A Tasty Meal for a Heart-Healthy Summer

When planning your summer activities, consider adopting healthy habits to help control your blood pressure. Blood flows at higher pressures through the arteries when your blood pressure is high. This condition, called hypertension, can be a constant problem. It can lead to serious health issues not only for the heart but also your blood vessels and kidneys.

Hypertension can affect women and men at any age, but small lifestyle changes are a great way to prevent it. Update your summer menu to include delicious and heart-healthy recipes like Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken.

A heart-healthy diet, such as Dietary Approaches to Stop hypertension (DASH), that emphasizes vegetables and fruits, whole grains fish, poultry, nuts, beans and low-fat dairy, can keep your blood-pressure in a healthy range. DASH was developed by researchers at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. It focuses on reducing salt and limiting foods high in saturated fat, such as fatty meats, dairy products with full-fat and tropical oils.

The Heart Truth Program of the NHLBI encourages you to adopt these healthy habits in addition to adding healthy recipes to your menu this summer.

Do more physical activity: Aim for 150 minutes (2 and a half hours) per week. Keep yourself motivated by aiming for 30 minutes per day of physical activity spread over 5 days.

Aim to achieve a healthy weight.Research has shown that adults who are overweight or obese can reduce their blood pressure with just a 3-5% weight loss. Ask a family member or friend to join you in a weight-loss program. Social support can keep you and your partner motivated.

Manage Stress:Reduce the stress that can raise blood pressure with relaxation activities, meditation or counseling.

Stop smoking: Smoking damages your heart and vessels. Call 1-800-QUIT NOW or search online for other resources.

Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your blood pressure readings. To learn more about heart health and blood pressure, visit hearttruth.gov and find DASH-friendly recipes at healthyeating.nhlbi.nih.gov.

Watch the video to learn how to prepare this recipe!

Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Recipe

Preparation time: 10 Minutes

Cooking time: 30 Minutes

Servings: 4

Sauce:

Use 2 tablespoons of ketchup
2 tablespoons light soy sauce
Honey 2 Tablespoons
Orange juice, 2 teaspoons
14 teaspoon minced garlic (about 1 clove)
1 teaspoon minced ginger

Cut into 1 inch cubes, 12 ounces of boneless and skinless chicken breasts (about two large breasts).
One cup diced fresh pineapple (about 24 pieces).
8 wooden skewers, each 6 inches long, soaked in water

To prepare sauce, combine ketchup with honey, orange juice and garlic; stir well. Separate the mixture into two bowls. Set aside.
Pre-heat grill to medium heat. Pre-heat oven to 350 F.
Thread alternately three chicken cubes with three pineapple chunks onto each skewer.
Grill the skewers for 3-5 minutes per side. Every other minute, brush or spoon the sauce from a bowl on to the chicken and pineapple. Remove remaining sauce from the first bowl.
In order to prevent the chicken from drying out in the oven, cook it until its internal temperature reaches 165 F. Use a clean spoon or brush to coat the remaining sauce in the bowl.

SOURCE : National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

The post A Tasty Meal to Ensure a Heart Healthy Summer first appeared on Alternative Medicine Magazine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Alternative methods are used by people with cancer.

Patients with cancer face many difficulties when trying to manage their illness. They might have lost all hope for recovery or feel helpless because there is nothing else they can do. Some patients may feel nausea, pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, weakness, or other symptoms.

In addition, most conventional treatments are not effective against cancer cells. Therefore, cancer patients seek other therapies, such as complementary medicine. Nearly half of cancer patients use alternative medicines at some point during treatment, according to studies.

Cancer patients sometimes choose complementary medicine instead of chemotherapy because they think it will be easier to handle side effects. They may also prefer it because it is less expensive.

There are also other reasons.

Some patients believe natural remedies can prevent a recurrence.

Many people believe that natural remedies could improve the quality and quantity of their lives.

Others believe that natural remedies can reduce the risk of getting cancer again.

Concerned about side effects, people who have received chemotherapy may choose to use natural remedies as their first line therapy.

What is the difference in alternative medicine and complementary medicine?

Alternative medicine refers to treatments not considered conventional by mainstream medical professionals but have been shown to provide benefits for certain conditions. Some examples include homeopathy and aromatherapy, acupuncture, naturopathy, Ayurveda (TCM), traditional Chinese medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, and traditional Chinese medicine. Complementary medicines are therapies that can be used alongside traditional medicine. These include nutritional supplements like vitamins, minerals or herbs, amino acid, enzymes or probiotics.

Although both types of medicine are common, conventional doctors don’t recommend them because there isn’t enough evidence or safety concern.

There is no consensus among healthcare providers about the best approach to integrating CAM within patient care.

Many CAM practices are based upon theories that have been around for thousands of years. These therapies have had some clinical success over the past 20-years.

As an example, several studies indicate that acupuncture may relieve pain. Preliminary data also show that acupuncture may help to reduce nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. Studies have also shown that acupuncture may reduce symptoms of irritable-bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome.

Some CAM therapies may also be effective in the treatment of diseases like HIV/AIDS/Asthma, diabetes, heart disease (hypertension), Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, as well as rheumatoid.

Although we have limited information about the effectiveness CAM, most experts agree that it can be helpful in the treatment of various diseases.

As a result, CAM practitioners are becoming more popular as a way to treat common illnesses.

Despite its popularity, many are still confused about what “alternative” and “complementary medicine is.

What are examples of alternative medicine?

Alternative medicine is a treatment that does not fit the criteria of mainstream medicine. These include traditional Chinese medicine.

Alternative medicine could also refer to any practice that has not been supported by scientific evidence but is used in clinical practice. These include yoga, meditation, aromatherapy, reflexology and flower essences.

Is holistic medicine safe?

Holistic Medicine is not as dangerous as you may think, but several risks are involved when using this treatment. The most common side effects include headaches, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, diarrhea, constipation, and insomnia. Patients must understand these risks and weigh them against the benefits of alternative treatments such as acupuncture.

However, there are no known cases of death due to the use of holistic medicines.

Talk to your doctor before you begin any new treatment plan.

Is holistic medical care the same as alternative medicines?

Holistic Health Care stands out from Alternative Medicine as it focuses on the whole person and not just the symptoms.

Holistic Health Care focuses on all aspects in an individual’s lives, including mental and physical, emotional, religious, spiritual, socio-environmental, occupational, culture, and family.

Alternative Medicine doesn’t address these problems. Alternative Medicine focuses on the body, mind and emotions.

Complementary and Alternative Healthcare – Does it have Evidence-Based Basis?

Although the evidence base for alternative and complementary medicine is still in flux, there are many reasons people choose them. They may have tried standard treatments but found them ineffective. They may also want to try alternative therapies as they believe they offer better results than conventional care. Alternately, they may look into complementary and alternative medicine as part of a holistic approach for health. Always check with your doctor to ensure that any complementary and/or alternative medicines you take are supported scientifically. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice if in doubt about the effectiveness of a particular treatment. It could save you money and time in the long run.

What are the 5 domains of integrative medicine?

The five domains of integrative medicine include mind-body, nutrition, social determinants, lifestyle, and prevention. These five areas address all aspects of health care, including physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and environmental well-being.

Integrative medicine provides a comprehensive approach to the treatment of disease, health, and well-being. It includes both conventional medical treatment and complementary therapies such acupuncture.

Statistics

In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)

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How To

What are the different types of alternative and complementary medicine?

The four major categories of CAM are natural products, energy healing, manipulation therapies, mind-body medicine and natural products. Mind-body medicine includes yoga, meditation, Tai Chi, Reiki, acupuncture, massage therapy, chiropractic care, homeopathy, aromatherapy, reflexology, naturopathy, biofeedback, hypnosis, and herbalism. Natural products are herbs, vitamins, minerals and dietary supplements. Manipulative therapies include physical manipulation such as osteopathic and chiropractic care, acupuncture, therapeutic exercise, and bodywork. You can also use prayer and visualization to help you heal your energy.

CAM can be used to describe a range of alternative health practices, which are not part of the traditional Western medical model. These practices can be supported by scientific evidence, or they may involve surgery. They also vary in terms of the conditions they treat. Some CAM doctors also provide diagnostic testing (e.g. Blood tests) and can prescribe medication. Others may do neither.

These four categories are not the only ones. There are many subcategories within each one. In mind-body medicine there are relaxation techniques. Natural products can include nutritional supplements and botanical medicines, homeopathic remedies as well as essential oils, botanical medicines, essential oils, nutraceuticals herbal preparations, medicinal herbs, and teas. Manual, movement or traction can be used to manipulate the body. Spiritual healing can be done through prayer or faith healing.

Many CAM therapies treat symptoms, but not the cause. However, CAM may provide relief for some chronic diseases. When used appropriately, CAM could complement traditional treatment options.

There are many reasons that people use CAM.

To improve their overall wellness.
To manage a specific condition.
To relieve pain or discomfort.
To prevent illness.
To promote wellness.
To address a personal belief.

Some people use CAM to have more control over their own health than traditional medicine. Some people believe that CAM has less side effects. Some people choose CAM to not take prescription drugs. Others prefer to avoid taking pharmaceuticals whenever possible. Others still seek out CAM, even though they’ve had bad experiences in conventional medicine.

People who use CAM often say that they want to know the basics of what they are doing before trying anything new. Many CAM users ask questions about the safety and effectiveness of CAM. Others rely on the word of mouth among family and friends.

Although CAM may be seen as a negative thing in society, most people who use it report positive feelings. People who use CAM are generally happier and healthier than people who don’t. This holds true regardless if you are of any gender, race or ethnicity.

An overwhelming majority of Americans are familiar with some form of complementary or alternative medicine. 95% or more of adult Americans have used some type of CAM in their lives. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, NCCIH, estimates that approximately 40 million people visited CAM providers in 2010.

The NCCIH estimates that 10% of the U.S. population is treated by chiropractors or massage therapists.

2013 was a year that the American Medical Association (AMA) reaffirmed its support of integrative medicine. It recognized that physicians should “integrate scientifically valid complementary and alternative medicine into clinical practice…to meet patients ‘ needs and expectations.”5

In 2007, the Institute of Medicine published a landmark report called “Relaxing Constraints: Improving Access to Complementary and Alternative Healthcare.” The report concluded that “there is no credible evidence that any specific CAM intervention is effective for preventing, treating, or curing cancer.”

CAM is still gaining popularity despite this conclusion. The number of CAM practitioners grew by 8 percent in 2008 compared to 2007.

Recent research found that nearly half of respondents used CAM in their primary healthcare routine.

CAM therapies may include natural products and mind-body practices as well as manipulative techniques, energy healing, modalities, exercise, and dietary supplements.

Many CAM therapies are used primarily as pain relief. But, many offer additional benefits such relaxation, improved moods, better sleep, decreased stress and enhanced immunity.

Acupuncture can be used to relieve back pain, anxiety, depression, increase immune function, promote weight loss, and improve menstrual symptoms.

Many CAM treatments are based on traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, and their roots go back thousands of years.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine, was first practiced in China over 5,000 year ago.

TCM is an important component of modern health care.

TCM treatment is now used by over 70% of American citizens.

Yoga is another popular CAM remedy. Yoga was first developed in India around 5000 B.C. It is now accepted all over the world.

Yoga is becoming more popular because it has many positive effects on the body, mind, and spirit.

Yoga can relieve stress, improve flexibility, and increase strength.

Even though there are limited scientific studies, yoga appears to have positive effects upon sleep33. This may make it useful for people suffering from insomnia.

Other CAM therapies such as aromatherapy, meditation, and homeopathy are also being accepted by mainstream medicine.

One of the most common types of CAM used today is herbal medicine.

Herbal medicines may include herbs and spices, flowers, seeds or fruits, bark, leaves or roots, as well stems.

They are commonly used as safer alternatives to prescription drugs and are often preferred by consumers.

The U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health estimates that about 90 million Americans use some form of complementary/alternative medicine.

According to American Cancer Society, 45% adults diagnosed with cancer reported that they used alternative medicine during treatment.

The National Institutes of Health has estimated that 60% of patients with breast cancer use CAM. And the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that around 50% of all cancer survivors reported using CAM.

According to a recent study, 51% cancer survivors have used at the very least one type of CAM.

However, only 8% discussed the topic with their physicians.

This is a serious problem with healthcare delivery because there is not enough communication between conventional medical practitioners and CAM users.

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