
Broccoli and Bananas May Help Control High Blood Pressure - Jordan News
Broccoli and Bananas May Help Control High Blood Pressure A Canadian study suggests that consuming potassium-rich foods like broccoli and bananas may be more effective in lowering high blood pressure than simply reducing sodium (salt) intake, which is the most common recommendation today. اضافة اعلان Researchers from the University of Waterloo published their findings on Monday in the journal American Journal of Physiology–Renal Physiology. They explained that increasing the potassium-to-sodium ratio in the diet could have a greater impact on lowering blood pressure than cutting back on sodium alone. New Insights into the Potassium-Sodium Balance Previous studies have already shown that potassium plays a role in blood pressure regulation. The research team developed a mathematical model to describe how various factors interact in the body, with a focus on the balance between potassium and sodium and its effects on kidney and vascular function—two key players in blood pressure regulation. The model revealed that improving the potassium-to-sodium ratio in the diet more effectively lowers blood pressure than reducing sodium alone. This finding challenges the current widespread focus solely on salt reduction. Bananas and Broccoli Outperform Salt Reduction Alone The study found that incorporating potassium-rich foods like bananas and broccoli into the daily diet may have a greater positive effect on blood pressure than just reducing salt. Gender Differences in Blood Pressure Response The study also uncovered notable differences between men and women: Men tend to develop high blood pressure faster than women before menopause. However, men showed a greater response to improving their dietary potassium-to-sodium ratio. This suggests that dietary adjustments could be a particularly effective preventive or therapeutic strategy for men. A Shift in How We Manage High Blood Pressure The researchers concluded that these findings could reshape the traditional approach to managing high blood pressure. Instead of focusing solely on reducing salt, the emphasis should shift toward a balanced diet that includes more potassium from natural sources such as: Bananas Broccoli Spinach Avocados Beans Oranges Tomatoes The Global Impact of High Blood Pressure Over 30% of adults worldwide suffer from high blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and other health conditions such as kidney failure, dementia, and irregular heart rhythms. Several factors contribute to high blood pressure, including: Lack of physical activity Poor diet Stress Aging
Genetic predisposition

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Two Nighttime Signs That May Be Linked to Cancer - Jordan News
The body can sometimes send subtle signals in the early stages of cancer — and while most people notice symptoms during waking hours, certain signs that appear during sleep may serve as early warnings. اضافة اعلان Recent studies suggest that some nighttime disturbances may be more than just minor annoyances, potentially signaling an increased risk of cancer. Experts have identified two key symptoms that may indicate the development of certain cancers if they occur repeatedly during sleep: 1. Excessive night sweats 2. Sleep apnea (breathing interruptions during sleep) 1. Night Sweats and Their Link to Cancer Heavy night sweats — intense enough to require changing clothes — are associated with various conditions, including lymphoma and leukemia. According to the Cleveland Clinic, when this sweating is not caused by external factors such as room temperature or medication, it may be the body's immune response to abnormal cell growth. Dr. Jennifer Cullen Bein, a hematology specialist, emphasizes that persistent, intense night sweats, especially if accompanied by unexplained weight loss or fever, should prompt a thorough medical evaluation. A report by Cancer Research UK supports this, identifying night sweats as an early symptom of certain cancers, such as Hodgkin lymphoma and leukemia. These symptoms may be caused by immune activation due to growing cancer cells disrupting normal bodily functions. 2. Sleep Apnea and Cancer Risk Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition where the upper airway repeatedly becomes blocked during sleep, causing breathing to stop and restart. While it's known to affect sleep quality, recent research also connects it to higher cancer risks. A 2019 Canadian study involving over 30,000 participants found that individuals with severe sleep apnea had higher cancer rates, particularly kidney, pancreatic, and lung cancer. Lead researcher Dr. Tetyana Kendzerska explained that chronic oxygen deprivation during sleep may trigger biological processes that promote cancer cell growth and spread. Why These Nighttime Signs Are Concerning Both night sweats and sleep apnea may reflect chronic inflammation and immune system activation — conditions often linked to cancer. Night sweats may result from the immune system fighting abnormal (possibly cancerous) cells. Meanwhile, the intermittent lack of oxygen in sleep apnea can cause oxidative stress, leading to cell damage and possibly genetic mutations. Doctors urge people not to ignore these signs, especially if they occur frequently, and are accompanied by other symptoms like chronic fatigue, unexplained weight loss, or visible lumps in the neck or underarms. When to See a Doctor You should consult a physician if you experience: Severe and frequent night sweats without a clear cause Repeated breathing pauses during sleep, or if a bed partner notices loud snoring followed by silence Additional symptoms like weight loss, nighttime fever, or persistent fatigue Family history of cancer Final Note While these two signs are not definitive indicators of cancer, they should not be ignored. Their persistence may warrant medical attention to rule out serious causes. Early diagnosis significantly increases the chances of successful treatment and recovery.


Jordan News
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- Jordan News
Broccoli and Bananas May Help Control High Blood Pressure - Jordan News
Broccoli and Bananas May Help Control High Blood Pressure A Canadian study suggests that consuming potassium-rich foods like broccoli and bananas may be more effective in lowering high blood pressure than simply reducing sodium (salt) intake, which is the most common recommendation today. اضافة اعلان Researchers from the University of Waterloo published their findings on Monday in the journal American Journal of Physiology–Renal Physiology. They explained that increasing the potassium-to-sodium ratio in the diet could have a greater impact on lowering blood pressure than cutting back on sodium alone. New Insights into the Potassium-Sodium Balance Previous studies have already shown that potassium plays a role in blood pressure regulation. The research team developed a mathematical model to describe how various factors interact in the body, with a focus on the balance between potassium and sodium and its effects on kidney and vascular function—two key players in blood pressure regulation. The model revealed that improving the potassium-to-sodium ratio in the diet more effectively lowers blood pressure than reducing sodium alone. This finding challenges the current widespread focus solely on salt reduction. Bananas and Broccoli Outperform Salt Reduction Alone The study found that incorporating potassium-rich foods like bananas and broccoli into the daily diet may have a greater positive effect on blood pressure than just reducing salt. Gender Differences in Blood Pressure Response The study also uncovered notable differences between men and women: Men tend to develop high blood pressure faster than women before menopause. However, men showed a greater response to improving their dietary potassium-to-sodium ratio. This suggests that dietary adjustments could be a particularly effective preventive or therapeutic strategy for men. A Shift in How We Manage High Blood Pressure The researchers concluded that these findings could reshape the traditional approach to managing high blood pressure. Instead of focusing solely on reducing salt, the emphasis should shift toward a balanced diet that includes more potassium from natural sources such as: Bananas Broccoli Spinach Avocados Beans Oranges Tomatoes The Global Impact of High Blood Pressure Over 30% of adults worldwide suffer from high blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and other health conditions such as kidney failure, dementia, and irregular heart rhythms. Several factors contribute to high blood pressure, including: Lack of physical activity Poor diet Stress Aging Genetic predisposition


Jordan News
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How to Protect Yourself from the Risk of Microplastic Particles - Jordan News
A recent alarming study revealed that our brains contain around a teaspoon of microplastic particles, raising significant health concerns. While previous research indicated that humans consume the equivalent of a credit card's worth of plastic every week on average, these tiny particles (less than 5 mm) have been discovered in oceans, clouds, and even various parts of the body, including the lungs, liver, kidneys, placenta, blood, and breast milk. However, the levels found in the brain are much higher than in other organs or fluids. اضافة اعلان Although the full health impact of microplastic particles remains uncertain, studies suggest that they can damage cells, cause inflammation, disrupt organ functions, and alter immune responses. Exposure to these particles has also been linked to an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and some types of cancer. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce your exposure to these harmful particles: 1. **Avoid Drinking Water from Plastic Bottles** Experts recommend switching from plastic bottles to filtered tap water. A recent study showed that using filtered water instead of bottled water can reduce microplastic consumption by up to 90%. Experts suggest using reusable water bottles made from stainless steel. 2. **Choose the Right Tea Bags** A 2019 Canadian study revealed that steeping a single plastic tea bag in hot water releases about 11.6 billion microplastic particles and 3.1 billion nanoplastic particles per cup. To avoid this issue, experts recommend purchasing tea in paper bags instead of plastic ones or steeping loose leaf tea directly in water using a strainer or a special tea pot. 3. **Boil and Filter Water** Research indicates that boiling water can effectively reduce the presence of microplastic particles. A 2024 study found that boiling and filtering water could reduce microplastics by up to 90%. A simple home filter, such as a coffee filter, can also help remove suspended particles. 4. **Avoid Plastic Cutting Boards** Studies have shown that plastic cutting boards can be a significant source of microplastic particles in food. Experts advise using cutting boards made from wood or metal, as they are more durable and easier to clean. 5. **Don't Microwave Plastic Containers** Studies have shown that heating plastic containers in the microwave can release billions of microplastic particles. Experts recommend avoiding storing food in plastic containers and switching to glass or stainless steel containers. While it may be impossible to completely avoid microplastic particles, following these steps can significantly reduce your exposure and protect your long-term health. *(New York Post)*