14TH NOV. WORLD DIABETES DAY: What are you doing about it?

I have written about diabetes earlier on this blog but i wish to use this opportunity to emphasis that diabetes is curable. You don't have to live with it. The world diabetes federation agrees with me in this their article that a change in  nutritional lifestyle is one of the key to preventing and healing diabetes.

PREVENTION

At present, type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented. The environmental triggers that are thought to generate the process that results in the destruction of the body’s insulin- producing cells are still under investigation.

There is a lot of evidence that lifestyle changes (achieving a healthy body weight and moderate physical activity) can help prevent the development of type 2 diabetes.

Obesity, particularly abdominal obesity, is linked to the development of type 2 diabetes.Weight loss improves insulin resistance and reduces hypertension. People who are overweight or obese should therefore be encouraged to achieve and maintain a healthy body weight.

Physical activity is one of the main pillars in the prevention of diabetes. Increased physical activity is important in maintaining weight loss and is linked to reduced blood pressure, reduced resting heart rate, increased insulin sensitivity, improved body composition and psychological well-being.

A balanced and nutritious diet is essential for health. A healthy diet reduces risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.

SOURCE
World Diabetes Federation

For readers in Nigeria, please let us unite against Diabetes. Send me a mail if you know anyone close to you has this dreaded diseases so we can together HELP.

WHAT DOES WHITE SALT REALLY DO TO THE BODY?

Salt is an antibiotic; it kills life! It is used as a preservative because it kills the bacteria(life) in the food to prevent the natural decomposing of that food. In the body, it is just as much a destroyer and killer of cells and life itself!

When salt in the form of sodium chloride enters the body, it draws water from the bloodstream, causing the body to send out an SOS signal that manifests itself in thirst. Why because the water helps dilute the salt concentration in order to help neutralize it's poisoning of the body.

Some physical problems caused by salt are hardening of the arteries, arthritis, ulcers, distorted vision and even blindness. It also causes high blood pressure and a multitude of other degenerative diseases. 

Does the body have need for Sodium? Yes, but only in trace amounts and that sodium must be in an organic form for the body to be able to utilize it. Organic sodium occurs naturally in most all fruits and vegetables. The recommended maximum daily salt limit is 2400mg. One teaspoon of salt contains approximately 2300mg.

A low sodium diet will reduce the risk of hypertension and it's complications, liver problems and stomach ulcer

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE: Silent Killer

Blood pressure is the pressure of the blood against the walls of the arteries. Blood pressure results from two forces. The heart creates one force as it pumps blood into the arteries and through the circulatory system. The other is the force of the arteries as they resist the blood flow. The higher, systolic number represents the pressure while the heart contracts to pump blood to the body. The lower, diastolic number represents the pressure when the heart relaxes between beats.

The systolic pressure is always stated first and the diastolic pressure second. For example: 118/76 (118 over 76); systolic = 118, diastolic = 76. According to the American Heart Association, blood pressure below 120 over 80 mmHg (millimeters of mercury) is considered ideal for adults. A systolic pressure of 120 to 139 mmHg or a diastolic pressure of 80 to 89 mmHg is considered "pre–hypertension" and needs to be watched carefully.

A blood pressure reading of 140 over 90 or higher is considered elevated or high. High blood pressure usually has no symptoms. In fact, many people have high blood pressure for years without knowing it. That's why it's called the "silent killer." Hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure. It doesn't refer to being tense, nervous or hyperactive. You can be a calm, relaxed person and still have high blood pressure.

The only way to find out if you have high blood pressure is to have your blood pressure checked. Your doctor or other qualified health professional should check your blood pressure as often as necessary. A single elevated blood pressure reading doesn't mean you have high blood pressure, but it's a sign that further observation is required.

CAUSES

High blood pressure is not the consequence of aging. It is the result of the Standard American Diet (SAD) utilized by Nigerians. A diet rich in processed foods, salt and saturated fat in animal products over many years, takes a toll. As a result, our blood vessels age, stiffen and lose their elasticity.

Dr. Rowen Pfeifer says “Our blood vessels need to remain elastic as our heart is pumping blood through them as they contract and expand. High fat foods create plaque on the inside of our arteries causing them to become like hard pipes. At that point the heart has to pump so much harder to get blood through this narrow pipe (which no longer expands) that it creates high blood pressure-Hypertension!

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

You can lower your blood pressure and prevent high blood by eating foods rich in potassium such as bananas, beans, spinach and potatoes. “Potassium can help blunt the effects of sodium (salt) on blood pressure. Take a lot of carrot or carrot juice.

Regular daily exercise will help you.

REFERENCES: Dr. Furhman-Blood pressure, Geroge Malkmus with Peter and Stowe Shockey-The Halleluyah Diet