Fight High Blood Pressure Naturally

 

Fight High Blood Pressure Naturally

I’ve recently developed pre-high blood pressure (prehypertension). It’s just under the defined high blood pressure reading of 140/90, but is something to take very seriously, considering the dangers it represents, having a splenic arterial aneurysm.

Naturally, I follow my doctor’s recommendations, but being a health writer I also research natural remedies. And, one of the first sources I go to is Dr. Andrew Weil’s website.

According to Dr. Weil, normal pressure is defined as 120/79 (or under) mm Hg (millimeters of mercury). High blood pressure (hypertension) is defined as 140/90. Pre-hypertension is defined as 120-139 over 80-85.

The top number represents the systolic pressure. This pressure is “the pressure within the arteries when the heart contracts, or beats, while pumping blood.”

The bottom number represents the diastolic pressure. This pressure is “the pressure in the arteries when the heart relaxes between beats and fills with blood.”

The most common ‘consistent high blood pressure’ culprits are:

• Stress

• Being overweight

• Excessive salt intake

• Caffeine

• Excessive Alcohol

• Insulin resistance

• Some medications

The dangers of high blood pressure include:

• Heart attack

• Stroke

• Kidney failure

• Eye damage

• Aneurysm

So, it’s easy to see why keeping your blood pressure under control is important. But, the good news is prehypertension and hypertension can be normalized with diet and exercise.

Dr. Weil offers tips on lowering your blood pressure:

Things to Avoid:

• Reduce caffeine and alcohol consumption

• Avoid processed foods

• If overweight, lose weight

• Exercise

• Stop smoking – don’t start

• Check your medications and supplements to make sure they don’t include any elements that can raise blood pressure

Things to Include in Your Diet:

• Limit salt intake

• Eat eight to 10 servings of fruits and veggies a day

• Keep animal protein to six ounces a day

• Eat fish at least three times a week

• Take calcium and magnesium supplements

• Take Vitamin C

• Maintain the recommended daily Vitamin D3 levels

• Use garlic – it helps relax blood vessels

If these lifestyle changes don’t get your blood pressure under control, then you’ll need to talk to your doctor about possibly starting one of the blood pressure medications available.