A Women's Risk of High Blood Pressure

Besides reducing the risk of having a baby born with spina bifida, new research suggests women who increase their intake of folic acid can reduce their risk of high blood pressure.

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The results of two studies presented at a hypertension conference of the American Heart Association examined the health consequences of over 150,000 female nurses. When originally enrolled in the 8-year study, none of the women had high blood pressure.

As in many studies, the women first completed detailed questionnaires about their health habits, physical activity levels and diet (including folic acid intake). Their blood pressure was recorded every 2 years.

Bottom line? Those who consumed 800 micrograms of folic acid per day (or more) had a significantly lower risk of hypertension.

How can you be sure that you get enough folic acid?

While folic acid supplements can be helpful, several foods are known to be high in folate, including citrus fruits, asparagus, brussel sprouts, spinach, baked beans, brown rice, chickpeas, kidney beans and lentils. Items rarely featured at your local fast food establishment or the frozen food aisle at your supermarket!

Dr. David Asks some important questions of interest to Aurora residents - Chiropractor Aurora Dr. David Asks...

Can babies with colic be helped with chiropractic?
It's probably one of the times a parent feels the most helpless. But based on the research, chiropractic and colic relief appear to go hand in glove. With success rates in the mid-90% range, more and more Aurora parents are seeing a chiropractor. If you have a baby with colic learn how chiropractic may help.
Are aches and pains good or bad?
While aches or pains may be unpleasant, they're merely warning signs. As a Aurora chiropractor, I see this all the time. The pain is not the problem! It just means a limitation has been reached and something needs to change. That's when we get to work correcting the underlying cause.