Natural Alternatives to Combat High Blood Pressure

FACT: More than one in three Americans needs to be concerned about maintaining healthy blood pressure.

While a healthy diet and regular exercise can help, this is not always enough to remedy the problem.

My husband is 49 years of age and has been living in denial that he has high blood pressure. It actually runs on his mothers side of the family, yet he just didn't want to face the facts.

A few years went by and he was once again forced to take notice of his rising numbers. He could no longer deny there was a problem after his blood pressure was routinely at 180/110, sometimes even higher.

I had heard about some natural supplements that had positive results and I asked him to give it a whirl before he went to the doctor. The doctors would just end up putting him on medicine and I personally would rather try the natural route first. To my surprise, he agreed.

This particular product is patented, therefore, there is scientific evidence that the product actually works and we can both have confidence that when he takes a pill he is getting a specific amount each time.

Well, after 6 weeks his blood pressure was reading within the normal range. My husband use to be a complete sceptic when it comes to natural products. However, he takes his supplements faithfully because the results have been so drastic, without the help of medication.

What makes this product unique? It's simple.

Tripeptides - Derived from cultured milk, they are clinically proven and validated by 12 human studies over the last 10 years to help promote healthy blood flow. *

Potassium - An element critical to helping your body maintain the proper balance of potassium and sodium necessary for optimal health of the heart and blood vessels.*

Passionflower - Recognized for its natural stress-relieving and relaxing abilities.*

Pomegranate - Powerful antioxidant that has been shown to aid in stress relief. A three year study found that pomegranate helps with the promotion of healthy blood flow. *

We're personally excited we are able to maintain heart health and live with peace of mind. Plus, there are no side effects and that speaks volumes to us!

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Always consult your physician if you are under medical care and before discontinuing any prescribed medication.

So What Makes the Cranberry So Special?

For those of us who have suffered with urinary tract infections, we are all too familiar with the benefits of the cranberry. If you haven't heard the good news, you've found a goldmine in this little berry.

However, most of us may not be aware of the history of this little berry. European settlers in North America referred to the berry as a "crane berry" because the vine bared a close resemblance to the head, bill and neck of a crane. After some time, the berry soon became knows as the "cranberry" and has been known to contain a number of key nutrients, including:

• anthocyanins - these are responsible for the deep red color of the cranberry
• proanthocyanins - research shows this to be the antioxidant that is an effective compound in maintaining the overall health of the urinary tract
• quercetin - a beneficial flavonoid that aids in urinary tract health

In 1994, the Journal of the American Medical Association announced a groundbreaking study which showed that the phytochemicals in cranberries are indeed beneficial for the urinary tract. This was confirmed by yet another study published in the British Medical Journal.

In addition, there were two more studies that produced applause for this little berry. In 2002, the Canadian Journal of Urology published their research to have shown that frequent consumption of fresh cranberry juice was associated with maintaining proper urinary tract health. This information was also published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2003.

While the cranberry is known for its benefits for urinary tract health, it is also noted to have numerous other health benefits, including:

• promotion of healthy gums and teeth
• promotion of a healthy stomach
• promotes cognitive thinking by protecting the brain cells
  from free radical damage
• protection of overall heart health by inhibiting LDL
  (the 'bad' boys) cholesterol oxidation

Experts agree that there are various diet and lifestyle changes that can be very helpful for maintaining overall urinary tract health and health and wellness. The following list includes various other things you can do to maintain the health of your urinary tract:

• Drink plenty of fluids each day
• Urinate when you feel the urge, preferrably every 2 hours
• Women should wipe from the front to the back to prevent fecal bacteria from
  being introduced to the urinary tract
• Avoid carbonated drinks, caffeine and alcohol
• Cleanse the genital area daily and before sexual intercourse
• Urinating after sexual intercourse is helpful for ridding any bacteria that
  may have been introduced
• Little girls should avoid taking bubble baths or using scented products that may
  cause irritation

There are some fantastic products on the market today containing cranberry extract. However, not all products are equal. Research indicates that one should consume 1,000 mg a day for optimal benefits. This is equivalent to 10 oz of pure, undiluted cranberry juice. Can you say "pucker up"?

I find taking a cranberry supplement to be very affordable and convenient, without all the sugar!

Unfortunately, I have suffered over the years and have carried the burden of having had numerous urinary tract infections due to a related kidney disease. I can personally attest to the fact that not all cranberry supplements are created equal. So many of the products on the shelves are filled will cheap ingredients and just aren't as effective as I would like them to be.

If you're interested in finding out how to purchase a cranberry supplement that I believe is superior to what is sold at the local markets, feel free to contact me. You'll save some money and be so thankful to have found a product that actually does what it says it's going to do.

Sabrina Coffin

Are You Eating Enough Fiber?

The American Heart Association recommends a total dietary intake of 25-30 grams of fiber per day. Unfortunately, most people only get about 15 grams of fiber per day. This statistic is alarming when we consider the many health benefits linked to a diet high in fiber.

If you're like most people, you probably struggle to eat enough fiber during your daily routine. Let's put things in perspective for a moment. When was the last time you sat down and ate 40 baby carrots? How about 17 prunes, or better yet, 17 cups of spinach? Well, if you're anything like most people, the answer is probably 'never'!

The fiber is literally stripped from our fruits and vegetables when the seeds, pulp and peels are removed. Folks, this is a problem to say the least.

Recent studies show there are several benefits to consuming the recommended amount of fiber in our diet. A recent study in the Journal of Nutrition showed a decrease in the risk of developing cardiovascular disease for those who consumed a higher intake of dietary fiber. Fiber also aides in the digestion process, balancing regular bowel movements and intestinal maintenance.

With so many fiber supplements on the market, which one is the right one for you? Well, I personally want one that tastes good but also gets the job done! Look for a product that contains the herb Psyllium as it is one of the best sources of heart healthy soluble fiber. Studies have shown psyllium fiber to reduce the the total levels of cholesterol significantly when combined with a low-fat diet.

It's also important to note the amount of soluble fiber and insoluble fiber contained in the fiber products you purchase. Insoluble fiber is found in oats and rice and passes through the digestive tract collecting toxins and waste along the way. This fiber 'expands' in your waste material and helps to relieve the occasional bouts of constipation and other digestive concerns. Remember to drink the recommended daily allowance of 64 oz of water as this will also guard against constipation with your increase in fiber intake.

With so many health benefits to a high fiber intake in your diet, it's no wonder so many people are increasing their awareness and taking action to make some significant changes in their future. Kick-start your day with a good source of delicious tasting fiber for breakfast and make an investment in your future!

Here's to a Healthier You!


Sabrina Coffin