Natural health headlines of the week

In order to stay healthy, we need to not only treat the disorders when we already have them diagnosed but also care about our bodies on a daily basis. In this section of our website, we share with you the latest news related to natural health maintenance techniques backed up by research and reliable statistics. Some of the tips shared in these articles and videos can be implemented right away to help you stay healthier and live a longer, qualitative life.

In this particular article, we are going to tell you what unexpected discovery regarding blood pressure was recently made and how can it influence hypertension treatment; what products are confirmed to be effective against cancer cells growth, and what are risks associated with protein consumption.

Unexpected high blood pressure cause discovered

It is a common knowledge that a poor diet, lack of exercise, and excessive weight can contribute to hypertension development. But the recent study conducted by the researchers in Maryland discovered that certain probiotics normalizing intestinal flora may help cope with high blood pressure.

During the research, they tested two groups of mice – one with a normal blood pressure and another with hypertension. They changed the gut bacteria in mice with normal blood pressure with the bacteria from mice with increased blood pressure and vice versa prior killing all natural bacteria in both groups with antibiotics. Over time, mice that previously had normal blood pressure but were receivers of transplanted intestinal bacteria from mice with hypertension, eventually also developed elevated blood pressure disorder. The mice that were suffering from hypertension with the new intestinal flora didn’t show any drastic change in their blood pressure. Though, the researchers believe that further studies should be conducted for the possibility to find a new way to treat high blood pressure.

The products that can slow down cancer cells growth confirmed

A new research conducted by the German scientists shows that various nuts are able to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. It has been known long ago that substances contained in nuts are capable of improving heart health. But the new finding shows that they are also involved in the activation of the body’s defensive systems for detoxifying reactive oxygen species.  The researchers say that in their study they tested macadamia nuts, hazelnuts, walnut, almonds, and pistachios.  The next step planned by the researchers is to find out whether roasting the nuts reduces the protective effect.

Animal protein versus vegetable protein

Protein is an important part of our diet but where it comes from and in what amount could make a huge difference especially for older women.

A new study out of Rhode Island shows that women over 50 who eat high-protein diets are at greater risk of heart failure. But that doesn’t mean that they should exclude proteins at all. The risk is particularly high for women who mostly get protein from meat.  The research found that an increase in dietary protein coincided with a significant increase in the incidence of heart failure.  The study also showed those whose proteins came mainly from vegetables appeared to be at a lower risk of heart failure.