4 Natural Ways to Reduce Blood Pressure

BeetJuice660 Do you want to lower your blood pressure without the harmful side effects of pharmaceuticals? The good news is that there are a number of safe, effective, and natural foods and nutrients that will help you do it.

Over 60 million Americans have high blood pressure, including more than half (54%) of all Americans age 65 to 74 years old and nearly three quarters (72%) of all American blacks in the same age group.

High blood pressure is a major risk factor for a heart attack or stroke. In fact, it is generally regarded as the most significant risk factor for a stroke.

Here are four ways to lower your blood pressure without medication:

1. Drink beet juice.

Several recent studies have shown that drinking fresh beet juice can lead to clinically meaningful reductions in blood pressure. For example, a study at the Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute in Melbourne, Australia, found that drinking just 16 ounces of fresh beet juice a day significantly reduced blood pressure in healthy subjects. Beet juice lowered blood pressure within just an hour with a peak drop occurring 3 to 4 hours after ingestion.

Why it works: The decrease in blood pressure is due to the chemical formation of nitrite from the dietary nitrates in the juice. Once in the general circulation, nitrite can be converted to nitric oxide (NO) by the cells that line blood vessels. NO is a powerful dilator of blood vessels, resulting in lower blood pressure.

2. Eat fresh, raw garlic.

Garlic has a wide range of well-documented effects, including helping to lower blood pressure. Studies showing a positive effect of garlic and garlic preparations are those that deliver a sufficient dosage of allicin. In double-blind studies with garlic preparations providing a daily dose of at least 10 mg allicin, blood pressure readings dropped with typical reductions of 11 mm Hg for the systolic and 5.0 in the diastolic within a 1 to 3-month period. To get enough allicin, eat 1 to 4 cloves of fresh garlic a day. If you want to avoid garlic breath in public, add minced fresh garlic to your salad dressing in the evening at dinner.

Why it works: All of the beneficial effects of garlic are attributed to its sulfur-containing compounds: allicin, diallyl disulfide, diallyl trisulfide, and others. Allicin is mainly responsible for the pungent odor of garlic. It is formed by the action of the enzyme alliinase on the compound alliin. The enzyme is activated by heat, oxygen, or water. This accounts for the fact that cooked garlic, odorless supplements, “aged garlic preparations,” and garlic oil products produce neither as strong an odor as raw garlic nor nearly as powerful medicinal effects as raw fresh garlic.

3. Drink black tea.

An Australian study published in January 2012 in the Archives of Internal Medicine analyzed the effect of black tea on 95 men and women with normal to high-normal blood pressure levels. Half of the participants drank 3 cups of black tea daily for 6 months, and the other half drank a placebo drink with a similar flavor and caffeine content.

At the end of the study, the black tea–drinking group had an average reduction of 2 to 3 points in their systolic (the top number in a blood pressure reading) level, and about two points in their diastolic (the bottom number) level. Although this doesn’t sound like much, the researchers said it’s enough to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke by 7 to 10%.

Why it works: It’s believed that black tea’s hypertension benefits may be due to the fact that the beverage improves the function of the endothelial cells that line the interior of blood vessels and affect blood pressure. Other research suggests that flavonoids in black tea can improve the tone of blood vessels, helping them channel blood more efficiently.

4. Get more magnesium.

A British analysis of 22 studies, published in February 2012 in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found that taking at least 370 mg of magnesium per day reduced systolic blood pressure by 3-4 points and diastolic pressure by 2-3 points in 1,173 study subjects.

This is key, because research shows many adults don’t get the recommended dietary allowance of at least 320 mg of magnesium for women and 420 mg for men, and that for every 100 mg increase in magnesium intake, the risk of stroke is reduced by about 9 percent.

Why it works: Magnesium helps dilate blood vessels and prevents spasm in your heart muscle and blood vessel walls. It also dissolves blood clots. All of these aid optimal heart and blood vessel function and can help to lower blood pressure.

Peaches –Healing Facts

Did you know, that a nectarine is considered a smooth skinned peach? Native to China, peaches peaches702 and nectarines were spread to the Middle East and Europe by the Roman Empire. Today, the largest peach producing countries include Japan, Australia, and South America.

Nutritional Highlights:
    ·     Both peaches and nectarines have high levels of potassium, carotenes, flavonoids, and natural sugars.
    ·     One medium sized peach, about 3½ ounces, contains 49 calories.
Health Benefits:
    ·     Peaches and nectarines are good sources of carotenes, and the flavonoids lycopene and lutein.
    ·     The carotenes and flavonoids found in peaches and nectarines are effective at preventing macular degeneration, heart disease and cancer.
Both peaches and nectarines are best June through August. If a peach is ripe, you should be able gently apply pressure to the skin, creating a small indent. Wonderful on their own, or added as topping to a salad, peaches and nectarines are a bright and healthy addition to your summer menu. Try grilling your peaches outside on the barbecue and topping them with honey for a great warm weather dessert! For more Healing Facts, check both the Doctor Murray and Good Cacao (facebook.com/goodcacao) page for weekly installments!

Peppers Protect Against Parkinson’s Disease

Introduction:
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a movement disorder that is the result of damage to the nerves in the area of the brain that is responsible for controlling muscle tension and movement. The damaged cells are the ones needed to produce the neurotransmitter called dopamine. Main symptoms can include shaking or tremor at rest, slow movement, stiffness or rigidity of limbs and problems with balance.

The first biochemical abnormality in PD is a decrease in the level of glutathione (GSH), the brain cell’s primary antioxidant. The low GSH makes the cells more susceptible to oxidative damages—such as induced by environmental toxins—thus setting the stage for the destruction of the brain cell. There are a number of dietary and environmental factors that are thought to be responsible for the initial decrease in GSH. Likewise there are a number of dietary and lifestyle factors that offer protection. A new study highlights the benefits of members of the nightshade (Solanacea) family of vegetables that includes tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant.

Background Data:
Population based studies show that people who smoke cigarettes are 60 percent less likely to get PD than those who have never smoked. Studies in animals and cell cultures indicate that nicotine is able to slow the loss of dopamine-producing brain cells and in some models actually rescue the brain cells back to health.

If you’re a smoker, don’t get too excited. Though nicotine may offer some protection against PD it greatly increases the risk for major killers like heart disease, stroke, and cancer. Though clinical studies are underway looking at nicotine patches to delay the progression of PD, dietary sources of nicotine may prove to be the best approach.

New Data:
Researchers at the University of Washington in Seattle decided to test whether risk of Parkinson disease (PD) is associated with consumption of nicotine-containing edibles from the same botanical family as tobacco, Solanaceae, including peppers, tomatoes, and potatoes.

The researchers evaluated 490 patients who were diagnosed with PD and compared them to 644 with no neurological disorders who served as a control group. All were asked about their lifetime diets and tobacco use. Tobacco use was defined as ever smoking more than 100 cigarettes or regularly using cigars, pipes or smokeless tobacco.

Eating more vegetables in general did not lower Parkinson’s risk, but eating vegetables in the Solanaceae family did. People who ate these types of vegetables lowered their risk 19 percent on average, compared with those who did not eat these vegetables. People who ate the most peppers, about two to four peppers weekly, had the strongest risk-lowering association. They lowered the risk of PD by 30 percent.

Reference:
Nielsen SS, Franklin GM, Longstreth WT, Swanson PD, Checkoway H. Nicotine from edible Solanaceae and risk of Parkinson disease. Ann Neurol. 2013 May 9. doi: 10.1002/ana.23884. [Epub ahead of print]

Ginger -Healing Facts

ginger-690 Did you know that ginger is considered an erect perennial herb? Native to Asia, India, and China, ginger has been popular in these regions for thousands of years, where it was valued for its aromatic, culinary, and medicinal properties. Ginger grew in popularity in Renaissance Europe, where it was thought to prevent the plague, and was present at every table setting as salt and pepper is today.

Health Benefits:

Historically, ginger has been very effective at alleviating symptoms of gastrointestinal distress.
Ginger contains a compound called gingerols, which acts as an anti-inflammatory, and has been shown to effectively treat osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Scientific studies have shown ginger to possess therapeutic properties including carminative and intestinal spasmolytic effects, antioxidant effects, and the ability to inhibits the formation of inflammatory compounds.
Currently, studies are being conducted that show ginger’s ability to prevent motion sickness.
Ginger has been shown to be an effective treatment for nausea and vomiting associated with pregnancy.

For centuries, ginger has been regarded as an essential ingredient in many Eastern cuisines. As it gained popularity in other parts of the world, ginger’s flavor has leant itself to many American favorites such as ginger ale and gingerbread. Consider making a ginger tea by boiling ginger in hot water, and adding orange or lemon to taste. Adding ginger to fresh fruits can be a great way to incorporate it into your daily menu. One of my favorite ways to consume ginger is in Good Cacao’s Lemon Ginger Immunity Superfood Chocolate bar! Find out more about it here: https://www.facebook.com/goodcacao?ref=tn_tnmn

Theracurmin — A Major Breakthrough in Curcumin Absorption

May is Hepatitis Awareness Month

What is hepatitis?

Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis can be caused by many drugs and toxic chemicals, but in most instances it is caused by a virus. Viral types A, B, and C are the most common.

During the period before liver involvement a person with viral hepatitis may experience a loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and flu-like symptoms that can occur two weeks to one month before liver involvement, depending on the incubation period of the virus. Once the liver is involved a person with hepatitis shows a tender and enlarged liver, fever, jaundice (yellow appearance of the skin), and markedly elevated liver enzymes (aminotransaminases) and bilirubin levels in the blood.

Acute viral hepatitis can be an extremely debilitating disease requiring bed rest. It can take anywhere from two to sixteen weeks to recover. Most patients recover completely (usually by nine weeks for type A and sixteen weeks for types B, C, D, and G). However, about one out of one hundred will die, and 10% of hepatitis B and 10-40% of hepatitis C cases candevelop into chronic viral hepatitis (hepatitis C contracted from a transfusion is associated with a 70-80% chance of developing into chronic hepatitis).

The symptoms of chronic hepatitis vary. The symptoms can be virtually nonexistent or they can lead to chronic fatigue, serious liver damage, and even death due to cirrhosis of the liver or liver cancer.

What causes hepatitis?

Hepatitis can be caused by many drugs and toxic chemicals, but in most instances it is caused by a virus. Viral types A, B, and C are the most common. Hepatitis A occurs sporadically or in epidemics, and is transmitted primarily through fecal contamination. Hepatitis B is transmitted through infected blood or blood products, as well as through sexual contact (the virus is shed in saliva, semen, and vaginal secretion). Hepatitis C (formerly known as hepatitis non-A, non-B) has a primary route of transmission through blood transfusion. In fact, about 10% of people who received blood transfusions developed hepatitis C in the past before the blood supply was checked for the presence of hepatitis C. Other viral causes of hepatitis include: hepatitis viruses D, E, and G, as well as Herpes simplex, cytomegalovirus, and Epstein-Barr virus.

What about chronic hepatitis C?

Statistics from the World Health Organization estimates that 350 million individuals have chronic hepatitis. The most serious form of chronic hepatitis is chronic hepatitis C (CHC). It is suspected that there are, at present, more than 5 million people in the United States that are infected with CHC, and perhaps as many as 200 million around the world (that is roughly 5% of the world’s population). The death rate from hepatitis C exceeds that from AIDS.

The drug of choice in conventional medicine for CHC is now a combination of pegylated alpha-interferon (given by weekly injection) and the antiviral drug ribavarin (given by pill daily). While results are often impressive, this treatment is not a panacea. Natural products can be used as supportive agents to drug therapy or as an important alternative treatment when the drugs fail to improve the condition.

Are there any specific foods useful to support liver function?

First off, it is important to reduce the stress on your liver! For a healthy liver:

Don’t smoke
Drink little or no alcohol
Avoid caffeine
Avoid harmful chemicals, especially cleaning solvents and pesticides
Saturated fats and refined sugar
Drink at least 48 ounces of water each day
Consume lots of vegetables and legumes for their high fiber and nutrient content

The most important dietary guidelines for good liver function are also those that support good general health. Certain foods are particularly helpful because they contain the nutrients your body needs to produce and activate the dozens of enzymes involved in the various phases of detoxification. Such foods include:

Garlic, legumes, onions, eggs, and other foods with a high sulfur content.
Good sources of water-soluble fibers, such as pears, oat bran, apples, and legumes
Cabbage-family vegetables, especially broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage.
Artichokes, beets, carrots, dandelion greens, and many herbs and spices such as turmeric, cinnamon, and licorice.
Green foods like wheat grass juice, dehydrated barley grass juice, chlorella, and spirulina.

What supplements do you recommend to support liver function?

Foundation Supplements. There are three products from Natural Factors that I think are critical in supporting good health:

MultiStart (age and gender specific multiple vitamin and mineral formulas). Follow label instructions.
Enriching Greens – a great tasting “greens drink” containing highly concentrated “greens” like chlorella, spirulina, wheat grass juice, barley grass juice, etc., and herbal extracts. Take one serving (one tablespoon) in 8 ounces of water daily.
RxOmega-3 Factors – A true pharmaceutical grade fish oil supplement. Take two capsules daily.

For people with CHC, additional nutritional support is definitely needed. For comprehensive liver health support I recommend the following Natural Factors products:

Detoxitech – a specific powdered drink mix designed to support liver function. Detoxitech contains hypoallergenic protein, compounds that enhance the production of the important detoxification compound glutathione, and other specific aids to detoxification and elimination. Take one or two servings daily.

Liver Health Formula – a formula I developed to provide special nutritional factors to support the liver. Take two capsules one to three times daily with the dosage depending upon your size and severity of viral load. Here is a brief description of each component in this formula:

Glucuronate is a nutritional substance used by the liver to bind to toxins to help eliminate them from the system. This process is used to detoxify many hormones; food additives; toxic components of cigarette smoke, and many other harmful substances. In fact, of all the many chemical reactions taking place in the liver cell, the attachment of glucuronate to toxic substances is considered the most important. When glucuronate is ingested as a dietary supplement it reduces the stress on the liver and enhances the liver’s ability to detoxify through glucuronidation. Clinical studies have shown glucuronate supplementation can improve liver function considerably even in cases of poor liver function due to alcohol abuse, acute and chronic hepatitis, exposure to toxic substances, and diabetes.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid is a sulfur-containing vitamin-like substance that plays an important role as the necessary cofactor in two vital energy-producing reactions involved in the production of cellular energy (ATP). Lipoic acid is an effective antioxidant. It is unique in that it is effective against both water and fat soluble free radicals. It protects the liver from free radical damage and also helps promote detoxification reactions. Preliminary clinical evidence has shown benefits to people with hepatitis and cirrhosis of the liver.4
Silybin Phytosome is a special extract of milk thistle bound to phosphatidylcholine. A growing body of scientific research indicates that Silybin Phytosome is better absorbed and produces better results than regular milk thistle extract. Silybin Phytosome is one of the most potent liver-protecting substances known. It protects the liver by:
- Acting as a direct antioxidant and free radical scavenger.
- Increasing the intracellular content of antioxidant compounds.
- Stimulating the formation of new liver cells to replaced those that are damaged.
Licorice extract contains glycyrrhetinic acid, the active component that has been shown to protect the liver from damage, enhance the immune system, potentiate the effect of the immune-enhancing agent interferon, and to aid the liver in detoxification reactions. Clinical studies with a glycyrrhetinic acid product in Japan have shown excellent results in supporting individuals with both acute and chronic hepatitis.
Curcumin is the yellow pigment of turmeric (Curcuma longa) – the chief ingredient in curry. Curcumin has demonstrated significant activity in many experimental and clinical studies. Many of its beneficial effects are attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. It has been shown to improve liver function and promote improved clearance of toxic compounds by the liver.
Panax ginseng Phytosome. Long revered for its tonic effects, Panax ginseng exerts significant effects on enhancing liver function including helping to regulate the manufacture of proteins and filtration of the blood.
Schizandra Berry Extract. The fully ripe, sun-dried fruit of schizandra has been a classic component in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries. Some of the effects noted in scientific studies include antioxidant effects; an anti-stress action, much like ginseng, in helping to combat fatigue and stress; an ability to protect the liver from chemical damage.

How do I know if the recommendations are working?

Blood tests can be used to monitor the success of this program to support liver function if you have CHC. In addition to standard measures of liver function, I recommend blood measurement of the viral load every three to six months.

Additional comments:

This program can be used with standard medical treatment. In fact, it may help reduce side effects and increase the effectiveness of the drugs. If positive results are apparent, the protocol can and should be followed indefinitely. However, if positive results are not apparent after 3 to 6 months I recommend simply taking the foundation supplements (MultiStart, Enriching Greens, RxOmega-3 Factors). The program is generally very well tolerated. I recommend taking the RxOmega-3 Factors just before meals to avoid burping up any fish oil odor.

Testimonials:

[quote]“Good morning, Dr. Murray. I don’t know where to start…but to make a long story short , my viral load was 2.6 million when I started your program including two servings of DetoxiTech daily. A blood test performed last week (10/5) showed that it is now 364,000. I am screaming all over the place… I am in tears… I am numbed… I did the math and realized that my viral load had gone done by 88 %. . . . Very sincerely, Marie”[/quote]

[quote]“Dr. Murray, this program really worked for me!! The interferon and ribaviran treatment didn’t do anything for me but make me sick. My liver function tests went from severely elevated down to normal levels after two months of following the program. Plus, I feel normal again. Thanks!! John”[/quote]