Though not commonly considered, there is a direct link between diabetes and hypertension. Many overlook this fact, because they believe the two to be unrelated. After all, diabetes deals with blood sugar levels and hypertension deals with blood pressure. This misconception is quite false, however. There is an easily proven, easily seen correlation between diabetes and hypertension. It is important to understand this in order to maintain your highest degree of health when faced with either or both of these conditions.
The link between them, to simply explain it, is this: when your body produces more insulin than normal, it can effect certain key points, such as blood vessels found in the kidneys. These vessels can expand with the insulin and begin to retain salt. Your kidneys can malfunction with that. Also, diabetes can cause the vessels to harden. This restricts the flow of fluids and causes blood pressure to rise, resulting in hypertension.
As shown above, having diabetes puts you at high risk for developing hypertension. Hypertension is twice as likely to occur in individuals with diabetes than those without and it will develop in over sixty percent of people with Type II diabetes.
Because of this, it is essential that you understand how to avoid hypertension. Diabetes takes enough of a toll on your body without adding these serious effects. Together, diabetes and hypertension can raise the risk for heart attack, kidney malfunction, heart failure and more. So you must learn the steps to take to avoid hypertension. Discuss this with your doctor and also note some of the basic lifestyle changes listed below:
One: lower your blood pressure with a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Meat and dairy products can raise your pressure levels. Try to substitute them with a vegetarian diet. While you do not have to completely cut meat and dairy products out entirely, you should to eat them moderation.
Two: exercise. The easiest way to keep both your blood pressure down and also maintain a healthy insulin level is to exercise. Consult with your doctor to discover your healthy bodyweight and then take the steps to achieve it. Steady, daily exercise will do much for your body.
Three: medication. There are some medications available that could help keep your blood pressure in check. You must, of course, make sure that these will not combat against any other medicine you are taking. Your doctor will be able to prescribe them to you and explain just what they do.
Diabetes and hypertension are related. Yes, it is possible to have one without the other and, yes, there are certainly millions of people who do. That does not change the fact, however, that you are twice as likely to develop high blood pressure when you have diabetes.
It cannot be stressed enough that diabetes and hypertension are linked together and you it pays to do everything you can to stop them both from forming in your body. Of course, some may suggest different types of therapy, along with the lifestyle changes we mentioned above. Techniques such as color therapy are quite popular these days and have sparked much debate over their efficacy. Should you decide to try these methods to replace or compliment your other efforts, it is important to understand the way they work, and to consult with your doctor.
Paul J Johnson
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/should-you-be-worried-about-diabetes-and-hypertension-134041.html
We’ve all been told (or told someone else) that finishing all your veggies or eating fresh fruit every day is a good way to keep your body healthy and fit. But there are some other surprising foods (drinks too) that we can add to our diet that bring impressive health benefits, and (in moderation, of course) might just help us reach our weight loss goals.
Here are the five, good for your surprises:
1. Tea – 3 cups per day of any type that comes from the leaves of the plant Carnellia sinensis, which includes black, green, white and oolong varieties. There is strong evidence that tea might just reduce your risk of heart disease, and offer other less researched benefits such as protection from cancer and cutting your risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Tea appears to have a type of flavonoid from that same family of antioxidants found in fruits, veggies and red wine. To get the most out of your cup of tea, make it strong and steep it a good long time-but if you’re watching your weight, keep an eye on the milk and sugar you add to your cup.
2. Dark Chocolate – a little goes a long way, but just like tea, this delicious treat is believed to have an ample supply of the same flavonoids in red wine, fruits and veggies. Small amounts of dark chocolate have been shown to improve blood vessel flow, and may stabilize blood sugar and insulin sensitivity, thus reducing the risk of diabetes. Choose dark chocolate that contains at least 70% cocoa so you get more of these healthy antioxidants, and fewer calories from the milk and sugars used to make milk or white chocolate.
3. Fatty Fish – two servings per week of fish such as salmon, trout, herring, tuna, sardines or mackerel. These fish are rich in omega – 3 fatty acids, shown to reduce cholesterol, which helps to keep clots from forming and causing heat attacks. The research is so compelling that the American Heart Association recommends eating fatty fish on a regular basis. Be sure you choose grilled or broiled recipes as frying removes many of the beneficial substances in the fish and replaces them with calories and saturated fats.
4. Coffee – despite its bad rap, used in moderation, your first cup of morning coffee may have health benefits you haven’t heard about – including stimulating the brain and nervous system as well as lowering your risk of diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, mood disorders and headaches. Coffee has a compound from the antioxidant family and is a good source of magnesium, both are believed to help improve sugar metabolism, help with insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. And while black coffee is a tasty zero calorie drink, adding cream, sugar, or other toppings adds calories that you might not want.
5. Avocados – even though these fruits are full of fat, most of it is the heart healthy monounsaturated kind that is believed to lower cholesterol. Avocados have carotenoids, vitamin E and potassium, plus fiber to fill you up. Be aware though, that just because the fats are “good” ones, they still add calories if you aren’t careful about portions. Slice them onto salads, add them to a soup or spread them on bread to keep the potion sizes under control while still getting all the taste and health benefits too.
Adding one or more of these surprisingly healthy options is a great way to improve a diet that could use some help, or boost the healthfulness of one that’s already on the right track. Along with regular exercise, eating a balanced and nutritious diet is still one of the best ways to maintain your weight and your health.
Valerie Slaugther
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/good-for-you-surprises-you-can-add-to-your-diet-today-61635.html
It is safe to say that sexual dysfunctions are still a sensitive issue for men, even in today’s world that prides itself on being open-minded and compassionate. Shame and embarrassment have been the twin companions of sexual dysfunctions and forced men to avoid the subject. Modern times have brought a certain amount of change in the peoples’ attitude toward such issues.
Well, it has to be so since today’s lifestyle seems to have helped increase the number of cases. The launching of Viagra in the ‘90s and the huge marketing campaign around that product had shined a light on erectile dysfunction, since men who found a solution in these pills were no longer ashamed to admit their past problems.
But between Viagra, Cialis and Levitra and a host of natural or herbal remedies, men are simply confused about which is the best cure for impotence. Confusion leads to distrust and also to a need to seek impotence help from sources who can offer good guidance.
Erectile dysfunctions have both physiological and psychological causes. Many such causes are medically reversible, others are not. Any condition that interferes with the flow of blood through the body is bound to have a negative impact on a man’s sex life. Diabetes is a good example of a disease hampering blood flow, as are kidney diseases, chronic alcoholism and multiple sclerosis.
Men suffering from heart conditions or high blood pressure know that the drugs they take to avoid strokes are detrimental to what is known as a healthy sex life. In other words, these are drugs that cause impotence. Physical injury to the penis, spinal cord, prostate, bladder, pelvis or the nerves and arteries ear the penis and which are responsible for erections can also be a factor causing erectile dysfunction.
On the psychological side, depression and the drugs associated with it interfere with erections. The same goes for feelings of anxiety, insecurity, low self-esteem and shame. Stress is another major cause of temporary erectile dysfunction. A history of erectile dysfunction also triggers patterns of depression and inadequacy that lead to further sexual failures.
All these physiological and psychological problems are compounded by vices. Heavy consumption of alcohol, tobacco or drugs is extremely bad for the cardiovascular system. Tobacco clogs the arteries and disrupts the flow of blood, while alcohol consumption makes it harder for a man to achieve both erection and orgasm.
But there are ways to deal with this kind of dysfunction. Penis exercises, such as those made popular by the PenisHealth™ program, to stimulate the flow of blood without any drugs or devices. PenisHealth™ is one of the leading penile fitness programs on the market and boasts a huge list of satisfied customers
Penile fitness exercises help regulate the flow of blood in the pelvic area and stimulate the production of hormones responsible for the male libido. The exercises can help men defeat erectile dysfunction, get rid of premature ejaculation and add a couple of inches to the penis’ length and girth.
When using such an excellent natural remedy, male impotence doesn’t stand a chance, as many men have already found out. Thanks to the highly successful PenisHealth™ program, men suffering from impotence have managed to turn the tables on this dysfunction and enjoy many nights of sex and fun.
MN Nikk
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/finding-the-best-cure-for-impotence-168591.html
Diabetes people are special people. They need a special diet.
Diet is one of the most important part of your diabetes treatment. Perhaps, more important than the medicine itself. For, if you take proper medicines but neglect the diet, the result would be counter-productive!
It is no exaggeration if you (being diabetic) are advised to take care. Maintain the desirable body weight. Shed it, if in excess. Maintain the level, if you are underweight. Always remember, your blood glucose level should be normal.
The disease diabetes has a team behind it. Blood vessel diseases and heart problems await in its wings. So always take necessary care.
You have to understand your body and health related matters in the proper perspective. You have the services of two doctors—yourself and your family doctor. Both of you have to live like good friends. You have to follow his advice and he will of course understand your difficulties.
A doctor and a dietitian become the permanent friends and advisers of a diabetic patient. You have to understood yourself in a better manner by trial and error methods.
In all the major cities there are Diabetes Associations, who conduct useful services such as conducting camps, holding seminars and discussions and arranging group meeting. They also publish bulletins containing useful and encouraging information.
What you eat is important. For a diabetes patient, how you eat what you eat is also important. Instead of eating one or two heavy meals, it is better to take small quantities of food, several times in a day.
You have perfect understanding of your system, it is okay. But your doctor knows it better. As for the diet, only follow his instructions. That is your role. Do not go by ideas. He knows the facts. Don’t be in a hurry to lose weight, though it is very important. If you lose two pounds in a week, it is ideal. Don’t be panicky about the weight loss subject.
Fruits, seasonal vegetables help you a lot. Oily stuff needs to be avoided at all costs. Much more fiber must go into your system.
There may not be a permanent cure for the diabetes—but the permanent care can not be avoided. Unfortunately, you have the stamp of diabetes on you! So, take care.
Ashish Jain
http://www.articlesbase.com/advice-articles/diabetes-care-begins-with-apt-diabetes-diet-55597.html
Certain vitamins and minerals have been found beneficial in lowering blood sugar and thus useful in the treatment of diabetes.
Vitamin B complex - Vitamins of the B group are valuable in the treatment of diabetes. Despite and adequate intake of these vitamins, diabetics often have abnormally small amounts of vitamin B in their blood because of high urinary loss of exhibit symptoms of vitamin B deficiency. Marked clinical improvement has been reported in patients of diabetes with only 16000 units of daily supplements of vitamin B complex. Because these vitamins help reduce blood fat and cholesterol, they should be generously supplied at all times.
Thiamine or Vitamin B1 - Of the various vitamins of the B group, thiamine or vitamin B1 and pyridoxine or vitamin B6 is of special value in diabetes. Diabetic diet inadequate in vitamin B1, often leads to the development of neuritis, which is relieved as soon as large amounts of this vitamin are given. Vitamin B1 is said to be particularly valuable in preventing damage to the brain during diabetic acidosis. The greater the insulin requirement, the higher is the requirement for vitamin B1, pantothenic acid or vitamin B5 and biotin or vitamin B8.
The primary natural vegetable sources of thiamine are wheat germ, brewer’s yeast, the outer layers of rice, wheat and other whole grain cereals, pulses, nuts, peas, lime, legumes, dark green leafy vegetables, banana and apple. Those of pantothenic acid are wheat germ, whole grain bread, green vegetables and peanuts. Biotin is found in brewer’s yeast, rice bran, rice germ, rice polishing and peanut butter.
Pyridoxine or Vitamin B6 - When diet is inadequate in vitamin B6 or pyridoxine, and essential amino acid tryptophan, is converted into a substance known as xanthurenic acid. It has been shown in laboratory experiments that xanthurenic acid tends to damage the pancreatic tissue.
Diabetics who have been given 50 mg of vitamin B6 daily have shown a rapid and marked decrease in urinary xanthurenic acid. In one case, the quantity dropped almost 97 percent the first day. Total absence of urinary xanthurenic acid amongst those who continued with a daily dosage of 10 to 20 mg of this vitamin indicated that none was being formed in the body. Diabetics are thus greatly helped by a liberal intake of vitamin B6. The main natural sources of pyridoxine are milk, brewer’s yeast, cereals, legumes, green leafy vegetables and carrot.
Find complete diabetes information, diabetes supply, diabetes treatment, diabetes diet, diabetes causes, diabetes types. More on Diabetes Mellitus Information and Treatment Supply. Also see Natural Ayurvedic Herbal Cure for Diabetes.
Dr John Anne
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/some-useful-vitamins-that-lower-blood-sugar-61209.html