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Tuesday, 5 July 2016

Herbs to Lower Heart Rate

Numerous herbs may lower your heart rate. According to the American Heart Association, or AHA, the average resting heart rate -- the number of times your heart beats per minute when you are at rest -- is 60 to 80 beats per minute. If your resting heart rate is elevated, you may consider a natural approach to treating this condition. Before taking herbs to help lower your heart rate, talk with your doctor about possible side effects and proper dosage.

Motherwort is an herb that may be helpful for lowering your heart rate. According to the University of Michigan Health System, motherwort, also known as Leonurus cardiaca, is native to central Eurasia, but now grows in all temperate areas of the world. Motherwort is a member of the mint family. The aerial parts of the plant -- the leaves and flowers -- are used medicinally. In traditional Chinese medicine, the seeds are also used. Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Natural Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that motherwort is a diuretic, antispasmodic, nervine and emmenagogue or menstruation stimulant. Motherwort treats numerous health conditions, but may be particularly effective for nervous heart palpitations, elevated heart rate and high blood pressure due to stress. Before taking motherwort to help lower your heart rate, talk with your doctor about possible side effects and proper dosage.

Hawthorne is an herb that may be beneficial for lowering your heart rate. Hawthorne is a spiny, flowering shrub or small tree that belongs to the rose family. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, or NCCAM, states that hawthorne, also known as Crataegus laevigata, has been used to treat cardiovascular problems since the 1st century. Hawthorn is native to northern Europe, but now grows throughout the world. According to Tilgner, hawthorne is a diuretic, astringent, antioxidant, cardiotonic and cardioprotective. Hawthorne is an adaptogen -- a substance that helps keep proper balance -- for your circulatory system and is used to treat numerous circulatory problems, including rapid heart rate, congestive heart failure, hypertension and coronary artery disease. Before taking hawthorne to help lower your heart rate, talk with your doctor about possible complications and proper dosage.

Valerian is an herb that may be effective for lowering your heart rate. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, valerian, also known as Valeriana officinalis, has been used for centuries to treat numerous health problems, including insomnia, anxiety, nervous restlessness, stomach cramps and certain cardiovascular conditions. Valerian is a perennial plant that is native to Europe and grows to a height of 2 feet. The root of the plant is used medicinally, UMMC states. According to Tilgner, valerian is a sedative, relaxing nervine, antispasmodic, anticonvulsant and hypotensive. Valerian may be effective for nervous irritation, nervous palpitations, elevated heart rate and cardiovascular arrhythmias, or irregular heartbeats. Before taking valerian to help lower your heart rate, talk with your doctor about possible side effects and proper dosage.

www.livestrong.com

What Causes a Fast Resting Heart Rate?

Your resting heart rate is the number of times your heart beats per minute when it is at rest -- when you are calm and relaxed. Resting heart rate varies from person to person, but according to the American Heart Association, the normal range is 60 to 100 beats per minute. A resting heart rate over 100, a condition called tachycardia, may be appropriate for you, or it may indicate a more serious condition. Seek medical attention if you are concerned about an elevated heart rate, especially if it is accompanied by dizziness, shortness of breath, fainting or chest pain.

Knowing your resting heart rate and how it changes over time can provide insight into your cardiovascular health. Your resting heart rate increases as you age, and it can also be affected by caffeine, tobacco and certain medications. An elevated resting heart rate, even above 80 beats per minutes, was demonstrated to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease by the authors of a December 2013 article in "Mayo Clinic Proceedings." Physical fitness, a healthy diet and reducing stress can help lower your resting heart rate.

Stress can affect your body in many ways, including increasing your resting heart rate. Anxiety, fright, pain and distress associated extreme emotions -- happiness, anger or sadness -- all increase adrenaline and cortisol levels. These hormones increase heart rate, and if the stress continues, can result in elevated resting heart rate. Your ability to manage stress can help lower your resting heart rate. Start by understanding what causes your stress and take time each day to relax. Exercise and getting enough sleep are also good ways to help manage stress.

A high resting heart rate may be your body's normal response to various physiological conditions or illnesses, such as dehydration, fever or infections like colds or the flu. Certain drugs that you might use to treat these conditions, for example decongestants and asthma medications, can also contribute to an elevated resting heart rate. In these cases, monitor your condition, drink plenty of fluids and seek medical attention if the fever is high or persistent.

Arrhythmias, problems with the rate or rhythm of the heart, can cause an elevated heart rate. Of the many kinds of arrhythmia, some are benign, while others can be life-threatening. Arrhythmias that increase resting heart rate are those that increase the electrical conductance of the heart or that result in extra heartbeats not originating in the sinoatrial node -- the pacemaker of the heart. Symptoms can include dizziness, palpitations or a sense of skipped heartbeats, shortness of breath and chest pain. Damage to the heart, from a heart attack or heart failure, can also result in an elevated resting heart rate. Talk to your doctor regarding any of these conditions and seek immediate medical attention if you experience an elevated heart rate with chest pain or shortness of breath.

Certain pathological conditions can also increase resting heart rate. Anemia, a condition that decreases your ability to carry oxygen in your blood, usually results in an elevated heart rate. Hyperthyroidism or increased thyroid activity also increases heart rate. Speak to your doctor if you think you have these conditions, as it is important to treat any underlying cause of a high resting heart rate.

www.livestrong.com

Tips & Techniques to Slow the Heart Rate Down

Although the average American's resting heart rate is between 60 and 80 beats per minutes, according to the American Heart Association, your heart rate might be much higher if in a stressful situation. Stressful situations differ from person to person. Whether it's public speaking, a big game, job interview or even a first date that gets your pulse up, you can lower it through relaxation techniques.

Deep breathing is simple to perform and something you can do in almost any situation without it being noticeable to anyone else. Your goal is to to breath completely and deeply from your abdomen. The University of Maryland Medical Center advises placing one hand on your stomach and one on your chest while in a seated position. Breath in as much as you can toward your belly, so that it pushes against your hand but your chest does not rise very much. Slowly exhale and repeat until your heart rate slows.

MayoClinic.com and the University of Maryland Medical Center both suggest using progressive relaxation as a relaxation technique to lower heart rate. In progressive relaxation, you tense and relax your muscle groups one at a time. Begin with your toes and work your way up your through your legs, torso and arms and end with your head and neck. Hold the tension for at least five seconds before relaxing for 30 seconds and moving on to your next body part.

In autogenic training, you use mental imagery and awareness of your body to move into a less stressed state, explains MayoClinic.com. You should try to shift your focus to calming images and words while you recognize physical tension in your body and work to let those tensed areas release and relax. The University of Maryland describes the process as first envisioning a peaceful setting to calm your mind. Then, you begin to focus on the physical sensations in various parts of your body such as heavy limbs or full, deep breaths in your chest.

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How to Get Ripped Abs & Gain Muscle Weight

No amount of crunches will help your abs be visible if you have a layer of fat covering them up. Having ripped abs is a result of an extremely low overall fat percentage. The lower your body fat percentage is, the more visible your abs will be. To achieve this, you will need to have a strict low-fat diet to keep your body fat low. To gain muscle mass at the same time, you will need to supplement with protein powder to reach your protein needs, but watch your overall caloric intake to ensure you stay your leanest.

Calculate your target heart rate to better formulate an aerobic exercise routine. The American Council on Exercise has a heart-rate zone calculator where you just punch in your age. You will need to do high-intensity aerobic exercise and stay within your heart rate zone to maximize your fat burning. At this level, your body is burning a high amount of calories and your metabolism will be raised long after you are finished working out. Do 20 to 30 minutes a day of aerobic exercise at 80 percent or higher of your target heart rate for maximum fat loss.

Eat more often, but smaller amounts. Eat six small meals a day as opposed to three large ones. Eating smaller meals evenly spaced throughout the day will help keep your blood sugar levels stable throughout the day and also allow your body to digest the food easier. This will also help you curb your appetite and avoid snacking on unhealthy fatty foods in between meals. Have protein shakes or fruits and vegetables in between your larger meals, or use meal replacement bars or shakes to keep on track.

Do resistance training for each of your body parts, but only train each muscle group once every five to seven days. Do a rep range with weights that you can lift for six reps but no more than eight reps. This will ensure you are using a challenging weight that will force your muscles to adapt and grow during recovery. Do three to four exercises per muscle group, with two to three minutes in between sets and exercises.

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The Best Way to Get Abs Fast at Home

Thousands of ab crunches alone will not get you that desired six-pack. To achieve that ripped look you are also going to have to reduce your body fat percentage so the layer of fat that will otherwise cover your abs dissolves. Although the use of a gym would be an advantage, you can develop a six-pack at home. Your level of self-discipline and overall mental strength will determine how fast you reach this goal.

Correcting your diet is vital. No more junk food. Cut out anything high in sodium, saturated fat or sugar, including liquids. Your new diet must be nutritious, with plenty of protein to build muscle. Think poultry, red meat, fish, whole grain, nuts, seeds, fruit, veg and low-fat dairy. Drinking plenty of water so as to prevent water bloat caused by dehydration. The Institute of Medicine recommends 3.7 liters a day for the average male.

Plan out your new diet so that you now eat six small meals each day, eating every two or three hours. Plan in advance, taking protein powders and healthy snacks out with you so that you always have an alternative to junk food. Your exact diet will be dependent on your bodies current condition. A person needs to consume at least 500 calories per day less to start losing weight, according to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention.

Perform a cardio session either on your home treadmill or by going out for a run or cycle. Apply interval training, or HIIT, to your workout. Interval training is so named because its uses periods of high and low intensity work throughout the session.
MayoClinic.com recommends HIIT as a superior fat burner to conventional cardio due to it stopping the body from adjusting to a single work rate.

It is simple to perform a varied and effective ab workout at home with no equipment at all. The bicycle kick is rated by the American Council on Exercise as the most effective off all ab exercises due to it keeping the rectus abdominis almost constantly taut and working the obliques simultaneously. Other effective exercises that can be performed at home with no equipment are the vertical leg crunch and the traditional crunch.

www.livestrong.com

What Is the Difference Between Curcumin & Turmeric?

Curcumin is a naturally occurring chemical compound that is found in the spice turmeric. The two words are sometimes used interchangeably, but the technical difference between the two is that turmeric is the yellowish powder used to flavor foods, while curcumin is a chemical contained within turmeric. In Indian and Asian cultures, turmeric and curcumin have a long history of use as a traditional herbal medicine, and Western medicine is beginning to study the potential of turmeric in treating diseases such as cancer and diabetes. As with any health supplement, consult your doctor before taking turmeric or curcumin supplements.

Curcumin belongs to a family of chemicals known as curcuminoids, which are polyphenolic compounds that have a bright yellow color. The distinctive color of turmeric is due to the high levels of curcumin it contains. Laboratory and animal studies have demonstrated that curcumin has potent anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties, reports an article published in 2007 in the medical journal Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology. Curcumin regulates chemical messengers that cause inflammation in the body, suggesting that curcumin may be particularly effective in treating autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Researchers are just beginning to investigate the health benefits of curcumin and turmeric in humans. According to the article in "Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology," small clinical trials have found beneficial effects of curcumin in treating autoimmune disorders, including type I diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis. However, some studies have found conflicting results, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, and additional large scale studies are needed to confirm these results. Curcumin has also shown potential in treating and preventing cancer, and is often used to treat an upset stomach.

The small amounts of turmeric used to flavor food rarely, if ever cause effects. Taking large doses of turmeric or purified curcumin for long periods of time, such as several grams per day, can potentially cause side effects, including nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. In severe cases, stomach ulcers may develop. Large doses of turmeric may also worsen the symptoms of gallbladder disease.

High levels of turmeric can inhibit blood clotting, which can increase the risk of severe bleeding in patients undergoing surgery or people who are taking other blood-thinning medications. If you are taking warfarin, aspirin, ibuprofen or other medications that reduce blood clotting, consult your doctor before taking large amounts of turmeric or curcumin supplements.

www.livestrong.com

How to Use Turmeric to Reduce Inflammation

Turmeric is a bright yellow spice often used in Asian cooking. Turmeric contains the active ingredient curcumin, which is an antioxidant that demonstrates anti-inflammatory properties in conditions such as arthritis, muscle sprains and other injuries. In addition, turmeric may prevent and slow cancer growth, protect against liver disease and help reduce symptoms of digestive conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome. While simply adding turmeric to your daily cooking will increase consumption and enhance flavor, there are other methods to boost intake and encourage possible inflammation reduction.

While the use of turmeric in traditional Asian cooking, such as curries, is common in the kitchen, a hot beverage is another way to enjoy the spice and treat potential inflammation. To make a pot of turmeric tea, simply boil 4 cups of water and add one teaspoon of ground turmeric. Simmer for 10 minutes before straining into a cup. Add lemon or honey to taste. Adding ginger provides an additional natural anti-inflammatory.

Another method for addressing inflammation with turmeric involves a topical application. Turmeric powder mixed with ingredients such as warm water, warm milk or sesame oil creates a paste that, when applied to the skin, helps to reduce inflammation and swelling. In Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric paste is often used to cleanse wounds, reduce inflammation and promote healing.

If the taste of turmeric is not appealing, dietary supplements offer another method of increasing turmeric consumption to aid in the reduction of inflammation. Director of integrative medicine at Northern Westchester Hospital in New York, Dr. Minerva Santos, recommends 1,000 milligrams of turmeric supplements per day for patients suffering from joint inflammation, while the University of Maryland Medical Center recommends 400 to 600 milligrams three times a day. Turmeric supplements are available in tablets or capsules.

While small quantities of turmeric in general cooking are considered safe, larger doses can pose risks for people with certain medical conditions or who are taking certain medications. Before adding increased quantities or turmeric to your diet or taking dietary supplements, talk with your physician about any possible complications. Large amounts of turmeric can cause stomach upset and ulcers. Turmeric can cause a drop in blood sugar levels when taken with diabetic medications, as well as interfere with blood clotting in patients taking warfarin or similar medications.

Always consult with your physician before beginning any supplementation or dietary regiment to ensure that you have no pre-existing conditions that may be worsened by your turmeric consumption. Excessive intake of turmeric has been associated with complications of several medications and treatments.
Do not apply turmeric paste over broken skin as this may increase the risk of infections.

It is possible to use the powdered spice and not the supplemental extract, however, it is impossible to ascertain the total amount of the active ingredient, curcumin, you are consuming.

www.livestrong.com

Can You Eat Turmeric Powder?

For over 4,000 years, turmeric spice has been used in cooking and medicine. In cooking, it is typically ground into a gold-colored powder and added to foods. For medicinal purposes, it is available as a standardized powder that may be encapsulated. It may also be obtained as a fresh root, dried root, fluid extract or tincture.

Turmeric is a spice made from the roots of the Curcuma longa plant. It is a relative of the ginger plant and produces a stalk over 5 feet tall with yellow flowers. The plant grows throughout tropical areas of southern Asia, although the majority of the crop comes from India. The spice is produced by boiling the roots and bulbs, drying them to obtain the characteristic yellow color and grinding them into powder.

Curcumin, the active chemical ingredient in turmeric, is a potent antioxidant compound. It is able to bind and neutralize free radicals that form in cells and tissues in response to normal metabolism and environmental conditions. These free radicals may cause tissue damage, cell death, cell membrane damage and DNA mutations.

Turmeric has a long history of use in cooking and medicine. It is used to add flavor or color to curries, mustards, butters and cheese. It has traditionally been used for stomachache, heartburn, diarrhea, intestinal gas, stomach bloating, loss of appetite, jaundice, liver problems and gallbladder disorders. It is under investigations for use as a treatment for headaches, bronchitis, colds, lung infections, fibromyalgia, depression, Alzheimer’s disease, worms, kidney problems and certain cancers. However, many of these studies have only been performed in laboratory settings with cells. It is not yet known whether turmeric is effective for these conditions in humans.

Turmeric may inhibit the clotting of blood and should not be combined with other medications for clotting, such anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs. Bruising and bleeding may occur if turmeric is combined with aspirin, clopidogrel, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen, dalteparin, enoxaparin, heparin or warfarin. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding may safely eat turmeric in foods but should not consume medicinal amounts of the herb.

www.livestrong.com

How to Eat Turmeric Root

When dried and ground up, turmeric root produces a spice commonly used in Indian and Asian cooking. The knobby, orange-yellow root can be used fresh; when thinly sliced or chopped, it adds a slight yellow tinge to foods as well as a general sense of richness. Whether eaten cooked, raw or as a powder, turmeric root is rich in a number of nutrients.

A 1-tablespoon serving of dried turmeric has only 29 calories per serving, less than 1 gram of protein and 0.31 gram of total fat. And it has 2.1 grams of dietary fiber, which means it provides 7 percent to 8.4 percent of the recommended intake per day. That's high given the very small serving size. In addition to containing a host of essential minerals and vitamins, turmeric also contains antioxidants that help fight inflammation. A 2011 animal study published in “Inflammation” found that turmeric supplements have stronger anti-inflammation properties than ginger does, potentially helping with the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Using either powdered or fresh turmeric in dishes can provide you with the nutritional content and benefit of turmeric.

While it is strong-tasting when consumed alone, turmeric, both ground and fresh, can be used in fresh juices and smoothies. If you are making juice or a smoothie in a blender, use powdered turmeric so that it blends in well with the other ingredients. For fresh turmeric, using a juicer is recommended as the fresh root can be tough and fibrous, making for an unpleasant texture otherwise. It isn’t recommended to drink turmeric juice on its own because of its strong taste, but it is easily hidden by other sweeter ingredients in juices and smoothies.

The warm, slightly spicy flavor of turmeric pairs well with hearty cooked dishes, in which both the powder and the fresh root can be used. Finely slice fresh turmeric root and add it to stews, soups and stir-fries, allowing the cooked root to be eaten whole. If you choose to use powdered turmeric, it lends itself well to seasonings for roasted vegetables and scrambled eggs, as well as marinades for meats. In some cases, chefs have even added turmeric to dough to make brightly colored bread with a slight spiciness and an added richness.

Using turmeric as a tea is not the same as adding it to juices or smoothies because the taste is much more pronounced. Turmeric’s spiciness means it can pair well with other spicy herbal teas, such as ginger. To make turmeric tea with only turmeric, add a 1/2 teaspoon of powdered turmeric or a 1/2 ounce of fresh, chopped root to 8 ounces of water. Bring the water to boil for 10 minutes. You can add milk or sugar to flavor the tea as you like. If you are using fresh root, strain the tea before drinking.

www.livestrong.com

Turmeric for Stretch Marks

Known botanically as “Curcuma longa,” turmeric is a marigold-colored pungent powder that is derived from a shrub related to the ginger family. Commonly used in Indian cooking, turmeric has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties and is full of antioxidants. Ayurvedic practitioners use turmeric to cleanse the body. It is used to treat infection, jaundice, fever, arthritis and digestive conditions. The herb form of turmeric has also been used to treat liver conditions and to prevent tumors and lower your "bad" cholesterol. When mixed with oil, yogurt or curd, turmeric can help reduce stretch marks.

Dr. Bounleua Oudavong, Deputy Director of the Mother and Child Health Hospital in Laos, says that turmeric is a medicinal plant that has been used by women in rural regions to preserve their beauty, according to Lao Voices. While several expensive modern products can help to treat stomach scars, or stretch marks, turmeric is not only readily available but also affordable. Oudavong recommends that women crush the tumeric into small chunks, mix it with water, apply it to stretch marks in the morning and at night, and continue this regimen until the marks fade away.

Turmeric can be mixed with various oils, creams and substances to create a paste for treatment of stretch marks. For example, you can mix turmeric with clotted cream or curd. Apply this paste to your waist and stomach before taking a bath. Allow the treatment to soak into the stretch marks for 15 to 30 minutes and then wash it off. Mix turmeric with yogurt, buttermilk or coconut oil to achieve the same results. Extracts of turmeric can also be used to lighten the marks. Apply a mixture of turmeric, lemon juice and saffron to reduce the light-to-dark contrast of the scars on your stomach. Turmeric treatments should be used daily and massaged gently into your skin until your stretch marks either fade or disappear. The earlier you treat your stretch marks, the easier it is to eliminate them.

A team of researchers led by Ayyalusamy Ramamoorthy at the University of Michigan have found that curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, penetrates cell membranes, according to SikhNet. Once inside the cell, Sikhnet describes curcumin as functioning like a disciplinarian, establishing order within the cell and enabling the cell to control the flow of information. However, the curcumin does not interact with proteins in the cell membrane. It alters the physical properties of the membrane, which affects the regulation of membrane proteins. By doing so, turmeric boosts the cell’s resistance to malignancy and infection.

Once stretch marks have formed, it is very difficult to remove them entirely. Natural extracts, such as turmeric, lemon and apricot, available in the form of creams, can be massaged into your stomach to help maintain your skin’s elasticity. Treatment should be started prior to giving birth. Apply the cream in regular pre-bath massages of your breasts and abdomen as a preventive measure.

www.livestrong.com

Blog List

Tuesday, 5 July 2016

Motherwort

Hawthorne

Valerian

Cardiovascular Risk Factor

Stress

Response to Illness

Abnormal Heart Function

Pathological Conditions

Overview

Deep Breathing

Progressive Relaxation

Autogenic Training

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Your Diet

Plan It

Cardio At Home

Abs Exercises

Function

Health Benefits

Side Effects

Drug Interactions

Tea Time

Rub Some In

Avoid the Taste

When to Avoid

Warnings

Tips

Source

Ingredients

Uses

Cautions

Nutritional Content

Juices and Smoothies

In Cooked Dishes

As a Tea

Treating Stretch Marks

Other Tumeric Treatments

The Active Ingredient

Preventive Care