Hypertension or high blood pressure is the condition where the amount of force exerted against the artery walls when the blood flows through them is higher than usual. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), one in every three persons in the country over the age of 20 has high blood pressure. Without the right treatment, blood pressure may lead to many health problems including heart failure, stroke, vision loss, and kidney disease.
Common symptoms of high blood pressure
Hypertension is known as the silent killer as it does not exhibit any symptoms. When the blood pressure reaches 180/110 mmHg, it is considered a medical emergency. Some of the common symptoms of high blood pressure are as follows:
Treatment for high blood pressure
According to the severity and the risk of developing stroke or cardiovascular diseases, a doctor will decide upon the right treatment. They may suggest lifestyle changes if the blood pressure is only slightly elevated and if the patient has a low risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. If the person is diagnosed with moderately high blood pressure, there is a chance that they may develop cardiovascular disease in the next ten years. Therefore, the doctor may suggest some medicines along with lifestyle changes. If an individual has severe hypertension, that is, if it is above 180/110 mmHg, he or she needs to visit a specialist.
Some of the treatment options for high blood pressure are as follows:
If you get diagnosed with high blood pressure, you need to make some changes to your lifestyle. Along with that, to maintain the ideal blood pressure, you need to take medication as well. By including some smart steps in the daily routine, you can manage this condition well.
6 FDA-approved medications for high cholesterol
High cholesterol leads to fatty deposits in the blood vessels. Over time, these deposits grow, causing difficulties for the blood to flow through the arteries. In some cases, the deposits may break off and form clots. These can cause a stroke or heart attack. There can be multiple causes of high cholesterol; the causes can be genetic or a result of unhealthy lifestyle habits. This makes high cholesterol a preventable and treatable health disorder.
High cholesterol can be easily managed by following a balanced and healthy diet along with regular exercise. In case the cholesterol levels are extremely high, medications may be required to control and manage the condition. There are a few medications for high cholesterol that are approved by the FDA. All these medications must be taken only when prescribed by a doctor.
Have you been battling with high cholesterol problems and are wondering how to lower LDL cholesterol levels? High cholesterol increases the risks of heart attacks and diseases. Although treatment may help improve your cholesterol levels, you still need to make essential lifestyle changes to boost the cholesterol-lowering power of the treatment. To help you make healthy lifestyle changes, some effective tips have been listed below on how to lower LDL cholesterol levels.
Making some changes in the diet can help reduce the level of fat in the body and help enhance your heart’s health. The following changes can help you be on your way to having a healthy heart:
Workout and increase your daily physical activity
Exercise helps improve cholesterol by raising HDL cholesterol levels. Make sure you get your doctor’s approval before you start any workout especially if you want to undertake a vigorous aerobic workout activity. However, as long as you are healthy, you can exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, five times a week. Additionally, physical activities in short intervals every day can also help you lose weight. So, consider playing your favorite sport, riding a bike to work, and taking a brisk walk whenever you are free. In case you feel bored with exercising at some point, consider finding an exercise partner or joining a group to stay motivated.
Quit smoking
Smoking increases LDL cholesterol levels. You can improve your HDL cholesterol levels when you stop smoking, and the benefits occur very quickly. Once you quit smoking, your blood pressure and heart rate will recover from the spike induced by cigarettes in around 20 minutes. Within three months of quitting, lung function and blood circulation will start to improve. In a year’s time, your risk of having heart diseases will reduce by half compared to that of a smoker.
Lose weight
Another way you can lower LDL cholesterol level is by losing extra weight. Make sure you avoid taking sugary beverages and snacks like popcorn or pretzels to control your weight. When you crave for something sweet, try alternatives such as candies or sherbet with little or no fat, like jelly beans.
Take alcohol in moderation
Reduced alcohol intake is linked with high HDL cholesterol levels even though the benefits are not strong enough as compared to a person who doesn’t take alcohol. If you take alcohol, consider doing so in moderation or stopping altogether. Excessive intake of alcohol leads to severe problems such as heart failure, blood pressure, and stroke.
Now that you know how to lower LDL cholesterol, ensure to make such necessary lifestyle changes. These will help steer clear of many lifestyle diseases.
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Due to an extremely fast-paced lifestyle which encourages bad habits, more than 10% of the world’s population is facing severe kidney problems. In order to keep your kidneys safe and healthy, you need to keep a check on your diet at all times. There are the certain foods that can help your kidney to function well that you must be aware of. Let’s take a look at some those foods that help you to adopt healthy kidney diet plans.
Olive oil
Olive oil is an excellent source of fat, and as it is free from phosphorous, it becomes a wonderful option for those people who have kidney issues. Generally, patients diagnosed with kidney problems experience a rapid loss in weight. Including a high-calorie food element makes for healthy kidney diet plans and this helps you maintain a suitable body weight Most of the fats in olive oil are monounsaturated which bear anti-inflammatory properties. One ounce or 28 grams of olive oil will provide you with:
Buckwheat
Most of the whole grains that are available in the market tend to be very high on the phosphorous content. However, buckwheat is a wonderful and healthy alternative to these grains. It is a food item rich in nutrition that provides the body with the required amount of iron, fiber, magnesium, and B vitamins. It is also free from gluten which makes buckwheat a great choice for those who suffer from celiac disease. One cup or 84 grams of buckwheat will provide you with:
Garlic
Generally, patients with kidney problems are asked to lower their sodium intake which includes the use of added salt. Garlic is a great alternative to that. It gives your dish a wonderful added taste and flavor. Garlic is also a good source of Vitamin C, Manganese, and Vitamin B6. It also has sulfur compounds which work as anti-inflammatory elements. Therefore, garlic can be both a wonderful and useful additive which makes for healthy kidney diet plans. Using three cloves or 9 grams of garlic will give you:
Egg Whites
Eggs are an extremely nutritious food item. But, when you are following healthy kidney diet plans, you should avoid egg yolks as they are a rich source of phosphorous. In order to ensure good kidney health, it is better to stick to consuming egg whites only. Egg whites are a wonderful source of protein that contain very less phosphorous. Therefore, it is a wonderful choice for those who are undergoing dialysis treatment. 66 grams or two large egg whites contain:
Red grapes
Red grapes are those juicy fruits that not only give your taste buds a treat but will also help to keep your kidney healthy. It has Vitamin C which also contains antioxidants known as flavonoids. These are known to have a great effect in reducing inflammation. Moreover, red grapes have resveratrol which is great for keeping your heart healthy and helps protect you from diabetes. 75 grams of red grapes will give you:
Sea Bass
Seabass is a great source of high-quality protein and has healthy fats known as omega-3. Generally, seafood is high in phosphorous. However, sea bass is one such seafood that has a low amount of phosphorous. Despite this, you need to keep in check the amount of sea bass you include on your diet since anything in excess can be unhealthy. Three ounces or 85 grams of sea bass will provide you with:
Blueberry
Blueberries are one of the best foods that you can include to adopt and follow healthy kidney diet plans. It is a great source of anti-oxidants. Sweet berries have an antioxidant known as anthocyanin which protects one from heart problems and certain cancers. It is quite low in sodium, potassium, and phosphorous which makes it a wonderful inclusion if your diet plans pertain to kidney health. 148 grams of blueberries will provide you with:
Cauliflower
Cauliflower can be a great inclusion as a side dish which is low in potassium. It is also high in Vitamin A, C, K, and B folate. It has anti-inflammatory compounds like indoles which are additionally a great source of fiber. 124 grams of cooked cauliflower will give you:
The above mentioned are some of the foods which can help you to keep your kidney healthy. It is recommended to create a diet plan using them in adequate and suitable quantities to ensure better kidney functioning.
There are several people who have to deal with the problem of frequent urination. It leads us to question the amount of fluid we are losing on a daily basis. The bladder can store up to 600 ml of urine. We generally feel the urge to urinate when the bladder contains 150 ml of urine. The average person urinates four to eight times per day. If you are urinating more than eight times a day, you have a leaky bladder. There are several causes which culminate to this problem. Wondering how to stop frequent urination? Here are a few tips which will help you to deal with this problem.
These tips are sure to go a long way in ensuring that you are back on track. Of the many solutions listed, choose the one which suits you best. The best treatment for urinary incontinence for you might not be perfect for another. Whatever the case may be, the aim is to reduce the urge to frequently urinate. The aforementioned list is the perfect answer to how to stop frequent urination. Follow the tips and live a hassle-free life.
A toothache or tooth pain can sometimes be a painful problem that disrupts your routine and prevents you from functioning normally. Moreover, it can ruin the pleasure of eating or even force you to stop talking. People often experience the most severe form of tooth pain at night which makes the patients sleepless as they suffer from extreme discomfort.
If you are experiencing a toothache, it’s vital to find out the root cause of the discomfort so that you can know the best way to deal with its pain, swelling or other symptoms. Several natural remedies can help you cure a severe toothache.
Apart from trying out an effective natural remedy for a severe toothache, you should also consult a dentist if you are suffering from tooth pain for more than three days. However, it may take days or even weeks to get an appointment with the dentist. So, in the meantime, you can try to heal a severe toothache with the help of some effective natural remedies that can provide immediate relief. First, let’s take a look at the types of tooth pain that most people have.
Types of tooth pain
Mainly, there are two types of tooth pain that people suffer from — dull pain and sharp pain.
Sharp tooth pain
Sharp or acute tooth pain is mostly short-term, and it appears while eating or speaking to someone. Sometimes, the pain occurs for no reason. Here are some factors that can give you acute tooth pain:
This sharp tooth pain can become a serious chronic infection over time. So, it is advisable to seek medical help immediately. Doctors will investigate the nature of your tooth pain and determine whether a filling or fixing is required at a later period.
Dull tooth pain
This type of tooth pain can be a sign of a severe infection, and sometimes, hot or cold beverages or foods can trigger it. A dull toothache often takes place due to the nerves getting damaged. These types of toothaches begin slowly but can last for a long time.
Natural remedies for a severe toothache
If the remedies mentioned above don’t work, then you must consult a dentist immediately to find out the underlying cause of your tooth pain. Early diagnosis can help you receive effective treatment and resume normal life as soon as possible.
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This is how to make 2023 the year you get the smile of your dreams.
A stunning set of pearly whites can help you make a great first impression, sell an important pitch, impress old friends—the list goes on and on. But most importantly, having confidence in your smile and knowing your oral health is in tip-top shape is a pretty incredible feeling for you.
But let’s be real: Braces are just not the move these days, for several reasons. So what is?
Invisalign treatment improves your smile’s look and health
It’s 2023, and that calls for a modern orthodontic solution: Invisalign aligners, a.k.a. the #1 doctor-recommended clear aligner brand.1
Most people want to straighten their teeth for cosmetic reasons (totally valid), but what many people don’t know is that having straight teeth also comes with a lot of health benefits.
Without hard-to-reach nooks and crannies between crowded teeth, straight teeth are easier to clean. Regularly removing food particles, plaque, and bacteria from your teeth and gums lowers the risk of tooth decay and periodontal disease, and it leaves you with fresher breath and less gum and tooth pain.
Straight, aligned teeth also lower the risk of jaw pain. Misaligned teeth affect your bite, which can strain your jaw joints, and jaw pain can radiate out to your ears, eyes, and head. In short, straight teeth = happy jaw.
Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible
The process of straightening your smile shouldn’t make you more insecure about your teeth. That’s why Invisalign aligners are the perfect solution: As the name suggests, Invisalign clear aligners are virtually invisible, so you can see your new smile develop as you go, and you can start smiling wide with confidence right away.
Invisalign aligners let you eat and drink anything you want
Unlike braces, Invisalign aligners are clear aligners that go over your teeth, which means you can remove them whenever you need to. Just stash your aligners in a sleek, portable Invisalign aligner case (there are a ton of colors and designs to choose from), and you’re good to go.
So no need to search, “Can I eat [insert favorite don’t-eat-with-braces food here] with Invisalign?” The answer is almost always a resounding yes!
Invisalign aligners are faster than braces2
If you’re considering straightening your teeth, it probably means that you’ve been dreaming about a new smile for a while. Well, with Invisalign treatment, you’re in luck: In many cases, Invisalign treatment works faster than braces, so you can start smiling with confidence before you know it.
Invisalign aligners are comfortable and convenient
Another way Invisalign aligners beat out braces? The metal wires and brackets that make up braces can scrape the inside of your mouth, and even pop out of place if you bite down on the wrong piece of food. Without those fragile appliances that can unexpectedly send you to the dentist’s office in the middle of your day, Invisalign aligners are less painful3 and require fewer emergency doctor visits4 than braces. It’s a win-win!
Why should I get Invisalign in 2023?
Honestly, it’s been a tough few years for pretty much everyone, but starting a new year with an investment in your health and your confidence can do a whole lot of good. When you invest in yourself with Invisalign treatment, you’re making a commitment to focus on self-care this year, and over time, that can make a huge difference in your self-esteem. Essentially, every day when you put in your aligners, you’re saying, “I am worth the effort.” And you are.
But in case you want a summary, we’ve got the run-down:
Ready to make 2023 a happy YOU year? Let’s get started.
Since 1997, Align Technology has been a pioneer in orthodontic med-tech, providing more than 14 million people with beautiful, healthy smiles. This article was paid for and written by Align Technology, the maker of Invisalign clear aligners.
1 Based on a global survey of 1,786 doctors (dentists and orthodontists who use clear aligners) by IQVIA in NA, EMEA, LATAM, and APAC. Data on File at Align Technology, as of June 30, 2022.
2 Gu, J et al. Evaluation of Invisalign treatment effectiveness and efficiency compared with conventional fixed appliances using the Peer Assessment Rating index. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop February 2017;151:259-66
Buschang, P et al. Comparative time efficiency of aligner therapy and conventional edgewise braces. Angle Orthodontist, Vol 84, No 3, 2014
3 In a pain score of 1-9, 1 being extremely painful and 9 not at all painful, Invisalign U.S. teenager patients (Qty:73) rated pain score of 6.1 vs U.S. traditional metal braces teenager patients (Qty: 76) rated pain score of 5.1.
In a study by Miller et al, with adults measuring pain in the first week of treatment. Kevin Miller et al. “A comparison of treatment impacts between Invisalign aligner and fixed appliance therapy during the first week of treatment.” American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. Volume 131, Issue 3, pp. 302. e1-302.e9, March 2007.
4 Data on File at Align Technology, as of July 12 2017: *Based on a global claims survey by Actionable Research of Invisalign providers, respondents were asked the following question: In what percent of cases do patients require an emergency visit? (Global respondents N= 898)
According to research, it is estimated that around 103 million people in the country live with high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. They also say that high blood pressure incidences rose by 38% between 2005 and 2015, killing around 79,000 people in this period. The AHA redefined high blood pressure as a reading of 130/80, from an earlier definition of a reading of 140/90. The first number is the systolic pressure (when your heart beats), and the second number is the diastolic pressure (between heartbeats). If you are living with this condition and looking for how to lower high blood pressure, it would be best to start by looking at the causes.
What causes high blood pressure?
Although the exact causes of high blood pressure have never been pinpointed, health experts agree that there are a number of indicators that lead to it.
What are the risks of high blood pressure?
High blood pressure increases the load on your cardiovascular system. The heart is forced to pump harder. Blood vessels get hardened and develop tears. Some of the serious health conditions that develop include:
How to lower high blood pressure?
A majority of people living with high blood pressure depend on medication, with more serious conditions requiring a daily dose. However, health experts recommend lifestyle adjustments to lower the risks of developing high blood pressure. Here are some tips on how to lower high blood pressure without necessarily depending on medications.
Cutting back on caffeine is very helpful if you are caffeine sensitive. You are caffeine sensitive if your blood pressure rises by 5-10 mm Hg after taking coffee.
If you are wondering how to lower high blood pressure, these lifestyle adjustments can help you manage your condition and even reverse its effects. High blood pressure can be effectively managed, thereby allowing for a healthier and happier life.
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