Blood Donor lower risk of heart attack and cancer

Blood Donor lower risk of heart attack and cancer - Recent studies have shown that donating blood may reduce the risk of heart attacks and cancer. This is thought to occur due to decreased levels of high iron in the body.

Iron levels in the body can affect how thick and sticky texture of the blood. High iron content which causes the blood becomes very thick. And increased levels of iron in the body can also speed up the process of oxidation of cholesterol.

This condition can affect the consistency of the blood and creates an increase in friction on the way through the blood vessels. Because this increases the wear and tear in the lining of an artery, it can contribute to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

According to a study published by the Journal of the American Medical Association, researchers found that those aged 43 to 61 years who donate blood every six months, lower risk of heart disease.

What to know about Glucose Blood Meters before you Buy One

There are many important things one requires to know before buying Glucose Blood Meters. This is one of the efforts that require being made towards maintain optimal health. A glucometer can facilitate people with diabetes keep better track of their blood sugar levels. Doctors usually advise their patients to keep track of the blood sugar levels so as to identify problem at an early stage.

Many different types of glucose blood meters are available on the market these days. Patients have an option to choose from these varied ranges of devices available on the market. A small bit of blood needs to be placed on paper specially designed to be used in the unit. This will trigger the machine to do its job and process the blood sample. The results will be soon displayed on the screen. The entire process is of huge help for diabetics in a close track of sugar levels in an individual’s blood.

When looking for a glucometer there are certain crucial things one should look into. These include the following listed below:

Test strips

Memory capacity

Size of the device

Display screen

The above listed are only a few of the very important things one needs to take into consideration when buying glucose blood meters.

Remember that the test strips are different for various units. The pricing are also different. The test strips are supplied during the purchase of the unit. Replacing these strips can be an expensive affair. Choosing with care is important to buy the best. Making a list of requirements and budget will help you in this respect.

Researching online will help you get the best glucose blood monitoring device. This is possible via researching on the internet. You need to take some time to compare features and prices online prior to making an investment.

Blood Glucose To A1C Conversion Tool by ACCU CHEK

I like this tool so much Im going to post it again:

By the way, it works backwards too. You can either enter your blood glucose (and it will calculate your A1C), or you can enter your A1C (and it will calculate your blood glucose).

These are only estimates!
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Higher omega 3 fatty acids in blood reduced risk of hip fractures

Higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the blood may reduce the risk for hip fractures in postmenopausal women, recent research suggests.

Scientists analyzed red blood cell samples from women with and without a history of having a broken hip. The study showed that higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids from both plant and fish sources in those blood cells were associated with a lower likelihood of having fractured a hip.

In addition to omega-3s, the researchers looked at omega-6 fatty acids, which are generally plentiful in a Western diet. The study also showed that as the ratio of omega-6 fatty acids to omega-3s increased, so did the risk for hip fracture.

Though the study did not define the mechanisms for these relationships, the researchers hypothesized that inflammation may contribute to bone resorption, the breaking down of bone caused by the release of cells called osteoclasts.

“Inflammation is associated with an increased risk of bone loss and fractures, and omega-3 fatty acids are believed to reduce inflammation. So we asked if we would see fractures decrease in response to omega-3 intake,” said Rebecca Jackson, the study’s senior author and a professor of endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism at The Ohio State University.

“One thing that was critically important was that we didn’t use self-report of food intake, because there can be errors with that. We looked directly at the exposure of the bone cell to the fatty acids, which is at the red blood cell level,” said Jackson, also associate dean for clinical research in Ohio State’s College of Medicine. “Red blood cell levels also give an indication of long-term exposure to these fatty acids, which we took into account in looking for a preventive effect.”

Broken hips are the most common osteoporosis-related fractures, with an estimated 350,000 occurring annually in the United States. About 20 percent of people die in the year following a hip fracture.

The research is published in a recent issue of the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research.

The observational study did not measure cause and effect, so the researchers say the findings are not definitive enough to suggest that taking omega-3 supplements would prevent hip fractures in postmenopausal women.

“We don’t yet know whether omega-3 supplementation would affect results for bone health or other outcomes,” said Tonya Orchard, assistant professor of human nutrition at Ohio State and first author of the study. “Though it’s premature to make a nutrition recommendation based on this work, I do think this study adds a little more strength to current recommendations to include more omega-3s in the diet in the form of fish, and suggests that plant sources of omega-3 may be just as important for preventing hip fractures in women.”

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are both polyunsaturated fatty acids and essential fatty acids, meaning they contribute to biological processes but must be consumed because the body does not produce them on its own. Previous research has suggested that while both types of fatty acids are linked to health benefits, omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties and omega-6 fatty acids seem to have both anti- and pro-inflammatory effects.

The researchers used blood samples and hip fracture records from the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI), a large national prospective study of postmenopausal women that enrolled participants between 1993 and 1998 and followed them for 15 years. For this new work, the sample consisted of red blood cell samples and records from 324 pairs of WHI participants, half of whom had broken their hips before Aug. 15, 2008, and the other half composed of age-matched controls who had never broken a hip.

The analysis showed that higher levels of total omega-3 fatty acids and two other specific kinds of omega-3s alone were associated with a lower risk of hip breaks in the study sample.

On the other hand, women who had the highest ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids had nearly twice the risk of hip fractures compared to women with the lowest ratios. The current typical American diet contains between 15 and 17 times more omega-6 than omega-3, a ratio that previous research has suggested should be lowered to 4-to-1, or even 2-to-1, by increasing omega-3s, to improve overall health. The primary omega-6 fatty acid in the diet is linoleic acid, which composes about 99 percent of Americans’ omega-6 intake and is found in corn, soybean, safflower and sunflower oils.

The specific omega-3 sources associated with lower risk for broken hips were ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), which comes from plant sources such as flaxseed oil and some nuts, and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), which is found in fatty types of fish. The other marine-sourced omega-3, DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), on its own did not have a significant link to lower hip-fracture risk, “but all three omega-3s were in the protective direction,” Orchard said.

Jackson, who was a vice chair of the WHI for more than a decade, said continuing analyses of data from the WHI will dig down to the genetic influences on metabolism and absorption of nutrients, and whether such genetic differences could affect health risk factors in postmenopausal women.

New Blood Pressure Guidelines Prove Challenging

A new study in the January issue of Diabetes Care found that the more aggressive guidelines for treatment of hypertension which were released in 2003:

"... did not result in substantially better hypertension control for patients with diabetes in the US."¹

Below are the most recent classifications for blood pressure as described in the JNCs 7th Report:²


Click Chart for Full Version.

And here are the JNCs summarized recommendations for lifestyle modifications. (More information about the blood pressure guidelines and lifestyle recommendations, including eating plans, can be found here.)


Click Chart for Larger.

________¹ Lack of Effect of Guideline Changes on Hypertension Control for Patients With Diabetes in the U.S., 1995–2005, Diabetes Care, January 2007.

² The Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure, Express Report, published in 2003 by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLB), a division of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

11 Food Control Blood Sugar

11 Food Control Blood Sugar - Meal arrangements are the most important pillars for the treatment of diabetes. Diabetics (diabetics) are wise definitely want to learn to recognize foods that cause high blood sugar and try to avoid these foods.

Basically, diabetics can eat all the food like everyone else, but should be limited to contain sugar, fat, and sometimes high-salt foods. Important also oversee the amount of food consumed.

Knowingly or not, nature has provided some wonderful food that can help control your blood sugar levels. The following are 11 foods that are good for blood sugar:

1. Bitter gourd (Karela)

If you have family members suffering from diabetes, it is time to prepare karela at the dinner table. These vegetables are very beneficial in lowering blood pressure and diabetes. But do not combine these foods with a blood sugar-lowering drugs, because it can make your blood sugar to drop dramatically.

2. Wheat

Try to include more whole grain products in your diet. Besides containing many essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber, wheat also contains complex carbohydrates that the body needs to produce energy. Complex carbohydrates are absorbed more slowly than simple carbohydrates, so the blood sugar levels remain stable.

3. Apple

High pectin content in fruit is believed to help lower the bodys insulin needs. A 2005 study found that women who consumed at least one apple a day 28 percent smaller type 2 diabetes than those who ate no apples.

4. Beans

High soluble fiber in beans is not only beneficial for the digestive system and heart, but it also keeps blood sugar after meals. If you have insulin resistance, hypoglycemia or diabetes, nuts can actually help you balance blood sugar levels.

5. Cinnamon

The most active ingredient contained in cinnamon is methylhydroxy-chalcone polymer (MHCP) which mimics the effects of insulin, and works synergistically with insulin in cells. But research so far only involve a small number of people and have not explored the long-term benefits of cinnamon.

6. Fish

Fish (like salmon and tuna) is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids - healthy fats that reduce the risk of heart disease, reduce inflammation, and improve insulin resistance.

7. Chili

In a study published in the Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Australian researchers found that include chili in the regular diet every day will help lower blood sugar after eating a meal. In addition, the chili also contains antioxidants, vitamin C and carotenoids that may help improve insulin regulation.

8. Fenugreek

Fenugreek, besides containing lots of fiber that is very important for diabetics, can reduce insulin resistance and controlling blood glucose levels by increasing the number of insulin receptors in red blood cells.

9. Broccoli

Broccoli is the best source of chromium - a mineral that helps regulate insulin and blood sugar. It would be more protective when eaten raw or lightly cooked.

10. Garlic

Garlic has active ingredients such as allyl propyl disulphide (APDS) and diallyldisul-phide oxide (allicin). When combined with the flavonoids, it will play an important role in lowering glucose levels. Allicin can be combined with vitamin B1 (thiamine) to stimulate the pancreas releases insulin.

11. Soybean

Soybeans have a bit of starch content but the amount of high fiber and protein can provide a valuable effect in reducing the excretion of urine in people suffering from diabetes.

Knowing Types Of Fat in Blood

Knowing Types Of Fat in Blood- In this post, lets we know about fat that obtain in blood, Cholesterol is one of the fat in blood flow. Beside that have any other types of fat, its lipid that called triglycerides. How the difference and contribution to cardiovascular disease?

Low density lipoprotein, cholesterol low density lipoprotein (LDL). It is the largest carrier of cholesterol in the blood. LDL transports cholesterol to sites throughout the body either for hoarding or to repair the cell membrane. However, like water that can produce crust stuck to the water pipes, as well as LDL cholesterol can cause buildup of cholesterol in the arteries that supply food to the brain and heart. Therefore, This cholesterol is often called by bad cholesterol.

High density lipoprotein, Imagine high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol as scavengers or cleaners. HDL helps reduce the amount of LDL cholesterol in the blood. The higher levels of HDL cholesterol, the lower the risk of atherosclerosis. Thats why HDL is called good cholesterol. To raise HDL cholesterol levels, do the exercise and reduce weight.

Triglycerides, Triglycerides are another type of body fat. When excessive amounts in the blood, then it is called hipertrigliseridemi. This condition is also considered to facilitate the formation of atherosclerosis (plaque deposits in arteries).

Diet Methods for Blood Type O

Diet Methods for Blood Type O - If you have blood type O, so one diet method which you can apply are: methods of diet based on blood type you are, because it is more precise and specific. So that big of possible success, then what is the appropriate method of diet for blood type O ?


Diet Methods based on Blood Type was actually invented by a doctor named Dr. Peter DÁdamo, he who wrote a book about the "Eat right for you type." Already know what that means. According to him, the chemical reaction occurs between the blood and the foods you eat, this reaction is part of your genetic heritage derived in the form of blood. And the factors of this reaction called Lectins. So, with a diet based on blood type, then the chemical reactions that occur in the body and the negative impact can be minimized.

Before we describe Diet Methods for Blood Type O you should know also characteristic of blood group O, that is:

• Has an immune system that is relatively better than other blood types.
• Blood type O, to overcome stress can be with aerobic.
• Blood type O can also easily customize the diet accord to around.
• When the food consumed does not match, then you are at risk of a disease caused by inflammation and organ damage such as arthritis.

Blood type 0 diet

It is recommended to eat foods that are high in protein and low in carbohydrates.
Allowed to eat meat menu, fish, vegetables and fruit.
But to menu grains and beans is better limited.

Important thing to note/avoid for blood type O in the weight loss program are:

• wheat
• corn
• red beans
• nuts
• Brussels sprouts
• cabbage
• mustard

While diet for blood type O that recommended are:

• seafood dishes
• salt
• liver
• red meat
• spinach
• broccoli

That is method diet based on Blood Type O, while for the other blood types, the article will follow.

Coconut Water Lower Blood Pressure

Coconut Water lower blood pressure - Coconut water is one of the favorite drinks for break the fasting. The fresh effect that appear from coconut water, because coconut water contain natural electrolyte that really good for change the body fluid that gone.

In the website of WebMD is mentioned, coconut water consists of water (94 percent) and low in calories. Coconut water is also a source of B vitamins, potassium, enzymes and amino acids and has the effect of antioxidants in the body.

Scientific research about the benefits of coconut water is still limited, but one of them says, blood pressure, "high blood pressure patients" who regularly consume coconut water dropped to 71 percent.

"Compared with" isotonic "or energy drinks, coconut water is richer in potassium than sodium. As is known, sodium should be limited because it can cause hypertension," said Dr. Helmin Agustina Silalahi, Kalbe Farma, a medical adviser, in a press conference Hydro Culinary Ramadan in Jakarta, Friday (8/5/2011).

Calium, and potassium known to be beneficial to heart health. Therefore, experts say, pure coconut water to drink without sugar can help reduce the risk of heart disease.

"The World Food Organization (FAO) has stated, coconut water as a natural energy drink. The content of fructose and glucose can also make the body re-energized after a day of fasting, without worrying about blood sugar rises," said Helmin.

Some Important Tips To Lower High Blood Pressure

When the human heart pumps blood, a pressure is created in the blood vessels known as BP. When this pressure is the maximum it is known as systolic pressure while the minimum one is known as diastolic pressure. The normal BP range of systolic and diastolic are 120-80 mm Hg. However, some physiological conditions can disrupt these normal readings which lead to hypertension or hypo tension. Among these high blood pressure is quite common.

There can be several conditions which result in this condition like obesity, faulty diet, age, kidney failure and several genetic reasons. Some sort of inflammation and loss of elasticity in kidneys is also a major reason for this problem.

There are several high blood pressure natural remedies which helps in lowering the high BP numbers. Some of these are:

• A salt restricted diet regimen is essential to follow by a high BP patient most importantly uncooked or table salt. It is also important to stay on an oil free diet.
• Brisk walking twice a day will definitely work on this problem.
• Stress and mental worries contribute to this problem. Therefore try to get out of it with relaxation and meditation.
• Some normal exercises like jogging, cycling, freehand and swimming are also important in the treatment of hypertension.
• It is imperative to completely stop drinking alcohol and smoking.
• Two teaspoonfuls of powdered mint leaves help magically with hypertension.
• Garlic is one of the best and most common high blood pressure natural remedies. It helps in reducing arterial spasms controlling pulse rate and cardiac rhythm.
• Lemon strengthens capillaries and thus regular consumption in water without salt and sugar will surely help.
• Dried and roasted seeds of watermelon help in dilating blood vessels reducing the pressure of blood.
• One should consume food rich in potassium and carbohydrate.
• Among so many vegetables, celery and broccoli are the best ones to reduce BP as they contain phytochemical content.
• Juices of raw spinach, carrot, parsley, etc. if taken twice a day will cause extreme positive effects on your health.

This is due to the modern, sedentary lifestyle and changed food habits. All these in combination leads to the more working of heart and exerts pressure on it.

The greatest cure of high BP is possible with a regular eye over it. It is very important to track the BP even if you are in normal conditions. There are no symptoms as such in this disease and therefore, sometimes it is also referred as "silent killer".

Be aware, eat healthy, drink healthy and be healthy!!

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Some Important Tips To Lower High Blood Pressure

Maintaining Diabetic Blood Sugar Level

For the diabetic maintaining their blood sugar level in the normal range is key to successfully managing their disease. Without proper blood glucose control the diabetic risks a variety of disorders and complications that are caused by high blood sugar levels. Left untreated for a long period of time diabetes can become a life threatening illness.

When first diagnosed a doctor is looking for blood sugar levels within a certain range. There are three tests that can be used in diagnosing diabetes. These tests all require a blood draw and if the test comes back positive then that diagnosis must be confirmed on a following day using one of the three tests.

The three tests that can be used to diagnose diabetes and blood sugar levels that are looked for as recommended by the American Diabetes Association are:

� Casual plasma glucose level at or above 200 mg/dL. This is in addition to showing symptoms of diabetes. The casual test can be taken anytime of the day regardless of the last time the person being tested ate.

� The fasting plasma glucose test is done at least eight hours after the person has had their last intake of calories. The criteria for a positive result with this test are a plasma glucose greater then 126 mg/dL.

� The two hour oral glucose tolerance test. This test is done by the patient drinking a glucose solution containing 75 anhydrous glucose dissolved in water. Blood is drawn two hours after drinking the solution and a positive result is a plasma glucose level greater than 200 mg/dL.

Once the diagnosis of diabetes is made it is important for the diabetic to work to maintain their blood sugar level within a certain range. This is done through self monitoring of blood glucose using a blood glucose monitor. Doing so will allow diabetics to monitor and control metabolic control of their disease and lessen the risk of hypo or hyperglycemia, both of which can have negative risks.

The diabetic blood sugar level that those with diabetes should try and maintain is between 70 to 120 mg/dL either before a meal, like breakfast, or four to five hours after their last meal or snack. Blood sugar will go up after any meal or snack and ideally it should drop to under 200 mg/dL about two hours after that meal.

By keeping tight blood sugar control the diabetic can live a long and healthy life and lower their risk for the many complications that include vision degradation, kidney disease, nerve damage and heart disease.

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