'NATURAL
MEASURES TO CONTROL BLOOD PRESSURE'
Of
the fifty million Americans that have high blood pressure (hypertension) most
look fine and feel fine and therefore do not consider it a serious health
condition. Even more disturbing is that only one third of those diagnosed with
hypertension choose to do anything about it. Despite the lack of obvious symptoms uncontrolled long term
high blood pressure will make you old before your time. There are several known
problems with hypertension such as increased incidence of stroke and heart
attack but this silent killer can also cause heart failure, kidney failure,
cognitive decline, osteoporosis, eye problems and erectile dysfunction. Do I
have your attention?
Many
individuals that suffer with hypertension choose not to take their medication
because they say they feel so tired. Indeed these medications do interfere with
mineral absorption such as potassium, a major energy mover in the body. The
good news, a fairly high percentage of those with hypertension can control it
with natural alternatives.
Here's
what to keep in mind:
1.See
your physician first. Unless your blood pressure is dangerously high most
physicians are pleased to hear that you want to make life style changes, weight
loss, exercise and stress reduction that will help you bring your blood
pressure under control.
2.Maintain
healthy weight. Studies show that losing as few as 10 pounds can significantly
lower blood pressure and reduce the need for medication. The best way to shed
that weight is to eat healthy and be physically active.
3.Get
regular exercise. Studies show regular aerobic exercise-walking swimming,
cycling or jogging can lower blood pressure by increasing the elasticity of
blood vessels, reducing stress and promoting weight loss.
4.Eat
a healthy diet. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and lower fat meat and fish
can significantly lower blood pressure. Reduce salt intake. Some hidden sodium
culprits: soda pop especially diet soda, processed foods, canned meats, some
canned vegetables and shell fish. Use garlic, olive oil, onions, fresh carrots
and celery in cooking. Drink plenty of water. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
5.Don't
smoke. Smoking increases blood pressure, injures the vessel walls and promotes
a plaque like substance that narrows and hardens vessels leading to stroke and
heart attack.
6.Take
supplements. Add a calcium magnesium supplement to your diet. Also fish oil,
flax seed oil Coenyzme Q10,
Hawthorn Berry, and vitamin C have all been proven to help lower blood
pressure. When first starting a program of supplements and herbs start with one
and add on monitoring how each makes you feel. If something simple doesn't
agree, just back off, try again and if you still don't feel well that
particular herb or supplement may just not be for you.
7.Reduce
your stress levels. Okay, maybe you can't quit work but most individuals can
find a hour a day to unwind doing something that gives them pleasure. Getting
plenty of sleep, making time for play, seeing your friends, adopting a pet have
all been proven to lower blood pressure.
-The
good news hypertension is easily detectable and can often be controlled through
the use of the above life style changes. Till next time, Rebecca