from hypotension (or low blood pressure) is as a result of deficiencies – mainly that of vitamins or minerals or both. It follows than that maintaining a balanced diet while eating a very wide variety of foods and varying your diet is fundamental in the regulation of your pressure.

Eating foods rich in anti-oxidants will reduce oxidation of cholesterol deposits on the blood vessels. It is also important to eat mainly natural foods inclusive of whole eggs, cow’s milk and other dairy products and the associated fats of your proteins. Sea foods and sea vegetables, nuts and seeds are also very important in your diet. If you stick to a balanced diet of a food ratio of 50:20:10:20 as elaborated on in the book "Nutrition That Keeps You Alive", dietary cholesterol will not accumulate to result in harm to your health. As a matter of fact, the phytostrol of vegetables will aid in restricting the amount of cholesterol absorb from the intestine.  In addition meal variation limits repeated consumption of  any one kind of foods. Hence there is no reason to be deprived of the nutritious benefits of all food categories.Among the vegetables to be consumed are alliums such as onion, garlic, scallion, chives, leek and shallots. These are very good blood thinners and thus are essential for the regulating of blood pressure, especially for those who are hypertensive.

Salt and Your Pressure

Apart from the fact that it is impossible to totally avoid salt, sodium from sodium chloride is very essential for life. It is responsible for the regulation of blood pressure. Sodium along with potassium and chloride regulates fluids and acid based balance in the body.  Sodium is also involved in nerve transmission and muscle contraction including the heart beat.  Sodium is also responsible for the positive and negative balance of ions in the body fluids and tissues.  Sodium also helps to keep calcium and other minerals soluble in the blood. It is also important for the stimulation of the adrenal glands.  Also sodium is important in cellular osmotic pressure (the passage of fluids in and out of the cells) and in transmitting nerve impulses. It also has its roll in the operation of various enzymes in the body as well as the absorption of glucose among many other functions. Magnesium, calcium, potassium and sodium interact with each other. Adequate daily consumption of each helps to maintain a required ratio. Excess consumption of one tends to reduce the other. The recommended daily allowance for sodium ranges from approximately 1,500mg to 2,500mg. 

Hypertensive patients excretes more salt through sweat and urine, hence the importance of replacing it. Approximately one teaspoon of sodium chloride is required in your daily diet for proper body function. Therefore total abstinence from salt is not the answer to lowering your blood pressure. Care however, should be taken in the moderate use of salt. In cases such as steaming vegetables, with the use of very little water, the use of table salt can be eliminated. Plantains can be fried without adding salt. Breadfruits can be roasted and enjoyed without adding salt and so on. With the exception of boiled egg, avoid adding salt to already prepared foods. The amount of salt used in cooking (which should be moderate) is adequate.


As highlighted in the book "The Use of Foods To Regulate Blood Pressure", hypotensive patients (patients with low blood pressure) will not benefit form consuming excess salt, but by paying attention to their overall diet, ensuring that they consume meats (inclusive of beef), nuts and seeds as part of their protein diet.

The use of supplements is also important for the regulation of your blood pressure. A comprehensive nutritional supplements such as Ultra Vitality NutraPack that helps to supply nutrients where you're falling short.  While supplements are not to be used as substitute for good nutrition it is key to fill the gap where you fall short.  Genesis being concentrated with anti-oxidants is also essential for the prevention of oxidative deposits.  This drink is used by many hypertensive patients to successfully regulate or normalize their blood pressure.

Why Take Supplements on a Daily Basis?

Taking supplements daily will help you to maintain peak health. This is quite an asset for especially busy people. You may learn more about this subject in earlier posts.


How Nutrition Does Plays its Part in Promoting Good Health


Good health starts with proper nutrition. Knowing how to eat properly can make the big difference between being constantly ill or not. Even chronic illnesses can be controlled by healthful diets. Healthful diets are balanced. It thus means that we need to be able to identify a balanced diet and be able to support such financially. It is important to note that eating properly is much cheaper than not.


There seem to be lots of confusion surrounding a balanced diet. Some believe that not eating certain meats or no meat at all, no fat, no dairy products, no eggs, but everything else constitutes a balanced diet. Some persons even discourage the consumption of certain vegetables. But is this the case?


A balanced diet is consisting of all four major food groups - Fat, Carbohydrates, Protein and water. These should be taken from a very wide variety of natural foods and in a proportion that will maintain a pH balance in the range of 7.35 to 7.45.


Vegetables should consists of a very wide variety inclusive of spinach, callaloo, lettuce, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, celery, parsley, carrot, turnip, cucumber, sweet or bell peppers, Brussels sprouts and any other vegetables available in your country. Eating raw vegetables are very important for the provision of helpful enzymes necessary for proper digestion and effective assimilation of nutrition.


While vegetables supplies the cells with mainly much needed fat soluble vitamins, they constitutes high fiber contents, thus forming bulk which is necessary for free bowel when water is absorbed. This is important since having free bowel reduces the incidence of harmful toxic build-up which poses serious health hazards such as the production of cancerous cells. And since water is necessary for free bowel action drinking between 8 and 10 glasses (or 3 to 4 liters) of water per day is a healthful requirement. Free bowel also reduces the build up of gas which can be very annoying and painful.


The fibers from vegetables as well as fruits are responsible for the absorption and excretion of dietary cholesterol, and excess sugars in the digestive system, thus helping to control high cholesterol related problems as well as diabetic related problems.In addition the phytostrol in vegetables also aid in restricting the amount of cholesterol reabsorbed in the blood.Being high in fiber, vegetables are low in calories. This makes them prime candidates for the control of, or reduction of body fat build up. It thus follows, that if you really wish to loose some weight, then, sticking to the balanced diet as described in the book, "Nutrition That Keeps You Alive" is the way to go.


All kinds of vegetables should be eaten. This is necessary because each vegetable provides you with unique nutrients that you will not find in any other vegetables. If this was not so then they would all taste alike. But then how about those that you find difficult to acquire the taste for? I usually recommend that you mix those with others that you really like. My favorite way of preparing raw vegetable is “tossed”. In this way I combine a lot of what I like with a little of what I do not like, add my favorite dressing, some nuts, seeds, a few dices of cheese, and a few raisins and I have a real palatable bowl of vegetables. Some vegetables make the body alkaline when digested.


Wealth Health and Long Life


Many people look forward to extended lifespan. However to sustain this there are two necessities that one must consider. These are Wealth and Health. Yes wealth! Some people might be squeamish about the thought of wealth being necessary. Remember the saying, “The love of money is the root of all evil”. Note the operative word there – “Love”. Money is not the root of evil. Neither is wealth. It’s the “love” of money or "love" of wealth. So why is wealth so important?


Importance of Wealth


In today’s world persons are made to retire between the ages 55 and 65. Being blessed with long life you might live for another 65 years. The bills will still be coming – and even worst, they will increase as the years pass by. You will still need food for that period and sure enough like everything else the cost of food and other necessities will also be increasing over the years. And do not forget the medical bills. As knowledge abounds, technology improves and so the cost of advanced medical treatment also increases. Being unemployed, how do you deal with all those higher costs? This is where your accumulated wealth comes in. The more you accumulate during your working age, the more you have to spend during your sunset years. But how do you accumulate a wealth with a minimal income now, to meet an obvious higher cost of living than you now enjoy?


Accumulate Wealth from Minimal Income


You might find that right now the amount you earn at your place of employment is just enough to take care of the current bills and not enough to save from, less accumulate a wealth. Some persons are even working smaller than there current needs and so they become an expert at what we call "juggling". So how do you accumulate a wealth in such a case? You do so by investing a small portion of that which you now earn. It means in this case seeking safe investments with low input, but high yield. So how do you find such investments? Many persons have high confidence in the bank – saying there money is safe and so they try putting a small amount in a savings account. However there are two setbacks with this idea.

1. While your money might be relatively safe in some cases, it is most certainly not safe from you. As soon as an emergency or crisis, arises, you’ll go taking every penny to take care of this crisis, leaving yourself broke again.

2. The return on your money in the bank, is very small, and so might not be able to take care of your rising expenses during your later years.

So what should you then do? Find a form of investment whereby, you determine the yield; one that you place effort in to determine how much you get out of it; one that will ever be revolving, producing fresh income on a regular basis. Create your own form of investment. Start a business. Yes I know, you are saying I am crazy. I earlier acknowledged that "juggling" is the process some persons use to get the bills paid. And in some cases much sacrifice are made. And now I am saying invest! So where will the money come from? Investment needs capital and the banks are not willing to lend money unless they are confident that you’ll be able to pay back as scheduled. Besides, you are not willing to borrow, because of the legal implication in event you are unable to repay. Yet even those who juggle there income to make ends meet, who are not able to get a loan for what ever reason, can still start there own business and be successful enough to accumulate enough to take care of all the expenses during the later years. How can this be done?

This can be done using what is called “feeder programs”. These are programs that allow you to start with minimal amount of cash, and then with training and effort on your part create a supplementary income that can take care of your latter years.Or you may create a product of your own. Start by marketing this product among your friends and gradually expand. The returns from the venture can be saved.


Posted by Jacquelin Grant

The use of Supplement to Correct Cholesterol - Why

While maintaining or starting a good diet regime is important for the proper regulating of your blood cholesterol level, the use of supplements is also helpful.  I am not here saying that supplements should be used to replace balanced diet, but as the word supplements suggest, they should be used in addition to your meal to make up for deficiency.  But then you might ask - what deficiency?

With all good intention to maintain good nutritional regime, we sometimes skip a few balanced meals here and there, probably because we are late for an appointment, late for work, very busy or some other reason.

There is also the well known fact that lies with crop cultivation.  Many years ago, farmers used to practice what is called crop rotation. This was necessary for the restoration of the soil. Between major crops other crops such as red peas (a legume which produces nitrogen from its roots) was planted for the purpose of soil fixing (the restoration of nitrogen in the soil). The major crops would for example utilize the nitrogen in the soil; the subsidiary crops would replace it. Today that is not practiced. Hence major crops are planted and replanted at the same depleted area year after year. For that reason, today, we are not getting the maximum food value from our foods that we would normally be getting. http://www.answers.com/topic/crop-rotati…

Farmers also used to allow farm lands to rest a while each year, to allow grass to grow for a while and then plant again. That is no longer practiced.

Another reason for not getting enough from our foods is that most foods, especially those that are imported, are reaped before they are fully matured. Others, like oranges have highly active nutrients (vitamin C) which is depleted by the time it gets to our table.

The lifestyle of most people does not allow them to even eat well. Most persons feed on mostly processed foods, carbohydrates, and junk.

For the above reasons and possibly much more, it is necessary to supplement our diet. The question though is does supplements really work?

There are two major groups of supplements, one group that is synthesized in a lab, which is almost, if not useless. Most of what goes in your mouth comes out the other end. There is another group of which manufactures include whole foods. These are more effective. While persons who have always been health conscious and have always been taking these and never have a complain might not be able to give dramatic testimonies, there are others who's health had been restored by supplements.

I for example had many health issues, was introduced to supplements along with an adjusted diet regime and is now restored to excellent health. I have seen persons with cancer, hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol problems, arthritis, just to name a few, who's health has been restored with the use of supplements.

Based on my professional experience a combination of supplements such as Ultra Vitality NutraPack, Genesis, and ThermoBalance along with the kind of diet mentioned in foregoing postings, are very effective for the restoration of proper cholesterol balance. You may also check out the page on Nutrition A to Z. on the "Product" page.

Cholesterol, HDL and LDL in Relation to Fats

--> There has been a great deal of misconception about Cholesterol, HDL, LDL and fats.  To understand their difference it is good examining their definition and their individual roll.

 Cholesterol

Cholesterol is an organic chemical substance technically classified as a waxy steroid. It is a crystalline substance and should not be confused with HDL (high-density lipoprotein), LDL (low-density lipoprotein) or fats. Cholesterol is by itself not fat, but is soluble in fats. That is why it’s sometimes classified as lipid.

The liver, intestine, adrenal glands and reproductive organs, primarily produce approximately 80% of the total body cholesterol in the blood by means of a 37 step process.

Cholesterol is essential for the building of membranes, proper membrane permeability, the skin’s ability to produce vitamin D, the production of nerve fibers, sex hormones, bile acid, digestive hormones and other hormones and their derivatives, and thus is necessary for proper functioning of the entire body.

Bile contains bile salts which solubilize fats in the digestive tract. Bile aid is necessary for the absorption of fat molecules as well as fat-soluble vitamins, A, D, E and K. Bile is synthesized in the liver from cholesterol.

Cholesterol is a very important precursor for the synthesis of vitamin D and bone density.

Cholesterol is very important for the synthesis of steroid hormones such as adrenal gland hormones, cortisol and aldosterone. These hormones affect the metabolism of carbohydrate, protein, minerals and fats. They also regulate the retention of salt and water. They control the maturation of white blood cells and activity of nervous system and the regulation of blood pressure.

Cholesterol is also important for the production of sex hormones such as progesterone, estrogens, and testosterone and their derivatives just to name a few of its functions.

High-density Lipoprotein (HDL)

Low-density Lipoprotein (LDL)

Lipo means lipid or fat. Protein is of a large number of organic compounds made up of amino acids arranged in a linear chain. Lipoprotein is actually a complex particle that shapes like a disk. It has an exterior composed of amphiphilic proteins and lipids with outward facing surfaces being water-soluble and inward-facing surfaces lipid-soluble.

Triglycerides and cholesterol esters are carried internally, while phospholiphids and non-esterfied cholesterol are transported in the surface of the lipoprotein. Lipoprotein transports the fat-soluble cholesterol to body tissues for utilization. Other lipoproteins transports excess cholesterol not utilized by these tissues to be excreted or recycled. Even though some cholesterol is conveyed as fatty esterified cholesterol while others are carried as alcohol, they are all identical.

There are several categories of lipoproteins. Five of them are the high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, very high-density lipoprotein, intermediate-density lipoprotein and chylomicrons. The chylomicrons are the least dense while the LDL being the densest. Less dense lipoproteins have more lipids and less protein. Different lipoprotein contains apolipoproteins that serve as ligands for specific receptors on cell membranes. This serves to determine the starting and ending of the cholesterol being transported.

Chylomicron is involved in the transportation of fats from the intestine to muscles and other tissues that need fatty acids for energy or fat production.

Intermediate-density lipoprotein molecules supply the blood vessels with cholesterol-loaded triacylglycerol. IDL that are not taken up by LDL receptors continue to lose triacylglycerol into the blood stream until they themselves form LDL. LDL has the highest percentage of cholesterol within them and so are the major carriers of cholesterol.

Excess triacylglycerol and cholesterol not utilized by the liver for the production of bile acids are carried by the very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL). Apolipoprotein of low-density lipoprotein binds with receptors then goes through a process resulting in cholesterol esters which are used for membrane biosynthesis or become esterified and stored within a protective cell.When there is adequate cholesterol in the cells, LDL receptors synthesis is blocked so that new cholesterol from LDL cannot be taken up. Conversely, a deficiency of cholesterol prompts the synthesis of more LDL receptors.

A malfunction of this system results in many low-density lipoprotein molecules without receptors accumulating in the blood. These lipoproteins oxidize. Macrophages engorge themselves with these oxidized low-density lipoprotein and form foam cells. When these foam cells are trapped in the walls of the blood vessels they contribute to atherosclerotic plaque formation.

High-density lipoprotein collects cholesterol from cells by means of an enzyme that converts the free cholesterol into cholesteryl ester. These esters are isolated into the core of the newly synthesized high-density lipoprotein. As the HDL circulate through the blood stream, it collects cholesterol and phospholipid molecules from cells and other lipoproteins . The cholesterol collected is transported mainly to the liver to be excreted into the bile, which convert it into bile acid then sends it to the intestine. HDL also transports cholesterol to other organs such as the adrenals, ovary and testes for the synthesis of hormones. A small portion of the cholesterol secreted into the digestive tract is re-absorbed into the blood. Several steps in the metabolism of High-density lipoprotein contribute to the transport of cholesterol from foam cells to the liver.

In human, cholesteryl ester transfer protein, exchanges triglycerides of very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) with cholesteryl esters of High-density lipoprotein (HDL) resulting in VLDL becoming LDL that are removed from circulation by LDL receptor pathway. The unstable triglycerides become degraded leaving a small HDL particle to restart the uptake of cholesterol from cells.

It would appear as if protection against cholesterol deposits depends largely on, among other things, the production of HDL. Fats inclusive of saturated fats are among the materials necessary for the manufacture of cholesterol. Therefore, diets deficient in essential amino acids, essential fatty acid, nutrients such as vitamins A, C, K and calcium necessary for their absorption and utilization or any other nutrients necessary for the production of protein, will result in decline of protein production and repairs inclusive of lipoproteins, apolipoprotein and associated enzymes. A decline in lipoprotein especially HDL or other associated proteins or enzymes could mean abnormal cholesterol level in the blood.

With such well organized system as this there should be no problem. However in cases of poor nutrition resulting in insufficient HDL circulating to collect excess cholesterol, allowing unused foam cells to form and become lodged in the blood vessels, tissue rigidity and eventually blockages results.

So is it true that we’re to abstain from foods supplying cholesterol? Research has indicated that foods supplying cholesterol, especially when consumed in conjunction with high fiber foods, do not affect cholesterol level. Fibers usually absorb and eliminate most if not all dietary cholesterol. In addition most dietary cholesterol is esterified. Esterified cholesterol is poorly absorbed. Furthermore, some plants produce phytosterols, which are substances chemically similar to cholesterol. Phytosterols compete with cholesterol for absorption in the intestinal tract, thus potentially reduces cholesterol re-absorption. Because phytosterols are foreign to animal cells, when absorbed in the intestinal lining in place of cholesterol, they usually excrete into the gastrointestinal tract for expulsion. It follows then, that your body primarily produces the cholesterol in the blood and any additional absorption is minimal and is usually compensated for by reduction in cholesterol synthesis.

When we eliminate fats including saturated fats from our diet we’re in effect eliminating essential fatty acids, fat soluble vitamins, fat soluble phytonutrients and other nutrients that are fat soluble. Besides, saturated fats are necessary for cholesterol production. Cholesterol is essential for body functions and bone density. So what should we do to regulate cholesterol level?

 How to Prevent Cholesterol Problems?

There are four basic food groups for proper body function.  These are fats, carbohydrates, water, and proteins.  It thus follows that all categories of fats, as well as all categories of carbohydrates and proteins are necessary for proper body function.  Saturated fats are fundamental for the production of  cholesterol, which in turn is vital for various body functions,  inclusive of  brain function, reproductive function, digestive function, and with the aid of the suns radiation, the productions of vitamin D by skin cells which in turn is necessary for the production of bone density, and so on. Carbohydrates covers all forms of starches, fruits and vegetables, while proteins include meats, fish, eggs, dairy products, nuts, seeds, grains  and so on.

Eight to ten (8 - 10) glasses of pure water should be consumed each day. 

It follows that, the common practice of abstinence might just be the means to other problems while still graveling will controlling your cholesterol.  So what is the correct rout to preventing cholesterol problems?

Everything is created in proper balance. 

Hence finding the right balance in your diet is vital for the promotion of good health.  Another fact to observe is that all that is natural and edible is critical for the maintenance of good health.  Your meals however, should be eaten in proper balance to prevent simultaneous excesses and inadequacies of various foods or food groups.  It should be born in mind that the aim is to keep the range of your body’s pH at its proper level of approximately 7.35 to 7.45 (slightly alkaline).  This can be achieved from balanced diet.

In a balanced diet each food group is consumed in specific proportions that are proven healthful. The book "Nutrition That Keep You Alive" explains in details what a balance diet is. With the suggested spread of the different food groups the consumption of fats are minimal. Therefore there is no need to place specific emphasis on the reduction of or the elimination of fats from the diet.

More emphasis should be placed on eating all your foods in the proper proportion. A balance diet includes foods rich in phytonutrients and the necessary anti-oxidants to slow oxidation. Also adequate levels of high-fiber foods with their phytosterols which helps to regulate cholesterol absorption will be included. 

To regulate cholesterol, nuts and seeds are important in the diet. To regulate cholesterol it is also important to consume both animals as well as plant source of protein and the other foods required for the utilization of protein.

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