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NATURAL WAY TO BRING BLOOD PRESSURE DOWN

By Tess Thompson

The force that the circulating blood exerts on the walls of the blood vessels and arteries is known as blood pressure. This pressure is controlled by a complex system of vital organs including the heart, kidneys, the adrenal glands and the brain. The veins and arteries that carry blood also play an important role in regulating blood pressure. Any disturbance in this system results in fluctuations in blood pressure, which can prove to be serious in many cases.

Blood pressure is recorded in two numbers denoting the pressure on contraction of the heart (systolic reading) and when it relaxes or dilates (diastolic reading). Although there is wide range in normal pressure, an average human adult has a blood pressure of 120/80 (systolic/diastolic). A chronic condition where these readings show abnormally high levels, the conditions is known as hypertension.

Hypertension is classified as primary and secondary. Primary hypertension is essentially a lifestyle disease and can be treated with natural remedies for high blood pressure. Secondary hypertension, on the other hand, may also require conventional or alternative high blood pressure medications.

Foremost attention is given to removing the causes behind primary hypertension.
Your body weight plays a major role in the working of your heart. The heart has to work harder to pump blood to different parts of the body. If you are obese, try to control your body weight and bring it down to the recommended levels.

Daily exercise is good for your heart too. Make sure that you exercise at least three times a week. Obese people have a typical problem with motivation for vigorous exercises. A thirty minute walk every day normally brings good results and also motivates to start exercising harder.

Reducing weight through fasting is not recommended. On the contrary, stick to a healthy and balanced diet that is low in fats, cholesterol and sodium but full of nutrients to maintain energy. Avoid foods that contain caffeine and lay stress on a vegetarian diet with daily intake of fruits.

Also, avoid refined grains and sugar. Salt consumption can elevate blood pressure, so cut down on salt intake. Garlic and turmeric have been mainstays of Indian Ayurveda therapy for hypertension. Garlic lowers blood pressure, cholesterol and triglycerides by promoting circulation of blood.

Stress is the most important factor behind primary hypertension. It is a psychological factor that only you can manage. Do not overwork and try to give yourself some time to relax. Join a laughing club, indulge in fun games or take up a sports activity. Meditation and yoga are other options that you may try to reduce stress.

On an estimate, one in every four Americans has problems with blood pressure. Although medical conditions like kidneys problems or narrowing of arteries can cause blood pressure to increase, in majority of the cases the culprit is unhealthy eating habits, sedentary lifestyles and tensions. Small steps to revert to a natural living style and controlling weight can actually help you in avoiding high blood pressure medications.

References:
http://www.cardiologychannel.com/hypertension/treatment_naturopathic.shtml
http://altmedicine.about.com/cs/herbsvitaminsek/a/Hypertension.htm
http://hypertension.medicweb.org/alternative/blood_pressure_and_herbs.php
http://www.vitaminstohealth.com/high-blood-pressure-herbs.html
http://www.iloveindia.com/indian-herbs/herbs-for-high-blood-pressure.html
http://www.herbs2000.com/disorders/high_blood.htm
http://www.emaxhealth.com/106/7180.html