This article was taken from Hemato-Centric Life Institute and re-blog for my personal reference.

How Green Tea Affects Blood Pressure

By Solha Park, PharmD and Moa Park, PharmD

Among the major risk factors of developing cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack, heart failure and stroke, high blood pressure is most closely and consistently related to the development of cardiovascular disease requiring immediate treatment with medications and lifestyle modifications.1While there are many ways to control high blood pressure, regular consumption of green tea has been shown to have a positive relationship with lowering blood pressure when combined with healthy diet and regular exercise.

High blood pressure is a chronic medical condition that can lead to many serious health problems including cardiovascular diseases and kidney disease. Persistent high blood pressure may damage other parts of body such as blood vessels and eyes. While it does not have any symptoms, these long-term complications usually take several years to develop. Fortunately, high blood pressure can be detected easily through a regular medical checkup and can be controlled with lifestyle modification and medications.

Blood pressure is measured as two different pressure types: systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Systolic blood pressure refers to the measurement of blood pressure when the heart pumps out the blood, and diastolic blood pressure refers to the pressure in between two heartbeats. The systolic numbers are often written above or before the diastolic numbers and are higher. The following table shows different stages from normal blood pressure to stage 1 and 2 high blood pressure. The level of the patient’s high blood pressure determines what kind of treatment one may need.

Category	Systolic (mmHg)	Diastolic (mmHg)
Normal	Less than 120	Less than 80
Pre-hypertension	Between 120 – 139	Between 80 – 89
High Blood Pressure (stage 1)	Between 140 – 159	Between 90 – 99
High Blood Pressure (stage 2)	160 or Higher	100 or Higher

Important risk factors of high blood pressure are age, gender, family history, and lifestyle including lack of physical activity, obesity, diets high in sodium (from salt), and some medications.1,6 About one out of three adults in the United States develop high blood pressure.6 Older people are more likely to develop high blood pressure, and men tend to develop high blood pressure earlier than women at the age of 55 and older. High blood pressure can also be hereditary.

How is blood pressure regulated? Blood pressure is regularly maintained by various chemicals in our bodies that send signals to several layers in blood vessels, such as elastic fibers, smooth muscles and connective tissues. Angiotensin, a powerful constrictor of the blood vessels, is an endogenous hormone (a hormone made in human body). Upon activation, it signals stress hormones to be released, constricting the blood vessels by tightening the smooth muscles surrounding the vessels, and causing the kidneys to reduce fluid loss.7 As a result, blood volume increases and blood vessels become narrower raising the blood pressure. On the other hand, nitric oxide, a dilator, is a gaseous chemical in our bodies involved in lowering blood pressure. When it is released into blood vessels, it relaxes the smooth muscles and dilates the vessels which keep blood vessels open as shown in the above figure.7,8 By doing so, nitric oxide decreases the pressure in blood vessels and allows for increased blood flow.

According to recent animal studies on green tea and high blood pressure, catechins in green tea have been shown to affect the activities of angiotensin and nitric oxide. EGCG in green tea has been shown to interfere with the activation process of angiotensin and consequently cause a decrease in blood pressure. EGCG has also been shown to promote biological production of nitric oxide.

Moreover, drinking green tea has been associated with lowering blood pressure in many population studies. Catechins, the major chemicals found in green tea, have been shown to be an antioxidant. The antioxidant effect of catechins in green tea can reduce damages to the blood vessels caused by free radicals and help preserve normal blood vessel function over time.

As the beneficial health effects of green tea are constantly being studied, it would be advisable to encourage the habitual consumption of green tea, especially for those at risk of developing high blood pressure or already suffering from the condition. Although a single food item should not be expected to have a significant impact on one’s health, regular consumption of green tea combined with an improved lifestyle, such as regular physical exercise and healthy diet, may have a great impact on maintaining normal blood circulation and better health.

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For other articles, please go to http://www.hcli.com/how-green-tea-affects-blood-pressure/

Lady Finger (or “OKRA”) for Diabetes

Procedure

• Take two pieces of Lady Finger
• Remove/cut both ends of each piece, put a small cut in the middle
• Place these two pieces in glass of water.
• Cover the glass and keep it at room temperature during night.
• Early morning, before breakfast simply remove two pieces of lady Finger from the glass and drink the water.
• Keep doing it on daily basis.
• Within two weeks, verify the initial result in reduction of your SUGAR.

History

One person was able to control of her diabetes. She was on Insulin for a few years, but after taking the lady fingers every morning for a few months, she has stopped Insulin but continues to take the lady fingers every day. But she chops the lady fingers into fine pieces in the night, adds the water and drinks it all up the next morning. You can try it as it will not do you any harm even if it does not do much good to you, but remember that you have to keep taking it for a few months before seeing the results - as most cases might be chronic.

All about OKRA

Okra is a green, fuzzy, deeply ridged pod. Most common in warmer climates, it can also be grown in cooler areas if the proper variety and cultivation techniques are used.

Selection: Choose bright green pods about 3-4 inches long. They should be firm and moist, not spotted, moldy, limp or dry.

Storage and handling: Store in a plastic bag in the refrigerator 2-3 days. When ready to use wash well in a bowl of cold water.

Preparation: Remove stem end and slice if desired. Prevent okra from becoming slimy by adding vinegar or other acidic ingredients such as tomatoes when cooking, or by breading okra with cornmeal before frying.

Serving suggestions: Okra can be fried (SIS, p. 117), pickled, or added to curries (SIS, p. 116), sautés, and soups. Okra is used in Gumbo, a southern specialty soup, to help thicken it. Substitute okra for zucchini in ratatouille (SIS, p. 125). Dress cooked okra with butter and lemon juice, butter and curry powder, or toss with a vinaigrette and chill.

Nutrients: Vitamins A, B6, C, K; thiamin; folate; calcium; fiber.

1 lb raw = 8 cups whole (4 c. sliced)
1 lb cooked = 2 1⁄4 cups

The Fruit and Vegetable Guide is reproduced here with permission of Herald Press, publisher of Simply in Season.

Lagundi and Ginger (or "Luya")

I became interested in Herbal Medicines. The plants that interest me are as follows:

a) Lagundi
b) Ginger (or "Luya")

Lagundi

Lagundi is a common medicinal shrub grown in the Philippines, and also grows wild in many places like Mt. Banahaw. The scientific name of lagundi is ‘Vitex negundo’.

The use of Lagundi for medicinal purposes has a long history in the Philippines and is used for centuries. The Philippine Department of Health has certified Lagundi as a medicinal plant for treatment in cases of colds, flu, pharyngitis, and asthma. It is included in 10 herbal medicines made by Philippines Health Department as an effective herbal medicine. 

Lagundi is also known for its analgesic effect that helps lessen pain and distress. At present, pharmaceutical companies sell it in tablet form at drug stores. A new cough syrup for children made from Lagundi is also on the market nowadays. These products are approved by the Bureau of Food and Drugs. The Philippine government actively promotes it as an alternative to Western cough medicines.

Ginger

Ginger or ginger root is the rhizome of the plant Zingiber officinale, consumed as a delicacy, medicine, or spice. It lends its name to its genus and family. Other notable members of this plant family are turmeric, cardamom, and galangal. Wikipedia.

Aromatic, pungent and spicy, ginger adds a special flavor and zest to Asian stir fries and many fruit and vegetable dishes. Fresh ginger root is available year round in the produce section of your local market.

Ginger is the underground rhizome of the ginger plant with a firm, striated texture. The flesh of the ginger rhizome can be yellow, white or red in color, depending upon the variety. It is covered with a brownish skin that may either be thick or thin, depending upon whether the plant was harvested when it was mature or young.

 

Health Benefits

Historically, ginger has a long tradition of being very effective in alleviating symptoms of gastrointestinal distress. In herbal medicine, ginger is regarded as an excellent carminative (a substance which promotes the elimination of intestinal gas) and intestinal spasmolytic (a substance which relaxes and soothes the intestinal tract). Modern scientific research has revealed that ginger possesses numerous therapeutic properties including antioxidant effects, an ability to inhibit the formation of inflammatory compounds, and direct anti-inflammatory effects.

Gastrointestinal Relief

A clue to ginger's success in eliminating gastrointestinal distress is offered by recent double-blind studies, which have demonstrated that ginger is very effective in preventing the symptoms of motion sickness, especially seasickness. In fact, in one study, ginger was shown to be far superior to Dramamine, a commonly used over-the-counter and prescription drug for motion sickness. Ginger reduces all symptoms associated with motion sickness including dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and cold sweating.

Safe and Effective Relief of Nausea and Vomiting During Pregnancy

Ginger's anti-vomiting action has been shown to be very useful in reducing the nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, even the most severe form, hyperemesis gravidum, a condition which usually requires hospitalization. In a double-blind trial, ginger root brought about a significant reduction in both the severity of nausea and number of attacks of vomiting in 19 of 27 women in early pregnancy (less than 20 weeks). Unlike antivomiting drugs, which can cause severe birth defects, ginger is extremely safe, and only a small dose is required.

A review of six double-blind, randomized controlled trials with a total of 675 participants, published in the April 2005 issue of the journal, Obstetrics and Gynecology,has confirmed that ginger is effective in relieving the severity of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. The review also confirmed the absence of significant side effects or adverse effects on pregnancy outcomes.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Ginger contains very potent anti-inflammatory compounds called gingerols. These substances are believed to explain why so many people with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis experience reductions in their pain levels and improvements in their mobility when they consume ginger regularly. In two clinical studies involving patients who responded to conventional drugs and those who didn't, physicians found that 75% of arthritis patients and 100% of patients with muscular discomfort experienced relief of pain and/or swelling.

Arthritis-related problems with your aging knees? Regularly spicing up your meals with fresh ginger may help, suggests a study published in a recent issue of Osteoarthritis Cartilage. In this twelve month study, 29 patients with painful arthritis in the knee (6 men and 23 women ranging in age from 42-85 years) participated in a placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover study. Patients switched from placebo to ginger or visa versa after 3 months. After six months, the double-blind code was broken and twenty of the patients who wished to continue were followed for an additional six months.

By the end of the first six month period, those given ginger were experiencing significantly less pain on movement and handicap than those given placebo. Pain on movement decreased from a score of 76.14 at baseline to 41.00, while handicap decreased from 73.47 to 46.08. In contrast, those who were switched from ginger to placebo experienced an increase in pain of movement (up to 82.10) and handicap (up to 80.80) from baseline. In the final phase of the study when all patients were getting ginger, pain remained low in those already taking ginger in phase 2, and decreased again in the group that had been on placebo.

Not only did participants' subjective experiences of pain lessen, but swelling in their knees, an objective measurement of lessened inflammation, dropped significantly in those treated with ginger. The mean target knee circumference in those taking ginger dropped from 43.25cm when the study began to 39.36cm by the 12th week. When this group was switched to placebo in the second phase of the study, their knee circumferences increased, while those who had been on placebo but were now switched to ginger experienced a decrease in knee circumference. In the final phase, when both groups were given ginger, mean knee circumference continued to drop, reaching lows of 38.78 and 36.38 in the two groups.

How does ginger work its anti-inflammatory magic? Two other recent studies provide possible reasons.

A study published in the November 2003 issue of Life Sciences suggests that at least one reason for ginger's beneficial effects is the free radical protection afforded by one of its active phenolic constituents, 6-gingerol. In this in vitro (test tube) study, 6-gingerol was shown to significantly inhibit the production of nitric oxide, a highly reactive nitrogen molecule that quickly forms a very damaging free radical called peroxynitrite.

Another study appearing in the November 2003 issue of Radiation Research found that in mice, five days treatment with ginger (10 mg per kilogram of body weight) prior to exposure to radiation not only prevented an increase in free radical damage to lipids (fats found in numerous bodily components from cell membranes to cholesterol), but also greatly lessened depletion of the animals' stores of glutathione, one of the body's most important internally produced antioxidants.

A study published in the February 2005 issue of the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine sheds further light on the mechanisms of action that underlie ginger's anti-inflammatory effectiveness. In this research, ginger was shown to suppress the pro-inflammatory compounds (cytokines and chemokines) produced by synoviocytes (cells comprising the synovial lining of the joints), chrondrocytes (cells comprising joint cartilage) and leukocytes (immune cells).

Protection against Colorectal Cancer

Gingerols, the main active components in ginger and the ones responsible for its distinctive flavor, may also inhibit the growth of human colorectal cancer cells, suggests research presented at the Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research, a major meeting of cancer experts that took place in Phoenix, AZ, October 26-30, 2003.

In this study, researchers from the University of Minnesota's Hormel Institute fed mice specially bred to lack an immune system a half milligram of (6)-gingerol three times a week before and after injecting human colorectal cancer cells into their flanks. Control mice received no (6)-gingerol.

Tumors first appeared 15 days after the mice were injected, but only 4 tumors were found in the group of -gingerol-treated mice compared to 13 in the control mice, plus the tumors in the -gingerol group were smaller on average. Even by day 38, one mouse in the (6)-gingerol group still had no measurable tumors. By day 49, all the control mice had been euthanized since their tumors had grown to one cubic centimeter (0.06 cubic inch), while tumors in 12 of the (6)-gingerol treated mice still averaged 0.5 cubic centimeter—half the maximum tumor size allowed before euthanization.

Research associate professor Ann Bode noted, "These results strongly suggest that ginger compounds may be effective chemopreventive and/or chemotherapeutic agents for colorectal carcinomas."

In this first round of experiments, mice were fed ginger before and after tumor cells were injected. In the next round, researchers will feed the mice ginger only after their tumors have grown to a certain size. This will enable them to look at the question of whether a patient could eat ginger to slow the metastasis of a nonoperable tumor. Are they optimistic? The actions of the University of Minnesota strongly suggest they are. The University has already applied for a patent on the use of (6)-gingerol as an anti-cancer agent and has licensed the technology to Pediatric Pharmaceuticals (Iselin, N.J.).

Ginger Induces Cell Death in Ovarian Cancer Cells

Lab experiments presented at the 97th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer, by Dr Rebecca Lui and her colleagues from the University of Michigan, showed that gingerols, the active phytonutrients in ginger, kill ovarian cancer cells by inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death) and autophagocytosis (self-digestion).

Ginger extracts have been shown to have both antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects on cells. To investigate the latter, Dr Liu examined the effect of a whole ginger extract containing 5% gingerol on a number of different ovarian cancer cell lines.

Exposure to the ginger extract caused cell death in all the ovarian cancer lines studied.

A pro-inflammatory state is thought to be an important contributing factor in the development of ovarian cancer. In the presence of ginger, a number of key indicators of inflammation (vascular endothelial growth factor, interleukin-8 and prostaglandin E2) were also decreased in the ovarian cancer cells.

Conventional chemotherapeutic agents also suppress these inflammatory markers, but may cause cancer cells to become resistant to the action of the drugs. Liu and her colleagues believe that ginger may be of special benefit for ovarian cancer patients because cancer cells exposed to ginger do not become resistant to its cancer-destroying effects. In the case of ovarian cancer, an ounce of prevention—in the delicious form of liberal use of ginger—is an especially good idea. Ovarian cancer is often deadly since symptoms typically do not appear until late in the disease process, so by the time ovarian cancer is diagnosed, it has spread beyond the ovaries. More than 50% of women who develop ovarian cancer are diagnosed in the advanced stages of the disease.

Immune Boosting Action

Ginger can not only be warming on a cold day, but can help promote healthy sweating, which is often helpful during colds and flus. A good sweat may do a lot more than simply assist detoxification. German researchers have recently found that sweat contains a potent germ-fighting agent that may help fight off infections. Investigators have isolated the gene responsible for the compound and the protein it produces, which they have named dermicidin. Dermicidin is manufactured in the body's sweat glands, secreted into the sweat, and transported to the skin's surface where it provides protection against invading microorganisms, including bacteria such asE. coli and Staphylococcus aureus (a common cause of skin infections), and fungi, including Candida albicans.

Ginger is so concentrated with active substances, you don't have to use very much to receive its beneficial effects. For nausea, ginger tea made by steeping one or two 1/2-inch slices (one 1/2-inch slice equals 2/3 of an ounce) of fresh ginger in a cup of hot water will likely be all you need to settle your stomach. For arthritis, some people have found relief consuming as little as a 1/4-inch slice of fresh ginger cooked in food, although in the studies noted above, patients who consumed more ginger reported quicker and better relief.

Description

The spice ginger is the underground rhizome of the ginger plant, known botanically as Zingiber officinale. The plant's botanical name is thought to be derived from its Sanskrit name singaberawhich means "horn shaped," a physical characteristic that ginger reflects.

The flesh of the ginger rhizome can be yellow, white or red in color, depending upon the variety. It is covered with a brownish skin that may either be thick or thin, depending upon whether the plant was harvested when it was mature or young. The ginger rhizome has a firm, yet striated texture and a taste that is aromatic, pungent and hot.

History

Native to southeastern Asia, a region whose cuisines still feature this wonderfully spicy herb, ginger has been renowned for millennia in many areas throughout the world.

Ginger is mentioned in ancient Chinese, Indian and Middle Eastern writings, and has long been prized for its aromatic, culinary and medicinal properties. After the ancient Romans imported ginger from China almost two thousand years ago, its popularity in Europe remained centered in the Mediterranean region until the Middle Ages when its use spread throughout other countries. Although it was a very expensive spice, owing to the fact that it had to be imported from Asia, it was still in great demand. In an attempt to make it more available, Spanish explorers introduced ginger to the West Indies, Mexico and South America, and in the 16th century, these areas began exporting the precious herb back to Europe.

Today, the top commercial producers of ginger include Jamaica, India, Fiji, Indonesia and Australia.

How to Select and Store

Whenever possible, choose fresh ginger over the dried form of the spice since it is not only superior in flavor but contains higher levels of gingerol as well as ginger's active protease (it's anti-inflammatory compound). Fresh ginger root is sold in the produce section of markets. When purchasing fresh ginger root, make sure it is firm, smooth and free of mold. Ginger is generally available in two forms, either young or mature. Mature ginger, the more widely available type, has a tough skin that requires peeling while young ginger, usually only available in Asian markets, does not need to be peeled.

Even through dried herbs and spices like ginger powder are widely available in supermarkets, you may want to explore the local spice stores in your area. Oftentimes, these stores feature an expansive selection of dried herbs and spices that are of superior quality and freshness than those offered in regular markets. Just like with other dried spices, when purchasing dried ginger powder try to select organically grown ginger since this will give you more assurance that it has not been irradiated.

Ginger is also available in several other forms including crystallized, candied and pickled ginger.

Fresh ginger can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three weeks if it is left unpeeled. Stored unpeeled in the freezer, it will keep for up to six months.

Dried ginger powder should be kept in a tightly sealed glass container in a cool, dark and dry place. Alternatively, you can store it in the refrigerator where it will enjoy an extended shelf life of about one year.

Tips for Preparing and Cooking

To remove the skin from fresh mature ginger, peel with a paring knife. The ginger can then be sliced, minced or julienned. The taste that ginger imparts to a dish depends upon when it is added during the cooking process. Added at the beginning, it will lend a subtler flavor while added near the end, it will deliver a more pungent taste.

How to Enjoy

A Few Quick Serving Ideas

1. Turn up the heat while cooling off by making ginger lemonade. Simply combine freshly grated ginger, lemon juice, cane juice or honey and water.
2. Add extra inspiration to your rice side dishes by sprinkling grated ginger, sesame seeds and nori strips on top.
3. Combine ginger, soy sauce, olive oil and garlic to make a wonderful salad dressing.
4. Add ginger and orange juice to puréed sweet potatoes.
5. Add grated ginger to your favorite stuffing for baked apples.
6. Spice up your healthy sautéed vegetables by adding freshly minced ginger.

For some of our favorite recipes, click Recipes.

General Motors: Weight Loss Diet Program

The following diet and health program was developed for employees and dependents of General Motors, Inc. and is intended for their exclusive use. This program was developed in conjunction with a grant from U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration. It was field tested at the Johns Hopkins Research Centre and was approved for distribution by the Board of Directors, General Motors Corp. at a general meeting on August 15, 1985. General Motors Corp. wholly endorses this program and is making it available to all employees and families. This program will be available at all General Motors Food Service Facilities. It is management's intention to facilitate a wellness and fitness program for everyone.

This program is designed for a target weight loss of 10-17 lbs per week. It will also improve your attitudes and emotions because of its cleansing systematic effects.

The effectiveness of this seven day plan is that the food eaten burn more calories than they give to the body in caloric value.

This plan can be used as often as you like without any fear of complications. It is designed to flush your system of impurities and give you a feeling of well being. After seven days you will begin to feel lighter because you will be lighter by at least 10 lbs. You will have an abundance of energy and an improved disposition.

During the first seven days you must abstain from all alcohol
You must drink 10 glasses of water each day

 

Day One

All fruits except bananas. Your first day will consist of all the fruits you want. It is strongly suggested that you consume lots of melons the first day. Especially watermelon and a loupe. If you limit your fruit consumption to melons, your chances of losing three lbs. on first day are very good.

 

Day Two

All vegetables. You are encouraged to eat until you are stuffed with all the raw or cooked vegetables of your choice. There is no limit on the amount or type. For your complex carbohydrate, you will start day two with a large baked potato for breakfast. You may top the potato with one pat of butter.

 

Day Three

A mixture of fruits and vegetables of your choice. Any amount, any quantity. No bananas yet. No potatoes today.

 

Day Four

Bananas and milk. Today you will eat as many as eight bananas and drink three glasses of milk. This will be combined with the special soup which may be eaten in limited quantities.

 

Day Five

Today is feast day. You will eat beef and tomatoes. Eat two 10 oz. portions of lean beef. Hamburger is OK. Combine this with six whole tomatoes. On day five you must increase your water intake by one quart. This is to cleanse your system of the uric acid you will be producing.

 

Day Six

Beef and vegetables. Today you may eat an unlimited amount of beef and vegetables. Eat to your hearts content.

 

Day Seven

Today your food intake will consist of brown rice, fruit juices and all the vegetables you care to consume.

Tomorrow morning

You will be 10-17 lbs. lighter than one week ago. If you desire further weight loss, repeat the program again. You may repeat this program as often as you like, however, it is suggested that you are allowed two glasses of white wine in addition to the instructions on the program. You may substitute champagne for white wine. Under no circumstances are you to drink any other alcoholic beverages with the exception of beer which is allowed. Any liquor (bourbon,vodka, rum) is forbidden. Cream drinks are especially forbidden. You may have an occasional cordial such as crème de menthe or schnapps, but you must always limit yourself to two drinks. If you wine, drink only wine that day. If you have beer, drink only beer that day, etc. Alcohol adds empty calories to your diet. However, after the first week it will help your digestion and settle your stomach.

G.M.'S Wonder Soup

The following soup is intended as a supplement to your diet. It can be eaten any time of the day in virtually unlimited quantities. You are encouraged to consume large quantities of this soup.

28 oz, Water, 6 Large Onions, 2 Green Peppers, Whole Tomatoes (fresh or canned), 1 Head Cabbage, 1 Bunch Celery, 4 Envelopes Lipton Onion Soup Mix, Herbs and Flavoring as desired.

Additional Comments

Vegetables as may be taken in the form of a salad if desired. No dressing except malt, white or wine vinegar, squeezed lemon, garlic, herbs. No more than one tea spoon of oil.

You have been given a recipe for the WONDER SOUP which can be eaten in unlimited quantities. This soup is a supplement while you are on the program and it should be a pleasure to eat. Not everyone likes cabbage, green peppers, celery etc. This recipe is not inflexible. You may substitute vegetables according to your taste. You may add any vegetables you like: asparagus, peas, corn, turnips, green beans, cauliflower, etc. Try to stay away from beans (lima, pinto, kidney, etc.), however, because they tend to be high in calories even though they are very good for you.

Beverages you may consume while on the program :

• Water (flavored with lemon/lime if desired). Club Soda is OK.
• Black Coffee. No cream or cream substitute. No sugar or sweetness.
• Black Tea = Herb or Leaf.
• Absolutely nothing else except the fruit juices which are part of day seven. No fruit juices before day seven.

How and Why It Works

Day One you are preparing your system for the upcoming program. Your only source of nutrition is fresh or canned fruits. Fruits are nature's perfect food. They provide everything you could possibly want to sustain life except total balance and variety.

Day Two starts with a fix of complex carbohydrates coupled with an oil dose. This is taken in the morning for energy and balance. The rest of day two consists of vegetables which are virtually calorie free and provide essential nutrients and fiber.

Day Three eliminates the potato because you get your carbohydrates from the fruits. You system is now prepared to start burning excess pounds. You will still have cravings which should start to diminish by day four.

Day Four, bananas, milk and soup sound the strangest and least desirable. You're in for a surprise. You probably will not eat all the bananas allowed. But they are there for the potassium you have lost and the sodium you may have missed the past three days. You will notice a definite loss of desire for sweets. You will be surprised how easy this day will go.

Day Five, Beef and tomatoes. The beef is for iron and proteins, the tomatoes are for digestion and fiber. Lots and lots of water purifies your system. You should notice colorless urine today. Your allowance calls for the equivalent of five "quarter ponders". Do not feel you have to eat all this beef. You must eat the six tomatoes.

Day Six is similar to day five, Iron and proteins from beef, Vitamins and fiber from vegetables. By now your system is in a total weight loss inclination. There should be a noticeable difference in the way you look today, compared to day one.

Day Seven finished off the program like a good cigar used to finish off Victorian meals, except much healthier. You have your system under control and it should thank you for the flushing and cleaning you just gave it.

ABOUT CANCER and the art of Cleansing

Chinese Civilization is perhaps one of the oldest and most experienced in many sciences, including HEALTH. This article was sent to me by e-mail. The original article is in Chinese and have been translated to English. Hopefully, it will help some of you who may need it today or in the future. God Bless.

More than 30 years ago, a Mr Zhang who worked in the public sales department of a Taipei Brewery, participated in the brewery overseas study selection examination, and passed with flying colors.

Before going overseas during the physical examination at a public hospital, it was discovered that he had a lung tumour the size of a child's fist, and therefore was unable to go overseas to study.

The greatly disappointed Mr Zhang had always been suspicious that the diagnosis was wrong. So he went to another hospital for a check-up, the result confirm that previous diagnosis was not in error.

For the youthful and healthy Mr Zhang to be stricken down with such a terminal illness, in his despair, he rang his old classmate who at the time was Taidong County Government, Huangsun County Mayor's secretary, Mr Wei.

Mr Wei rushed to Taipei during his rest day on a Sunday to see Mr Zhang..

Mr Zhang discussed with Mr Wei in detail his despair and pessimism, and entrusted his friend regarding his affairs after his death. Coincidentally, Mr Wei was a good friend of Dr Lu Geling, who was in charge of the Maijie Hospital, 1945-55, and specialized in the clinical research into cancer cases.

He immediately suggested that Mr Zhang go to see Dr Lu for treatment. At first, Mr Zhang said he preferred not to see anymore doctors, so as not to add further to his misery.

But Mr Wei told him that he had telephoned Dr Lu before to seek his advice and arranged an appointment. Mr Zhang felt obligated and went with Mr.  Wei to meet Dr Lu.

When Dr Lu met with Mr Zhang, Dr Lu said: ' Mr Wei is a friend and introduced you and I to get to know each other. This is destiny. Thank you. Let me ask you do you know why is cancer referred to as terminal illness?'

Both Mr Zhang and Mr Wei did not know how to answer.

Dr Lu explained: 'There are only two approaches taken by humans to treat cancer to-date. The first is to destroy the source of the disease. The second is to increase the capability to fight the disease.

But the strange thing is that, whether we use Cobalt 60 or other drugs to destroy the cancer cells, before the cancer cells are killed, the good cells are destroyed first..

On the other hand, no matter what nutrients or supplements we use, before the good cells have a chance to absorb them, the cancer cells have taken them up and it simply speeds up the growth of cancer..

Therefore both approaches are doomed to failure, that is why cancer is terminal.’

Dr Lu continues: 'Human beings are most clever, they have successfully landed on the moon. But why is it no one ever questioned the above two approaches for treating cancer which are nothing but self defeating dead-ends, and try to seek a third avenue?

When I was conducting clinical research in Majie Hospital , I had many opportunities to work with and being helped by many colleagues in the Hospital. I discovered that the blood tests of 100% of the cancer patients showed that the blood samples are acidic.

Those Buddhist monks and nuns who are long term vegetarians and live very close to Nature, their blood are prevalently weakly alkaline and amongst them, there has yet to discover any cancer cases.

Therefore, I boldly concluded that under weakly alkaline condition, cancer cells are not able to grow, or even to survive.

Mr Zhang, I would suggest that starting from now you reduce your intake of the acidic meaty dishes.

Take more of the alkaline food. In addition you can take green algae and soup made from water chestnuts with skin, modify your physical condition, and try seriously to have a regular life style which is close to Nature;

If you can manage to stay alive for five years, you should have no further problem. I wish you the best of luck.'

Mr Zhang followed Dr Lu's suggestion and seriously altered his eating habits.

Every day, he ate green algae, drank chestnut soup, be optimistic and did an appropriate amount of exercise, and went back to the same public hospital for a check up. It was discovered that not only that the tumour did not increase in size, on the contrary it showed signs of shrinking,  and surprised the hospital staff conducting the check-up as a miracle.. Five years later, the tumour had shrunk to such a state as to almost disappear...

After almost 40 years, presently Mr Zhang's health is totally normal, and living a very pleasant life.

Following Mr Zhang, a Mr Chen Tianshou, who was previously Head of the General Administration of the Taidong Provincial Hospital , was similarly diagnosed with lung cancer.

When Mr Wei heard of this, he told Mr Chen of the experience of Mr Zhang, and Mr Chen started to follow the instructions of Dr Lu to change his physical condition. The outcome was that he was able to recover fully from the cancer, just like Mr Zhang.

At that time, Mr Lu and his family have emigrated to the United States . After the two cases, he returned to Taiwan and met up with Mr Wei.

Mr Wei told Dr Lu about the experiences of Mr Zhang and Mr Chen, and suggested that let the two of them detailed their experiences to Dr Lu in person, so that Dr Lu could publish a report on his self cure body conditioning method.

Dr Lu very humbly replied:

'I am too old, besides, I do not have any clinical records of the outcomes. I would ask that you tell your friends and relatives, if they are agreeable, then please continue this experience and spread the words

One should take care of oneself but should also be caring about others, 85% of cancer patients have acidic in their physical condition.

 *** Blood of healthy persons is weakly alkaline in nature, with a pH of about 7.35 to 7.45
 *** Babies' blood is also weakly acidic
 *** As adults mature their blood becomes more acidic in nature

According to a study of 600 cancer patients, of their bodily fluid, 85% of the patients are acidic

Therefore, how to maintain the weakly acidic nature of our body is the first step for moving far away from diseases.

Acidic physical conditions manifest itself in:

1. Skin without luster
2. Athlete's foot
3. Feeling tire even with very little exercise, and feeling sleep the moment one gets on to public buses
4. Easily out of breath going up and down stairs
5. Fat and with lower stomach protruding,
6. Move slowly and movement lethargic

Why does the body physical condition turn acidic?

1. Excessive intake of dairy acidic food

• meat, dairy products, eggs, beef, ham, etc are acidic food
• taking too much acidic food will cause the blood to become acidic and viscous, difficult to flow to the end of blood vessels, leading to cold feet or knee, stiff shoulders and insomnia.
• When one is young and strong, taking suitable quantity of meat is appropriate, but older people it more suitable to have a diet which are primarily vegetables ..

2. Irregularity in the pace of life will cause the body physical condition to become acidic

• Irregular pace in life will lead to mental and physical stress
• According to statistics, people who sleep late are more likely to have cancer than normal persons, by as much as 5 times.
• Human beings originally lead a life with regular tempo in this world, it is not possible to store up sleep or food and not possible to change the order of living by mixing up days and nights.
• Human organs are controlled by the autonomic nerves, and during day time it is mainly sympathetic nerves activities, and at night it is mainly the parasympathetic nerves which are functioning, If this order is disturbed and reversed, then diseases will result.

3. Emotion over tensed

• Civilized society brings stresses
• Job related or mental stresses
• A person suffers mental stress, when the stress is removed and the person relaxes, sometimes this may lead to death, referred to as the syndrome of imperfect adrenal cortex function.

4. Physical Stress

• Before any operation it would be necessary to check to see if the renal cortex does function normally. If the adrenal cortex is lacking, or if the stress imposed by the operation exceeded the ability of adrenal cortex to cope, it could lead to death or other undesirable impacts.
• If it noted that patient's face is puffy, it would be necessary to inquire in detail the patient's medical history and medication status, for patients taking adrenal cortical hormone, extra care should be exercise when administering acupuncture.
• Stress due to physical labour or exercise in excess, whole night card games, driving etc should be avoided as much as possible

Appendix: Acidity/alkalinity of Common food stuff

1. Strongly acidic food: egg yolk, cheese, cake make with white sugar or persimmon, mullet fish roe, dried cod.
2. Mildly acidic food: ham, bacon, chicken meat, squid, pork, eel, beef, bread, wheat, butter, horse meat etc.
3. Weakly acidic food: white rice, peanut, , oil fried tofu, sea weed, clam.
4. Weakly alkaline food: red bean, radish, apple , cabbage, , tofu etc.
5. Mildly alkaline food: dried radish, soya bean, carrot, tomato, banana, orange, pumpkin strawberry, egg white, dried plum, lemon, spinach, etc.
6. Strongly alkaline food: grape, tea leave, grape wine, kelp sprout, kelp, etc. Especially natural green algae which contain rich quantity of chlorophyll are very good alkaline health food, but tea should not be drunk in excess, and best to drink in the morning.

A chat with a Heart Specialist - Dr.Devi Shetty

One of the best & most renowned Heart surgeons we have in India today is Dr.Devi Shetty (Heart Specialist) chatted with Narayana Hrudayalaya of Bangalore was arranged to chat with the doctor by WIPRO for the benefits of its employees .

Below is the transcript of the chat and might be useful for  everyone.

Q: What are the thumb rules for a layman to take care of his heart?

A:

1.      Diet - Less of carbohydrate, more of protein, less oil

2.      Exercise - Half an hour's walk, at least five days a week; avoid lifts and avoid sitting for a longtime

3.      Quit smoking

4.      Control weight

5.      Control blood pressure and sugar

Q: Is eating non-veg food (fish) good for the heart?

A: No

Q: It's still a grave shock to hear that some apparently healthy person

gets a cardiac arrest.. How do we understand it in perspective?

A: This is called silent attack; that is why we recommend everyone past the age of 30 to undergo routine health checkups.

Q: Are heart diseases hereditary?

A: Yes

Q: What are the ways in which the heart is stressed? What practices do you suggest to de-stress?

A: Change your attitude towards life. Do not look for perfection in everything in life.

Q: Is walking better than jogging or is more intensive exercise required to keep a healthy heart?

A: Walking is better than jogging since jogging leads to early fatigue and injury to joints

Q: You have done so much for the poor and needy. What has inspired you to do so?

A: Mother Theresa , who was my patient

Q: Can people with low blood pressure suffer heart diseases?

A: Extremely rare

Q: Does cholesterol accumulates right from an early age (I'm currently only 22) or do you have to worry about it only after you are above 30 years of age?

A: Cholesterol accumulates from childhood.

Q: How do irregular eating habits affect the heart ?

A: You tend to eat junk food when the habits are irregular and your body's enzyme release for digestion gets confused.

Q: How can I control cholesterol content without using medicines?

A: Control diet, walk and eat walnut.

Q: Can yoga prevent heart ailments?

A: Yoga helps.

Q: Which is the best and worst food for the heart?

A: Fruits and vegetables are the best and the worst is oil.

Q: Which oil is better - groundnut, sunflower, olive?

A: All oils are bad .

Q: What is the routine checkup one should go through? Is there any specific test?

A: Routine blood test to ensure sugar, cholesterol is ok. Check BP, Treadmill test after an echo.

Q: What are the first aid steps to be taken on a heart attack?

A: Help the person into a sleeping position , place an aspirin tablet under the tongue with a sorbitrate tablet if available, and rush him to a coronary care unit since the maximum casualty takes place within the first hour.

Q: How do you differentiate between pain caused by a heart attack and that caused due to gastric trouble?

A: Extremely difficult without ECG.

Q: What is the main cause of a steep increase in heart problems amongst youngsters? I see people of about 30-40 yrs of age having heart attacks and serious heart problems.

A: Increased awareness has increased incidents.. Also, sedentary lifestyles, smoking, junk food, lack of exercise in a country where people are genetically three times more vulnerable for heart attacks than Europeans and Americans.

Q: Is it possible for a person to have BP outside the normal range of 120/80 and yet be perfectly healthy?

A: Yes.

Q: Marriages within close relatives can lead to heart problems for the child. Is it true?

A: Yes, co-sanguinity leads to congenital abnormalities and you may not have a software engineer as a child

Q: Many of us have an irregular daily routine and many a times we have to stay late nights in office. Does this affect our heart ? What precautions would you recommend?

A: When you are young, nature protects you against all these irregularities. However, as you grow older, respect the biological clock.

Q: Will taking anti-hypertensive drugs cause some other complications (short / long term)?

A: Yes, most drugs have some side effects. However, modern anti- hypertensive drugs are extremely safe.

Q: Will consuming more coffee/tea lead to heart attacks?

A: No.

Q: Are asthma patients more prone to heart disease?

A: No.

Q: How would you define junk food?

A: Fried food like Kentucky , McDonalds , samosas, and even masala dosas..

Q: You mentioned that Indians are three times more vulnerable. What is the reason for this, as Europeans and Americans also eat a lot of junk food?

A: Every race is vulnerable to some disease and unfortunately, Indians are vulnerable for the most expensive disease.

Q: Does consuming bananas help reduce hypertension?

A: No.

Q: Can a person help himself during a heart attack (Because we see a lot of forwarded emails on this)?

A: Yes. Lie down comfortably and put an aspirin tablet of any description under the tongue and ask someone to take you to the nearest coronary care unit without any delay and do not wait for the ambulance since most of the time, the ambulance does not turn up.

Q: Do, in any way, low white blood cells and low hemoglobin count lead to heart problems?

A: No. But it is ideal to have normal hemoglobin level to increase your exercise capacity.

Q: Sometimes, due to the hectic schedule we are not able to exercise. So, does walking while doing daily chores at home or climbing the stairs in the house, work as a substitute for exercise?

A: Certainly. Avoid sitting continuously for more than half an hour and even the act of getting out of the chair and going to another chair and sitting helps a lot.

Q: Is there a relation between heart problems and blood sugar?

A: Yes. A strong relationship since diabetics are more vulnerable to heart attacks than non-diabetics.

Q: What are the things one needs to take care of after a heart operation?

A: Diet, exercise, drugs on time , Control cholesterol, BP, weight.

Q: Are people working on night shifts more vulnerable to heart disease when compared to day shift workers?

A: No.

Q: What are the modern anti- hypertensive drugs?

A: There are hundreds of drugs and your doctor will chose the right combination for your problem, but my suggestion is to avoid the drugs and go for natural ways of controlling blood pressure by walk, diet to reduce weight and changing attitudes towards lifestyles.

Q: Does aspirin or similar headache pills increase the risk of heart attacks?

A: No.

Q: Why is the rate of heart attacks more in men than in women?

A: Nature protects women till the age of 45.

Q: How can one keep the heart in a good condition?

A: Eat a healthy diet, avoid junk food, exercise everyday, do not smoke and, go for health checkup s if you are past the age of 30 ( once in six months recommended) ..

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