Why is high blood pressure bad?

Blood pressure refers to the pressure of the blood in the circulatory system. In other words, the measurement shows how hard your heart is working to circulate blood throughout your body. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is quite dangerous. why is high blood pressure badMany people don’t know they have high blood pressure as it can take years for symptoms to develop. It is very important to check your blood pressure somewhat regularly, especially if you are at risk for hypertension.  Why is high blood pressure bad? Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why.

An optimum blood pressure reading for an adult is usually measured at 120/80. If over a period of several weeks you are having consistent blood pressure readings of 140/90 or higher, you most likely have hypertension.

the arteries

High blood pressure can lead to heart disease, blood circulation problems and even stroke. Healthy arteries allow blood to move smoothly, bringing essential oxygen and nutrients to the vital organs and tissues. If you have hypertension, the blood is having to work harder to pump through your arteries. This can cause two major problems in particular. Firstly, narrowed arteries can develop which means less blood is circulating around your body. Secondly, narrowed arteries can lead to an aneurysm. Increased pressure from the restricted blood flow can cause a rupture and lead to internal bleeding. The most common type of aneurysm to occur from hypertension is in the aorta (the heart’s largest artery).

Heart damage

Untreated high blood pressure can lead to coronary artery disease. If you have coronary artery disease, a narrowing of the arteries that restricts blood flow to and from the heart, you are at risk for a heart attack. If you are experiencing any kind of chest pain or arrhythmias (irregular heart beats) you must see a doctor. When your heart is experiencing too much strain, the muscles are weakened and won’t work as well.

 Brain damage

The brain needs a strong and steady supply of well-oxygenated blood to work efficiently. High blood pressure can have negative effects on the brain. You can be at risk for developing transient ischemic attacks (mini-strokes) where the blood supply is temporarily blocked from reaching your brain. If left untreated, full blown strokes can occur. A stroke is when the brain is cut off from oxygen and nutrients for enough time that brain cells die. High blood pressure can cause a stroke because of how it damages the blood vessels. Blood clots form in the arteries and the flow of blood is blocked.

Vascular dementia can also be a result of untreated high blood pressure. If the arteries carrying blood to the brain become too narrow or even blocked the brain can be damaged. Understanding and memory can be impaired.

kidney damage

High blood pressure can also damage the blood vessels in and around your kidneys. The kidneys work by removing waste from the blood. If the kidneys are not functioning correctly, due to hypertension, kidney disease can form. In fact, kidney failure most often occurs because of high blood pressure. When your body can’t filter out waste adequately, the excess fluid and waste builds up which can lead to irreparable damage.

what causes high blood pressure

High blood pressure can develop due to several different reasons.blood pressure chart If you consume a diet too high in salt and/or fat, are overweight or obese, don’t exercise enough and/or drink alcohol in excess, you can be at risk for high blood pressure. There is also a genetic component involved so if you have a family history of high blood pressure it’s best to get yours checked regularly. The process of aging can also lead to the development of high blood pressure. Always consult a doctor if you have any concerns.

Why is my eye twitching?

Eye twitching is officially referred to as myokymia. It is actually rather common and most individuals will experience eye twitching or spasms at some point in their life.Usually only one eye twitches although it can occur in both. Some people will experience twitches in the lower eyelid while others will experience upper eyelid twitches.why is my eye twitching If you are asking yourself why is my eye twitching you have come to the right place. Let’s look at some of the reasons why.

Myokymia can be a result of too much stress, fatigue, eye strain, tiredness, excessive amounts of caffeine or alcohol, allergies and dry eyes. There is usually no reason to suspect a serious medical problem if you are experiencing eye twitching as in most cases it is benign.


Stress can have a lot of physical effects on the body. One of the ways in which it might manifest is through eye twitching. If you think stress is resulting in eye spasms you can try doing various activities to relax. Yoga, meditation, taking a break, getting some physical exercise, etc., are all ways in which to try and cut down on stress. Making sure you get enough quality sleep to cut down on tiredness is also essential.

eye strain

Eye twitching can also be caused by too much strain on the eyes. This could be the case if you need glasses or a change in prescription. When your eyes are working too hard the muscles spasm. If you haven’t had an eye exam in awhile and are experiencing a lot of eye twitching, it would be a good idea to have your vision checked. Of course these days we also spend a lot of time staring at screens which can contribute to eye strain. Professionals suggest taking regular breaks if you are consistently using computer or phone screens during the day. You can adopt the 20-20-20 rule to help cut back on eye fatigue. After 20 minutes of looking at a screen you should look up and into the distance, about 20 feet away, for at least 20 seconds.

caffeine and alcohol

Both caffeine and alcohol can cause eye twitching if drunk in excess. If you think too much caffeine or alcohol is contributing to the problem you can try abstaining for at least a week to see if there are any improvements.




Allergies can effect the eyes in several ways. Eyes can become itchy, swollen and watery. Although most of us know that rubbing an itchy eye only makes it worse, it can be difficult not to. When you rub your eye, histamine is released. This can result in increased eye twitching. You can try using antihistamine eye drops to improve the condition.

dry eyes

Having dry eyes is actually very common. Most people 50 and older start to experience more dry eye symptoms as part of the natural agin process. People who work regularly with digital screens, wear contact lenses or use certain types of medications will also tend to experience dry eyes. If the eye is better moisturized the chances of muscle spasms are reduced. You can try using eye drops or speak to a doctor about treatment options available.


when to see a doctor

Most of the time eye twitching will go away, especially if you have taken steps to rest your eyes.eye exam There are times, however, when myokymia becomes more recurrent. We recommend seeing an eye doctor if you feel concerned. You should especially see a doctor if other muscles in your face are being effected as this could be an indication of a more serious problem.




Why is garlic good for you?

Garlic is related to onions, shallots and leeks. It’s often added to food during the cooking process because of it’s delicious flavor. why is garlic good for youBut did you know garlic is also used for medicinal purposes. Ancient civilizations, including the Greeks, the Romans, the Egyptians, the Babylonians and the Chinese have all used garlic as a medicinal remedy. If you find yourself asking why is garlic good for you, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s look at some of the reasons why garlic is often labelled a health super food.

The Power of the Cloves

Garlic is formed of cloves which group together to make a bulb. Each bulb has around 10 to 20 cloves. The cloves are covered by a skin. When this is removed and the garlic chopped or crushed, a sulfur compound known as allicin is released. Allicin migrates around the body from the digestive tract, having several positive effects.

Garlic has a number of healthy vitamins and minerals. In a 1 ounce or 28 gram serving of garlic you can find good amounts of Manganese, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, and Selenium. Garlic also contains calcium, copper, iron, Vitamin B1 and potassium. It is low in calories and carbs and is also a source of fiber.

So how does allicin work? Why is garlic good for you?

strengthening the immune system

Garlic has long been used to strengthen the workings of the body’s immune system. Research has shown that taking a garlic supplement daily can reduce the amount of colds experienced by about 63%. Garlic can also reduce the number of days cold symptoms are felt by 70%. This means that within 2 days, when using garlic, you will start to feel better from your cold as compared to 5 days with no use of garlic. So if you are someone who experiences a lot of colds it might be worthwhile adding garlic supplements to your daily routine.

reduce high blood pressure and cholesterol

Garlic can help to reduce high blood pressure. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can lead to cardiovascular disease. Studies have shown that taking garlic supplements in daily doses of 600 to 1500 mg for at least 24 weeks is as effective for some people as using prescribed blood pressure medication. But keep in mind that the dose must be high to be effective. For the allicin to effectively reduce high blood pressure it must be consumed in greater amounts.

Garlic also has the ability to lower LDL cholesterol levels. Using garlic supplements can be very useful for people wanting to lower their high cholesterol levels.


A lot of antioxidants are found in garlic. Antioxidants are key in protecting the body against oxidative damage. There are studies that show garlic has the potential to be effective in fighting diseases such as Alzheimer’s and dementia.garlic good for you

Garlic has also long been used as a supplement by athletes. It can potentially enhance performance and cut down on fatigue although not a lot of official studies have been conducted. More research is needed to fully understand what garlic can contribute to athletic prowess and performance.

reducing heavy metal toxicity

If you have been exposed to heavy metal toxicity garlic can be very helpful in protecting against potential organ damage. It can also aid in the reduction of side effects from heavy metal toxicity including headaches and blood pressure problems. You need to take high doses in order to get enough allicin circulating through the bloodstream. It’s best to speak to a doctor to ensure the right treatment path is made available to you.


Why is my period late?

Menstruation cycles should be pretty regular. If you are experiencing irregularities, such as missed periods or regular spotting, it would be a good idea to see a doctor. There could be several reasons for a late period. If your period hasn’t arrived as normal you are probably asking yourself why is my period late.

A lot of people will assume a late period means pregnancy but this is not always the case. Hormonal imbalances, stress, effects of birth control, and thyroid issues are just some of the reasons that could cause a late period. Moreover, late periods are also far more common in women who have just begun menstruation and those women beginning menopause.

The average cycle of a woman’s period is every 28 days but healthy cycles can actually range anywhere from 21 to 35 days. Let’s look in depth at some of the reasons why a healthy cycle could be disrupted.


Women who are trying to get pregnant are anticipating missed periods. Pregnancy results in a halt on the menstrual cycle. why is my period late pregnancy

If you have been having sex and think there may be a chance you are pregnant you should take a pregnancy test. These days home pregnancy tests can detect the hormone produced during pregnancy, human chorionic gonadotropin, quite early. Keep in mind that false negatives can occur so you might want to repeat the test and make an appointment with your gynecologist.


Stress can take a major toll on the body. Hormones become imbalanced and this can result in illness and sudden changes in weight. Hypothalamic amenorrhea is when the hypothalamus, a part of the brain that controls hormones, is not functioning correctly. Adrenaline and cortisol, the stress hormones, are being released too often. This prompts the body to halt bodily functions that are deemed less important while in “survival mode.” This can have a major effect on your menstrual cycle. It is important to talk to a professional if you think too much stress and anxiety is impacting you negatively.

weight changes/excessive exercise

If you have gained or lost a significant amount of weight, especially over a relatively short period of time, your periods may not be coming regularly. A lot of women with eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia, actually stop ovulating. This can happen if your weight is 10% or more below what a healthy weight for your height should be. Obesity can also contribute to cycle changes because of resulting hormonal changes. Finally, excessive exercise can result in missed or late periods. Nature has designed it so that pregnancy is less likely to happen when the body is under a lot of physical stress.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is when a woman’s body produces too much androgen, which is a male hormone. The androgen leads to cysts forming on the ovaries. Menstruation will usually become irregular if not completely stop. PCOS symptoms can also include weight gain, difficulty in losing weight, hair growth on the face and chest and possible fertility problems.

Birth Control

Birth control pills are an effective mode of hormonal birth control. why is my period late birth controlThe combined pill contains the hormones estrogen and progestin. They work in conjunction to halt ovulation. There is also a mini pill which contains progestin only. You should speak to a doctor about what the right method of birth control is for you. Since the pill is producing hormonal changes, it can take some time for your cycle to become regular. The usual estimate of time in establishing a regular cycle is 6 months. Injections and implants, two other modes of birth control, can also cause cycle irregularities due to the hormone changes.

chronic illness

Illnesses such as diabetes and celiac disease can cause missed periods. Blood sugar and hormones are linked so when blood sugar is not stable irregularity can occur. An inflammatory illness, like celiac disease, causes damage to the digestive system which means the body struggles to absorb important nutrients. When you aren’t getting proper nutrition, your period can be disrupted.

Thyroid problems

The thyroid works to regulate the metabolism. If your thyroid is overactive or under-active your hormonal balance can be thrown off resulting in an irregular cycle. Medication is usually prescribed once a diagnosis has been confirmed. Once a thyroid problem is under management, the menstrual cycle usually goes back to being regular.


It is quite normal not to have a period while breastfeeding. The main hormone released for milk production is prolactin which halts ovulation. This means a lot of mothers will not have a period for several months or even until the child is weaned.  Do keep in mind, however, that you can still get pregnant during the breastfeeding phase because ovulation can still occur. It is best to use protection if you don’t want to get immediately pregnant again. Once a child is weaned the menstrual cycle should resume to normal within 6 to 8 weeks.

early peri-menopause

Menopause is the end to a woman’s fertility cycle. The production of eggs gradually slows down until it completely stops. Women usually begin menopause between the ages of 45 to 55. Sometimes hormonal imbalances will cause the onset of early menopause around the age of 40 but it is not very common.

Peace of mind

Experiencing late or missed periods can be worrying. Finding yourself asking why is my period late can lead to hasty conclusions. If you are truly concerned the best thing to do is make an appointment with a doctor. You will be able to find out what exactly is going on and plan a course of action to get things back to normal.

Why is blood red?

In order to understand why is blood red, we have to look at the molecules that it is made up of. The cells that form blood are known as red blood cells. Inside the red blood cells you find hemoglobin which is a type of protein. Hemoglobin proteins contain hemes. Hemes make blood red in color. why is blood redThey do this by binding iron molecules and oxygen. The iron molecules interact with the oxygen and this produces the red color. Iron reflects red light and there is a lot of iron in our blood.

Blood Cells

Blood is made up of several components including red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. They are contained within a clear fluid called plasma. Red blood cells make up the majority of cells thus dominating with an overall red color.

Blood needs to be able to carry oxygen around the body. As blood travels through the lungs, it gathers up oxygen. This oxygen is moved throughout the body. Once oxygen has been used up the blood will pick up more oxygen from the lungs for circulation.  When there is a lot of oxygen in your blood, is is much brighter in color. When there is little oxygen, it will appear a lot darker.

Blue blood myth

Since our blood is red, people often wonder why our veins are blue. Some people may even think that our blood is blue inside and only turns red when it is exposed to air. But this is not true. Blood is always red. blue veinsOn people with a pale skin color, the veins look blue because of the way light is passing through the skin. Skin causes light to reflect differently on blood deeper in our veins and our eyes are picking this up as a blue or green color.

Interestingly, some animals do have blue blood. For example, a lot of crustaceans, including lobsters and crabs, have blue blood. But this is not the case for humans and all other animals with backbones.



Why is a fire truck red?

A lot of countries use red as the staple color for their emergency vehicles. Fire trucks can come in a variety of colors but red is by far the most popular. So why is a fire truck red?

The Power of Red

There are several theories on why fire trucks are most commonly red. In the 1900s when cars were first being produced, Henry Ford chose black to be the main color. Black paint was cheaper to use and also lasted longer. This meant most of the vehicles on the road were black.

There are several historical theories that suggest why fire departments would have chosen red. why is a fire truck redOne theory suggests red was chosen because red really stands out as a color. This means people would quickly associate a red truck with fire fighting forces and know to get out of the way. Another theory states that fire brigades chose red because of its status as being the most expensive color. Having an expensive paint job contributed to the prestige of the fire fighters. Alternatively, there is also a theory that states red was the cheapest paint color on the market. Since fire fighters, in the beginning, were largely made up of unpaid volunteers, using the cheapest option would have been an economical decision.


Color vision

It is interesting to consider if red really is the best color for fire trucks. Studies have shown that red lights are easier for people to see during daylight hours. Red lights are, however, more difficult to see at night.

Researchers in England found in the 1960s that the best color for people to see while on the road, during the day and at night, is bright yellow or lime. They also found that yellow is the color most visible during rain, fog and snow. As a result, many UK emergency service departments began using retroreflective yellow features on their vehicles for increased safety.

Fire departments throughout America have also moved away from traditional red. green fire truck For example, some departments, including the Dallas Fire Department, have used lime-yellow trucks. You can find fire trucks painted lots of different colors in Pennsylvania, including orange, silver, royal blue, green, etc. A new trend, in many countries, is for fire trucks to have a different colored cab. So you might get a red truck with white cab or a black truck with red cab.

Rules of the Road

It is important to remember, however, that recognizing an emergency vehicle and following the rules of the road is more important than the color. If a person does not associate lime-yellow with a fire truck, this can lead to issues. For this key reason, many emergency services continue to use red as their staple color. It has become a tradition. fire truck red