Understanding Multiple Myeloma – What is Blood?

Link Between Migraines And Stroke Confirmed

Migraine headaches may do much more damage than cause a throbbing pain. A new study confirms that individuals who suffer from migraines are about twice as likely to have a stroke caused by a blood clot, compared to those who don’t get the painful headaches. According to Reuters, researchers analyzed the results of 21 previous studies conducted between 1975 and 2007, and involving more than 622,000 adults with and without migraines. More »

Sourced & published by Henry Sapiecha

Nanotechnology and stem cells rejuvenate arteries

A combination of nanotechnology and adult stem cells has been shown to destroy arterial plaque atherosclerosis in the hearts of pigs. Animals that received stem cells also showed signs of new blood vessel growth and restoration of artery function, according to the study reported at the American Heart Association’s Basic Cardiovascular Sciences 2010 Scientific Sessions.

The study was conducted at the Department of Internal Medicine and Research Center of Regenerative Medicine, Ural State Medical Academy in Yekaterinburg, Russia. Nanoparticles were infused into the heart of pigs, along with adult stem cells, then heated by laser light until they burned away arterial plaque. The volume of plaque shrunk an average of 28.9 percent immediately after treatment across the three treatment groups, and six months later it had declined 56.8 percent on average. In the control group, plaque volume increased an average of 4.3 percent.

“Biophotonics (light therapy), plasmonics (plasma therapy), stem cell therapy and nanotechnology might someday offer a completely novel treatment to reduce artery plaque build-up,” said lead author and research manager Alexandr Kharlamov. “Nanoburning in combination with stem cell treatment promises demolition of plaque and functional restoration of the vessel wall.”

This new approach may one day replace angioplasty, a common treatment for atherosclerosis, in which a balloon-tipped catheter is threaded into a blocked artery and the balloon is inflated to restore blood flow. The balloon squeezes plaque against the artery wall, but does not eliminate it.

Sourced & published by Henry Sapiecha

Simple blood test could examine fetus

ROME (UPI) — A simple non-invasive blood test could replace invasive diagnostic techniques in early pregnancy, Dutch researchers say.

Researchers at the Maastricht University Medical Centre in the Netherlands say they are developing a simple blood test capable of accurately detecting chromosomal abnormalities in a developing fetus responsible for Down syndrome and other conditions, a university release said Tuesday.

Currently, the only way to make such determinations is through amniocentesis or other invasive techniques that carry the risk of triggering miscarriages, the release said.

Dr. Suzanna Frints, a clinical geneticist at Maastricht, says molecular genetic probes can detect DNA belonging to the fetus in blood samples taken from a pregnant woman.

The simple blood test could replace current diagnostic procedures, said Frints, who is scheduled to address the annual meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology in Rome Tuesday.

“It is inexpensive compared to the costs of invasive prenatal diagnosis, and could easily be implemented at low cost, between 30-150 Euros ($35-$180) per kit per person, with a small apparatus in every hospital in the world,” Frints said. “Blood samples can be taken during routine antenatal visits.”

Copyright 2010 by United Press International

Sourced & published by Henry Sapiecha

DARK CHOCOLATE LOWERS BLOOD PRESSURE – STUDY FINDS

Science (June 28, 2010) — For people with hypertension, eating dark chocolate can significantly reduce blood pressure. Researchers writing in the open access journal BMC Medicine combined the results of 15 studies into the effects of flavanols, the compounds in chocolate which cause dilation of blood vessels, on blood pressure.

Dr Karin Ried worked with a team of researchers from the University of Adelaide, Australia, to conduct the analysis. She said, “Flavanols have been shown to increase the formation of endothelial nitric oxide, which promotes vasodilation and consequently may lower blood pressure. There have, however, been conflicting results as to the real-life effects of eating chocolate. We’ve found that consumption can significantly, albeit modestly, reduce blood pressure for people with high blood pressure but not for people with normal blood pressure.”

The pressure reduction seen in the combined results for people with hypertension, 5mm Hg systolic, may be clinically relevant — it is comparable to the known effects of 30 daily minutes of physical activity (4-9mm Hg) and could theoretically reduce the risk of a cardiovascular event by about 20% over five years.

The researchers are cautious, however, “The practicability of chocolate or cocoa drinks as long-term treatment is questionable,” said Dr Ried.

Sourced and published by Henry Sapiecha

**Periwinkle Plant leaf extract to treat

*Blood Pressure

*Cancer

*Hodgkin.s disease

*Leukemia

Catharanthus roseus or Vinca major or Vinca rosea

It is a friendly looking plant, not at all exotic, with small lilac, pink or white flowers. It is self propogating and soon fills your garden

Benefits: This unassuming plant produces vinblastine, a component of a drug used in the treatment of Hodgkin’s disease and vincristine which has proved beneficial in the treatment of leukemia.

Benefits: Aside from being a treatment for high blood pressure its leaves were a Carib curative for diabetes. Reportedly substances in its leaves may also provide effective cancer treatments.

From: Madagascar

Planting and Care: Periwinkles will grow just fine in the sun or in the shade as long as they receive some very occasional rainfall or watering and a once in a while dose of fertilizer.

Sourced and published by Henry Sapiecha 28th May 2010

If You Don’t Lower Cholesterol Through Diet Now,

You’ll Hate Yourself Later

a. The Myth of Good and Bad Cholesterol

For some people, cholesterol is bad because they do not know there are two types of it. These two types are LDL and HDL – the bad cholesterol is called LDL, while the good one is called HDL. Plaques can form on one’s arteries if you have a lot of LDL in the bloodstream. Eventually, your arteries will get narrow as a result of being clogged up and it will block off blood flow. The truth is, your high cholesterol is not caused by dietary cholesterol but by other things. This is caused by excessive amounts of Tran’s fat and saturated fat. Exercise and eating a lot of fiber and unsaturated fats will do a lot to keep cholesterol down.

b. What Numbers Mean in Cholesterol

Every adult should have their cholesterol checked at least every 5 years. When you get a cholesterol test, you’ll usually get back four different results. Here are the 4 categories and the healthy range you want to be in.

Total Cholesterol – less than 200 mg/dL (5.2 mmol/L)

LDL Cholesterol – less than 100 mg/dL (2.6 mmol/L)

HDL Cholesterol – greater than 40 mg/dL (1.0 mmol/L)

Triglycerides – less than 150 mg/dL (1.7 mmol/L)

If you are over or under the desired level on any category, it is usually indicative that a diet or exercise change is needed.

c. Vitamin E and How it Can Protect the Heart

Vitamin E is an important vitamin found in leafy vegetables, nuts, and vegetable oils. It was previously believed that a Vitamin E supplement could reduce the risk of heart disease, but several studies in the last few years have shown that this supplement does little to prevent heart attacks or strokes.

d. Five Fabulous Foods to Decrease Cholesterol Levels

1. Oatmeal and Oat Bran: These contain a high amount of soluble fiber, which can lower LDL.

2. Fish: Fish is a great source of omega 3 fatty acids, which lowers LDL and raises HDL.

3. Nuts: Not only are nuts high in fiber, but they contain the healthy fats you need to keep LDL in check.

4. Plant Sterols: This is found in foods like margarine, salad dressing, orange juice, and functional cookies. 2 grams per day will lower your LDL by 10-15%.

5. Soy: This popular meat replacement can lower LDL by up to 3%.

e. Health Benefits of Plant Sterols

Plant sterols can be found in foods such as Benecol Spread, granola bars, VitaTops Muffin Tops and fat free milk. To help your heart, you should eat a lot of plant sterols-packed food and stop eating foods with saturated fat. You should know that this does not balance out a diet rich in saturated fats. To be in control of your cholesterol, you should still eat healthy and exercise often.

About the Author – Deborah H. Land writes for the   http://www.cholesterolloweringdiets.net blog,

her personal hobby website she uses to help people eat healthy to lower bad cholesterol levels.

Received and published by Henry Sapiecha 6th May 2010

How To Naturally Restore Blood Sugar Levels

Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar is a condition characterized by an abnormally low level of blood sugar (glucose) in the blood.

Many people with diabetes have hypoglycemia. However, there are rare cases where people who are not diabetic have hypoglycemia. For those people, the condition may be caused by:

- Certain Medications

- Alcohol

- Certain types of Cancer

- Other Critical Illnesses that Result in Excess Insulin Production

Insulin is the hormone secreted by your pancreas that regulates your blood sugar level. Signs & symptoms of hypoglycemia include:

- Confusion

- Abnormal Behavior

- Visual Disturbances

- Seizures (uncommon)

- Loss of Consciousness (uncommon)

The signs & symptoms listed below can related to hypoglycemia but may not be as well:

- Heart Palpitations

- Tremor

- Anxiety

- Sweating

- Hunger

Having your blood sugar level measured is the only sure-fire way to know if hypoglycemia is the cause of the symptoms listed above.

The main cause of hypoglycemia is an over production of insulin within the body. Some foods that a person consumes contain sugar molecules called glucose, which is the primary source of energy for the body. After a person eats, the glucose is absorbed directly into your bloodstream, but it cannot enter the cells without insulin, which is a hormone secreted by your pancreas.

The pancreas is located behind the stomach. When blood glucose levels rise, the pancreas releases insulin, which unlocks the cells so that glucose can enter. It also reduces glucose production by your liver. This results in a reduced amount of glucose in the bloodstream and prevents it from reaching dangerously high levels. The secretion of insulin decreases as the blood sugar level returns to normal.

Sometimes, the pancreas can produce and release too much insulin into the blood. This is a condition known as hyperinsulinemia, which is not a disease but more of a symptom of an underlying health problem. When too much insulin is released by the pancreas, even more glucose enters the cells, and the liver cannot release glucose into the bloodstream. This is how low blood sugar develops.

Aside from regulating the blood sugar level directly, insulin also influences your blood sugar indirectly because it affects the liver, which also plays a key role in maintaining normal blood sugar levels. The liver accepts extra sugar and stores it in the form of glycogen after a person eats. As insulin levels drop between meals, glycogen is broken down by the liver (glycogenolysis). The liver then releases glucose into your bloodstream, which maintains a normal blood sugar level.

Insulin isn’t the only factor that plays a role in the process by which your body attempts to regulate blood sugar levels. These levels can also become too low if your body’s gluconeogenesis is disrupted. Gluconeogenesis is the body’s natural ability to to manufacture glucose.

Foe people who do not have diabetes, possible causes of hypoglycemia include:

- Certain Medications (Here’s another reason to avoid prescription med’s folks)

- Alcohol

- Long-Term Starvation

- Excessive Production of Insulin

- Endocrine Deficiencies

- Non-Beta-Cell Tumors

Most cases of hypoglycemia occur in a fasting state but sometimes, it can occur after meals as a result of the body producing more insulin than is needed. This type of hypoglycemia is known as reactive or postprandial hypoglycemia.

To accurately diagnose hypoglycemia, a professional health care practitioner may perform a glucose tolerance test (GTT). But even with this test, the results can be within normal limits and a person can still have symptoms of hypoglycemia.

To better diagnose the condition, try following a healthy regimen outlined below and see if your symptoms improve.

First off, pay attention to the way you feel. If symptoms start surfacing, you can treat a sudden (acute) episode of hypoglycemia by consuming some form of sugar to restore your blood sugar back to normal range.

Drink fruit juice, a non-diet soda or eat a piece of high-sugar candy immediately. Also make your friends and family aware of the situation so they will know what steps to take in the event of a reaction. Tell them to call 911 immediately if you become sleepy or unconscious.

Do not drink any alcoholic beverages. Your diet should consist of high-fiber, starchy foods. Eat smaller meals more frequently and begin and maintain a regular exercise program.

Some natural supplements that a person with hypoglycemia may find to be beneficial are:

Chromium Picolinate (300-600 mcg daily) – Vital for glucose metabolism.

Brewer’s Yeast (take as directed on label) – Aids in stabilizing blood sugar levels.

Garlic (take as directed on label) – Relieves low blood sugar when an attack occurs.

Glutathione (take as directed on label) – Aids in breaking down glucose into energy.

Pancreatin (take as directed on label) – Important for proper protein digestion.

Zinc (50 mg daily) – Necessary for proper release of insulin.

Vitamin C with bioflavonoids (3,000-8,000 mg daily in divided doses) – For adrenal insufficiency, which is common in people with hypoglycemia.

Quercetin (take as directed on label) – Aids in stopping allergic reactions.

Vitamin B Complex (50 – 100 mg of each B vitamin daily & up) – Aids in carbohydrate & protein metabolism. Helps the body tolerate foods the produce low blood sugar reactions.

Dandelion Root – Supports the liver and pancreas.

Licorice – Aids the body in responding well to stress. Don’t use for more than seven days and avoid if you have high blood pressure.

Bilberry and Wild Yam – Aids in controlling insulin levels.

Published by Henry Sapiecha 11th March 2010

Home > High Blood Pressure > Tomatoes

5 Easy Ways to Lower Blood Pressure Using 1 Great Fruit

Have you had your lycopene today? If you ate a green salad with fresh chopped tomatoes, then you not only got a healthy dose of this powerful antioxidant, but you have also taken significant action toward lowering your blood pressure. A recent double-blind study conducted in Israel has confirmed what hearth-healthy Italians have enjoyed for centuries – tomatoes (and tomato sauce) lower blood pressure and the risk of heart disease.

The Israeli study was led up by Dr. Esther Paran, head of the hypertension division of Soroka Medical Center. It involved patients who were already being treated for hypertension, but were not responding well to the medications. Dr. Paran had patients take a supplement of tomato extract. The results were a significant drop in blood pressure after just four weeks.

Tomatoes are so effective at lowering blood pressure because they contain lycopene. This potent antioxidant is even the focus of some hybrid tomatoes grown by the Israeli company, Lycomato, in order to have higher concentrations of lycopene in each piece of fruit. Other antioxidants found in tomatoes make this one super-food in the prevention of heart disease. It can even help keep LDL cholesterol from oxidizing which makes it stick to the arteries and narrow the passage way causing blood pressure to increase.

Even during the peak growing season it can be difficult to consume four whole tomatoes each day, which is the recommended amount for having a positive impact on blood pressure. Here are some ways to get the benefits of tomatoes without having to eat them straight off the vine.

1. Make Chili. Using tomato puree, which is a concentrated form of tomatoes, as the base for your chili utilizes the antioxidants without the bulk of a whole tomato. Add some ultra-lean and high protein ground bison and kidney beans with minced garlic and onions, and cayenne pepper and you have a heart-healthy main course and a full day’s allowance of tomato.
2. Since using olive oil with the tomatoes enhances the curative quality, make your pasta sauce red with tomatoes, tomato paste and olive oil to sauté the garlic and onion. Tomato paste used in making sauce contains more than 10 times the nutrients of a single tomato.
3. Have a fresh salad as a side dish to either of these entrees and cut one whole tomato on top. You’ll get one-quarter of you tomato intake right there.
4. 
5. Drink tomato juice. It is better to make your own fresh juice so that you can control the sodium. Store bought juices can be high in sugar and sodium-based preservatives. If you have a juicer, you can make some incredible veggie juices to suit your own tastes by adding carrots, celery and some low-sodium seasonings.
6. Take a tomato supplement. If you just can’t stomach tomatoes, then a 200 mg supplement provides the equivalent of more than the recommended four tomatoes.
7. 

Adding tomatoes to your diet can reduce systolic blood pressure by 10 points and diastolic pressure by 4 points as was evident in the Israel study. Whatever way you slice it, tomatoes will  strengthen your immune system and lower blood pressure.

Enjoy your tomatoes and live a healthier life

Sourced and published by Henry Sapiecha 17th March 2010

PARSLEY – Medicinal Uses

• Tea may be used as an enema. Chinese and German herbologists recommend parsley tea to help control high blood pressure, and the Cherokees used it as a tonic to strengthen the bladder. It is also often used as an emmenagogue.
• Parsley also appears to increase diuresis by inhibiting the Na+/K+-ATPase pump in the kidney, thereby enhancing sodium and water excretion while increasing potassium reabsorption. It is also valued as an aquaretic.
• When crushed and rubbed on the skin, parsley can reduce itching in mosquito bites.
• When chewed, parsley can freshen bad breath.

Health risks

• Parsley should not be consumed as a drug or supplement by pregnant women. Parsley as an oil, root, leaf, or seed could lead to uterine stimulation and preterm labor
• Parsley is high (1.70% by mass,  in oxalic acid, a compound involved in the formation of kidney stones and nutrient deficiencies.
• Parsley oil contains furanocoumarins and psoralens which leads to extreme photosensitivity if used orally.
• Parsley seeds contain a high level of oil and are a diuretic.

Parsley (raw)

Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)
Energy 40 kcal   150 kJ
Carbohydrates 6.3 g - Sugars  0.9 g - Dietary fiber 3.3 g Fat 0.8 g Protein 3.0 g Thiamine (Vit. B1) 0.1 mg 8% Riboflavin (Vit. B2) 0.2 mg 13% Niacin (Vit. B3) 1.3 mg 9% Pantothenic acid (B5)  0.4 mg 8% Vitamin B6 0.1 mg 8% Folate (Vit. B9)  152 ?g 38% Vitamin C 133.0 mg 222% Vitamin K 1640.0 ?g 1562% Calcium 138.0 mg 14% Iron 6.2 mg 50% Magnesium 50.0 mg 14% Phosphorus 58.0 mg 8% Potassium 554 mg 12% Zinc 1.1 mg 11%
Percentages are relative to US recommendations for adults. Source: USDA Nutrient database