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ALTERNATIVE HEALTH - WAYS TO TREAT HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

By Tess Thompson

In today’s age of fast information it is most likely that everyone is aware that blood pressure readings are represented as a fraction. 120/80 is the normal blood pressure of an average adult. It is actually not a fraction but a reflection of blood pressure at two different stages of the cardiovascular rhythm.

The upper number denotes the pressure reading when the heart pumps out oxygen laden blood and the lower reading corresponds to the pressure between two heart beats.

Normal blood pressure is essential for the perfect functioning of the body. Hypertension, as high blood pressure is known in medical circles, is a curable condition that involves taking high blood pressure medication , sometimes for as long as you live.

However, if you are careful enough and take precautionary measures, you can successfully avoid and also effectively manage it with natural remedies for high blood pressure . Dietary modification and a change in lifestyle are the foremost measures that can help you in combating high blood pressure.

Some other aspects that you need to ensure are as follows:

* Quit smoking - One single cigarette can increase your blood pressure for as long as 30 minutes.

* Reduce weight - Obesity is the second most common cause for hypertension.

* Meditate - Do not bring your worries home. Take time off from your busy schedule to relax, meditate to relieve stress.

* Modify your diet - A combination of a diet rich in magnesium, potassium and calcium and proteins and fiber is most recommended to maintain blood pressure within normal range.

* Avoid saturated fats, cholesterol, total fat, red meat, sweets and sugary beverages.

* Lay more stress on fruits, vegetables, whole grain foods, poultry, fish, nuts and low fat dairy products.

* Reduce salt intake - The kidneys are unable to get rid of too much salt (sodium). This results in fluid retention because the body tries to dilute the sodium. The extra volume of blood means the vessels have to work harder. Over stimulation of the blood vessels initiates the nerves to signal the blood vessels to constrict. This makes the heart work harder. Cutting back on salt is a matter of taste. The more salt you eat the more accustomed you become. Remember your sodium requirement is not more that 2.4 grams a day, which is equal to 6 grams, about a teaspoon of table salt.

* Calcium - It is necessary for the heart to maintain its rhythm and for kidneys to process sodium. Rely more on calcium rich foods rather than those calcium tablets.

* Garlic - It is a time tested herb/food/flavoring agent for reducing blood pressure.

* Potassium - The balance between sodium and potassium is important for maintaining blood pressure. It is also necessary if you are taking diuretics other than potassium sparing diuretics) A banana a day is a better option than any commercial supplement.

High blood pressure medication is necessary in stage 1 and stage 2 of high blood pressure. Diet and lifestyle changes may not be able to replace medication in those conditions but they can definitely reduce the dosage and thus limit their side effects.

References:
http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/11-16-2005-81532.asp
http://altmedicine.about.com/cs/herbsvitaminsek/a/Hypertension.htm
http://www.blood-pressure-updates.com/bp/hypertension-treatment/treating-hypertension/the-alternative-ways-to-control-blood-pressure.htm
http://health.howstuffworks.com/alternative-treatments-for-high-blood-pressure-ga3.htm