Health & Fitness Blog

In Western industrialised countries it is estimated that one third of the adult population has high blood pressure and of these one in three will not realise they have the disease because it is a silent killer.

Blood pressure at a normalised rate will look something like 120(systolic)/80(diastolic)mmHg. Between 120-139/80-89 is the normal reading for pre-hypertensions and a reading of 140-160/90-100 and above indicates stage one and two hypertension. There are normally no symptoms of high blood pressure in its early stages, though symptoms can include nosebleeds, headaches and dizziness.

There is no identifiable cause of high blood pressure (unless it is secondary hypertension which is directly related to another illness) rather it is a combination of lifestyle factors which lead to the disease. Things such as excess weight and sedentary lifestyles, a diet high in salt and sugar, smoking and alcohol consumptions and age and any family history of hypertension all place you at greater risk of developing hypertension.

You can get your blood pressure lower naturally with lifestyle changes and natural remedies. Most doctors will recommend medications for controlling hypertension and in severe cases this is very necessary, but try and work with your doctor to find natural solutions to hypertension ” in any case leaving high blood pressure untreated can lead to kidney disease, stroke and heart attack.

One natural remedy is coenzyme Q10, which has very positive results in lowering hhigh blood pressure. Garlic is another natural wonder plant, and helps to thin the blood and lower blood pressure ” including garlic in the diet is a great way to help your blood pressure though if you are taking it as a supplement check with your doctor for any reactions with other medications you may be taking.

Hawthorn is also great for high blood pressure. Hawthorn extract has seen marked reductions in studies of hypertensive patients without any herb-drug reactions.

Calcium, Potassium and Magnesium have all shown to have results in helping to lower high blood pressure. Potassium helps counter the effects of salt on the kidneys and helps to lower blood pressure there. Before getting medicated makes sure you explore all your options, because there are plenty of herbal and natural remedies out there.

Hypertension is also affected significantly by stress, so de-stressing your life is essential. The fight against hypertension can also be helped by using your mind ” techniques such as autogenic training and biofeedback have shown postivie impacts on high blood pressure. These techniques involve learning to be in control of involuntary bodily functions like heart rate, temperature breathing and blood pressure. While requiring a lot of effort, these techniques are positive life practices.

Low impact aerobic exercise (a daily walk) is also another blood pressure remedy ” low impact exercise will even out your blood flow and lower your resting heart rate resulting in lower blood pressure. Hypertensive patients should not undertake high intensity exercise and any new exercise plans should be talked over with your doctor just to make sure.

Alternative medicines such as Ayurvedic and Chinese Medicines also have natural remedies for high blood pressure. Constitutional types are used to treat patients in Ayurvedic medicine, so each remedy will differ for each patient . Chinese medicine sees a lack of vital energy or Qi as being realted to high blood pressure and emotional issues such as depression and anger linked to hypertension. Chinese medicine practitioners will generally combine acupuncture with herbal treatments.

It is vital to remember that natural remedies work, and can work quickly to have you back in control of your life. If you think you are at risk, or if you suffer from high blood pressure then finding natural ways to control and prevent hypertension is essential.