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Being a natural athlete I’ve always sought to find more ways to increase testosterone levels naturally. The question I’ve always asked myself was what are the variables, which determine how much testosterone is boiavailable. I’ve read articles before, giving some advice on what in my every day life causes my test levels to go up and what causes them to go down. But after an extensive research I couldn’t find an article, explaining in detail how and actually what exactly I should manipulate directly in my system to achieve the effects I desired – namely not only higher levels of circulating testosterone but also how much of it will be available to the corresponding receptors in the cell walls. Moreover, I wanted to know all this in regards to natural bodybuilding… So, I decided to do some good digging and reading and then if I manage to put things together, to lay that in writing form so that others can benefit as well. Without wasting even a minute more I will start this off by describing what testosterone is and what it does in the human body. Testosterone is a steroid hormone with anabolic and androgenic properties. It is the main hormone, responsible for the increase in lean muscle tissue, increased libido, energy, bone formation, and immune function. Testosterone is secreted in the testes in men and in the ovaries in women. Small amounts are also secreted in the adrenal glands. Testosterone is derived from cholesterol. The levels of testosterone in men range between 350 and 1,000 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dl). After the age of 40 these normal levels start dropping by roughly 1 per cent a year. In the blood stream testosterone circulates in great percentage bound to so called binding proteins. Sex Hormone Binding Globulin or SHBG is the one that concerns us the greatest. Why? Because this is the main reason why testosterone might not be available to reach the cell receptor. When testosterone gets attached to SHBG, it is no longer able to perform its anabolic functions. What elevates SHGB: Anorexia nervosa, Hyperthyroidism, Hypogonadism (males), Androgen insensitivity/deficiency, Alcoholic hepatic cirrhosis (males), Primary biliary cirrhosis (females). What suppresses SHGB: Obesity, Hypothyroidism, Hirsutism (females), Acne vulgaris, Polycystic ovarian disease, Acromegaly, Androgen-secreting ovarian tumors Less than 1% of the circulating testosterone is in a free form in males (less that 3% in females). Only when in a free form this hormone can exhibit its properties by connecting to the androgen receptors on the cell walls. Based on a study 14 to 50 per cent of the testosterone is bound to SHBG in males and 37 to 75 in females. It is worth mentioning that SHGB poses very high affinity for binding to testosterone. Therefore, changes in the SHGB levels noticeably influence the level of bioavailable testosterone. Let’s discuss for a moment what exactly a testosterone bioavailability is. Other than SHGB there are two more testosterone-binding proteins, also called carriers. One of them is albumin. It is a low-affinity binding protein, thus testosterone bound to it is considered “bioavailable”. Albumin binds to testosterone in the range 45 to 85 per cent in men (25 – 65 in women). The third carrier is the cortisol binding globulin, which binds also with low-affinity to less that 1 % of the testosterone in circulation. The free androgen index (FAI) indicates the amount of bioavailable testosterone. FAI is the sum of the free testosterone and the albumin and cortisol binding globulin. Or it’s the total serum testosterone minus the SHGB-bound testosterone. It is now clear why we should focus our attention on the properties of SHGB. The levels of this binding protein increase when there is excess estrogen present. Conversely, SHGB levels drop if the testosterone levels are elevated. Here I should mention the fact that SHGB exhibits higher affinity to testosterone than to estrogen. Now, pay close attention… It’s a well-known fact that testosterone is an estrogen precursor – it will convert to estrogen under the influence of the enzyme aromatase. Nothing that we don’t know so far. Here is where it gets interesting. Suppose that we have normal testosterone levels and we don’t suffer from any of the health ailments, which influence the SHGB levels. That means that SHGB levels are normal, too. Bare with me now. If more of this testosterone is converted to estrogen due to abnormal aromatase levels, the SHGB I will increase as well. SHGB, being more readily bound to testosterone, will leave us with excess estrogen levels in the system, which in turn will stimulate increased production of the SHGB protein from the liver. This whole process ultimately amplifies estrogen levels. Estrogen readily binds to the androgen receptors in cells thus leaving less opportunity for the free testosterone. Even more important, estrogen is the messenger molecule that signals the brain to decrease testosterone production. Another thing of great importance is the fact that over 40 per cent of the SHGB protein circulates unbound in the blood stream in man (over 80 per cent in women), and albumin circulates unbound almost all of the time. Thus increase in the total testosterone levels does not produce any noticeable changes in the free testosterone levels unless there is a significant increase like the one seen after synthetic steroid hormone administration. Well, this whole story brings us to the conclusion that the main approach should be - to keep the testosterone bioavailability high. In this regard a natural athlete should strive to: · Prevent testosterone levels from getting low · Attempt to increase the total testosterone as a means of keeping the testosterone levels from plunging · Block the testosterone-binding effects of SHBG · Lower the levels of the enzyme aromatase - less testosterone conversion to estrogen 1. How to prevent testosterone levels from getting low? - Obesity. Based on the way the testosterone-estrogen mechanism works, increased levels of estrogen will ultimately decrease the circulating testosterone. Excess fat causes more estrogen production due to the fact that fat cells are those, which manufacture estrogen. So, the more fat cells, the more estrogen in the blood and the less testosterone. - Drug and alcohol abuse. Alcohol has the property to inhibit your ability to remove estrogen from the blood stream by acting as a central nervous system depressant and also by decreasing zinc levels. - Stress elevates corticosteroid levels in the blood steam, which causes the testosterone levels to decrease. - Medications. Some medications, including estrogen and progesterone, lower the lutenizing hormone (LH) levels. LH is the hormone, responsible for the steroid hormones production. - Diabetes. Studies suggest that there is a link between type 2 diabetes and lower testosterone levels. - Hypertension and high cholesterol levels. These both cause the arteries to harden, this way decreasing the blood flow to the sex hormone producing organs. That of course leads to low sex hormone levels. - Aging. Fact is after the age of 40 test levels drops by roughly one per cent per year. We can’t do too much about that. The clock keeps ticking for all of us. However, we can try to manipulate testosterone levels in any other possible way. - Low fat diet. Low fat consumption causes increase of the SHGB, which means one thing – less free testosterone. It is considered that monounsaturated fats play an important role in testosterone levels and bioavailability. - Overtraining can contribute to as much as 40 per cent drop in testosterone levels. That is why it’s important to notice early the signs of overtraining and give the body a week or two well-deserved rest. - Not enough sleep. If you are not getting enough sleep the body is not recuperating well, which causes less testosterone and more corticosteroids to be released. Just to mention corticosteroids like cortisol are in fact catabolic hormones meaning they use up muscle tissue to provide the brain and the heart with energy. - Vitamin C. It suppresses the release of the stress hormone cortisol. Cortisol decreases testosterone levels. So, ultimately less cortisol, more testosterone. 2. How to boost testosterone levels - Incorporate basic movements that involve several muscle groups in your training routine. Good ones are squats, dead lifts, and military presses. Basic (compound) exercises have been shown to play an important role in the testosterone levels. - The greatest workout related testosterone production occurs with the use of heavier weights and lower rep range. A study shows that the best is 85 per cent of your one-rep max. - Tribulus terestris is a natural supplement, which has been shown in some studies to have the ability to increase the leutenizing hormone (LH) levels. As we already mentioned above, one of the functions of LH is to stimulate testosterone production by the testes. 3. Block the testosterone-binding effects of SHBG - Nettle root as a highly concentrated extract has shown to be effective at binding to SHBG and therefore it permits more free testosterone to circulate the system. It also acts as a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor. This is the enzyme, responsible for the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a more potent form of the male sex hormone, which causes prostate enlargement and ultimately cancer. Methanolic extract of nettle can also cut down the SHBG levels, which is another form of elevating the free testosterone in the blood stream. - Pygeum (prunus africana) is another herb, known to block the testosterone-binding effects of SHBG. Nettle root and pygeum extracts also benefit the prostate gland as a preventive treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) both by blocking the 5-alpha reductase action. - Avena Sativa is an extract from the straw of oats. It has somewhat different properties. It works by freeing bound testosterone, which increases the free testosterone in circulation. 4. Lowering aromatize levels - Zinc. The mineral zinc inhibits the aromatase enzyme that converts testosterone into excess estrogen. The recommended dose for inhibiting aromatase is 80mg daily. However, be sure the combined zinc quantity of all the daily supplements you are taking does not go over this benchmark. - Chrysin is a bioflavonoid that has shown a potential as a natural aromatase inhibitor. Chrysin is poorly absorbed in the system. It is found that when taken along with piperine, chrysin exhibits a lot better absorption. Supplementation with chrysin and piperine together might bring good results in reducing aromatase levels. How does this all apply to the sport of natural bodybuilding Let’s assume you are an individual, who exercises regularly and who doesn’t consider taking exogenous steroid hormones. With other words you are a natural athlete or enthusiast, who desires to keep his natural testosterone levels in the range, favoring good health and lean muscle mass build up. Here is what you do: 1. If you are even slightly overweight consider staring immediately a diet and training routine, tailored toward fat loss and lean muscle retention. 2. Consider also dropping the alcohol intake to absolute minimum if you want your efforts in keeping test levels high to give results. 3. Begin mastering some types of self-control or even meditation. These will take care of the excess stress levels. 4. Take medications only if they are absolutely essential for your health and are prescribed by your doctor. Talk to your personal physician to find out if there are any natural remedies to replace your current medications and if he recommends such approach for your health issue. 5. Keep your blood pressure and the serum cholesterol in check. 6. Eat enough good fats in your diet. Good means monounsaturated and omega-3 and 6 polyunsaturated fats. 7. Don’t ever overtrain. Sleep enough to promote good recovery. Signs of overtraining are loss of appetite, tiredness and irritability, lack of motivation, impaired mental focus, prolonged recovery periods. 8. Start relying more heavily on basic exercise movements. Train in the low rep range most of the time. 5 – 8 reps will ensure that you’re using weights that will eventually stimulate elevated testosterone levels. 9. It will only do you good if you decide to try some or all of these natural supplements: chrysin - piperine blend, nettle root extract, pygeum, avena sativa extract, and tribulus terestris. Try to find them in your local health store. Follow the directions for best results. 10. And you shouldn’t even consider training without supplementing your diet with enough vitamin C (at least 1g a day) and zinc (15mg min.). Take vitamin C with your multivitamin formula after breakfast, and post-workout with your protein shake. Zinc should be present in your multivitamin blend but this is not enough. Take zinc with magnesium in the form of ZMA right before you go to bed on an empty stomach. References: Ron Geraci, Men's Health, December 25, 2000; 13 Ways to Naturally Boost Your Testosterone Levels LE Magazine January 2000; Replenish Testosterone Naturally Plant extracts favorably alter hormone metabolism and improve sexual desire in men Jennifer A. Kelly, Ph.D. and Leo Vankrieken, Eur. Eng. Diagnostic Products Corporation; Sex Hormone Binding Globulin and the Assessment of Androgen Status Cockatoo.com; Avena Sativa - are oats an aphrodisiac? Gabe Mirkin, M.D.; High Cholesterol Causes Low Testosterone Bodybuilding.com, Chrysin Info And Products - Block Estrogen, Increase Testosterone vigrx penis pills penile enlargement pic before and after free penis enlargement tip vimax penis enlargement testimonials top pnis enlargement pills penis enlagement surgeries homemade penis enhancement natural penis enhancement

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The Prostate: Part I – BNP What is situated below a body of water, has four zones and is commonly associated with venial pleasures. No it is not some romantic European city, but rather a walnut sized male organ that serves important procreative functions. It also happens to be an organ that plagues men as we age. This organ or gland is the prostate. This is the first of two articles on the male prostate. This article will focus on a disease process that affects older men, something we refer to as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is a non-cancerous growth in the size of the prostate gland that impairs the flow of urine out of the bladder. The second article will focus of prostate cancer. But first a little about the small yet important male organ. The gland is located just below the bladder. It usually measures one inch by one-and-a-half inches (approximately the size of a walnut). It surrounds the urethra (the tube that takes urine out of the bladder). It is responsible for producing a fluid important in male sexual function. In the past the prostate was described as having “lobes”, but today we refer to it as having concentric zones. These zones are important both on an anatomical as well as histological level. We can separate pathology along these zones as well. For instance most all cancers occur in the peripheral zone while the benign process of enlargement occurs almost exclusively in the transitional zone (which only occupies about 5% of the total prostate volume). The prostate gland is also made up of different cell types. Cancer cells develop from the epithelial cells, but it is the interaction with stromal cells that is important in the behavior of the cancer. BPH develops from an interaction between these cells as well, but it is complex and poorly understood. Testosterone and other hormones and their interactions with this gland are hot topics of research in understanding prostate disease. The prostate gland produces most of what is found in the male ejaculate. The average volume is about 3 mL. This is less than a teaspoon and only 1% of it is sperm. The majority of the semen volume is made of products of the seminal vesicles and the prostate. The male ejaculate is very rich in potassium, zinc, citric acid and fructose. Along with these substances it also contains prostaglandins. There are many other unusual substances found in the semen. Not all is know about their function or purpose. This important male organ is a complex mix of anatomical structures and cell types that make it possible for human reproduction. However beyond the reproductive years of men, this organ becomes one of burden rather than usefulness. We will discuss the finer points of BPH and how to best avoid it and if plagued with it, treatment options. BPH typically affects men from their fourth to fifth decade of life and beyond. Several hormones come into play that have a drastic effect on the transitional zone (the zone that is most central and surrounding the urethra). Namely a metabolite of the male androgen Testosterone called Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) plays a big part on the enlargement of cells of the prostate and the encroachment on the urethra. There are several signs and symptoms that correlate with BPH and they are: slow urinary flow, the urge to urinate all the time, nighttime urination, enlargement and distension of the bladder with continuous urine leakage (incontinence) and urinary obstruction. Autopsies suggest that more than 90% of men older than 70 years have BPH. The average age for symptomatic development is about 65 years for white Americans and about 60 years for African-American men. Ways to prevent the effects of DHT on the prostate gland and the ensuing enlargement are via medications that block the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which converts Testosterone to DHT. Proscar is such a drug commercially available through a pharmaceutical company. Proscar works on blocking the effects of androgens on the epithelial cells and can actually shrink the size of the prostate making some of the symptoms of BPH resolve. Alternatively two FDA approved drugs that aid in symptoms of BPH (but act differently than Proscar) are Hytrin and Cardura. Both Hytrin and Cardura are drugs in the alpha1-blocker class. Originally researched as a centrally acting blood pressure reducer for patient with hypertension, it was discovered that this drug would actually relax the prostate tissue surrounding the urethra making symptoms of BPH resolve. Side effects generally include low blood pressure, dizziness, and nasal stuffiness. While neither of these two drugs will “cure” or reverse the process, they certainly do provide symptom relief for the patient plagued with BPH. Another way to treat this disease and a more natural approach is the use of herbs know for their anti-androgenic effects on the prostate. These include the well-studied Saw Palmetto herbal extract that blocks 5-alpha-reductase in the same manner as the prescription drug. Saw Palmetto taken in a standardized dose of 160mg twice daily has shown increased urine flow, with minimal side effects. Saw Palmetto is an herb indigenous to the Lowcountry of Georgia and South Carolina. Pygeum Africanum is shown to do the same yet it is not as effective and there is a fair degree of stomach symptoms. Pygeum is derived from an African evergreen tree. Stinging Nettles (Radix urticae) is another herb used widely in Europe for prostate health that has been shown to lower the residual urine volume in men with enlarged prostates. These phytotherapeutics (plant derived medicines), used and described by the Egyptians as far back as the 15 Century B.C., have a common compounds called phytosterols. The most effective phytosterol is beta sito sterol for BPH. None of the medications or herbs has been shown to prevent prostate cancer. These prescription medications and herbs are for the treatment, reduction in size or prevention of the benign process of enlargement of the prostate. Prostate cancer prevention and treatment is by other means and the subject of the next article. Besides the herbal and drug therapies there are a few surgical therapies worth mentioning. These include the most common transurethral resection of the prostate or TURP. This is where under the care of an urologist the constricted urethra within the prostate gland is “reamed out” thus mechanically or surgically widened the opening. A variant of this is the transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP) where an incision rather than resection of the tissue is performed. A suitable procedure for patients with prostates 100 mL in volume. This involves an abdominal operation and removal of the whole prostate. Of course symptoms mentioned above for TURP are of greater frequency with this more radical procedure. There is also thermotherapy (a type of microwave treatment) that alleviates irritative symptoms, but not much is available in long-term results in the medical literature. And finally stent placement is an option. This can be used in selected cases of patients with a poor general condition and in the non-operative candidate. Symptoms of BPH include: Obstructive symptoms: Hesitancy in initiating voiding (trouble getting started) Weak urinary stream, prolonged voiding Post-voiding dribbling (mild incontinence) Sensation of incomplete emptying Nocturia (night time urination) Overflow incontinence Acute urinary retention (very painful condition) Irritative symptoms: Dysuria (discomfort in urination) Frequency Urgency Scoring BPH: The American Urological Association Symptom Index (AUASI) and International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) are now considered the gold standard measurement tools for the assessment of BPH symptoms and response to treatment. Both questionnaires can be used by a physician in a clinical practice to quantify the subjective symptoms of BPH and monitor therapies. Part II in this series will cover annual examination of the prostate, blood testing, prostate cancer. It will also cover prevention and treatment of prostate cancer. Reference: http://www.prostatehealth.com Lowe, FC. Et al, Phytotherapy in treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: a critical review. Urology 48:12-19, 1996 Dreikorn, K. et al, Stellenwert von Phytotherapeutica dei der Behandulng der benighnen Prostatahyperplasia. Urologe (A)34:119-129, 1995 Fitzpatrick, J.M. et al, Phytotherapeutic Agents in Management of Symptomatic Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. Urological Clinics of North America. 22:407-412, 1995 Wilt T, Ishani A, Mac Donald R.. Serenoa repens for benign prostatic hyperplasia. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2002, Issue 3. Art. No.: CD001423. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD001423. [Research by Sagalowski and Wilson, 1998] © 2005 plastic surgery penis enhancement vimax customer service penis elargement system pennis enlargement drug vimax home penis enlargement prosolution penis enhancement pills penis enargement result guide to penis enlargment penile enlargement before and after photo

Preserve Your Memories With the proliferation of digital cameras, more people are taking more pictures. People are snapping pictures of children, nature scenes, sports and special events at an ever increasing rate. Cell phone cameras are improving quicky. These digital images can be used to create personalized artwork that will help preserve your memories. In Search of the Perfect Picture The perfect picture may seem elusive for an amateur photographer, but perfect moments happen all the time. Perhaps your toddler is just learning to walk or Junior steals second base. These can be perfect moments. Rather than try to list them, let's just say that a perfect moment is whatever you define it to be. Getting a perfect picture of that moment is elusive at best. The average amateur digital photagrapher faces problems that belie the advertising of digital cameras as easy, one-step devices that cannot take a bad shot. Not every picture you take with a digital camera is a masterpiece. Many of your digital images do have redeeming value though. Many digital pictures look dark or blurry and an odd color. There is a limit to the amount of improvement that can be accomplished, but most digital images can be improved. With patience and a bit of practice, even beginning photographers can improve their photography technique. A steady camera, a little reading about compostion and above all, patience, will produce pictures that, perhaps not destined for the Louvre, will call to mind that perfect moment and help retain the precious memory. Can This Picture be Saved? A modern digital camera can do a lot of the work for you. It cannot aim itself, but it is quite capable of focusing and judging the amount of available light. Still, the most common problem with digital images is lighting. Images often appear dark and discolored. Though these images may be less than perfect, they often contain an amazing amount of image information. There are numerous software applications available that can brighten up these images and perform a bit of color correction. In many cases, a dark, discolored image may turn out well if adjusted properly. This is part of the beauty of digital photography technology. What is the Subject of This Image When you snap an image with your digital camera, you know the subject of the shot. Sometimes, when you look at the image later, the subject of the shot is not so obvious. This is where image cropping becomes valuable. Cropping allows you to remove the extraneous areas of the image and emphasize the subject. Again, many software applications exist that can help you perform this task. Cropping may transform a mediocre image into a family hierloom. Image Quality and Stretching Digital cameras come in many resolutions. Resolution refers to the number of pixels a camera will use to store a digital image. More pixels, more quality. Click here to view a chart that will give you some information about resolutions and print quality from bhphotovideo.com. As the chart suggests, images that you want to print in a larger size will suffer quality degradation as they are strechted. Poster layout allows enlargement of images with sensitivity to quality. Inclusion of several images into a piece of artwork allows higher quality images to carry the load while less than perfect images of perfect moments jog the memories of those happy times. Use Your Own Photography OK, you practiced your photography and now own several images that have meaning in your life. What next? Work with pix2posters.com to help you create unique artwork based on your digital images. Artwork based on your own memories will last a lifetime and become a cherished part of your home. online vigrx enlargement erection penis pills vimax penis enlarement procedure elargement free penis pills sample vigrx hoax penis enlargement without pills penile enlargment pic before and after manual penis enlagement penile enlargement before and after photo

The new gimmick of the town, GOJI, people are going gaga about this Berry. The new libido enhancer berry can ‘make Viagra run for its money’! Pfizer may laugh at this statement! Yet another misunderstanding of total Viagra mechanism! The hot favorite ED medicine of the nation is still being misinterpreted even after eight years of its regime. The Goji berry has been given a pet name “Natural Viagra” by those Goji sellers who want us to buy them. Before you get convinced about the ‘Natural’ Viagra, let me again explain what is Viagra and what exactly Goji berry does to you. Goji is a Himalayan berry found and grown in Tibetan and inner Mongolian area. There is another wrong notion running on the minds of the people that Goji berry means Wolfberry which is found in China. The fact is that they are different types of berries, Goji berry is much sweeter, better in taste and contains extremely high level of antioxidants, vitamins, calcium and minerals. The scientific name for Goji is Lycium barbarum and for Wolfberry it is Lycium Chinese. In many articles across the internet we find the Goji sellers are stating that Viagra, the artificial libido enhancer is now being replaced by Goji, the natural remedy to boost your sexual drive. Celebrities like Madonna and Kate Moss are said to eat Goji for its benefits. True that Goji has 500 times more Vitamins compared to oranges and can slow ageing process, improve skin and protect from any type of cancer. May be it can enhance your libido…that will be an added advantage of buying this costly fruit. Is it not obvious that with a fit body, you are more likely to enjoy sex and feel like involving into sex? So, naturally Goji can be a good libido enhancer…but hey! Please stop saying that Viagra is going to get a run for its money! VIAGRA IS NOT A LIBIDO ENHANCER; IT IS NOT A LIFESTYLE MEDICINE WHICH INCREASES YOUR SEXUAL DRIVE. IT IS A TREATMENT FOR ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION AND IT REQUIRES SEXUAL STIMULATION TO GIVE YOU AN ERECTION. VIAGRA RELAXES THE MUSCLES IN THE PENIS AND INCREASES THE BLOOD FLOW TO GIVE A STRONG ERECTION SO THAT IT MAY RESULT IN SUCCESSFUL VAGINAL PENETRATION AND INTERCOURSE. The above information is already known to you, but I am trying to remind you so that you keep it in mind, what Viagra actually does to you in case of erectile dysfunction. It was for those who get swept by the sales talks and forget the repeatedly told facts …just like we forget real meaning of the statutory warning written on the pack of a cigarette “Cigarette smoking is injurious to health”…remember! You have a problem with your penis erection, but not with your sexual drive, or libido. Because you can get sexually excited but cannot get a firm erection or sustain your erection for vaginal penetration. Libido and impotence are total different aspects of your sexual life. You have to understand this. If you are person with erectile dysfunction and have started eating the Goji berry in anticipation of a great sexual experience …give it a second thought, you are going to waste your money? In such a case, the Goji berries cannot help you. The only way remains the PDE5 inhibitors by which you can get an erection for your penis. Of course Goji berry may replace your artificial means of vitamins and minerals! But if you are one of those who wish to enhance your sexual drive, remember that if you are suffering from weakness due to lack of vitamins and malnutrition, you will naturally be lacking sexual drive and suffering from low libido. Once you overcome these weaknesses and have a healthy body, your sexual drive will automatically go up! This is what Goji berry can do to you…and this is no miracle, just science! com enlargement penile penile pump free penis enlargement pill vimax penis enlargement pic before and after penis elargement pills review buy penis enhancement pills penis enlargement before and after photo pennis enlargement surgery vimax penile enlargement before and after photo

Hypertension is the term doctors use for high blood pressure. It’s often referred to as a Silent Killer since many people may have no noticeable symptoms. Over 50 million people suffer from high blood pressure, but nearly one third aren’t even aware of it. Hypertension is a major risk factor for heart disease, the nations’ number one killer. Those who do experience the symptoms of high blood pressure feel dizzy, headaches and sometimes nosebleeds. Unfortunately, by the time symptoms are felt, blood pressure is dangerously high. But many people with uncontrolled high blood pressure never have any of these symptoms. Blood pressure is the force of the blood through your arteries as your heart pumps blood through your circulatory system. Blood pressure is reported as a fraction, with one number over the other. The top number, called the systolic pressure, is the force when your heart contracts, the bottom number, called the diastolic pressure, is the pressure when you hear relaxes between beats. To measure your blood pressure, an inflatable cuff is wrapped around your arm, and air is pumped in. The doctor or nurse, while watching the pressure gauge, listens with a stethoscope for your pulse to disappear. The pressure at which your pulse can no longer be heard corresponds to the systolic pressure. The cuff is released and the pressure at which your pulse can be heard again is the diastolic pressure. Like the pressure in your car tires, pressure is measure in millimeters of mercury or mmHg. Typically, healthy people have a blood pressure at or below 120/80mmHg. Your risk of heart or CV disease has recently been found to begin increase at a much lower level, blood pressure of 115/75. Blood pressure above 120/80 is considered by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) to be pre-hypertenson. A BP of 140/90 mmHg is considered too high, and represents a significantly increased risk of heart disease. Unfortunately, high blood pressure is more common in certain racial and ethnic minority groups, including blacks, Hispanics, and American Indians/Alaska Natives. Factors controlling your Blood Pressure High blood pressure can result from several factors. The heart itself can impact blood pressure. The heart muscles itself can enlarge, causing higher pressure of blood exiting the heart. Cardiomyopathy or enlargement of the heart muscle also increases blood pressure. Excess weight makes your heart work harder to pump blood through the body. Extra fluid in your circulatory system as a result of lots of salt intake, kidney problems or other medical conditions also puts a higher demand on the heart. Increased blood volume also causes more constriction within the blood vessels, translating into higher blood pressure. The blood vessels play an important role in your blood pressure. Usually, the arteries are elastic and can expand and contract in rhythm with the hearts pumping action. High cholesterol and the plaques that form cause the arteries to lose their elasticity. Each time the heart pumps, the vessel can no longer stretch, and a higher pressure is created. Just think about what happens if you step on a garden hose. Smoking cigarettes constricts, or tightens your blood vessels, pushing the blood pressure even higher. Some medications you take such as steroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), nasal decongestants and other cold remedies, diet pills, cyclosporine, erythropoetin, tricyclic antidepressants and a type of anti-depressant called monoamine oxidase inhibitors can also contribute to increased BP. Oral contraceptive, which are hormones, can raise blood pressure and should be used cautiously and carefully monitored in patients with HTN. Treatment for Hypertension If you are diagnosed with high blood pressure, your doctor will most likely order additional test to determine the cause of your elevated blood pressure. He or she will also recommend more frequent visits to monitor you. For moderate hypertension, lifestyle changes may be enough to normalize blood pressure. One of the first things you can do is change your diet to avoid sodium or salt, and lower your fat intake. The National Institutes of Health's DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) is rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy foods, and low in total and saturated fat. The DASH diet also reduces red meat, sweets, and sugary drinks, and it's rich in potassium, calcium, magnesium, fiber, and protein. Increasing physical activity can help to lower your blood pressure. By doing at least 30 minutes of exercise a day, your risk of complications can be reduced. If you are overweight, starting a weigh loss plan can also help bring your blood pressure into the normal range. If dietary and lifestyle changes alone don't normalize your blood pressure, the next step is medication. If your doctor recommend medication, it is vital that you take it exactly as directed. Because most people don’t notice any symptoms of hypertension, even if you are feeling well, it is crucial to stick to your medication regimen. Never stop taking medication without discussing it with your healthcare team, even if you feel fine.