calcium levels

The most common use for calcium channel blockers (CCBs) is for high blood pressure, migraines and Raynaud’s Disease. They work by preventing cellular calcium intake temporarily. While it’s good to have some calcium in the body, too much accumulating in the heart walls and blood vessels can increase blood pressure and restrict blood vessels. Certain medications in this class not only affect calcium absorption, but can also slow/regulate the heart rate and relieve chest pain.

There are two different types of CCBs: Dihydropyridine and Non-Dihydropyridine. The first type (Amlodipine/Norvasc) does not slow down the heart rate, which makes it safer for people who have already suffered heart failure or slowed heart rates; while the latter (Verpamil/Calan/Isotoptin and Diltiazem/Cardizem) will actually slow the heart, making it a suitable treatment for heart arrhythmias (abnormal heart activity.) Both types of medication are intended to reduce blood pressure and reduce the calcium levels in the heart walls and blood vessels.

In clinical studies, African Americans, elderly patients and those trying to reduce their sodium intake all benefited greatly from CCBs, although they’re generally not as effective as beta blockers or ACE inhibitors. Beta blockers, for instance, have been proven to reduce recurring heart attacks and mortality following an initial attack, while CCBs have not. Additionally, ACE inhibitors have demonstrable efficiency at preventing kidney failure, while CCBs do not. Even so, Michael Weber, M.D., of the SUNY Downstate College of Medicine in Brooklyn says “calcium channel blockers ‘convincingly beat the diuretic’ in helping hypertension patients. Also, due to the low side effects, people who have already suffered a heart attack will find these medications a safer alternative.”

One precaution to take while on calcium channel blockers is to avoid smoking. Cigarettes increase one’s heart rate, which can interact with the CCBs to cause a rapid heartbeat or heart attack. Also, patients should not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice less than four hours after taking their medication because it may interfere with the body’s calcium absorption and excretion levels. Lastly, those on blood thinners like Plavix may not see results, as CCBs affect their efficacy. All things considered, CCBs are some of the most widely prescribed medications for heart patients.

Tags: calcium absorption, calcium channel, calcium levels, calcium rich

In the temperate climate where I am from we have been teased by summer’s arrival for several weeks.  It is right around the corner, so it’s time to go over some healthy summer tips to stay well over the next few months.

There are several factors that pop up in the summer that might disrupt our normal routine.  There are vacations, patios, barbecues and weddings that make us feel like we’ve fallen “off track”.  In addition to the social pressures, there are natural phenomenon that can affect us as well: change in daylight hours, bugs, hot weather and sun exposure.  Not that any of these things are bad as most them are likely to make us quite happy.  Unfortunately, too much of anything can take its toll on your health.

Some healthy summer tips:

Stay hydrated: Water is the most important fluid you can put in your body.  Your body is made up of anywhere from 60-90% water.  You lose water when you sweat, which of course, you do more of in the hot summer months.  Carry around a water bottle with you (make sure that it is bisphenyl A free) and make sure you actually drink from it.  On the patio when you’re having a drink with some friends after work be sure to ask for a glass of water as well.  Alcohol is a diuretic so it can be quite dehydrating.  For every alcoholic drink you have try to drink a glass of water to help your body replenish this vital fluid.  When my patients tell me they don’t like to drink water because they find it boring, I tell them to flavor it up with some freshly squeezed lemon or a scoop of a health greens powder.  That way you’re getting nutrients as well as the refreshing water!

Sunscreen: We’ve heard this time and time again, however, it really cannot be emphasized enough.  It is important to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays which over time can accumulate and cause permanent changes in your skin in the form of spots, wrinkles and, of course, cancer.  Ultraviolet rays can even penetrate clouds so be sure to apply your favorite sunscreen even on overcast days.

Sleep: Adults in North America are chronically under slept and breezy summer nights can exacerbate this. There are several thing about summer that tempt us to stay up later.  The sun is sleeping less in the summer but this doesn’t mean that you should sleep less.  Light of any amount can decrease melatonin production and this, in turn, can prevent deep and restorative sleeps that your body needs to grow and rejuvenate its tissues. It is important to sleep in a completely dark room.  Make sure your blinds are closed and the drapes are pulled.  Try sleeping with an eye mask and do your best to maintain a steady sleep routine.

Exercise: People often take up more activity in the summer as they are inspired by the warm weather.  If you’re starting an exercise program for the first time be sure to ask your doctor for a check up or a Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) to make sure you’re fit to get more fit.  Often, walking is a great start for people who want to become more active.  If you stay with it then it won’t be long before your body will crave more rigorous activity.  Regardless of your physical activity level remember to drink lots of water and stretch before you exercise.  Always warm up for about 5-10 minutes before you engage in more rigorous activity.  This primes the muscles to be more efficient and prevents injury!

Fresh food: Something wonderful about summer is that it is fairly easy to eat healthy, fresh foods that are locally grown.  Check out your local farmers market for in season fruits and vegetables.  Its a great way to support the local economy and support the health of your body.  When you’re hanging out on a patio, choose salad instead of fries with your burger or better yet, skip the burger all together. Choose fruit instead of ice cream for dessert.  Invest in your own ice cream maker so you can make your own healthy frozen treats. Take a berry picking trip with some friends.  You get to be outside all day and afterwards you have delicious and nutritious goodies to stash away in your freezer.  Blend some berries or other fruit with a bit of water and freeze in ice cube trays or popsicle holders to have a healthy, cool snack.  There are lots of ways to stay relatively sugar free in the summer!!  Be the person to bring the veggie platter to the barbecue pot luck.  You chuckle, but you also know they are always eaten up!

Those are some basic healthy summer tips.  Ask your Naturopathic Doctor or other licensed health professional about specifics on how you and your family can have a healthy and happy summer.

Naturopathic Medicine is a safe, effective and natural approach to you and your family’s health.  Naturopathic doctors can and will empower you to live a healthy lifestyle while treating and preventing disease.  Find more information on the services I offer at Arbour Wellness Centre at Nanaimo Naturopathic Doctor.

Tags: Exercise, Nanaimo Naturopathic Doctor, Sleep, Summer health, water