Health News

E-Cigarettes Risks Include Stroke, Heart Attack and Cancer

E-cigarettes first rose in popularity as a means of kicking the tobacco habit, and they were originally thought to offer a healthier way to feed the addiction to nicotine. In just a few years, smoking e-cigarettes, or vaping as it’s more commonly known, has grown to become a fad of its own. While adults do use these products, vaping has become especially popular among teens, raising concerns with parents who doubt these products are as harmless as they seem. Now, new studies are finding that e-cigarettes risks include stroke, heart attack and cancer. These findings are urging many to kick the vaping habit.

How is Vaping Different Than Smoking Cigarettes?

Vaping may seem to be a harmless way to obtain nicotine because there is no tobacco involved in the use of an e-cigarette. Instead, the electronic device heats a liquid product which is treated to possess distinct scents and flavors. There are a few different types of electronic devices on the market now, which include e-cigarettes and vaping pens. While the devices differ in appearance, they essentially operate in the same way. A battery inside the device heats up the e-liquid, also known as e-juice, until it becomes a vapor that the user can inhale.

It was previously believed that e-juice was nothing more than flavored water vapor, but studies of the devices have found this isn’t the case. The heating process actually creates an aerosol mist that the user inhales. While an e-liquid doesn’t contain tobacco, it does contain nicotine and other additives. Various chemicals and metals, including propylene glycol, are added to the liquid. In some cases, vegetable glycerin takes the place of the propylene glycol. Much like cigarette smoke, this aerosol mist and the chemical compounds it contains is inhaled into the lungs and then exhaled.

New Research Uncovers the True Extent of E-Cigarettes Risks

In 2016, Dr. Paul Ndunda led a cross-sectional study of 400,000 subjects to determine the long-term effects of vaping. The study examined the health risks people who smoke e-cigarettes face in comparison to the health risks for those who do not smoke. They found that vaping does increase the risks of several health conditions. Specifically, the researchers found that vaping increases the risk of stroke by 71 percent. There’s also 59 percent greater risk of suffering a heart attack, or of developing angina. In general, people who use e-cigarettes and vaping pens have a 40 percent higher chance of developing heart disease.

The heart wasn’t the only organ negatively impacted by vaping. The researchers found that vaping also increased the likelihood of developing popcorn lung, or bronchiolitis obliterans (BO). It does this by creating inflammation in the airways of the lungs, which leads to scarring in these tiny airways. As a result, the individual is likely to experience shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing. This condition can sometimes be mistaken with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), because the symptoms are very similar.

The culprit in e-cigarette mist is a chemical called diacetyl. It has long been known that diacetyl causes bronchiolitis obliterans. The chemical was formerly used in popcorn factories to give popcorn its buttery flavor, but upon discovering the health hazards this compound caused, its use was discontinued. Unfortunately, the FDA doesn’t hold e-liquid manufacturers to the same standards as food manufacturers, so it’s more difficult to determine exactly what chemicals are in the e-liquids.

A recent 2019 study examining e-cigarettes risks also found that vaping increases the risk of cancer. In fact, since e-liquids contain many of the same carcinogens as tobacco cigarettes, they may be almost as likely to cause cancer. When examining the genetic changes that occur to cause smoking-related cancer, the researchers found that those same alterations are caused by vaping. What’s more, the study found that the cancer-causing changes that are produced by vaping are more likely to occur in teens, because their bodies aren’t as fully developed.

How You Can Maintain a Healthy Heart

Quit Smoking and Vaping

The single most important thing you can do for your heart health and cardiovascular system and to avoid e-cigarettes risks is to quit vaping and smoking. Both activities deliver harmful toxins into your blood supply, while also exposing you to the harmful effects of nicotine.

Get More Exercise

This is especially important if you have significant belly fat, since more fat accumulation in this area has been linked to hypertension and abnormal levels of blood lipids. At a minimum, you should be getting 30 minutes of moderate- to high-intensity exercise each day.

Take a Dietary Supplement

Even if you think otherwise, you’re probably not getting all of the vitamins and nutrients your body needs to stay healthy. Taking a high-quality supplement that provides the natural ingredients necessary to keep your heart healthy and strong can help maintain cardiovascular health.

Eat a Balanced, Plant-Based Diet

While you can still eat a portion of lean red meat with each meal, the bulk of your meals should be made up of fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts and legumes. Additionally, switch to whole grains for better overall health.

Avoid Processed Foods

Pre-packaged food should be avoided as much as possible. These processed foods often contain high levels of refined sugar and trans fats, which will affect blood flow and cause weight gain.

Take Up a Hobby

Whether you enjoy building plastic models, knitting or doing crossword puzzles, it’s important to find hobbies that relax you. As you engage in stress-relieving activities, you’ll reduce the levels of stress hormones in your blood and this will help alleviate inflammation. Lowering inflammation means the heart won’t have to work as hard to efficiently pump blood throughout your body.

Parkinson’s Starts in the Gut, Suggests New Study

Jul 17 by Ewcopywriting

A new study from John Hopkins University School of Medicine suggests that Parkinson’s starts in the gut. These recent findings further support the theory that the gut microbiome strongly influences brain health.

Study Finds That Parkinson’s Starts in the Gut

Research conducted recently at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine sought to confirm the theory that Parkinson’s disease first develops in the gut. The study involved injecting small fibrous samples of alpha-synuclein into the guts of test mice and observing how the protein traveled through the system. Once delivered to the brains in humans, alpha-synuclein causes toxic clusters to form, which initiates the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. The goal was to see if alpha-synuclein would travel to the brain from the gut.

Ted M. Dawson, who co-authored the study, noted that the findings did confirm that the protein traveled to the brain from the gut microbiome. In addition to corroborating the theory that Parkinsons starts in the gut, the research also proved that the disease’s timeline could be tracked. In following the protein’s path, researchers could determine exactly how long it took to travel along the vagus nerve and on to the brain. Since the progression of the protein can be tracked, Mr. Dawson was hopeful that the data could be used to intervene in the development of the disease. Eventually, he hopes a way could be found to stop the protein from reaching the brain, where it causes those toxic clusters to form.

This research follows up a 2003 study that determined that the vagus nerve plays a critical role in carrying alpha-synuclein from the gut microbiome to the brain. It was found that, once the protein found its way to the brain, the clusters it formed inhibited the brain’s normal production of dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter is essential for proper motor control, mood regulation, concentration and other brain functions that are affected by the development of Parkinson’s disease.

Although the previous study implicated the vagus nerve in transporting alpha-synuclein to the brain, the latest study out of Johns Hopkins was the first animal model and helped researchers track the progression of the disease. It was found that alpha-synuclein took approximately one month to travel from the gut microbiome to the brain stem. Within two more months, the protein had spread to various parts of the brain. It affected the substantia nigra pars compacta, which is the portion of the brain that’s susceptible to Parkinson’s disease, and it also spread to the prefrontal cortex, amygdala and hypothalamus. Eventually the alpha-synuclein spread to the striatum, hippocampus and the olfactory bulb. Essentially, there were very few areas of the brain that were not negatively impacted by the presence of alpha-synuclein.

More Ways the Gut Microbiome Affects Brain Health

While this latest research identifies how Parkinson’s disease originates in the gut microbiome, it’s hardly surprising. We already knew that the gut and brain are connected and can affect one another. This is something we have all experienced even more than we may realize. For example, think about when you’re about to eat and you feel your stomach churning. Upon anticipating food, your brain sends a message to your stomach, which causes the release of digestive acids.

This connection works the other way, as well. An upset stomach can send messages to the brain to give you the symptoms of indigestion, but those types of messages can be sent in the opposite direction as well. This is why people often feel sick to their stomach when experiencing anxiety or a depressive episode.

Another way the connection between the gut and brain is made apparent is in how we react to stress. People tend to think of stress as a purely emotional or mental condition, but it does affect the physical body. Increased stress levels influence the way the gastrointestinal tract functions. By increasing the rate of contraction, stress can cause inflammation to worsen in the gut. If you happen to suffer from a gastrointestinal condition, or an infection, this increased inflammation can send stronger pain signals to the brain. In this way, the brain and gut are interconnected and continuously sending messages back and forth.

Signs That Your Gut Microbiome is Unhealthy

Now that we know the important role that the gut microbiome plays in brain functioning and emotional health, it becomes even more important to look after your gut health. While it can be difficult to know when your gut is unhealthy, paying closer attention to common signs of trouble is important. Recognizing these signs sooner will help you take the steps needed to maintain a healthier gut microbiome, thus improving overall health.

Stomach Problems

A healthy and diverse gut microbiome is more efficient at digesting your food and flushing waste out of your system. However, when there’s a problem, you’ll experience frequent stomach aches, diarrhea or constipation, heartburn and more frequent gas.

Sugar Cravings

If you eat an unhealthy diet, your gut microbiome won’t be as diverse and it will lack the healthy bacteria your body relies upon. As a result, your body will produce stronger cravings for sugar, which is known to increase inflammation. Feeding this craving will raise your risks of developing disease, including various types of cancer.

Weight Gain

If you’re gaining weight, or unable to lose weight, this may be a sign of a bacterial imbalance in your gut. Certain helpful microbes in the gut microbiome are essential for weight loss, so if you don’t have those types of bacteria, you won’t be able to reach or maintain a healthy weight.

Sleep Disorders

If you’re not getting enough sleep, the problem may be originating in the gut. This is where serotinin is produced and transmitted to the brain, so it can help regulate mood and your ability to sleep.

Even if you don’t recognize any of these symptoms, skin conditions or food allergies may be other indications that there’s an imbalance of bacteria in your gut. The best way to correct the problem is to adopt a healthier plant-based diet. Additionally, taking a high-quality dietary supplement that provides both probiotics and prebiotics can help you correct an imbalance. As you begin making these changes and other lifestyle improvements, you should notice these symptoms going away by themselves.

Prostate Cancer Urine Test Detects Cancer Earlier Than Traditional Methods

Jul 15 by Ewcopywriting

The prostate gland, located beneath the bladder just in front of the rectum, is essential to male health in that it helps produce certain compounds that make up semen, while also helping regulate urination. Prostate cancer is the leading type of cancer in men. While it is treatable when diagnosed early, the American Cancer Society estimates that of the approximately 161,360 new cases of prostate cancer each year, nearly 26,730 cases will be fatal. Now, a new prostate cancer urine test may help diagnose the illness even sooner than is currently typical. When combined with certain lifestyle changes and effective treatment, early diagnosis may improve the chances of beating this common cancer.

What is Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer has been difficult to diagnose in the past, because the symptoms may be minimal or not present at all. In general, the following symptoms may be observed in the early stages of the illness:

frequent need to urinate, even at night
trouble urinating, including difficulty in maintaining the stream
urine contaminated with blood
urinating and ejaculation may be painful
difficulty developing or maintaining an erection

Once the illness advances, the symptoms become more severe, making it easier to obtain a diagnosis. In the late stages, prostate cancer causes bone pain and increases the risks of developing bone fractures. Pain will be especially pronounced in the femur, ribs, pelvis and spine.

There are many treatment options available to men with an early diagnosis of prostate cancer, and the success rate is much higher when the illness is diagnosed early. In some cases, the prostate may be surgically removed. This ensures the cancer won’t spread to other organs in the body. In other cases, radioactive seeds are implanted in the prostate gland. This treatment, called brachytherapy, lets a doctor target the cancer cells directly, eliminating them safely. Depending on the location and size of the cancer, other types of radiation therapy may be used.

When prostate cancer grows more severe, it becomes harder to treat. In some situations, aggressive chemotherapy may be the best option. Another treatment is advanced hormone suppression therapy, which targets the androgens that can stimulate cancer growth in men. This type of treatment is usually considered to be a long-term, or ongoing, form of therapy.

Research Leads to Game-Changing Prostate Cancer Urine Test

A recent study conducted in the U.K. uncovered a way to use urine samples to identify the development of prostate cancer up to five years earlier than traditional diagnostic methods. A group of 535 men were asked to provide urine samples, which the researchers tested for the cell-free expression found in 167 different types of genes. From that group, the scientists were able to identify 36 gene markers that indicated a likelihood of developing prostate cancer. Dubbed the PUR test, this prostate cancer urine test would look for those genetic markers that raise the likelihood of developing prostate cancer in men.

Dr. Jeremy Clark, one of the researchers involved in the study, says this test is revolutionary in the degree of accuracy it provides. In addition to determining if an individual is at risk for prostate cancer, he says the degree of risk can also be determined. This test can take the place of more invasive procedures in some cases, which involve taking biopsies via the use of long needles.

Even more surprising was the fact that the PUR test could predict the development of cancer up to five years before traditional tests would provide a diagnosis. This means patients can be treated more successfully, while the cancer is still in the very early stages of development. Patients could be monitored for cancer growth once their risk of developing the illness was established. As soon as cancer cells were identified, treatment could begin to eradicate the growing cells.

There are already some screenings that men can undergo to determine their risk of developing prostate cancer. Most of these tests, such as a digital rectal exam, will look for masses that may potentially be prostate cancer. If something is found, a biopsy is necessary to confirm a diagnosis. While a biopsy may still be necessary following a PUR test, this test’s ability to diagnose the level of risk can help doctors anticipate prostate cancer earlier. Catching it early means treating the illness with less invasive procedures and improving the potential for a full recovery.

Natural Methods for Promoting Better Prostate Health

Fortunately, there are many natural ways for you to improve the health of your prostate gland. Even if your risk of developing prostate cancer is high, employing some of these suggestions can help you strengthen the prostate gland. This may reduce your risk of cancer growth.

Eat Anti-Inflammatory Foods

By eating foods that will help alleviate inflammation, you can maintain a healthier prostate gland. These foods include oily fish, plant-based foods and whole grains.

Avoid Foods That Are Likely to Harm Prostate Health

As you might expect, foods in this group include those with high sugar content and high trans-fats. Artificial sweeteners, processed foods and fried foods are also common culprits.

Take a Dietary Supplement

There are many supplements on the market that help improve overall health. Some effective natural supplements are specifically engineered to boost prostate health. Adding them to your diet can give you the natural boost your body needs to resist developing health problems.

Lose Weight

Obesity can instigate a number of health problems. For men, this includes an enlarged prostate and urinary tract infections. By engaging in more physical activity and burning off excess fat, you can lower the health risks to your prostate gland.

Since one in nine men are likely to develop prostate cancer, regular check-ups are essential. By visiting your doctor once per year, you may be able to identify prostate problems and other health concerns before they become too serious.

Common Antibacterial Chemical Linked to Osteoporosis

Jul 11 by Ewcopywriting

Throughout your lifetime, your body produces bone in order to maintain high bone density. However, with age, this process slows and bone loss can begin to outpace healthy bone production, resulting in a condition called osteoporosis. This condition can affect men, but it primarily affects older women as decreased levels of estrogen that accompany menopause contribute to the process. In women, estrogen helps protect the bones, but a deficiency causes bone growth to slow. With a new study showing a common antibacterial chemical linked to osteoporosis, looking for natural ways to boost bone health becomes a more pressing concern.

The Consequences of Osteoporosis

When a person develops osteoporosis, the health of their existing bones also becomes compromised. Since bone density is lost, the bones can become fragile and brittle. This is why people with osteoporosis are at a greater risk for fractures in the hips, spine and wrists. Although there are no observable symptoms of the condition, those who develop osteoporosis may exhibit a stooping of the spine. They may also experience bone pain as the condition worsens.

As previously mentioned, osteoporosis is most commonly the result of a decrease in estrogen levels in post-menopausal women. However, there are some lifestyle habits that can increase the risks of developing the condition. For instance, unhealthy eating habits deprive the body of essential vitamins and nutrients that help keep the bones strong and healthy. Additionally, smoking can also negatively impact bone health.

While there is no cure for osteoporosis, the condition can be treated by making lifestyle changes. Eating a healthier diet and taking certain dietary supplements can help strengthen the bones and slow the progression of the disease. Additionally, physical activity helps build body strength, including helping to stave off bone loss.

New Study Finds Common Chemical Linked to Osteoporosis

Triclosan, a chemical that was previously banned from use in antibacterial hand soap but can still be found in other personal care products like toothpaste, mouthwash and bar soap, has been found to pose serious health risks to millions of people in the way that it affects bone health. A recent study, which was conducted at China’s Hangzhou Medical College School of Public Health, sought to clarify why triclosan is so harmful to bone health.

The study drew data regarding adult women from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The data was gathered via face-to-face interviews from 1,848 adult women of various ages. In evaluating the women, bone density was tested, osteoporosis markers were examined and urine was tested for triclosan.

The research team discovered that women with higher levels of triclosan in their urine also had more mineral loss in their bones. Similarly, those with lower triclosan levels had healthier bone density. These results were not found in younger women, which may suggest that the effect triclosan has on bone density is cumulative.

The next step in the study was to compare triclosan levels with the presence of osteoporosis, but there were only a limited number of subjects with the condition. Of the post-menopausal women, only seven were found to have osteoporosis. These women were evaluated in four regions of the body for the presence of triclosan, but the compound could not be linked to osteoporosis in three of those regions. Within the fourth region, the upper thigh area, triclosan was associated with the development of osteoporosis.

While the study did show a link between triclosan and osteoporosis, the evidence wasn’t as compelling as was expected at the start of the study. The research did confirm that triclosan affects bone density in some way, but the research team admitted that further studies would be needed to more fully prove this common chemical linked to osteoporosis. Going forward, the next step will be to confirm a causal relationship between the compound and the development of osteoporosis.

Natural Ways to Boost Bone Health

Trying to avoid products that contain triclosan is one step you can take to keep bones healthy, but there are also many more natural ways to boost bone health. Here are just a few ways you can promote better bone health and stave off the loss of bone density.

Eliminate Bad Habits

As previously discussed, smoking is harmful to bone health. In particular, it can prevent new bone growth by decreasing estrogen production. Drinking alcohol can also negatively affect bone health.

Increase Physical Activity

Exercise protects your bones in a number of ways. First, it helps to build muscle, which serves as a better protective layer over bones than fat tissue. Additionally, frequent exercise will help improve balance, range of motion and agility, which are all useful in helping to prevent falls.

Vitamin D and Calcium

If you remember the milk commercials from your childhood, you already know that calcium is essential to bone health and growth. Every adult should be consuming 1,000 mg of calcium daily, but women over 51 years should be getting 1,200 mg daily. Anyone over the age of 71 should also be getting a minimum of 1,200 mg of calcium a day. Your body also needs vitamin D, which is used to help absorb calcium. The best way to get vitamin D is through moderate sun exposure, though it can be also be found in dietary supplements.

Additional Supplements for Bone Health

There are a number of other vitamins, minerals and natural compounds that can help keep bones strong. For instance, a steady supply of magnesium will aid dietary calcium in promoting better bone strength. Magnesium is found in dark, leafy green vegetables, nuts and whole grains.

An adequate supply of vitamin K will also help bone strength by binding calcium to the bones. In regard to vitamin K, taking too much can be just as harmful as developing a deficiency. If you choose to take a vitamin K supplement and you are on blood thinners, talk to your doctor first.

Finally, methylsulfonylmethane, or MSM, can help treat the pain and discomfort associated with osteoporosis. It does this by reducing internal inflammation and alleviating joint pain. MSM has also been found to boost the health of the immune system, which may help protect against bone loss and other traits of osteoporosis.

The best way to add these vitamins to your daily diet may be to take a comprehensive, high-quality supplement designed to promote better bone health. While a healthy diet and plenty of exercise is always essential to overall health, taking a supplement can help ensure you get all of the vitamins, minerals and bone-building ingredients you need each day.

Common Prescription Drugs Increase Dementia Risk

Jul 05 by Ewcopywriting

Dementia is a condition that involves memory loss, but also impacts one’s overall thinking and ability to function in social situations. According to a new study, certain prescription drugs increase dementia risk. This alarming discovery suggests that senior health may be adversely affected by the frequent use of these common medications.

What are the Symptoms of Dementia?

When people hear the word “dementia,” most automatically think of Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s is indeed one form of dementia, however there are actually many different types. Certain symptoms are common to most types of dementia. While memory loss is a typical symptom, experiencing memory problems can be the result of any number of medical conditions. Only when memory loss is one of many cognitive impairment symptoms does it indicate the possibility of dementia.

Most forms of dementia will produce one or more of the following symptoms:

memory loss
speech difficulties
visual and spatial impairments, which can result in getting lost
impaired problem solving abilities, which may affect reasoning
inability to perform complex tasks
impaired motor function and coordination difficulties
confusion and/or disorientation

With dementia, there are usually behavioral or emotional changes as well. For instance, a change in personality is common, as is increased irritability. The individual may also begin to suffer from depression, anxiety and similar disorders. Combined with the cognitive decline, these additional conditions may cause the individual to become frequently agitated and paranoid. Visual and auditory hallucinations are not uncommon with the onset of dementia.

Currently, there is no way to cure dementia. The best that can be hoped for is to stave off cognitive and emotional deterioration for as long as possible. While some medications may help, making lifestyle changes are important in controlling the symptoms of dementia. Keeping the mind active is especially important, so the individual should be encouraged to participate in social activities, playing games and pursuing other hobbies.

New Study Finds Prescription Drugs Increase Dementia Risk

It has long been suspected that anticholinergic drugs contribute to the development of dementia. Now, a new study may have confirmed that link. Anticholinergic drugs are prescribed to treat a number of medical conditions that are caused by the overproduction of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. As such, anticholinergic drugs are prescribed to help alleviate the symptoms of a number of different conditions, including depression, gastrointestinal problems and epileptic seizures.

In a recent observational study, researchers examined patient records over a decade-long period, which amounted to 1,095 daily administrations of anticholinergic drugs. Their research found that adults taking the equivalent of three doses per day of anticholinergic drugs across a three-year period experienced up to a 50-percent increase in risk of developing dementia. This was in comparison to adults who did not take any anticholinergic medications.

Carol Coupland, one of the authors of the study, confirmed that prescription drugs increase dementia risk. She noted that the affects seemed to be cumulative, meaning that an individual would have to take the medications for a long period of time before the risk of developing dementia was increased. She added that while there seemed to be an association between anticholinergic medication and dementia, there was no evidence that the drugs actually cause dementia. As an observational study, the research was not able to make that distinction.

Furthermore, the research only found a correlation between certain types of anticholinergic drugs. Studying patient records and comparing them to dementia diagnoses showed that there was no correlation between the following drugs and a higher risk of dementia:

antihistamines
muscle relaxants
gastrointestinal antispasmodics
antiarrhythmics
antimuscarinic bronchodilators

There are other anticholinergic drugs that do show a correlation with increased dementia risk. The study provides enough evidence to prompt further investigation into the link between these types of medications and the risks of developing dementia. Professor Coupland says that if a causal connection can be made, this may indicate that up to 10 percent of dementia cases may be the result of anticholinergic drugs. The research may also indicate that 20,000 of every 200,000 dementia diagnoses are preventable.

Even if a causal connection can be made, the need for anticholinergic drugs will still remain. Research may have to focus on the effects of reducing dosage size and frequency to determine an optimum level of treatment. The goal will be to treat the medical condition without raising the risks of dementia.

Boosting Your Mood Naturally May Be the Answer

Because depression and anxiety are commonly treated with anticholinergic drugs, doctors may soon begin looking for natural ways to treat those suffering from these common conditions. Finding alternative ways to boost serotonin levels in the brain may be key.

Serotonin is the “feel good” neurotransmitter produced by the brain as a reward for doing pleasurable activities. One promising study found that by increasing the levels of 5-HTP and tryptophan, which are compounds associated with serotonin production, serotonin levels may be similarly increased. This may be the best way to improve mood naturally, because, unlike serotonin, 5-HTP can cross the blood-brain barrier. In addition to this novel therapy, there are a few other methods for boosting mood naturally.

St. John’s Wort

Although not officially approved by the FDA as a depression treatment, St. John’s Wort can help boost mood. However, if you’re taking any other types of medication, such as chemotherapy, birth control or AIDS/HIV medication, check with your doctor first. St. John’s Wort has been known to interact with other substances.

SAMe

Like St. John’s Wort, S-adenosylmethionine, or SAMe, hasn’t been approved to treat depression. Although more clinical research is needed, some people do find that it helps elevate the mood. People with bipolar disorder should use the supplement with caution because it can trigger manic episodes.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Found in flaxseed, some fish and walnuts, Omega-3’s may be helpful in treating depression, anxiety and bipolar disorders. There’s still research ongoing to confirm the effectiveness of this supplement in treating mood disorders, but it is clear that it can provide a variety of health benefits, such as boosting heart health.

There may be other natural treatments that will help in the management of mood disorders without raising the risks of developing dementia. Before beginning any new treatment, discuss it with your doctor. Even natural supplements may interact with medications you may already be taking.

9 Surprising Things That Affect Heart Health

Jun 28 by Ewcopywriting

When it comes to optimizing overall health, taking care of your cardiovascular system should be one of your most pressing concerns. However, even if you have already adopted a healthier way of living, you may not be aware of some little-known things that affect heart health. For good or for ill, these lifestyle habits can have a bigger impact on your heart health than you may realize.

9 Surprising Things That Affect Heart Health

1. Coffee Consumption

The caffeine in coffee acts as a stimulant, which is why it helps you feel more alert and productive. Since it stimulates the various body functions, it has been found to boost brain function and cardiovascular function, indicating that moderate amounts of coffee can be beneficial. However, drinking six or more cups of coffee per day can actually harm you by increasing blood pressure. As a result, too much caffeine consumption may raise the risks of cardiovascular disease.

2. Workplace Environment

Recent research has found that high-stress jobs, such as those that are mentally demanding, can contribute to a heartbeat disorder known as atrial fibrillation. This condition increases the likelihood of experiencing a stroke, because it interrupts the steady supply of oxygen to the brain. Additionally, stressful work environments have been linked to higher instances of hypertension and high cholesterol in workers. In a recent observational study, researchers found that 24 percent of workers in high-noise environments suffered from hypertension, while 28 percent had developed high cholesterol. This research indicates that people involved in the manufacturing, construction and technical trades may be more likely to suffer from heart disease.

3. Watching Television

We have long been told that watching too much television is harmful to overall health, but how much is too much? According to a recent study, watching 21 hours of TV per week may be enough to damage your heart health, boosting the of developing hypertension by 68 percent. Compared to those who watch less than seven hours of television per week, people who watch 21 hours or more also have a 50 percent higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

4. Eating Breakfast

A high energy-breakfast can have a positive impact on heart health, especially when compared to a low-energy breakfast. In a new study, researchers compared those who typically consumed high-energy breakfast with those who consumed a low-energy breakfast or no breakfast at all. A high-energy breakfast tended to be one that accounted for more than 20 percent of daily calories, and consisted of foods like cheese and dairy products, honey, cereal and breads. Low-energy breakfasts included foods like coffee, fruit, olives and honey, and provided less than 20 percent of daily calorie intake. The research found that those in the high-energy group had healthier arteries than those in the other groups. To gain these benefits, the research team suggests attempting to obtain at least 20 percent of your daily calorie intake from your breakfast.

5. Eating Blueberries

Metabolic syndrome is a growing problem, affecting millions of people annually. It’s an umbrella term that describes people who suffer from obesity, high blood pressure and heightened levels of triglycerides, cholesterol and blood glucose. Recent research revealed that eating just one cup of blueberries per day can significantly improve your metabolic profile. Since metabolic syndrome often leads to cardiovascular disease, a serving of blueberries may reduce risks to your heart health.

6. Financial Worries

While you don’t need research to tell you that financial concerns can cause you to experience stress, this particular kind of stress may also be contributing to poor heart health. A recent study found that financial concerns made subjects 13 times more likely to suffer from a heart attack. By way of comparison, work-related stress increased that risk by just 5.6 times. The research also found that the depression caused by financial stress also raised the risks of developing heart disease.

7. Listening to Music

While there are many lifestyle-related dangers to heart health, listening to music may be able to counteract some of that harm. In particular, listening to soothing or uplifting music helps lower blood pressure, reduce stress and regulate the heart beat. Music therapy is used commonly these days because it also helps improve blood flow throughout the body. Research has discovered that rock music and classical music are especially effective in keeping arterial walls flexible.

8. Taking a Bath

In a recent study, researchers evaluated the heart health benefits of taking a hot bath, or one consisting of water that is 41°C (105.8°F). The subjects, 873 seniors, were asked to remain in the bath for 12.4 minutes. The researchers found that taking up to five or six hot baths per week had a profoundly positive effect on heart health. The effects on risks of atherosclerosis and cardiac loading were among the chief benefits noted in the study.

9. Having the Flu

Recent findings suggest that people who are already at risk for developing heart disease face greater risks of suffering a heart attack within the first weeks of contracting the flu. The risk of suffering an acute myocardial infarction is further complicated when NSAIDs and other cold remedies are taken. Decongestants, for example, constrict the blood vessels, creating even more strain on the cardiovascular system. For this reason, at-risk people are urged to get the seasonal flu shot and to take precautionary steps to prevent contracting influenza.

While benefiting from some of these research results may require making significant lifestyle changes, it may be time to consider them. Heart disease is a major health concern in the United States and it kills more than 610,000 people annually. Doing what you can to alleviate stress on your heart and to maintain a healthy cardiovascular system will help you to live a higher-quality of life for a longer period of time.