Written By: GreenMedInfo Research Group Hot yoga is more than a sweaty fitness trend: it can help people with high blood pressure shift in a calm, soothing direction -- away from high blood pressure and heart disease A preliminary study confirms the benefits of hot yoga on symptoms of high blood pressure. In a presentation at the American Heart Association's Hypertension 2019 Scientific Sessions, findings were presented from the novel study exploring a drug-free method of treating elevated blood pressure and hypertension using heated yoga classes. The lead researcher, Stacy Hunter, Ph.D., wrote an article about the study, titled "Temps up, blood pressures down in hot yoga study," published in the American Heart Association Meeting Report (Presentation #P196; Session APS.1).[i] Hunter is assistant professor and lab director of the cardiovascular physiology lab at Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas. For the study, Hunter's research team recruited 10 adult men and women who had been diagnosed with either elevated blood pressure (EVP) or stage 1 hypertension (S1H). According to the Mayo Clinic, EVP is a systolic pressure ranging from 120 to 129 mm Hg and a diastolic pressure below 80 mm Hg.[ii] Stage 1 hypertension is a systolic pressure ranging from 130 to 139 mm Hg or a diastolic pressure ranging from 80 to 89 mm Hg. S1H elevates to stage 2 hypertension (S2H) when systolic pressure reaches 140 mm Hg or higher, or diastolic pressure rises to 90 mm Hg or higher.[iii] EVP tends to increase in severity over time unless steps are taken to bring blood pressure under control. [iv] Participants in the study were not taking any blood pressure medications and had not engaged in any regular physical exercise for at least six months before the study. Researchers randomly assigned five participants to an experimental group for 12 weeks of hot yoga classes, while the control group did not take yoga classes. Hot yoga is considered a vigorous workout, conducted in super-heated rooms that can reach 105 degrees Fahrenheit (40 Celsius) with 40% humidity. Sweating is induced as a form of general detoxification while high heat warms the muscles, enhancing flexibility. Weekly Hot Yoga Lowers Blood Pressure in Three Months The yoga group engaged in hour-long hot yoga classes three times each week for the three-month study period. Average blood pressures for the two groups were taken before and after the study periods and compared. The researchers looked at average 24-hour blood pressure readings, as well as perceived stress and vascular function of participants in both groups. After 12 weeks, the results of the study showed that members of the yoga group had lower blood pressure measurements than non-yoga group members. While researchers acknowledge that more studies on hot yoga are needed, these promising results add to the body of research on regular, room-temperature yoga's benefits for lowering blood pressure.[v] Yoga Balances Your Body and Mind (Without Drugs) Yoga has been practiced for many thousands of years as a way to integrate the body with the mind. A first-of-its-kind meta-analysis on the effects of yoga on blood pressure was published in 2013 in the peer-reviewed journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.[vi] A U.S.-based, cross-functional research team led by Marshall Hagins from Long Island University in Brooklyn, New York, examined results from 17 independent studies on the effects of yoga on male and female adults with prehypertension or high blood pressure, with or without cardiovascular disease. The featured studies assessed gentle yoga programs of relatively short duration, without focus on a particular style of yoga or individual fitness levels. This criterion, researchers hypothesized, would lead to findings within their research that would be applicable to the majority of individuals with elevated blood pressure. Results of this meta-analysis showed that yoga practice was associated with an overall "modest but significant" reduction in blood pressure. Larger, more clinically significant reductions in blood pressure were observed when the yoga practice incorporated three key elements -- postures, meditation and breathing -- as compared with more limited yoga interventions, which demonstrated less impact on blood pressure. Yoga compared to no treatment yielded significant blood pressure benefits, but not when compared to other forms of exercise. Researchers said these findings "are of clear clinical significance and suggest that yoga may offer an effective intervention for reducing blood pressure among people with prehypertension or hypertension." They are not alone in their assertion that these study results indicate yoga is a viable antihypertensive lifestyle therapy. They called for additional controlled trials to determine the optimal yoga program and treatment protocol. Hot Yoga Goes Mainstream; Should You Go, Too? For individuals interested in exploring hot yoga, Hunter recommends using extra precaution. Talk to your doctor before beginning any new exercise regimen. If you're cleared for practice, make sure you are well-hydrated when you arrive to class; it's not enough to merely sip water throughout the class. Dress in layers that can be removed during class and allow you to cool down gradually once you leave. Start slowly; don't over-exert during class and be aware of signs of heat exhaustion. You don't need to endure an hour of super-heated asanas to benefit from yoga. For some, it's simply the art of bending over. Try a class at your local studio, YMCA or YWCA, or check the class schedule wherever you work out. There are many levels of yoga, including classes suitable for beginners. To learn more, explore GreenMedInfo.com with nearly 300 scientific abstracts on yoga and its therapeutic benefits. References [i] American Heart Association. (2019, September 5). Temps up, blood pressures down in hot yoga study. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 1, 2020 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/09/190905161410.htm [ii] Mayo Clinic, Patient Care & Health Information, Diseases & Conditions, Elevated blood pressure, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prehypertension/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20376708 [iii] Mayo Clinic, Patient Care & Health Information, Diseases & Conditions, Elevated blood pressure, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prehypertension/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20376708 [iv] Mayo Clinic, Patient Care & Health Information, Diseases & Conditions, Elevated blood pressure, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prehypertension/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20376708 [v] Hagins, Marshall et al. "Effectiveness of yoga for hypertension: systematic review and meta-analysis." Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine: eCAM vol. 2013 (2013): 649836. doi:10.1155/2013/649836 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23781266 [vi] Hagins, Marshall et al. "Effectiveness of yoga for hypertension: systematic review and meta-analysis." Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM vol. 2013 (2013): 649836. doi:10.1155/2013/649836 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23781266 The GMI Research Group (GMIRG) is dedicated to investigating the most important health and environmental issues of the day.  Special emphasis will be placed on environmental health.  Our focused and deep research will explore the many ways in which the present condition of the human body directly reflects the true state of the ambient environment. Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of GreenMedInfo or its staff. © [April 30th 2020] GreenMedInfoLLC. This work is reproduced and distributed with the permission ofGreenMedInfoLLC. Want to learn more fromGreenMedInfo? Sign up for the newsletter here //www.greenmedinfo.com/greenmed/newsletter."

Don't Gain the Quarantine 15lb! I don’t know what to do! How can I get through this? I’ve been so bad, I’m totally failing! Have you ever had these thoughts in your head? With everything going on, or really not going on, it’s put many of us in uncharted territory. Our gyms are closed, work is stressful or lack there of has added extra stress on top what you already had, we feel stuck in our homes and there may not be much comfort in when this will end. So, where do we sometimes find comfort? The FRIDGE! I’ve been totally guilty of it too! And in times like this, I’ve heard many women state… “If I don’t change something soon, I might end up with the dreaded… QUARANTINE 15! Maybe cute in college but not past our 40’s! That’s why I put together 7 steps to avoid the quarantine 15 so you can guide yourself through this crazy time feeling good and looking good! And, as an additional BONUS... you’ll be able to use my mindset sheet to go along with those 7 simple steps to learn how to get what you want! Click here now for your FREE guide to avoid the quarantine 15 and make sure to share this with a friend! With all my love & support, Julie and the PHS team

Dr. DeSilva gives us some Quick Tips on cold and flu prevention

Reduce cortisol, the body's stress component in the clean mountain air at Valhalla Resort in Estes Park, Colorado.

2 incredible "cleaner home" devices - Air & SurfacePro and Laundry Pure2.0 help clean air and surfaces up to 3000 square feet. Laundry Pure 2.0 also uses space-age technology to provide money savings and cleaner clothes that could irritate the skin. #purify #technology #air #healthyhome #vollara #clean #allergies #allergens #mold #skinproblems #skin #eczema #asthma

Bioidentical hormone therapy resolves a number of issues you might consider as natural, inevitable effects of aging, such as: Body Leanness During age-related hormone decline, men and women can lose several pounds of muscle mass, however, improving hormone levels improves muscle tone and results in a leaner appearance. Libido Maintaining optimal hormone balance can increase sexual function and libido and minimize symptoms of vaginal dryness and erectile dysfunction. Both of which can improve intimate relationships and boost confidence in men and women. Appearance of Skin and Hair Proper levels of hormones, especially into old age, can help you maintain a lustrous head of hair and strong fingernails. Weight Management Balancing hormones with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy helps men and women to keep an active metabolism and prevent sudden hormone related weight gain. Brain Function Restoring hormones to healthy levels can help men and women improve and preserve their memory and cognitive function. Bone Mass Maintaining healthy hormone levels helps prevent bone thinning in men and women and even reverses some of the effects of osteoporosis.

PRP or “Platelet Rich Plasma” regenerative therapies utilize a concentration of platelet cells taken from the patient’s own blood. These platelets contain growth factors that accelerate hair regrowth and facial rejuvenation. The patients’ blood is drawn in the office and then spun in a centrifuge at a specific RPM which forces the blood components to separate into three levels. The distinct components are Red Blood Cells (RBC), Normal Plasma (PPP) and Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP). The PRP is then separated by our Registered Nurse and micro-needled into the scalp for hair rejuvenation or into the face for cosmetic rejuvenation. PRP is an excellent option for hair growth as the platelets contain vital growth hormones which stimulate the growth of stronger, fuller, and healthier hair. Patients can also reduce wrinkles and fine lines and improve texture and tone by restoring and enhancing their face and neck tissue. PRP leaves patients looking and feeling more youthful and rejuvenated!

Functional medicine takes a patient-centered approach to screening, diagnosis, and treatment. Instead of looking at the patient as an illness or cluster of symptoms, Functional medicine considers your lifestyle, genetics, and environment when diagnosing and recommending treatments. This empowers you to take an active role in your own health. What are the core principles of functional medicine? As a functional medicine practitioner, Dr. Taylor recognizes that each patient is a unique human being whose biochemistry is influenced by genetics and their particular environment. She’s committed to patient-centered treatment and seeks to balance your mind, body, and spirit as a way to ultimate health. Dr. Taylor recognizes that all of your body systems are connected and a symptom in one may be caused by a disturbance in another. Functional medicine views good health as more than the absence of disease, but as the enhancement of vitality. Her practice aims to extend the quality, not just the length of your life. Dr. Taylor will always be respectful of your needs, values, and preferences. How does functional medicine differ from conventional medicine? In functional medicine, the emphasis is on nourishing the basic foundational aspects of your health. These include quality of sleep, nutrition, stress management, relationships, genetics, and exercise. When any of these are out of balance, it has a dire impact on your health. Hormone irregularities, nutritional deficiencies, an abundance of stress, and aging can all disturb this “foundation” and affect your health. Conventional medicine looks at the symptoms, often without regard to what may be causing them. While you may get resolution to acute problems with medication and other care, the underlying problems causing your symptoms may go undetected.

Meet our newest contributor, Dr. Julie Taylor

This 12-minute video runs through some favorite balance poses! 🥰🧘‍♀️

This is a restorative yoga routine, excellent for people recovering from anything, or who are needing a gentler workout. There’s some challenge built in but it’s focused on recovery and repair. Also—numerous cameos by my two superdoggies—Maximus & Samson. Enjoy! 😁

For those of you healing from upper body injury or overuse, here’s a yoga flow without downward-facing dogs, planks or chatarungas. 😁🧘‍♀️ We focus on balance and engaging our core. Enjoy!

A 12-min Mood Booster you can fit into your busy day. Last minute cancellation? Here’s your opportunity! 😁

Dr. Engsberg of AgeWellMD lets us in on symptoms that their men and women patients say they are experiencing, and a possible solution that AgeWellMD can help with.

A Wellness Series Hosted by Gunther Mueller of Vibrant Health Gurus is coming soon to My Wellness by Nature!