Natural Treatment of High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
Natural Treatment of High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
Blood pressure is measured by the force that the blood exerts on the walls of arteries and veins as it is pumped through the body. High blood pressure or hypertension occurs when the pressure on the blood vessels is high.
Blood pressure is regulated by a complex system involving the heart, blood vessels, the brain, kidneys and adrenal glands. It fluctuates from moment to moment, typically increasing in response to physical activity or stress. When blood pressure stays high even when you are at rest, can damage arteries and delicate organs such as the brain, heart and kidneys.
In about 90% to 95% of people with high blood pressure, you can not identify the cause. This condition is called essential hypertension or primary hypertension, tends to develop gradually over many years. May be at stake a combination of factors such as diet, lifestyle, stress and smoking.
The other 5% to 10% of cases of high blood pressure are called secondary hypertension which are caused by other underlying disease such as kidney or heart defects. Certain drugs can also cause secondary hypertension, as described below.
High blood pressure is known as a silent killer because you can have it for years without knowing it, and suddenly have a heart attack or stroke. The uncontrolled blood pressure can also cause damage in organs, leading to increased risk of stroke, heart attack and kidney failure. If you have high blood pressure, it is essential to be under the supervision of a physician. Do not stop taking any prescribed medication. The strategies outlined in this chapter are not intended as a substitute for medical care. Lifestyle approaches such as proper nutrition, exercise, stress control and supplements can be used to supplement your medical treatment.
Signs and symptoms
• Dizziness;
• mild headaches;
• stained faces;
• Nosebleeds;
• Sweating;
• Visual disturbances.
Check your blood pressure
Almost half of people with high blood pressure are unaware of it, because in the early stages of the disease there are no signs or obvious symptoms. The uncontrolled high blood pressure can significantly increase the risk of heart disease, strokes and kidney damage, so it's important to have your blood pressure checked regularly, and discuss the results with your doctor.
Risk Factors
• Age is more common with age - men often develop the disease between 35 and 55, and women are more likely to develop it after menopause;
• Chronic diseases, such as cholesterol, diabetes, kidney disease, and sleep apnea are associated with an increased risk of high blood pressure;
• Diet: high intake of sodium and alcohol, low intake of potassium and fiber;
• Family history;
• Illicit drugs such as cocaine and amphetamines;
• Lack of physical activity;
• Medicines (birth control pills, drugs for constipation and decongestants);
• Obesity: those with a body mass index (BMI) of 30.0 or greater are more likely to develop high blood pressure;
• Race is more common in blacks;
• Smoking;
• Stress.
ADVANCES IN RESEARCH
A survey of more than 24,000 workers between 18 and 64 found that the more hours people worked, the more likely it was that they had high blood pressure. The people who worked more than 51 hours a week had a 29% greater risk of hypertension. The researchers linked an increased risk for workers with longer hours without a healthy diet, less exercise, more stress and less sleep. In Canada, one in four people working 50 hours or more per week and, in 1991, one in ten people worked the same number of hours ( Hypertension, 2006: 48; 744).
Dietary Recommendations
Foods to include:
• The cold water fish contain essential fatty acids that help lower blood pressure and the risk of heart disease;
• Garlic and onions contain antioxidants that help lower blood pressure and cholesterol;
• Green tea contains antioxidants that offer benefits for the heart;
• Soy foods can help lower blood pressure. Incorporate soy milk, tofu, soy protein (hit make) and soya beans in their diet;
• Stevia is a natural sweetener herbal, which can actually help lower blood pressure, according to some studies. Use stevia instead of the sugar or artificial sweeteners. It is available in liquid form or powder for cakes and breads;
• Whole grains, vegetables, fruits, beans and legumes contain a lot of fiber along with potassium, magnesium, calcium and other nutrients that help lower blood pressure. The apple, orange, tomato and banana are a particularly good source of potassium.
Foods to avoid:
• The high caffeine intake can increase blood pressure. Narrow to one or two cups of coffee per day. Avoid refrigerants because they contain large amounts of caffeine and do not offer
nutritional value;
• Limit alcohol intake to one or two drinks a day; red wine may offer some benefit to health due to the antioxidants it contains, and is a better choice than beer or spirits;
• Reduce salt intake lowers blood pressure in most people. The salt causes the water retention and increase the pressure within the arteries. Avoid adding salt to food and minimize your intake of processed and fast food, such as meat products, snacks (chips, cookies), fried potatoes and hamburgers. Limit salt intake to 2,500 mg per day;
• Saturated fat (meat and dairy) and rendered fats (fried foods and snacks) can increase blood pressure and clog your arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease.
Lifestyle suggestions
• Do not smoke and avoid secondhand smoke. Smoking increases the risk of heart disease;
• Practice regular exercise - aim to establish an hour of daily moderate-intensity activity. Try walking, cycling, swimming or dancing;
• Maintain a healthy body weight. Being overweight increases blood pressure and stress to the heart;
• Learn to manage your stress levels, looking for ways to promote calm and relaxation. Regular exercise, breathing techniques and the meditation are some of the ways to reduce the effects of stress;
• It has been shown in many studies that acupuncture and yoga to reduce blood pressure;
• See your doctor regularly. Check your blood pressure and your cholesterol and discuss the results with your doctor.
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
Recommended supplements
Co-enzyme Q10: An antioxidant which has been extensively studied, and it was found that reduces blood pressure and cholesterol, and reinforces the function of the heart.
Dosage: 100 mg twice daily.
Fish oils: More than thirty studies have shown that Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oils may help lower blood pressure, reduce atherosclerosis and protect against heart attacks.
Dosage: 3 g of EPA + DHA, three times a day.
Garlic: Helps reduce blood pressure and cholesterol, reduces blood clots and prevents the formation of plaque in the arteries. Most research has shown benefits with aged garlic extract (Kyolic ® ).
Dosage: 600 mg twice daily.
The Potassium lowers blood pressure
Numerous studies have shown that potassium may reduce the blood pressure, but the dose used in these studies is quite high (2400 mg daily). The highest dosage available without prescription is 100 mg. In high doses, potassium can cause gastric irritation, and should not be combined with diuretics limiters or taken by people with kidney disease. Talk to your doctor about whether this is a good choice for you. Potassium is found naturally in apple, banana, orange and tomato.
Additional supplements
Calcium and Magnesium: Several studies have shown that these minerals can promote modest reductions in blood pressure. Both are essential for proper muscle contractions and the health of blood vessels.
Dose: 1,500 mg calcium and 500 mg of magnesium daily. Assimilate divided doses with meals.
Vitamin C: Helps lower blood pressure. Several studies have shown that vitamin C provides modest benefits. It also helps the body to eliminate heavy metals such as lead, which can contribute to high blood pressure.
Dosage: 500 mg twice daily.
FINAL CONSIDERATIONS
To improve the management of high blood pressure, consider the following:
1. Increase fiber intake, eat more fish, potassium-rich foods, garlic, onions and soy, and drink green tea instead of coffee.
2. Practice exercise regularly. Point to an hour of daily moderate-intensity activity.
3. Reduce stress. Try acupuncture and yoga.
5. Consider taking co-enzyme Q10 supplements, fish oil and garlic.
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