Natural Remedies Series: Hypertension
January 15, 2008 9:18 PM | Natural Remedies | Comments (0)
 | When we have a problem with our bodies, our first thought is to see a doctor. But not everyone has easy access to doctors or their advice. And sometimes the medicines we take have side effects or leave our bodies weak. Knowledge is power, so the more we know, the better equipped we are to deal with the curveballs life throws at us. It’s imperative that we do the best we can for the bodies we have, so I began this series entitled “Natural Remedies”. I’ll take ailments and diseases that directly or indirectly affect us all, and give natural remedies that can help. |
What is hypertension? Hypertension is another name for high blood pressure. Blood pressure refers to the force of the blood against the walls of arteries. This pressure fluctuates each time the heart beats. It also varies according to factors such as stress or physical activity. This is normal, as the arterioles in the body widen and constrict as needed. Sometimes, the arterioles stay constricted, causing the pressure in the blood vessels to increase. This is known as high blood pressure. This is a potentially dangerous condition which can lead to stroke or heart disease. Your blood pressure is expressed as a larger number (systolic – when the heart beats) over a smaller (diastolic – when the heart rests) number. Typical blood pressure is said to be under 120/80 at rest. If your blood pressure stays above 140/90, you are considered to have high blood pressure, or hypertension.
What are the symptoms? Hypertension is known as the “silent killer” because it usually has no outward signs or symptoms. Some people have high blood pressure for years and never know. For this reason, it’s best to get your blood pressure checked regularly, especially if it runs in your family. In cases of extremely high blood pressure, one may experience any of these symptoms: severe headache, confusion, difficulty breathing, vision problems, irregular heartbeat, chest pain, and/or blood in the urine. If you experience any of these symptoms, see your doctor immediately, as this could be a hypertensive crisis which could lead to a heart attack or stroke.
How can I treat it naturally? Typically, doctors treat hypertension with drug therapy. The following recommendations are often used in preventing high blood pressure and/or used in conjunction with doctor’s treatment, since the cause is unknown in most cases:
- Eat salt in moderation. About half of the people with hypertension are “sodium-sensitive”, and should keep their sodium intake low. The average person needs between 1500-2300mg of sodium per day. Someone who is watching his salt intake should be on the lower end. This figure includes all sodium, not just that which you add to food. Pay careful attention to nutrition labels, you may be surprised. Soups and frozen dinners can easily have a day’s worth of sodium if you’re not careful.
- Don’t smoke. Some studies show that nicotine actually restricts blood vessels, raising blood pressure.
- Maintain healthy bodyweight. Obese individuals are twice as likely to have hypertension as those who are not.
- Exercise regularly. This will help you to maintain a healthy bodyweight. Also, cardiovascular exercise strengthens the cardiovascular system overall.
- Limit your alcohol intake. Stick to 2 drinks per day or less, as too much alcohol raises blood pressure.
Garlic. There have been many studies on the relationship between garlic and high blood pressure. Garlic contains a compound which, when it interacts with our red blood cells, produces hydrogen sulfide, which then relaxes blood vessels and increases blood flow. If you (or those around you) don’t go for raw garlic, crush a few cloves, then cook them slightly (not in the microwave), and you’ll still get the heart healthy benefits of eating them raw. Note: Because garlic seems to thin the blood, it is not recommended if you are taking blood thinners such as Coumadin or Trental. Also, be wary of consuming garlic within weeks before or after surgery or childbirth. If you are unsure, consult your doctor first.
Celery. Celery contains an oil which allows blood vessels to dilate, lowering blood pressure. The recommended amount to eat is 4 stalks per day. If you’re juicing it, try mixing in some carrots for extra nutrition and flavor.
Vitamins and minerals. Vitamin C may be effective in doses of 500mg per day. It is also necessary that one maintain adequate intake of potassium, magnesium, and calcium for proper blood pressure management. The best way to do this is through fresh fruits like bananas and melons and green, leafy, vegetables. Note: check with your doctor before supplementing with magnesium or calcium, if you have kidney disease, severe heart disease, a history of kidney stones, sarcoidosis, cancer or hyperparathyroidism. If you are unsure, check with your doctor.
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The information contained on Warriorfitnessworld.com is presented for the purpose of educating people about health, fitness, and wellness and is not intended to replace the services of a physician. The ideas and suggestions on this site are designed to help you make informed decisions about your health. They are not intended to help you make a diagnosis about your health, nor are they a substitute for any treatment that has been prescribed by your doctor. The information contained on this website should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider. Should you have any health care related questions, or suspect you have a medical problem, please call or see your physician or other qualified health care provider promptly. Always consult with your physician or other qualified health care provider before embarking on a new treatment, diet or fitness program. You should never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this web site. You, the reader, must take full responsibility for all decisions about your health and for how you use this website. Therefore, the author disclaims any responsibility for any adverse effects that result form your use of the information on this website.
Copyright © 2009 by A.M. Birmingham, ISSA CFT
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