Natural remedies for high blood pressure

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension is a condition that involves a more elevated than normal pressure in a person’s arteries. This means that the blood that is pumping through a vessel is exerted at a higher force. The blood is carried from the heart to all the other areas of the body. A normal blood pressure is 120/80. Anything above 140/90 is considered high blood pressure and will be treated with either medication or life style changes.

The cause of high blood pressure is unknown in most cases. High blood pressure or hypertension is known as “the silent killer” because there are often no signs or symptoms and many people will be unaware that they have it. It is usually only caught on a routine physical examination and then closely monitored by your primary care physician. However, some people do have symptoms of this condition that are manifested in the form of blurry vision and general visual disturbances, nausea, severe, frequent occurring or persistent headaches, dizziness, and/or nausea.

Medically speaking, treatment for high blood pressure involves medication and lifestyle changes. However, natural remedies for high blood pressure can make a world of difference. Some natural remedies for high blood pressure would include:

• sodium/salt restriction
  a healthy, well-balanced diet
  regular exercise
  dieting and/or being at or near goal weight for your height
  smoking cessation
  little or no alcoholic consumption
  stress reduction

Other natural remedies for high blood pressure are also found in many foods. Foods that are known to help in controlling your blood pressure are:

• sweet potatoes
  cantaloupe
  orange juice
  raisins
  squash
  green vegetables
  milk
  dried apricots
  cayenne pepper
  broccoli

As mentioned earlier stress plays a big part in your life and can be the culprit of many conditions including high blood pressure or hypertension. Although we cannot get rid of stress, as it is everywhere, there are some measures we can take at lowering our stress levels. These stress reducing activities can help you to relax thereby reducing your stress, which should in turn help at keeping your blood pressure at optimal measures. Take time every day to exercise, put yourself in a quiet place away from all noise and distraction, perhaps the bathtub, and think of nothing at all. Many people also use meditation as a form of relaxation to soothe their frazzled nerves. Whatever works for you is always best.

If untreated a person with high blood pressure or hypertension is at a greater than average risk of suffering from a stroke or a heat attack. If you experience any of the symptoms that are stated above you should see your primary care physician immediately. Routine physical examinations are encouraged as well to make sure that you are in general good health and to monitor any health conditions that you may have. Remember, any condition that you may have is always easier to treat in the early stages.

RESOURCES

MayoClinic: 10 Ways to Control High Blood Pressure without medication

MayoClinic: Hypertension lifestyle and HOme Remedies

Mercola.com: Eliminate this Everyday Food and Watch Your High Blood Pressure Plunge

University of Maryland Medical Center: High Blood Pressure: Tips to Stop the Silent Killer