The Pharmacy Mart

Yes… I Cured My Arthritis You Can Too

From the age of 11 to age 53 I avoided holding hands; they were painful to the touch, so puffed up, sore and hot!!!

Raising four children, of course, I had to hold their hands. I tried so hard not to let them know how painful it was but, they knew I was in constant pain.

I always felt bad for my husband because holding hands was something we missed. It was hard to knit or crochet, which I loved to do.

Walking, bending or standing for any period of time was so painful for me. My children learned, as small children, to do what ever they could to help around the house.

I went to over thirteen “Arthritis” specialists, which were of little or no help.

I was prescribed many different drugs and went through all kinds of treatments for my arthritis.

I was in so much pain that I tried anything and everything to find relief.

I was so desperate to find something that would stop my pain that I:

* Went to over 13 physicians, (“Arthritis Specialists”)
* I took Codeine, Darvon, Sprays and “Gold Treatments”
* I was placed in traction with a large weight to stretch her body, was tied to the bed and couldn’t move for a week!
* I was put in an upper body cast for 3 months
* I wore shoe lifts
* And so much more!!!

In 1980, the last year I suffered from Arthritis, I spent an average of $40.00 month on miscellaneous drugs, $30.00 for a monthly doctor appointment and $30.00 on pain killers. That’s a total of $100.00 a month. I wish I could have spent that money on something I liked to do instead.

All the drugs, all the doctors, all the treatments, all the money… ALL the FAILURES!!!

Doctor after doctor told me that there was no cure for arthritis and that I should, “Take this medication, go home and learn to live with it”. One doctor predicted that I would be in a wheel chair within 5 years.

I was crushed… Being the eternal optimist, never gave up… I went on a crusade to find a way to stop my arthritis. And I did!!!

I spent many years researching arthritis, and put together this incredible program, “I Cured My Arthritis You Can Too” , that shows you in easy to follow steps how you can do what I did at home, and without drugs.

I know this may sound too good to be true. But I did it… I have gone through what you are going through right now. I have now been living Pain Free from Arthritis for 25 years.

I am known on the World Wide Web (and elsewhere) as “The Arthritis Lady” and am now doing something I “like” to do. I spend most of my time answering thousands of emails and phone calls from people who suffer with arthritis. I answers questions and help solve their problems.

Here are just a few things people have written me…

“My wife has rheumatoid arthritis and she tried what you wrote in your book and she has been almost totally pain free for a month so far. Thanks for publishing your book.

Roy – Goose Creek, S.C

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“I have purchased your book and it is a miracle from God. I really believe in it. It has opened my eyes toward the right foods we should eat to keep our bodies healthy and free from diseases.

Evangeline – Culloden, GA

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“Thank the Lord and you. Your book is my companion in my quest for health.
I can’t praise it enough. You are a pioneer in the practice of prevention in Medicine.

Mary B – Santa Cruz, CA

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My friend raved to me about how your book helped him. He had taken so much Cortisone until his doctor balked at giving it to him. My friend said he spends many painful, sleepless nights, and that his life was pure misery. Now, some five months later, he has no pain, and sleeps very well. He has lost some 40 pounds and feels 20 years younger.

Lewis – Oklahoma City, Ok

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“My friend is over 80 years old. She was unable to do hand work and almost unable to walk. Now she is able to do both.

Mrs. A. Jenkins – Morango, CA

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To whom it may concern,

Margie Garrison’s “I Cured My Arthritis You Can Too”: is a note worthy milestone in the field of alternative treatment modalities.

I agree with Margie that with proper nutrition, exercise and a positive mental attitude, not only is it possible to “cure” arthritis but also prevent it.

Her book is simply and clearly written with a number of helpful illustrations.

I have used it in my practice and highly recommend it. The pathway to health is up to each individual. By following Margie’s techniques, you can be “Free” of arthritis.

Sincerely,

Learie N. Yuille, MD
Metro Holistic Health Center
Southfield, Mi 48075

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I am living proof that you don’t have to take medication, go home and learn to live with arthritis. “I Cured My Arthritis You Can Too”.

Best of Health,

Margie Garrison – “The Arthritis Lady
I Cured My Arthritis You Can Too

Before getting into the merits of the case, it is necessary to find out a little about generic drugs. When a pharmaceutical company brings out a drug, that company is the only one that may produce the drug in the same country for a fixed number of years.

When this time passes, other pharmaceutical companies can make the same drug and this is how we receive generic drugs. The original drugs are called brand-name drugs. The truth is that generic drugs are copies of brand-name drugs and have the same features: strength, dosage, effects, side effects. Its pharmacological effects are precisely the same as effects of brand-name medicines. Sildenafil citrate, commonly known as a brand-name medicine Viagra, is an excellent example of generic drug.

The feature of generic drugs that cause confusion in the poeple is their cost. Such drugs are usually definitely cheaper than brand-name originals. And it immediately rises the suspicion if they really are of the same effectiveness, quality and safety.

Price Factor

Generic medicine can be legally manufactured under the following circumstances

- where the patent of the company that produced original drug has expired,
- where the company that wants to produce generic drug proves that the patent of brand company will not be infringed or is invalid or unenforceable,
- if the brand-name drug is not patented, or
- in countries where the patent is not in force.

The main reason for the lower cost of generic medicine is that they are produced by smaller pharmaceutical companies which are not able to invest in research and development of own new drugs. The large pharmaceutical companies bringing a new medicine to the market invest huge money in the significant research and development. And this is often regarded to be a reason for the high cost of new medicine – the companies want to recover their costs before the patent expires. Manufacturers of generic drugs do not incur such high costs so they are able to charge considerably less than the brand company.

Effectiveness and safety

The US FDA standards require that generic drugs have to be as effective and safe as brand-name originals. The FDA has the same standards for all drug producing facilities, and many companies produce brand-name drugs as well as generic drugs. So the conclusion is that there is no truth in the reports that generic medicine are produced in poor-quality facilities or are of worse quality than brand-name originals. In fact, the FDA calculates that 50% of generic drug production belongs to brand-name companies.

Next common misbelief is that generic medicine need more time to work. The requirements of FDA guidelines are the same for both brand-name drugs and generic drugs: they have to work in the same way as well as in the same amount of time.

Physical Features

The US trademark laws do not permit generic drugs to look exactly like their brand-name originals. However, a generic drug must contain the same active ingredients to assure the same efficacy. There may be differences in flavors, colors, and certain other inactive ingredients as the generic drug has to respect the trademark laws.

A laxative is defined as,

A substance that is used to promote a bowel movement when you are constipated.

Laxatives work by starting and stimulating peristaltic action. Peristaltic action is a wave like movement that occurs throughout your gastrointestinal tract esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon that helps move your food into your stomach, through your intestines, through your colon, and out your rectum.

There are drugstore products, natural occurring foods, special nutrients, liquid preparations, herbal substances, and homeopathic liquids that have laxative effects. I do not recommend using drugstore laxatives or any other form of drugs to clear a constipation problem.

All my recommendations are for using natural foods, minerals, special nutrients, or herbal products. And some of these natural methods should also be used only for the time it takes to clear your constipation.

Recommendation: You should use Drugstore laxatives or drug laxatives only under Doctors recommendations.

There are no safe drugstore laxatives. These laxatives are habit-forming and work by desensitizing your colon. Their use can irritate nerves and muscles along the intestinal lining, interfere with digestion and adsorption, cause cramps, deplete fluids, and create other physical internal problems.

Laxatives can enlarge and seriously damage your colon when used for a longtime. Eventually, after continual use, you will not be able to have a bowel movement without using them.

If you have been using laxatives for a long time, you will have to retrain your colon to activate peristaltic action. This training will have to be done under the care of a medical practitioner. If you are tempted to use drugstore laxatives remember that,

Laxatives bought in drugstores are of questionable safety. Because of the action these laxatives have on the small intestine and colon, doctors and other health practitioners recommend their limited use since they,

* have chemical side effects that affect your health

* produce an active force that can damage nerves that control the muscles in your colon walls

* desensitizes your colon so your natural peristaltic action is reduced

* become habit-forming

* rush food through your intestines so it does not digest and absorb nutrients or minerals properly

* kill friendly bacteria, unless they are fiber foods

* contain preservative, coloring, and other additives that are unhealthy.

* Remove excessive fluids and electrolytes from your body.

Recommendation: Never use a laxative, Drugstore or Natural, when you have acute abdominal pain, especially if the pain is on the lower right hand side, where the appendix is located. See your doctor right away.

Using Laxatives for the wrong reason can be life threatening.

If you use drugstore laxative, use them for just the time needed to clear your constipation. Then starting looking at what it takes to stop your constipation from occurring.

First of all, whenever debating the Candida diet subject, we should all be aware of what exactly Candida is. Well, Candida is a yeast infection, meaning a type of fungus. The human body is populated with many types of benign Candida which plays an important role for the immune system. But sometimes, in certain conditions and due to some factors, this Candida yeast is multiplying and is causing an infection of the mouth, intestines, vagina, and skin and even of the entire body. The most common type of Candida yeast is Candida albicans and this infection is called candidiasis.

The Candida yeast infection has certain symptoms which may cause complications like bladder infections, loss of energy, puffy eyes, constant fatigue, strange food cravings, hay fever allergies, hyperactivity, and inflammation, annoying itching, migraine, unpleasant mouth infections and rashes sore throat and thyroid problems.

If you are experiencing any of these complications a healthy Candida diet is required as a treatment of your infection.

The Candida diet should be followed in combination with anti-fungal drugs which represent the most important part of the Candida treatment. This Candida diet eliminates the foods which are helping the spread of the Candida yeast infection in your body. But be careful to your Candida diet duration, as its length must be coordinated to the severity of your symptoms and to your overall health. You should be happy to know that patients following the Candida diet have reported improvements in their condition after only 2-4 weeks of using this alternative Candida treatment. However, you will be allowed to start eating some restricted foods after laboratory tests will show the all-clear situation of your organism. So dont worry, you wont have to live too long without eating your favourite restricted food!

The Candida diet consists mainly in cutting off sugar as it is an element that is helping the development of the Candida yeast infection. Therefore, it is most important that you reduce the quantity of carbohydrates you are consuming daily.

Whenever following a Candida treatment you must cut off any yeasty foods as they are creating the perfect environment for the multiplying of the Candida yeast infection in your body. So you have to eliminate bread, beer, cheese and alcoholic drinks from your diet habits during the Candida treatment.

You must reduce the quantity of dairy products you are usually consuming. The reason for this is one side effect of the Candida yeast infection the decrease of the human bodys ability to digest fat foods.

Another thing you should do while following the Candida diet is to eliminate fungi and mold from your nutrition.

And you also have to give up eating processed or packaged foods because they contain sugar, yeast or other substances which are helping the Candida yeast infection to spread.

In conclusion, you should pay attention to your daily diet habits and try cutting off any restricted foods. But dont worry, this ordeal wont last for long, as the laboratory analysis will show an improvement if you follow the Candida diet correctly!

Bronchitis is a disease of the lungs commonly found in smokers and those who live in polluted areas. There are short term and chronic cases where the patient has an ongoing cough, often developing phlegm. Patients who have serious chronic bronchitis have an increased risk of death, often living only up to four years after diagnosis. There are ways to prevent the disease, though; and treatments are available.

Smoking is the leading cause of bronchitis so it is highly advisable to quit. Quitting smoking can reverse the effects of chronic bronchitis and allow patients to lead a more healthy life. Drinking plenty of fluids will also help acute sufferers. Though acute bronchitis is not nearly as serious as chronic, it can cause complications if left untreated.

Early diagnosis and treatment is critical in successfully reducing the symptoms associated with bronchitis. Antibiotics are often prescribed to help eliminate infection. Also, inhalers are generally used to help temporary flair-ups such as coughing and wheezing. This can help the patient breathe more comfortably.

In more severe cases, oxygen therapy may be necessary. The patient may use an oxygen tank to help breathing and respiratory functions. In extreme cases, a lung transplant may be necessary to replace one or both diseased lungs. Because lung transplants require a donor that is matched closely to the patient, these are sometimes difficult to accomplish. There are also risks involved such as rejection of the new lung and reactions to medication.

A healthy diet and exercise program are also recommended for easing symptoms of bronchitis. Regular aerobic exercise is helpful in expanding lung capacity and assisting in breathing. Walking is a great low impact exercise for those suffering from bronchitis. In addition, breathing exercises can be helpful. Learning how to take slow, deep breaths will help strengthen the muscles and relax the patient.

For acute bronchitis it is recommended to stay away from dairy foods as this will increase the amount of sputum generated, complicating symptoms. Instead, use cayenne pepper, garlic and chicken stock as they are all mucus clearing foods. Aromatherapy using eucalyptus will help soothe irritated lungs and help regulate clearer breathing. Warm compresses or hot showers can also clear mucus and help steady breathing.

Bronchitis can be a minor affliction cured within a few days or a chronic condition that requires more radical treatment. Use of antibiotics and natural remedies are helpful for acute bronchitis. Chronic bronchitis may require additional steps such as inhalers, oxygen therapy and even surgery. Bronchitis is, however, preventable. The most important preventative is to not smoke and to stay away from second hand smoke.

After years of working with clients with candida symptomology, I have found that until the yeast (candida albicans) is brought under control, the body cannot begin to heal with efficacy. Once again, we need to look at balance. If the internal environment of the body is unbalanced, then that environment is an ideal situation for disease.

Friendly Bacteria: Candida does have a purpose! When babies are born, their intestinal tracts have about 75% lacto bacillus acidophilus and about 25% e coli bacteria which are the non-friendly bacteria. Yeast also exists in the intestines and plays the role of assisting in breaking down proteins.
The problem occurs when these friendly and non-friendly bacteria get out of balance, thus allowing the yeast to proliferate.

So, what can cause an unbalance in friendly bacteria? All antibiotics kill friendly flora, as do cortisone-type drugs, oral contraceptives, and chemotherapeutic drugs. In addition, certain foods encourage the growth of Candida. Candida is a living micro-organism that thrives on all food products that are simple sugars, as well as all foods that turn to glucose (sugar) in the body. This includes most carbohydrates, such as refined white flours, rice, pasta, as well as products which contain yeast.

Symptoms: The symptoms that can occur from systemic yeast are too numerous to mention; but here are just a few: extreme mood swings, irritability, depression, headaches, lethargy, gastritis, colitis, bloating, fluid in ears, itching, rashes, psoriasis, acne, spots in vision, blurred vision, nasal congestion and stuffiness, postnasal drip, cystitis, endometriosis, kidney or bladder infections, loss of appetite, overeating, insomnia, poor circulation, numbness and tingling, vaginal burning or itching, menstrual cramping, PMS, hay fever, asthma, food sensitivities, hives, loss of interest in sex, thrush, and colic.

Digestion: Proper digestion is the missing ingredient in many health programs. The role of digestion in controlling Candida is no exception. After eating a meal, the food begins to break down through enzymes produced by the body. Minerals in the bloodstream help the parietal glands in the stomach in making hydrochloric acid. This acidic reaction kills pathogens on the food and enables the protein and minerals to be further broken down by digestive juices. The small intestine walls do not have protective mucosa, so without this alkalizing mineral bath you would have burning and pain. Once this process is complete, the food is in tiny pieces able to pass through the walls of the small intestines to be used as food energy at a cellular level. If this digestive process is working correctly you will be in good shape; given, of course, that your diet is rich in raw and organic foods.

However, most people slip up somewhere along the line. If you do not chew your food well to begin the digestive process, if your pancreas is not producing enough enzymes, and you dont make enough HCL then the pepsin cannot convert to pepsinogen in the stomach and protein digestion as well as mineral absorption is impaired. The body is then malnourished in spite of all your efforts to eat correctly.

Food that is in a state of partial digestion cannot cross the gut wall as nourishment. This can irritate the gut wall; or large partially digested food particles can cross through and circulate the blood stream in an unusable form. This state triggers a bodily response of defense. Yeast is called upon to eat protein or starch that wasnt digested in the intestines. The more the yeast is fed, the more waste it makes. The waste from the overgrowth of yeast creates the problems which manifest as symptoms of dis-ease.

Killing off the yeast helps.but is not the total answer. Good digestion is imperative. Food enzymes, particularly containing cellulase, which eats yeast, are an important part of any Candida program. There are several herbs which can get the yeast under control by killing it off. Here are a few: White pond lily, greasewood, purple loosestrife, pau darco, caprylic acid, oregano, and garlic.

Changing your diet: Avoid starchy foods, white flour, processed foods, and sugars. Packaged meats, canned goods, vinegar, yeast products, cakes, candy, mushrooms, alcohol, and peanuts are major foods to avoid. Your diet should consist mainly of fresh vegetables and organic meats in a balanced fashion. It is even best to avoid fruits and fruit juices for a short time while first doing a Candida/yeast cleanse.

After taking medications: Continuing on the digestive program of enzymes which contain cellulase is a must at all times; but particularly after a bout of antibiotics, or constant use of oral contraceptives. After all Candida/yeast programs, it is important to follow up with refloridation of the friendly bacteria in the colon. Acidophilus, bifidophilus, and other strains of healthy bacteria are necessary. If the intestinal system is in a state of cleanliness, with good peristalsis; the friendly bacteria will eventually begin to repopulate on their own.
Candida can be kept in check.

Drug testing involves many different methods and devices that detect whether or not a person has been using drugs or is currently under the influence. Drug testing products are available for home and office use that help concerned parents or employers find out the truth about their teen or employees. Likewise, drug testing procedures assist employers in creating a workplace drug testing program that ensures the safety and wellbeing of their employees while still protecting their rights.

On Site Drug Testing

Substance abuse testing works by means of testing a sample from an individual to find out if drug use has occurred. On site drug testing is typically best for the office and workplace environments as the results can be obtained quickly and action can be taken immediately. On site drug testing can occur in a number of ways. Urine drug testing is the most common drug testing products. It works great as an on site drug test because after a sample is taken, test results are typically available within a few minutes.

Saliva (oral) drug testing is also a convenient means of substance abuse testing. After a collector sponge is saturated in the donors saliva, it is placed in a testing device from which results can be read. Spray drug testing is also convenient, but not quite as effective as other drug testing products. Lastly, hair drug testing is probably one of the most accurate drug testing products on the market. While it requires a laboratory to obtain results, this form of on site drug testing requires only a few strands of hair follicles as sample.

Drug Testing Procedures

Creating a drug testing program can be a viable option for employers who wish to increase productivity, lessen the likelihood of jobsite accidents and insurance claims, and maintain a safe working environment for all. In order to organize drug testing procedures for the workplace, it is advisable to seek legal counsel to ensure your companys program does not violate any federal or state laws or individual rights. Additionally, a clearly written workplace drug testing policy and procedure is required in order for the program to be carried out smoothly. An effective on site drug testing policy will detail when and where the drug testing procedures will be carried out, who will be conducting the tests and disciplinary action to be expected should an individual test positive for an illicit substance.

Another important aspect to take into consideration during the planning stages of drug testing procedures is when drug testing will take place. Deciding on whether or not you will enforce random drug testing, pre-employment screening or only suspicion-based testing gives you as an employer a better idea of how many testing kits required for a given year.

Drug Testing Products

Drug testing products are efficient and effective at screening for drug use. As an employer, it is vital to choose a drug testing product that is easy to use as well as accurate.

Parents also benefit from drug testing products that provide on site results. If you suspect your teen is using drugs, a simple urine drug test after they get home from a party will provide the answers you need. Substance abuse testing used to be reserved to laboratories, but now, anyone can conduct a drug test in order to create a safer and healthier environment for all.

Prescription prices are skyrocketing out of control. The average person is now spending over $250 a month at the pharmacy counter. With the new Medicare Part D plan, the government is stepping in to try and alleviate some of these expenses. The plan is riddled with problems, delays, and confusion. Taking control of your own healthcare is truly the only way to lower your costs. What follows is a quick list of five ways to lower your costs.

Shopping around to various pharmacies can save you a few dollars here and there. Consider your time, gas, and effort when making the decision to drive out of the way to save a couple of dollars. Is it really worth five dollars to drive an extra 15 miles round trip every month? Some pharmacies will match a competitors price. Ask up front is they will match, then find the lowest price. Call them back, give them the lowest price and where you found it. They should then reduce their price for you.

Getting a generic is always the smart thing to do. Some people are apprehensive about generic medication but it must contain the same active ingredients as the more expensive brand. The difference is with the fillers or dyes used in the manufacturing. There are rare allergies to some of these fillers and dyes, but they occur is so infrequently, there is no need to worry. Brand name drugs are so expensive because the manufacturers must recoup the money spent on research and development before the patent runs out. When the patent does expire, any manufacturer who can prove to the FDA that they can make a similar product, can produce it and charge what they feel is necessary. This brings out competition and lower prices.

Splitting tablets is common in the nursing home and hospital setting. These institutions know how to lower costs. You can do the same by asking your doctor to double your dose and cut it in half. Most medications do not double price when they double strength. In most cases, this will save you about 40%. Be sure your medication can be cut. Often times, drugs are released slowly in the body through a mechanism in the tablet. This mechanism cannot be cut or the medication will be released at one time. If you have insurance with a set co-pay, this technique will not work. You will pay the same co-pay regardless of the quantity of pills you buy.

A few popular prescription medications are available over-the-counter (OTC) in lower doses. For example, Prilosec recently became available OTC. The cost for the OTC version is much less than the prescription and you do not need to see your doctor, an added expense in time and money. Motrin, Zantac, and Pepcid are other examples of medication available in both prescription and OTC strengths.

Going online to find a pharmacy can be worthwhile. These companies will mail you your prescription at a lower price than you can usually get them at the retail level. They can do this because they are set up in a very efficient warehouse setting with little overhead. When shopping online, you must be cautions. The FDA has now determined that almost half of the seized drugs that were supposed to be from Canadian pharmacies, were from some other country. When looking for an online pharmacy, by sure they display the VIPPS symbol. This signifies that they are following all the rules and regulations set forth by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy. This is the same governing body that regulates traditional pharmacies.

Medication is essential for the health and wellbeing of many people. Anything this important is not going to be cheap. By using one or all of these quick tips, you will see your costs reduced at the pharmacy.

There are two kinds of bird flu wear protection that a person who will come into contact with infected poultry or just poultry or an infected person. The person should consider wearing either a bird flu respirator or a bird flu mask.

A bird flu masks only helps prevent particles or droplets to be discharged in the environment the wearer is in. The mask is not generally used to filter efficiently or to seal the face tightly. A bird flu respirator is what is considered helpful in reducing the wearers chances of exposure to airborne particles such as bird flu. A bird flu mask is often confused like a bird flu respirator because both look alike.

The bird flu mask or respirator should be used by people who think they will come in contact with persons or birds infected with the H5N1 strain. The people who use this should just consider it to be one way of being hygienic way of prevention.

A patient who thinks he or she has been feeling symptoms and knows has been in contact with infected birds should wear a bird flu mask as well. People who often travel a lot, especially to those infected places should also consider bringing a bird flu respirator.

If a bird flu respirator is not present, the bird flu mask will have to do. The mask or the respirator should also be fitted in properly to make it work. However, wearing the mask is still not a guaranteed way you wont contact the viral disease.

The only time a person working closely with infected birds or persons or just birds is when they are away from the contaminated or possible contaminated area. Then after removing the equipment, remember to thoroughly wash your hands. Then dispose the equipment immediately after going on a safer area. The effectiveness of the respirator last only for 8 hours.

When buying the bird flu mask or respirator, it always has directions or instructions how to properly use it. Always remember when transporting the equipment to protect it from any kind of damage.

The bird flu respirator should be sealing the face very tightly. If the breathing becomes difficult, the respirator might have been damaged. If it is, go to a safe place and change the respirator.

The right way to wear it to know how effective it is, is to fit it snuggly in the face, the metal strip should be atop and the colored part outside. The mask should be firmly placed by positioning the strings right. The metallic strip should be molded at the noses bridge.

A bird flu mask or respirator is only a part to help prevent the further damaging of implications of bird flu. It is not a sure fire way to prevent the outbreak, but it is a way to reduce the potential damage.

Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of the arteries, the vessels that carry blood away from the heart. It is normal for your blood pressure to fluctuate during the day. When it stays high, you have high blood pressure, or hypertension. This increased pressure puts a strain on your heart that could lead to a heart attack. It also affects other organs in the body like the kidneys and brain. There are literally hundreds of prescription medications for treating blood pressure but certain lifestyle changes can also have beneficial effects on blood pressure.

According to The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, over 90% of Americans have or will have hypertension in their lifetime. When blood pressure reaches 115 over 75, the damage to the body has just begun. For every 20 over 10 increase, the damage actually doubles. According to a national survey, 70% of Americans are aware of their high blood pressure, 59% are being treated, and 34% have it under control.

Eating foods that are low in saturated fats, low in total fat, and low in cholesterol can reduce blood pressure. A well balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low fat dairy products should make up the majority of your eating plan. Be sure to ease into any change in eating regimen. Sudden changes can cause bloating and diarrhea, lessening your chance of sticking with it. The lowered pressure effect of this dietary change is often the same as taking a blood pressure medication.

Maintaining a healthy body weight reduces your chances of developing hypertension. The best way to control body weight is to eat less calories and exercise more. Proven calorie reduction techniques include eating smaller portions, using low fat or fat free products, and limiting sugar intake. Exercising just 20 to 30 minutes a few times a week can produce dramatic results. The physical activity can include anything like walking, bicycling, or gardening. Simply getting your body in motion and keeping it in motion for a period of time is all you need.

Reducing sodium in your diet is another way to keep the pressure down. The average American should consume no more than 2.4 grams of sodium per day. For someone with high blood pressure, your doctor may recommend 1.5 grams or less of sodium. Processed and pre-packed foods usually contain a high amount of sodium. After a high sodium meal, many people have a bloated feeling due to excess water retention. This extra volume increases the blood pressure. Salt substitutes are available but be sure to check with your doctor before using any of them. Most contain potassium which reacts with certain medications.

Drinking an excess amount of alcohol can raise your blood pressure. It also harms the liver, brain, and heart. Alcohol is also high in calories, which can that lead to weight gain. If you drink, be sure to have a moderate amount. This is defined as one drink a day for women and two drink a day for men.

None of these lifestyle changes will work unless you stay on them. Americans must change how we view blood pressure. This disease is much more prevalent than previously thought. The sooner action is taken, the better.

An excellent resource for blood pressure reduction techniques is found at the National Institute for Health website at www.nhlbi.nih.gov/hbp/index.html.