Lower Your Blood Pressure Naturally

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is the most common of the cardiovascular diseases.
Here are some natural ways to lower your blood pressure.

About 40 million people in the United States suffer from hypertension. Many don’t realize it because there are no clear warning signs or symptoms of hypertension. Left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to vision problems, heart attack or stroke.

There are several different types of medication prescribed to treat high blood pressure: alpha?blockers, beta?blockers, calcium?channel blockers and angiotension?converting?enzyme inhibitors. Each of these drugs works in a different way.

For example, alpha?blockers act to widen the arteries, while beta?blockers slow the heart rate. Calcium channel blockers and angiotension?converting?enzyme inhibitors prevent the arteries from. Although all have been shown to be effective in at least some patients, many have unpleasant side effects such as lightheadedness, fatigue, flushing and nausea.

Many cases of hypertension can be lowered and treated effectively with a combination of natural lifestyle changes including the following:

* If you are overweight, weight loss often is one of the simplest steps you can take to lower your blood pressure. Even just a few pounds can make a measurable difference in your blood pressure.

* Regular exercise, defined as 30 minutes per day of walking or any other aerobic exercise, is an important step in losing weight and lowering blood pressure.

* Reduce alcohol consumption, specifically, to less than two drinks per day.

* Research has shown that for some patients, diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fish can control blood pressure as well as medication.

* Some minerals help to lower blood pressure and others cause more harm. Some patients with high blood pressure are sensitive to sodium; in these patients, lowering the intake is often enough to lower blood pressure. Calcium and magnesium can also improve the blood pressure in some.

* Stress exacerbates problems with high blood pressure. Practice stress management and relaxation techniques to lower your blood pressure naturally.

* Onion and garlic have also been shown to have a mild lowering effect on blood pressure. Add extra onion and garlic to your diet for meals that are tasty and reduce your blood pressure.

Although lifestyle changes may help in lowering blood pressure, medication may be necessary. Only you and your doctor can decide what’s right for you. Discuss the alternatives with your doctor.

May 6th, 2010 - Posted in Cardio & Blood | | Comments Off

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