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5 foods that treat high blood pressure

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High blood pressure affects a large proportion of the world’s population.

While drugs are one way to treat the condition, there are many other natural techniques, including eating certain foods, that can help.

Below are 5 of such food;

Dark Chocolate and Cocoa Powder

Dark chocolate and cocoa powder contain plant compounds that help relax blood vessels, lowering blood pressure.

That’s because dark chocolate and cocoa powder are rich in flavonoids, which are plant compounds that cause blood vessels to dilate.

A review of studies found that flavonoid-rich cocoa improved several markers of heart health over the short term, including lowering blood pressure.

Berries

Berries are rich in polyphenols, which can help lower blood pressure and the overall risk of heart disease.

Polyphenols can reduce the risk of stroke, heart conditions, and diabetes, as well as improving blood pressure, insulin resistance, and systemic inflammation.

Fresh fruits and Vegetables rich in potassium

Eating fresh fruits and vegetables, which are rich in potassium, can help lower blood pressure.

Leafy greens, tomatoes, potatoes, melons, banana, orange and apricots are rich in potassium

Milk, yogurt, beans and nuts are also good source of potassium.

Calcium-rich food

They are linked to healthy blood pressure levels.

For most adults, the calcium recommendation is 1,000 milligrams (mg) per day.

For women over 50 and men over 70, it’s 1,200 mg per day

Okra, white beans, sweet potatoes, Almond, kale, orange, sesame seeds and diary products are good source of calcium.

Hibiscus

Hibiscus flowers make a tasty tea.

They’re rich in anthocyanins and polyphenols that are good for your heart and may lower blood pressure.

Health

5 side effects of using hair dye on your natural hair

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Colouring your hair can be a fun way to change your look, but you should be aware of the potential side effects that hair dye can have on your natural hair.

Whether you’re looking for a dramatic change or just a subtle touch of colour, hair dye can be a tempting option to experiment with your natural hair.

However, it’s important to be aware of the potential downsides before taking the plunge. Here are five side effects of using hair dye on your natural hair that you should know about:

1. Breakage and dryness

One of the most common side effects of using hair dye is increased dryness. Hair dye, especially permanent dyes, contains chemicals that can break down the natural proteins in your hair, leaving it feeling dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. This is because the dyeing process opens up the hair cuticle, allowing the colour to penetrate, but it also exposes the inner layers of the hair to potential damage.

This lack of moisture makes your hair more susceptible to breakage and split ends, as it loses its elasticity and strength.

2. Hair loss
Although less common, prolonged and frequent use of hair dye can contribute to hair loss. The harsh chemicals can weaken your hair shafts, leading to hair thinning and loss over time. Moreover, severe allergic reactions or scalp irritation can disrupt the natural hair growth cycle, exacerbating hair loss.

3. Colour fading and unevenness

While hair dye can give you the color you desire, maintaining that color can be challenging. Frequent washing, exposure to sunlight, and the use of certain hair products can cause the color to fade over time, leading to uneven tones and the need for regular touch-ups. This can become a cycle that requires more frequent dyeing, further exposing your hair to chemicals.

4. Allergic reactions
Some individuals are allergic to certain ingredients commonly found in hair dyes, particularly paraphenylenediamine (PPD). These allergies can manifest in various ways, ranging from itchy scalp and irritation to redness, swelling, and even respiratory problems. It’s crucial to perform a patch test before applying hair dye, especially if you have sensitive skin or any known allergies.

5. Difficulty with future styling and treatments
Hair dye can alter the natural texture and elasticity of your hair, making it more difficult to style and manage. Some hair treatments also, like perms or relaxers may not be compatible with dyed hair and could cause further damage.

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Health

What to know about crossed eyes

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At some point in your life, you may have encountered someone whose eyes are directed opposite to where they are actually looking.

As a child, you might have even tried to mimic their eye position and question the reason their eyes are like that. This condition is commonly referred to as crossed eyes, but medically it is known as strabismus.

Strabismus is a prevalent condition that can affect people of all ages, with a higher incidence in children.

According to Brian G. Mohney, a pediatric ophthalmologist, approximately 1 in 20 children experiences strabismus.

Without further ado, here is what you need to know about strabismus.

WHAT IS STRABISMUS?

Strabismus is a vision disorder in which the eyes do not properly align with each other when looking at an object. In other words, one eye is turned in a direction that is different from the other eye.

Normally, the six muscles that control eye movement work together and point both eyes in the same direction.

However, if one has strabismus, these muscles have issues controlling eye movement and can not keep a normal eye position.

The American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS), reveals that there are different types of strabismus, according to the direction the eyes turn.

Esotropia: This is a type of strabismus that causes inward deviation of the eyes. It is characterized by having one or both eyes turn inward toward the nose. Esotropia is the most common type of strabismus and affects between 2 to 4 percent of children.
Exotropia: This type of strabismus is also called wall-eye. It is when one or both eyes turn outward toward the ear and it affects 1 to 1.5 percent of kids.
Hypertropia: This is characterized by an upward deviation of one or both eyes. In this condition, the eyes are misaligned with one pointing upward.
Hypotropia: This is the opposite of hypertropia. It is the downward deviation of one or both eyes where the eyes are misaligned with one pointing downward.
What causes strabismus?

Strabismus is mostly caused by an imbalance in the muscles responsible for controlling the movement of the eyes.

However, there are other causes which include:

Genetic factors: People who have a family history of strabismus are at risk of having the condition. Research has found that about 30% of children with strabismus have a family member with a similar condition.
Acquired factors: Strabismus can be caused due to eye injuries or diseases that affect the eye muscles or nerves.
Refractive error: Uncorrected farsightedness can contribute to strabismus because of the additional eye focus they must do to keep objects clear.
Neurological or brain development issues: People suffering from conditions such as stroke, down syndrome, and cerebral palsy are at risk of strabismus.
What are the symptoms of strabismus?

Symptoms of strabismus can differ in severity depending on the type and the cause. However, here are the common symptoms of strabismus.

Eye misalignment
Double vision
Frequent blinking or squinting, especially in bright sunlight
Tilting of head to look at things
Eye strain
Closing one eye when looking at objects that are far away or when you’re in bright light
How is strabismus treated?

There are several treatment options for strabismus ranging from nonsurgical to surgical. Strabismus is advised to be treated quickly — also the younger the patient the more effective the treatment is likely to be.

These treatments include:

Eyeglasses and lenses: In a situation where strabismus is caused by refractive error, corrective lenses can help keep the eyes straight.
Medications: Medications like eye drops, ointments as well as botulinum toxin injection (Botox) are used. Botox helps weaken the overactive eye muscle and align the eyes properly.
Vision therapy: This involves a series of exercises and activities that help improve eye coordination, focusing ability and eye muscle control.
Eye muscle surgery: This is done if other treatments are not effective. During this surgery, the eye muscles are moved to change the length or position of the muscles so the eyes are aligned correctly.

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Health

Five tips to maintain healthy prostate

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The prostate is an important organ for reproduction and urination. Unfortunately, it is also one of the organs susceptible to health threats over time.

With about 50% of men over 60 and 90% by age 80 having an enlarged prostate and 1 in 8 men diagnosed with prostate cancer, maintaining prostate health should be a paramount concern regardless of age.

Even though, there is no guaranteed way to prevent prostate problems; there are tips and habits that can help reduce the risks.

Without further ado, here are practical ways to help promote prostate health.

  • Maintain a healthy diet

Your diet can significantly affect your health, including that of your prostate.

So eating a nutritious diet that would support your prostate health should become a priority.

study has found that a diet rich in healthy plant foods including vegetables, fruits, whole grains and legumes may protect you against prostate problems, particularly prostate cancer.

Maintaining a diet rich in required nutrients will not only promote your physical health but also your prostate health and reduce your risk of prostate problems.

Remember, eating healthy includes avoiding processed foods and sugar-sweetened drinks.

  • Exercise regularly

In addition to maintaining a healthy diet pattern, stay active.

To keep your prostate and other organs healthy, be sure you move throughout the day and also exercise several times per week.

study has proven that men who were more physically active were less likely to suffer from an enlarged prostate.

So try as much as possible to add physical activity to your routine. Exercising regularly will not only help reduce the risk of prostate problems but also maintain a healthy weight as well as prevent cardiovascular diseases.

  • Limit alcohol intake

Excessive alcohol intake has been linked to an increased risk of prostate problems including prostate cancer and prostate enlargement.

Limit your alcohol consumption to moderate levels, or consider abstaining totally, to support prostate health.

Rather than taking alcohol, take water; stay hydrated.

  • Quit Smoking

Smoking is an act that affects every part of the body, not to mention the prostate.

Even though smoking has not been proven to directly lead to the development of prostate cancer, it can however make it more aggressive or more fatal.

According to a study, smokers have an increased risk of death from prostate cancer.

So quit smoking to reduce this risk and improve overall health. It might be hard but it’s possible, do it for your health.

  • Get screened

Aside from having a healthy lifestyle, getting educated and tested for prostate cancer regularly is important.

According to the American Cancer Society, a man should start PSA screening at age 50. However, men at high risk of developing prostate cancer like family history should start at age 40-45.

While this screening test has not been proven to prevent prostate cancer, regular screenings can help detect prostate cancer early when it is more treatable.

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Bodex F. Hungbo, SPMIIM is a multiple award-winning Nigerian Digital Media Practitioner, Digital Strategist, PR consultant, Brand and Event Expert, Tv Presenter, Tier-A Blogger/Influencer, and a top cobbler in Nigeria.

She has widespread experiences across different professions and skills, which includes experiences in; Marketing, Media, Broadcasting, Brand and Event Management, Administration and Management with prior stints at MTN, NAPIMS-NNPC, GLOBAL FLEET OIL AND GAS, LTV, Silverbird and a host of others

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