High blood pressure is a problem for many people; in fact, around 76.4 million adults suffer from high blood pressure. High blood pressure can greatly increase your risk for a life-threatening stroke or heart attack.
So what do you do about it? Simple, celery. Use celery for high blood pressure. It works!
Celery juice contains the compound 3-n-butylphtalide, or phthalide, which contributes to the vegetable’s taste and aroma. As a chemical affecting the body, phthalide helps relax the smooth muscles in the walls of the blood vessels, according to High Blood Pressure Info. Blood pressure decreases as the blood vessels dilate and allow blood to flow easier and more freely.
Celery Juice for high blood pressure Recommendations
Using the recommended Oriental dosages to lower mild cases of high blood pressure, one would eat about four ounces of celery (about a cup of chopped celery) daily. You should begin to see results after only a week or two. Juicing 2 stalks of celery per day would also achieve the same results.
Blood Pressure Lowering Juice
Ingredients:
– 2 Stalks of Celery
– 1/2 beet
– 2 Carrots
– 1/2 green apple
– lemon
Directions:
Juice all ingredients and enjoy
So what are the benefits of celery?
1. Lowers Blood Pressure:
Potassium and heart health go hand in hand. It is the essential factor in triggering your heartbeat and it also helps regulate your blood pressure levels. Pretty serious stuff, I’d say! With minimal, but significant levels of potassium, celery helps to stabilize fluid levels in the body.
Phthalides (another sub category of the phytochemicals found in celery) act as diuretics, helping to rid the body of excess salt levels that could otherwise dangerously influence high blood pressure. Keep in mind that high blood pressure is the number one risk factor for stroke and heart disease.
2. Lowers cholesterol:
Eating only two stalks of celery a day has been shown to lower cholesterol levels by upwards of 7%. The presence of butylphthalide (an oil which gives celery its distinct peppery taste and smell) has been tested and shown to treat hypertension in animals and protect cholesterol levels with its powerful antioxidant properties. This essential oil reduces bad cholesterol and aids in the production of healthy cholesterol.
3. Relaxes and smoothes muscles:
Inflammation is the leading cause of arterial blockage leading to heart attack and stroke. Celery contains the anti-inflammatory ingredient luteolin, a bioflavonoid which reduces oxidative damage of DNA. By smoothing the lining of major arterial walls, the potential for blockage is significantly reduced.
4. Contains the Good Fiber:
Unlike most nutrient rich vegetables, celery contains both soluble and insoluble fiber. When compared to kale, celery has as much soluble fiber in a serving as cooked kale has in a 1/2 cup serving.
Nutritionists recommend that of your daily fiber intake, 30 percent should include soluble fibers. Soluble fiber in celery consists of pectin, gum, and mucilage compounds which when digested, absorb water to form a thick protective barrier along the digestive tract.
This barrier can aid in the prevention of serious disorders such as gastritis – an inflammation or erosion of the lining of the stomach. If left untreated it can lead to severe loss of blood, stomach ulcers and increased risk of stomach cancer. Sounds pretty important, right?
5. Calms the Gastrointestinal Tract:
As well as protective, soluble fiber, celery contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents which are proven to decrease the risk of oxidative damage to essential body fats and blood vessel walls.
The phytochemicals in celery also prevent swelling and tissue inflammation, a primary source of pain in older adults. These healthy chemicals also rev up the body’s natural defenses by ramping up white blood cells which fight malicious bacteria – including carcinogens.
6. Prevents constipation and painful blockages:
As mentioned above, raw celery aids in constipation and can substantially influence a healthy digestive routine. It is important to make sure you are staying hydrated as the fibers in celery are aided by the absorption of water.
As a great detoxifying agent, celery can help clear the colon of any excess or toxic buildup which often causes painful gas, diarrhea and even ulcers.
7. Celery Contains Cancer-Fighting Properties:
Celery contains nutrient rich anti-inflammatory properties, which are essential in the fight against all kinds of cancers. More specifically luteolin, an active phyto-nutrient, inhibits platelets and suppresses inflammation that occurs in response to allergen and carcinogen exposure. This makes it harder for cancer to develop.
As we age, our metabolism decays, exposing our cells to a wide range of degenerative disease. Celery contains a balanced amount of both inhibitors and immune boosting vitamins that essentially act as a barrier against white blood cell damage.
8. Celery can Help Prevent Dementia:
The environmental toxins that can creep into our bodies only help to speed up the deterioration of healthy cells and threaten the function of our vital organs. One of the most vital of which is our brain!
By subsidizing our diets with nutrient-rich organics like celery, we can substantially reduce the wear and tear that causes dementia.
Surprisingly, celery is in the high end of the sodium spectrum when it comes to vegetables. But don’t let that scare you away. The high water and cellulose content in celery acts as a diuretic to flush the body of excess sodium and toxins, resulting in better blood flow to the brain, and thus – reduced inflammation.
9. Celery can Soften Pain from Gout and arthritis:
We all know the benefits of juicing, but few flock to celery as an ingredient for their liquid snacks. There are many forms of arthritis, the most common of which is osteoarthritis, a symptom of calcium deficiencies. Celery is actually a great source of calcium. Phosphorus, also present in the plant, helps in the maintenance of strong bones.
Gout is a complex form of arthritis that can cause great pain in and around the joints. When elevated levels of uric acid in the blood stream crystallize, they get trapped in the tissue and tendons surrounding joints. Celery is rich in the nutrients which flush uric acid from the body and can prevent these painful deposits.
Additional lifestyle changes that will help lower your blood pressure:
1. Change your diet and reduce your weight if you are overweight.
2. Consider a vegetarian or semi-vegetarian diet. Vegetarians show very little signs of hypertension. You don’t have to become a vegetarian, but adding more vegetables and complex carbohydrates to your diet as well as reducing your sodium intake will help reduce your blood pressure. And recent research indicates that eating more celery is beneficial in controlling hypertension. Keep in mind, though that celery can be toxic in great quantities.
3. Add fiber to your diet. A high fiber diet promotes healthy blood pressure.
4. Reduce or eliminate your alcohol intake.
5. Lower your fat intake.
6. Start an exercise program. Even half an hour of exercise can significantly impact your hypertension.
7. Add meditation or yoga to your daily routine.
8. Get a massage. Theraputic massage can provide an important component to overall well-being by promoting better sleep, improving concentration, and reducing anxiety.
9. Consider pet therapy. A study at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, showed that pet owners had significantly lower blood pressure when they were greeting their pet than when they were reading neutral text.
10. Consider Naturopathy as a way of life. Naturopathy focuses on the body’s ability to heal itself. Naturopathy relies on a variety of techniques founded in ancient Indian, Chinese and Greek medicine. These include relaxation therapy, counseling and psychotherapy,herbal medicine, nutrition counseling, physical therapy and homeopathy.
11. Do not smoke.
Tara’s Journey.
My weight loss journey started 12 months after having my first child 8 years ago, I was diagnosed with Post – Natal Depression and was overweight and very unhappy with myself. I decided instead of turning to food like I had been I would start excercising! Well, playing Netball and losing 20kgs (whilst also having another child) turned into me leaving my desk job in an office and starting work as a receptionist in a gym. Falling in love with the Fitness Industry and people, I decided to become a Personal Trainer so I could motivate others to feel the same success I felt. 5 years Ago I started training with my own trainer and have lost an extra 10kgs, have built on lean muscle and became a Group Fitness Instructor. Becoming a Group Fitness Instructor was a massive achievement for me as someone who suffered from bad anxiety and was very awkward in social situations. Now I Love It!!! After 5 years of strength training I was looking for a new goal and a new direction so started doing extra conditioning work. After I realised I absolutely loved conditioning and the accomplishment it gave me I decided to apply for the first ever Australian Ninja Warrior (Intense Obstacle Course built over water), and guess what I got in!!!!! This will be the most mentally and physically taxing thing I have ever done in my life, but I’m excited to take on the challenge and see where I can take my body and my mine.
21 Reasons Why You Need A Good Magnesium Supplement.
We believe at Viva Fitness a good Magnesium supplement is crucial!
According to Charles Poliquin in his latest article on the ‘Strength Sensei’ website, he says the following;
“Over the years dealing with clients we have found they are; sleeping less, not eating enough, stressed at work, suffer from headaches & migraines, don’t eat breakfast, go out on the weekend drinking, depressed, suffer from muscle cramps fatigue, run down and get sick frequently.
What we also may over look is the fact we now have poor soil quality from Chemical fertilisers, which leaches Magnesium out of our fruit & vegetables. Green leafy vegetables should be a major source of magnesium, but now is reduced compared to what our Great Grand Parents would eat!
The first thing I ask a new client is “are you getting 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep?” Often the response is “about 5-6 hours and I wake up and go to the toilet!”
By taking magnesium in the even has a calming effect on the nervous system (relaxes your muscles). Improving the length and quality of sleep.
It may Assist in fat loss, building & maintaining lean muscle, relief in sleeplessness, maintenance in general wellbeing, provides, pre-menstrual support, assist in bone formation & strength, assist in maintaining healthy teeth, maintain cardiovascular system.”
According to ”Trilogy Nutrition Supplements 2016″ here are trhe following 21 benefits of Magnesium Supplementation. For more info check out the clubs supplier ‘Trilogy’ on facebook.
Viva Fitness is now selling a range of Trilogy Supplements over the counter.
GABBAMAG retails for $44.95
ZINC SYNERGY retails for $22.95
BCAA CAPSUELS retails $75.95
All PUSH_ Clients get a further 10% off retail *Excluding any sales.
Hi Guys,
I have been asked what is Grit! Well I have listed 5 reasons what Grit is and Why you should be participating in this programme,
You will be excited by the results you will achieve by doing Grit Strength and I myself can not wait to see your results.
1- Builds Strength and Lean muscle- To help you get through your classes feeling a lot stronger.
2- Works all major muscle groups – You will get fitter faster and feel fantastic.
3- Sends your metabolism into overdrive to burn fat for hours after the workout. – This will make you feel better on the inside.
4- Stimulates the production of growth hormone which reduces fat and helps develop lean muscle. – This will make you feel very confident about yourself.
5- A 30 minute quick Intense workout. – An Intense workout which is over before you know it.
Really what more do you need to know to do Grit, come and experience it as you will fall in Love with the workout.
To all at Viva.. staff and fellow members. Thank you!!..
after going through what I can only describe as a nightmare after the sudden loss of my father, I have never felt such overwhelming support from all of you.
Your phone calls, messages, hugs, supporting words, have truly humbled me with peace.
What was one of the most hardest tasks to endure was made that little bit easier with all your support.
Coming back and getting back to my fitness has made a huge impact, not only physically but mentally. I felt myself slip into a slight depressive state, but choosing to get back to it soon helped with that in an enormous way!!
I truly feel if I didn’t have fitness and you, all in my life things would have been very different for me.
So thank you, I have made friends for the rest of my life in all of you.
“I WANT TO BE TONED” … Are you Sure?
We receive many messages from women who want to “tone” or “develop longer muscles” and not build muscle. Really?
What is toning anyhow? When we explore this we hear words such as “firm”, “hard”, “athletic looking”, “sculptured”.
Yes – lose the jiggle, tighten up, have great shape.
But guess what – this is not about toning. This is about building muscle.
Muscle creates shape. Muscles are attached to bones. They can’t become longer unless bones become longer.
FITNESS MODELS REQUIRE MUSCLE DEVELOPMENT
You know looking like a fitness model requires muscle development. Muscle development is muscle development and only ever happens from weight lifting exercises not toning exercises.
MUSCLES DO NOT TONE
Let’s also be clear. Muscles do not tone. Muscles grow or shrink.
THE BEST BODIES ARE BUILT FROM WEIGHT TRAINING
Its plain and simple. The best bodies are built from traditional weight training programs. The leanest, tightest, shapeliest bodies are built from consistently moving heaving weight and progressive overload. The hardest glutes are built from heavy squats and deadlifts not toning kickbacks or side crabs. The best shoulders are built from lower rep military and dumbbell overhead presses not with toning resistance bands, medicine ball slams or 50 high rep push presses.
FIT IS NOT SCULPTED
Being fit, RPM classes, running, playing sport, does not guarantee a great looking sculptured body. Fit is fit. Fit is not necessarily sculpted. Weight training in the rep ranges of 6-12 is still the best for overall muscle development.
The reality is for women to look “toned” they need to be strong. They need to lift weights, they need to grow muscle. Light weights just won’t do the job.
THE FUNDAMENTAL WEIGHT TRAINING PROGRAMS STILL DELIVER
Make no mistake. Despite the variety of training programs out there, nothing will shape and tighten a body better than good old fashioned heavy weight training. Ofcourse everyone is different but the fundamentals will always deliver.
These programs are not fancy, but they work. They are based upon a combination of the basic compound and isolation exercises that will pack on muscle, chisel and shape. It is about muscle development not toning.
If you would like more information about setting up your own weights program with one of our PUSH_Coaches, then grab your PUSH_Intro 3 pack for just $99 today at reception!
Sources: Cheryl Frost.
When I came to viva, I had completely lost touch and motivation for a healthy lifestyle. I felt bloated and uncomfortable in my clothes, I lacked energy, and I was smoking almost a pack of cigarettes a day. With the help of the viva team, they helped me develop a plan to help me reach my goals. Even better, it was achievable with my busy schedule. Today, I am 7kg lighter. I have dropped 2 jean sizes and I have energy and a newfound zest for life. Most importantly I’ve quit cigarettes, as since joining viva I’ve learnt a new way to live
A chemical found in one of our most popular toothpastes, Colgate Total, has been linked to cancer and other harmful health ailments.
It’s called triclosan, it’s also used in antiperspirants/deodorants, cleansers, and hand sanitizers as a preservative and an anti-bacterial agent. In addition to cosmetics and Colgate toothpaste, triclosan is used as an antibacterial agent in laundry detergent, facial tissues, and antiseptics for wounds, as well as a preservative to resist bacteria, fungus, mildew and odors in other household products that are sometimes advertized as “anti-bacterial.” These products include garbage bags, toys, linens, mattresses, toilet fixtures, clothing, furniture fabric, and more.
A recent study published in the journal Chemical Research in Toxicology found that the chemical encourages cancer-cell growth. Various studies over the past few years have clearly outlined the health dangers associated with this chemical.
Don’t forget, the government and corporations used to tell us that asbestos, PCB’s and DDT were all deemed safe and effective, yet all of these chemicals have since been banned.
Triclosan can also pass through the skin and interfere with hormone function (endocrine disruption). It doesn’t stop there, a study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives from 2008 shows how scientists detected triclosan in the urine of nearly 75 percent of those tested (2,517 people age six or older).
The Canadian Medical Association has even called for a ban on products that contain Triclosan.
Colgate says that the chemical is safe, in doing so they cited the Food and Drug Administrations (FDA) process that led to its approval in the first place. But according to Bloomberg:
“A closer look at that application process, however, reveals that some of the scientific findings Colgate put forward to establish triclosan’s safety in toothpaste weren’t black and white — and weren’t, until this year, available to the public.”
Believe it or not, these documents were actually withheld from public viewing by the FDA. It’s also important to note that major corporations and the FDA are pretty much the same thing, and these corporations have a big influence over government policy. The only reason that the documents were recently released is because of a lawsuit that was filed over a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request.
The FDA report raised concerns that the chemical could cause cancer.
According to Bloomberg:
“The pages show how even with one of the U.S.’s most stringent regulatory processes — FDA approval of a new drug — the government relies on company-backed science to show products are safe and effective. The recently released pages, taken alongside new research on triclosan, raise questions about whether the agency did appropriate due diligence in approving [Colgate] Total 17 years ago, and whether its approval should stand in light of new research, said three scientists who reviewed the pages at Bloomberg News’s request.”
Despite all the evidence, Colgate still maintains that everything is fine and there is nothing to worry about. Will you believe them?
Will you continue to put your trust in these corporations instead of doing the research yourself? By now it’s clear that these corporations are not really concerned with safety or care, but more so about profit and making people sick, as well as contributing to the concealment of scientific data. The same shareholders that own these companies who are behind the distribution of these products are also holding major shares in various drug companies. There is profit to be had from making people sick.
Colgate has said that it has no plans to reformulate the toothpaste.
It’s remarkable how easy it is to pick up cosmetics, household cleaning products, soap, shampoo, toothpaste and other necessities without ever thinking about how it’s made, what goes into it, the science behind it and the health hazards that are associated with doing so.
More information is coming to light, especially within the past few years. The rate at which people are waking up and starting to critically question what we choose to surround ourselves with on a daily basis is increasing exponentially. Most importantly, people are starting to make better choices.
I know that most of us at VIVA have also.
If you are interested in learning more about this and why we changed to Melaleuca products, then simply ask Laryssa or Kristy at reception today.
I have always hated my legs, I would hate to go swimming and never wore bathers. I felt self concious and unhappy. Then when my marriage ended, I was left feeling very alone and raising my 4 kids on my own was hard work. One day I decided I needed something to focus on, to help me through all the crap in my life. So I signed up with PUSH_Coaching and immediately fell in love with how training made me feel. The time to concentrate on just me and no one else has made me a better mother and has also given me a confidence I have never had. So much so, that I am now working towards the ultimate goal.. to compete in the INBA Bikini Competition. Yes – I am going to wear a bikini-ON STAGE! It has been best thing Ive ever done, VIVA is like my family and I feel so proud of myself so far and I wont stop now. It not just a lifestyle change but it has now become my passion.
I love the Viva Vixens xx
Did You Know Yoga Classes are Available at Viva Fitness?
Here are 17 Conditions Yoga May Help Heal. You can try them as well as pilates and body balance at viva now!
Yoga classes are well known for the ability to boost fitness levels and flexibility, decrease stress, and support feelings of calm and well-being.
However, more and more studies are showing that yoga doesn’t only increase quality of life in healthy individuals; it may also play a role in treating and reducing the symptoms of many difficult-to-treat health conditions and diseases.
Here are 17 conditions yoga classes may be particularly beneficial for, according to scientific studies.
Diabetes
Many studies suggest that practicing yoga can benefit those with diabetes. How? Yoga has been shown to have positive effects on blood sugar levels, weight, heart rate, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, as well as free radicals in the body, all of which contribute to diabetes.
High blood pressure
A 2013 study found that patients with high blood pressure who practiced yoga experienced a greater drop in blood pressure than those who underwent a diet/weight reduction program. The researchers believed that yoga lowered blood pressure successfully because of its emphasis on relaxation and mindfulness.
Depression and anxiety
For the millions of people who suffer from anxiety or depression, studies show that yoga can be an important part of an effective treatment plan. According to Harvard Health, yoga can help heal these conditions by taming physiological responses to stress, including raised heart rate and blood pressure. Studies also suggest that yoga can provide a mood boost and lead to a higher quality of life.
IBS
Although only a few studies have been done on yoga’s effect on IBS, the results so far are encouraging. A 2011 study, for example, found that both pain intensity and frequency reduced in children with IBS after 10 yoga lessons.
Asthma
A 2010 study found that a yoga practice that included a warm-up, postures, deep breathing exercises, and 10 minutes of deep relaxation decreased the number of asthma attacks experienced by adults with asthma. The researchers thought that practicing yoga might improve both psychological and physical triggers of asthma attacks.
Multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an incurable, chronic disease that attacks the central nervous system and can eventually lead to paralysis or blindness. However, studies suggest that practicing yoga may relieve or reduce the many challenging symptoms caused by this condition. A 2015 study found that “yoga’s focus on breath, movement, and stretching may have therapeutic benefits for patients with MS and improve outcomes such as self-efficacy, mental health, and quality of life” and that “yoga is a promising method of symptom management for patients with MS.” Especially with MS, it’s important to find a yoga teacher who is specifically trained in this area to guide you through the postures safely.
Chronic back pain
A 2008 study found that patients who participated in one week of intensive yoga experienced less pain, reduced disability, and improved spinal flexibility. Many other studies have also found yoga to positively benefit chronic back pain, and it’s thought to be a safe option for this condition when done carefully and under the guidance of an experienced instructor.
Arthritis
Although some findings on yoga’s benefits for arthritis are mixed, arthritis.org reports that “recent scientific studies of people with various types of arthritis show that regular yoga practice can help reduce joint pain, improve joint flexibility and function and lower stress and tension to promote better sleep.”
Sleep disorders
Not only can certain yoga postures help you fall asleep faster and sleep deeper, but a regular yoga practice also helps people to adopt healthier habits and behaviors that lead to more regular and restful sleep. Multiple studies support this idea, including a 2004 study which found practicing yoga before bedtime improved both sleep time and sleep quality in patients with chronic insomnia.
Addiction
Although only a handful of studies have been performed on yoga’s ability to help beat addiction, studies done so far on patients with alcohol and nicotine addictions have had promising results. There are also many anecdotal accounts of yoga being an integral part of people’s journey to healing from addiction. A 2009 documentary called Addiction, Recovery and Yoga has chronicled several of these journeys, and the role that yoga played in them.
Autism
The beneficial effects of yoga for people with autism, especially children, are becoming more and more well documented. A 2012 study, for example, followed students with autism who practiced yoga before school each morning for 16 weeks. The yoga practice included deep breathing, postures, tensing and relaxing muscles, and ended with singing. After the 16 weeks, teachers rated the student yogis as better behaved compared to the students who hadn’t practiced yoga, and the researchers concluded that the yoga routine had “a significant impact on key classroom behaviors among children with ASD [autism spectrum disorder].”
ADHD
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is another behavioral disorder that yoga may help treat. A 2012 study, for example, found that a year-long intervention including yoga postures, meditation, and play therapy helped students with ADHD perform better in school. After the intervention, 92 percent of students had significant improvement according to parent ratings, and 46 percent according to teacher ratings.
Eating disorders
Multiple studies have shown that yoga may help practitioners with eating disorders by encouraging body acceptance and mindful eating, and decreasing the habit of self-objectification. However, some experts are concerned that yoga classes may be encouraging, rather than healing, eating disorders. According to the Yoga Journal, “Treatment experts worry that patients turn to yoga to burn calories, suppress hunger, or numb emotional pain, but under the guise of a devoted practice and clean eating.” This is a dynamic that researchers will have to continue to examine in future studies in order to make sure that yoga is practiced in a way that reduces rather than boosts disordered eating habits.
Epilepsy
Many studies have examined the effects of yoga on patients with epilepsy, most with positive results in terms of both reducing seizures and reducing patients’ anxiety about having seizures. Because seizures in epileptic individuals and anxiety about potential seizures are closely tied to stress, some researchers believe that yoga’s ability to reduce stress may be behind the improvements seen by patients.
Heart disease
According to the Harvard Health Blog, yoga may help patients with heart disease by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, and helping patients become more sensitive to insulin. However, it’s important to note that there are many postures that may not be safe for patients with heart disease, especially inverted postures (where your head is below your heart).
Hypothyroidism
Although no study (so far) has demonstrated that yoga can have a direct effect on improving or reversing hypothyroidism, some studies do suggest that daily yoga sessions may improve the quality of life of hypothyroid patients as well as help them manage disease-related symptoms.
As these studies show, yoga can be a beneficial and healthy practice for almost anyone. However, if you have a diagnosed health condition such as the ones above, it’s important to speak to a health practitioner before you start a yoga practice.
