Tips On Staying Healthy
RISE AND SHINE!!
Start your day with praise and thanksgiving unto God the creator of all life! This is called tithing your day...thanking God simply for who He is.
How to Stay Healthy: Drink alkaline based water daily. Drink mineral water regularly. Do a pH test of your drinking water. Water with a pH below 7 is acidic and unhealthy. Water with pH of 7.5 to 10 is healthy and healing to the body. Vitamin+mineral supplements - take plant based, all natural multivitamins daily. Recommended 2,000IU of vitamin D3 daily or 5,000IU every other day . Do not take vitamin D2 regularly, because it's the artificial version of vitamin D. Foods To Eat: Avoid regular table salt. Instead, use Sea Salt. Avoid bleached flours. Use unbleached flours, whole grain, sprouted grain and ancient grain flours. Avoid regular processed white sugar, corn syrups, high fructose corn syrup, and all artificial sweeteners. Use organic maple syrup as the first choice, then organic cane sugar or sweeten with fruit juice or other all natural organic sweeteners. Pomegranate fruit juice or cinnamon cooked with sweet potatoes can help you keep your sugar levels normal. Please note that raw cinnamon is considered a food irritant and should be cooked (making hot tea, or baking apple pies, etc.) Eat raw fruits, berries and vegetables every day. If you eat meat , buy only organic meat to avoid hormones and preservatives and avoid farm raised salmon due to coloring used to make farm raised fish appear the color of wild salmon. Wild salmon get enormous amounts of exercise, making them much more healthy than farm raised. Use spices like turmeric, curry, and oregano for healing. Genesis 9:3,4 "And thou shalt have goats' milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and for the maintenance for thy maidens." Proverbs 27:27 Fruits, herbs, nuts, vegetables, berries, and the like, are given by God for food, healing and life. Genesis 1:29 Avoid cooking food in aluminum cookware. Use high quality, or medical grade stainless steel, and oven safe ceramic cookware. Hygiene: Do not use unde-rarm deodorants that have aluminum in them.
General Good Health Tips:
· Get plenty of exercise: simple daily walking a mile or two will lower blood sugar levels, and blood pressure. (Be consistent)
· Eat lots of nutritious foods (organic foods, lots of greens, vegetables and fruits, keep a lot of fiber in your diet.)
· Get enough rest each night as the body repairs itself when you are sleeping
· Stay hydrated. Besides water, good hydration foods are cucumber, coconut water and watermelon. Eat the rind of the watermelon which has most of the nutrients.
· Manage your stress level. Buy a multivitamin with lots of B vitamins. Magnesium (known as the anti-stress mineral) and vitamin C are also excellent for healing the body. Get lots of sunlight (vitamin D3).
Things to Avoid:
· Aluminum cookware. Replace with stainless steel.
· Deodorant with aluminum
(Aluminum is a toxic metal to the brain)
· Table Salt. Use sea salt instead which does not raise blood pressure.
· White sugar. Instead, use sweeteners like stevia, maple syrup, cane sugar, molasses
· Bleached flour; bleach flour is supectied in causing diabetes.
Read the label when buying things such as bread, or flour products.
· Dyes. Causes prostate cancer in men. Dyes are also found in many cereals and juice “cocktails”, sodas. Please read labels on these products before buying.
13 Impressive Health Benefits of Cucumber
FOOD & NUTRITION BY MICHAEL JESSIMY OCTOBER 11, 2021
Cucumber health benefits includes reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, healthy weight management, detoxifying the body, enhancing the skin, supporting eye health, alkalizing the blood and treating cancer. Other benefits includes combating bad breath, supporting digestion, controlling blood sugar level, maintaining adequate blood pressure, supporting bones, repairing hair, supporting nails and supporting dental health.
Since ancient times, cucumber have been used as traditional, herbal medications in India. The vegetable contains various lipid–lowering and anti-diabetic properties that prevent the body from overheating, exerting a more the natural cooling effect.
What is a Cucumber?
It is a widely cultivated crop that belongs to the gourd family. It is basically originated in South Asia, but is grown in other parts of the world as well. It is considered as the perfect food when it comes to keeping fit and healthy. As it contains many essential nutrients such as Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, VitaminK, Manganese, Copper and Potassium, incorporating cucumbers in your daily diet can lead to excellent health benefits.
Extreme climatic conditions have left us dehydrated and exhausted, but this vegetable really helps to combat dehydration as it is 90% percent water, which keep the body hydrated and flushes out many hazardous substances, providing some of the most essential nutrients your body needs.
You can easily juice cucumbers and add a mix of other vegetable such as carrots and beetroots to say hydrated and at the same time enhance your metabolism. Moreover, the seeds inside a cucumber contain magnesium, which is ideal for people who suffer from a deficiency of this nutrient. Consuming cucumbers with other fluid containing foods such as lime, avocado, celery, and fennel helps you to deal with stomach pain and abdominal tightening.
Nutritional Chart
Amt per Serving %DV* Amt per Serving %DV*
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Total Fat 0g 0% Total Carbohydrate 2g 1%
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Cholesterol 0mg 0% Dietary Fiber 0g 0%
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Sodium 1mg 2% Sugars 0g 0%
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Protein 0g
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Vitamin A 1% Calcium 1%
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Vitamin C 2% Iron 1%
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13 Impressive Health Benefits of Cucumber
1. Reduce the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
The ingredients in the cucumber play an important role in maintaining a healthy heart – with trace elements of potassium and magnesium; you can improve your body’s neurological function along with keeping your blood pressure under control.
Cucumbers also contain lignin, which is referred to as an anti-inflammatory element that helps boost your immunity and reduces the occurrence of all the risks associated with cardiovascular disease.
2. Healthy Weight Management
Cucumbers are a useful supplement to reduce weight. You can enjoy your meals by adding it in your diet you can either eat it in your salad or mix it in yogurt or eat it whole – the point is it will help you lose weight faster.
3. Promotes Detoxification
Cucumbers help the liver to remove impurities, waste, and also helps completely eliminate accumulated toxins from your blood stream and gut. It also helps the body to pass out more urine in order to remove toxins. Drinking cucumber beverages speed up the detoxification process.
4. Good for Your Skin
You can use it as a home remedy to nourish your skin by applying a thick paste on your face. The natural face mask will provide you with a soothing and cold effect. It also protects the skin from dryness, acne, skin irritation and other skin issues.
5. Good for Your Eye Health
It moisturizes all the skin around your eyes as it contains 95% water. Vitamin E plays a crucial role in improving your skin, enhancing collagen production, acting as a natural, anti-wrinkle agent. Moreover, eating cucumbers on a regular basis helps enhance your vision as it contains several anti-inflammatory and antioxidants that can help steer you clear of cataracts.
Hyperpigmentation forms dark circles around the skin of your eyes mainly due to restlessness, cucumbers are the best option for it. The antioxidant present in the cucumber eliminates skin irritation. As you know vitamin C in cucumbers lighten your skin tone, so you should incorporate cucumbers in your beauty routine as well.
6. Alkalizes Your Blood
Keeping your body’s pH level optimal can help eliminate free radical cells, which are acidic and cause symptoms associated with cancer. Drinking cucumber water on a daily basis can keep increase your body’s alkalinity.
7. Treats Cancer
Cucumbers contain fisetin, caffeic acid, cucurbitacins, lutein, which have the capability to reduce cancerous symptoms at the early stages. The phytochemicals in the vegetable have strong anti-cancer properties including antioxidants, which eliminate the free radical cells and boost your immunity.
Eating it whole or juicing the vegetable can reduce the occurrence of breast, ovarian, prostate, uterine and lung cancer due to the presence of flavonoids such as fisetin and caffeic acid.
8. Combats Bad Breath
Placing cucumber slices in your mouth can help you to get rid of bad breath by eliminating bad-odor causing bacteria along with eliminating the formation of microbes, which can also lead to oral health complications and gum disease.
9. Optimal Digestive Health
To keep your gut health, you have to incorporate foods that are fibrous, and cucumbers are one of those foods. The vegetable also contains an enzyme referred to as “erepsin”, which improves the process of digestion – and helps the body adequately absorb protein.
Pectin in cucumber facilitates the normal flora of the intestine. It also manages the bowel movement and softens the stool due to its high water content, which helps treat constipation, gastritis, ulcer and many other stomach related disorders.
10. Anti Diabetic
Studies have found it effective against diabetes, and medical scientists recommend eating cucumber peels, which helps maintain an adequate blood sugar level. Plus, eating its peels can also reduce oxidative stress.
A hormone in cucumber helps the pancreas to utilize insulin that converts the carbohydrates into energy.
Other ways to reduce insulin resistance
It is often possible to completely reverse insulin resistance by making the following lifestyle changes:
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Exercising: Physical activity may be the single easiest way to improve insulin sensitivity. Its effects are almost immediate.
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Losing belly fat: It’s key to target the fat that accumulates around your main organs via exercise and other methods.
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Trying to quit smoking, if you do: Tobacco smoking can cause insulin resistance, and quitting should help.
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Reducing sugar intake: Try to reduce your intake of added sugars, especially from sugar-sweetened beverages.
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Eating a nutritious diet: Eat a diet that consists mostly of whole, unprocessed foods and includes plenty of nuts and fatty fish.
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Consuming omega-3 fatty acids: These fats may reduce insulin resistance and lower blood triglyceride levels.
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Taking supplements: Though more research is needed, some studies suggest that berberine may enhance insulin sensitivity and support blood sugar regulation. Magnesium supplements may be helpful for some people as well.
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Getting better sleep: Some evidence suggests that poor sleep causes insulin resistance, so improving sleep quality should help.
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Finding ways to manage stress: Research suggests that chronic stress may contribute to the development of insulin resistance. Therefore, stress reduction techniques such as yoga and meditation may be beneficial.
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Trying intermittent fasting: Following this eating pattern may improve insulin sensitivity. If you’re interested in trying it, be sure to ask your doctor first to make sure it’s a safe option for you.
Most of the habits on this list also happen to be associated with better overall health, a longer life, and protection against chronic disease.
Still, it’s best to consult a doctor about your options, because various medical treatments can be effective as well.
SUMMARYLifestyle strategies such as exercise, healthy eating, and stress management may help reduce or even reverse insulin resistance.
11. Maintains Adequate Blood Pressure
The rich amount of magnesium, fiber and potassium makes cucumbers useful in maintaining the right blood pressure – which should not be too high or too low. It also helps lowers the pressure in arteries and keeps them hydrated. This is one of the main reasons why cucumbers are recommended to people battling hypertension.
12. Stronger Bones, Nails and Teeth
Cucumber contains ascorbic acid and caffeic acid, both of which help strengthen your body’s ligaments, cartilage, tendons and bones. The vegetable also contains silica in it, which helps in the formation of connective tissue, which helps strengthen weakened bones.
As it also contain protein, magnesium, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin B5, folic acid and silicon – you can pretty easily enhance your bone health.
13. Repair Hair
If dry and rough hair is your problem than try making some cucumber paste, mixing it with water. Then just gently massage the concoction on your head and you will gradually see the difference on your hair and scalp health.
Conclusion
All in all, cucumbers contain a plethora of powerful nutrients and vitamins, which are essential for supporting your overall physical and mental health. Try to incorporate as much of the vegetable you can.
Sickle Cell Anemia
What are some alternative treatment for sickle cell anemia:
Sickle cell anemia is a complex genetic disorder that primarily affects the structure and function of red blood cells. While there is no known cure for sickle cell anemia, medical treatment is the primary approach to manage the condition and its associated symptoms. However, there are some alternative and complementary therapies that individuals with sickle cell anemia may explore in consultation with their healthcare providers. It's essential to note that these alternative approaches should not be used as a replacement for conventional medical treatment but rather as complementary strategies to improve overall well-being and symptom management. Here are some alternative treatments that people with sickle cell anemia may consider:
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Hydroxyurea: Although not considered an "alternative" treatment, hydroxyurea is a medication that has been shown to be effective in reducing the frequency and severity of pain crises in some individuals with sickle cell anemia. It works by increasing the production of a type of hemoglobin (HbF) that can prevent the sickling of red blood cells.
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Pain Management Techniques: Complementary therapies such as acupuncture, massage therapy, and relaxation techniques like meditation and yoga may help manage pain and improve overall well-being.
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Diet and Nutrition: Maintaining a healthy diet with adequate hydration is crucial for individuals with sickle cell anemia. Some people find that dietary supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce inflammation and pain.
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Physical Therapy: Physical therapy and regular exercise can help improve overall physical fitness and reduce the risk of complications associated with sedentary lifestyles.
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Herbal Remedies: Some individuals may use herbal supplements or teas, such as turmeric or ginger, to alleviate pain and inflammation. However, it's essential to consult with a healthcare provider before using any herbal remedies, as they can interact with medications or have adverse effects.
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Psychological Support: Living with a chronic condition like sickle cell anemia can be emotionally challenging. Seeking counseling or support from mental health professionals can help individuals cope with the emotional aspects of the disease.
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Dietary Supplements: In some cases, healthcare providers may recommend specific supplements, such as folic acid or vitamin D, to address deficiencies or support overall health.
It's crucial for individuals with sickle cell anemia to work closely with their healthcare team to develop a personalized treatment plan that includes both conventional medical therapies and complementary approaches when appropriate. This ensures that all aspects of the condition are addressed comprehensively, and the best possible care is provided to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
LIVE A LONG HEALTHY LIFE!!
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Benefits of "Just walking!" walking is a simple, normal essential benefit to keeping healthy!!
Stay Hydrated: with Cuccumbers
Guard your mind...don't allow circumstances and others to push you to make decisions you will fret over later...learn to say no!
Lowering Cholesterol
There are several natural remedies and lifestyle changes that may help in lowering cholesterol levels:
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Dietary changes:
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Increase fiber intake: Foods high in soluble fiber like oats, barley, fruits, vegetables, and legumes can help lower cholesterol.
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Healthy fats: Consuming sources of healthy fats like avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil can positively impact cholesterol levels.
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Omega-3 fatty acids: Found in fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines, these can help lower cholesterol.
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Regular exercise: Engaging in regular physical activity, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming, can raise HDL (good) cholesterol and lower LDL (bad) cholesterol.
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Weight management: Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise can positively affect cholesterol levels.
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Limiting alcohol intake: Moderate alcohol consumption may raise HDL cholesterol, but too much can increase triglycerides and lead to higher cholesterol levels.
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Quitting smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels and can lower HDL cholesterol.
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Herbal supplements: Some herbs and supplements like garlic, plant sterols, and green tea extract may have modest effects on cholesterol levels. However, consult with a healthcare professional before adding supplements to your routine as they can interact with medications or have side effects.
Remember, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle, especially if you're considering supplements or have existing health conditions or are on medication. They can provide personalized advice and monitor your progress.
Benifits Of Chia Seeds
benefits of Chia seeds
Chia seeds are nutrient-dense seeds derived from the Salvia hispanica plant, native to Central America. These tiny seeds are packed with a wide range of nutrients and offer several health benefits when included in a balanced diet. Some of the key benefits of chia seeds include:
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Rich in Nutrients: Despite their small size, chia seeds are highly nutritious. They are a good source of fiber, protein, healthy fats (omega-3 fatty acids), vitamins (such as vitamin B complex and vitamin E), and minerals (including calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus).
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High in Antioxidants: Chia seeds contain antioxidants, such as flavonoids and phenolic compounds, which help protect cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Antioxidants play a role in reducing inflammation and lowering the risk of chronic diseases.
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Excellent Source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Chia seeds are one of the richest plant-based sources of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid. Omega-3 fatty acids are important for heart health, brain function, and reducing inflammation in the body.
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Supports Digestive Health: The fiber content in chia seeds, both soluble and insoluble fiber, helps promote healthy digestion and regular bowel movements. Fiber also supports gut health by feeding beneficial gut bacteria.
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Helps Manage Blood Sugar Levels: Chia seeds have a low glycemic index, which means they don't cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels when consumed. The soluble fiber in chia seeds can also help slow down the absorption of sugar and improve blood sugar control.
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Aids in Weight Management: The combination of fiber, protein, and healthy fats in chia seeds can promote satiety and help control appetite, which may contribute to weight management efforts.
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Supports Heart Health: The omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants in chia seeds have been linked to improved heart health by reducing cholesterol levels, triglycerides, and inflammation in the cardiovascular system.
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May Improve Exercise Performance: Some studies suggest that chia seeds, when consumed as part of a balanced diet, may enhance exercise performance and endurance due to their nutrient composition and ability to retain water.
It's important to note that while chia seeds offer numerous health benefits, they are also relatively high in calories, so portion control is recommended, especially if you're watching your calorie intake. Incorporating chia seeds into smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal, salads, or baked goods can be a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy their benefits. As with any food or supplement, it's best to consume chia seeds as part of a varied and balanced diet to maximize their health-promoting effects.
10 Proven Health Benefits of Astragalus
Last Updated on December 27, 2017 by Marc Seward
What is Astragalus?
Astragalus is a traditionally used plant native to the northern regions of China as well as Korea and Mongolia. This perennial plant reaches about 3 feet in height and its root has been harvested for many thousands of years in Asia where it has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to protect and strengthen the body against a variety of ailments.
There are many species of astragalus but it is astragalus membranaceus which is most often used in medicine. Being an adaptogen, astragalus root is a useful ally in preventing numerous conditions both physical and emotional. The dried root of the plant is harvested from mature plants and it is the root which is used medicinally.
Medicinal uses
Despite its long history of use in Asia, it is only recently that astragalus has made a name for itself in the West and there is now a relatively healthy and still growing body of research into its medical benefits. Much of the research to date has been positive and early signs have indicated the great and diverse therapeutic potential of the herb.
Astragalus has antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities which give it a broad range of therapeutic uses ranging from heart and liver disease to common colds and allergies. If you don’t know much about astragalus and you would like to find out what it can do for you, this article will take a look at the potential benefits in some detail below.
Health Benefits of Astragalus
1. Immune system support
One of the main traditional uses of astragalus was to support and strengthen the immune system. Because of its ability to boost immunity, it has been used successfully as an early treatment and preventive measure against colds. Astragalus might be of particular interest to those whose immune system is weakened due to pre-existing illnesses.
Several clinical trials suggest that astragalus possesses significant immune boosting benefits. It helps the body to increase the production of white blood cells, produce more antibodies and strengthens the body’s antiviral immunity. One study demonstrated that astragalus could inhibit tumor growth and boost immune response in cancer patients. (1)
See also 7 Proven Home Remedies for Pet Allergies
2. Anti-aging and Cancer
Research has revealed that astragalus can help our bodies feel younger for longer. The herb works on the aging process by protecting the cells, specifically small pieces of DNA called telomeres, from the degradation that occurs with the passing of time. Telomeres hold our DNA in shape but each time DNA replicates, they shorten by a tiny amount until they get so small that apoptosis or cell death begins.
Cell death is inextricably linked to cancer and aging and astragalus can fight this process by stimulating the production of new telomeres. Studies have shown that astragalus enables your body to produce an enzyme called ‘telomerase’ which in turn increase telomere production.
Mice treated with astragalus root extract lived longer and had longer telomeres that were less prone to degradation. (2) Astragalus can also be applied topically to the skin to help keep it tight and free of blemishes.
3. Cancer
Researchers from Texas have suggested that taking astragalus extract can prolong the life of cancer patients while studies on animals have shown that astragalus has potential anti-tumor effects against certain types of cancer including leukemia and melanoma.
Some studies have indicated that astragalus can cause apoptosis and inhibit the growth of cancerous tumors. The same studies have concluded that astragalus is extremely safe and well tolerated and warrants further research as an alternative cancer treatment. (3)
4. Chemotherapy symptoms
There is very strong evidence to suggest that the symptoms of chemotherapy can be significantly reduced by taking astragalus extract. Hospitals in China already use the herb routinely to help people recovering from cancer ease the symptoms of chemotherapy treatment. Astragalus and combinations of herbs containing astragalus can improve quality of life and help reduce nausea, diarrhea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. (5)
5. Heart disease
A number of studies suggest astragalus can improve heart health as well as used to treat heart failure. A Chinese study published in 2001 took 83 patients with congestive heart failure and treated half of them with astragalus intravenously.
The results showed that those taking astragalus significantly improved their heart function compared with the placebo group. (4) Other studies have showed that the herb’s antioxidant properties might help prevent heart disease and lower levels of cholesterol.
See also 7 Proven Benefits and Uses of Alfalfa
6. Diabetes
Astragalus has the potential to benefit people suffering from diabetes. Although more research is required, early studies have shown that astragalus helps control blood sugar levels in diabetics. Although the exact mechanism by which it works is not fully understood, researchers have suggested that astragalus regulates important liver enzymes linked to insulin sensitivity. (6)
7. Allergies
If you suffer from seasonal allergies, astragalus might be able to help. Early studies have been positive with researchers concluding that astragalus conferred a number of benefits on those suffering from pollen allergies. (7)
8. Kidney disease
Preliminary studies suggest that astragalus might help protect the kidneys against disease which would support one of its traditional uses. . However, a review of the existing research concluded that astragalus offered some promising results but the studies up to now had not been very well designed and more evidence was needed. (8)
9. Athletic performance
Recent research published in 2014 suggests that astragalus might be of significant benefit to those wishing to improve their athletic ability and stave off fatigue. Although the study was carried out on mice, the results showed that astragalus significantly increased the muscle glycogen content and endurance capacity of mice leading researchers o believe it had potential to improve athletic performance in humans. (9)
10. Wound healing
Astragalus has antibacterial properties as well as unique polysaccharides which prevent blood flowing to wounds. Topical application of astragalus has demonstrated the ability to accelerate wound healing in rats and more research has been encouraged. (10)
How to take it
If you are interested in taking astragalus, it is commonly available in a variety of forms. Capsules and tinctures are the most popular methods of consumption but it is also available in creams and ointments that can be applied topically. In Asian clinical settings, astragalus is often used in injectable forms.
In China, astragalus has been traditionally used in cooking and the dried astragalus root can be added to soups or boiled to make a healthy tea. The recommended dose depends on a variety of factors including age, weight and the condition being treated. Make sure that you speak to your doctor or a reputable expert to out the most effective dose for your needs.
See also 8 Proven Wheatgrass Benefits
Precautions
Astragalus is considered to be very safe for the vast majority of healthy adults and no serious side effects have ever been noted. However, care should be taken in certain circumstances.
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There is no evidence regarding its safety for breast feeding and pregnant women and as is often the case with herbal supplements, it is probably best avoided.
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Evidence of its effect on children is lacking.
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Astragalus may stimulate the body’s immune system so those with autoimmune diseases should consult their doctor before taking it.
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Some doctors recommend not taking a single adaptogenic herb for a long period of time and often recommend rotating your herbal medications for best effects.
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Astragalus might interfere with drugs prescribed to suppress your immune system.
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Astragalus might cause the body difficulty in getting rid of lithium causing it to build up to dangerous levels so those taking lithium are advised to avoid it.