Posts Tagged heart diseases

How to Stop Smoking Naturally and Live a Healthy Life

Many people have asked whether it is possible to stop smoking naturally. Smoking is regarded as one of the leading causes of death in the world today. Cigarettes contain nicotine which can be very addictive. Nicotine produces pleasure in the brain of the smoker. This pleasure can suppress anger, relieve minor depression and can also enhance concentration.

As the smoker continues with this habit, the brain demands more of this pleasure. As the habit continues, nicotine pollutes the blood. This pollution begins to weaken vital parts of the body. These include lungs and liver.

There are other problems associated with smoking. It can contribute to impotence in men because nicotine decreases blood circulation to the penis. It may also cause infertility as it reduces the density of sperms. Male smokers are also more likely to become bald. Both men and women may age faster, have premature gray hair and deeper wrinkles due to smoking. Smoking could also cause heart diseases, lung cancer and stroke among other problems.

Nicotine is addictive, that is why many smokers find it hard to quit. There are natural ways that can help one to quit. It may be challenging, sometimes one may face obstacles, cravings and relapses. However, it is still possible to quit smoking using natural methods. First of all, the smoker has to admit to himself that he has a problem and that he sincerely wants to change.

One method that can be used is ‘cold turkey’. This is abrupt cessation of smoking without the help of any product. This requires a lot of will power and courage to succeed. Sometimes the may faces replaces. This is going back to smoking after trying to stop. Relapses should be looked at as learning experiences..

Craving for cigarettes may occur. This is a strong desire to smoke. To avoid this, the smoker should keep himself busy doing something he enjoys like indulging in his hobby to reduce depression. He can also learn healthier ways of coping with cravings. These may include doing physical exercises to improve his mood and give him peace of mind.

He may also reward himself for his any little achievements. This will give him the morale to forge on. For example when he completes a week of being smoke-free he can give himself a treat. Avoiding old smoking buddies may also help. One can also join a support group. This helps him to learn from other people who understand him. One can be able to share tips and learn from other smokers.

Alternatively, there are natural herbal remedies that can be used. These are a combination of various herbs which are extracted from plants. Such remedies contain antidepressants which help in minimizing depression in the smoker. They also contain compounds that lessen cravings and compounds that increase levels of dopamine in the brain. They come in the form of pills or powder. The advantage of using such herbs is that side effects are minimal since they are natural products.

It is possible to stop smoking naturally and live a longer and healthier life. It requires a lot of will power and determination. It may also require a change of lifestyle.

Heart Healthy For A Better Life

What does it mean to eat or BE Heart Healthy? Well, I like to define it as consuming foods that are low in fats and sodium and other ingredients that may foster heart diseases or the potential for obesity. Some heart healthy facts many people may or may not be aware of, and in either case don’t really pay very close attention to are as follows:

• Over 60% of Americans are over-weight
• Over 1/3 of Americans are OBESE
• Over 20% of pre-school children are over-weight
• 1/3 of our teens are over-weight
• 40%-70% of children and teens live with obese parents
• Obese adults develop high risk factors for high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes
• There is an alarming increase in diabetes due to the obesity epidemic
• About 80% of diabetics will develop cardiovascular diseases and die as a result
• 75% of cardiovascular disease patients will die of coronary heart disease
• Coronary disease, in this country, begins at ages of 5 and 6
• 1 out of 6 high school graduates will have Atheroma [high cholesterol]

I urge you to really take a look at those numbers. It’s amazing to me that people can turn their heads to the very real and very threatening problems that we as a people and a country currently face. We cannot continue to teach our children that the lifestyles that lead to obesity are acceptable. It all starts with the parents and what their children see them doing as they grow up. It’s been said time and time again, but we MUST set a better example because if we don’t, who will? Do you trust others to teach your children how to be heart healthy and conscious? Simply being overweight contributes to the development of Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, heart attack, heart failure, certain cancers, gallstones, sleep apnea, and osteoarthritis… just to name a few.

Changing ones diet is a good start, however to truly transform yourself and your family, you must take on a deeper change… a lifestyle change. Many experts suggest consciously adopting the Mediterranean Diet as an alternative to fast food, take out, and other high fat diets. The heart healthy Mediterranean Diet coupled with regular, moderate exercise has proven to be able to conquer weight related problems as well as many of the other diseases

It is up to you to make the changes you know you and your family need to make to live an overall better life. Make the decision to go heart healthy today, pass these ideas and lifestyle to your children, and enjoy the benefits of a long, healthy life with your family!