Sick of High Blood Pressure? Some Natural Alternatives

>Are you affected by hypertension and looking to control or lower your blood pressure? In this article we will look at some of the natural, non-drug treatments that may improve your blood pressure.

High blood pressure or hypertension is a condition that affects 1 in 3 people in developed nations. In the United States alone hypertension impacts the lives of more than 65 million people. The large role played by diet and lifestyle in this condition is shown by comparing with the incidence rates amongst Asian countries. In city areas where a western diet and lifestyle have become the norm incidence rates are on a par with the US; in regional communities, where life more closely follows traditional patterns, the incidence is two to three times less.

When Does Blood Pressure Become a Problem?

Clinically, high blood pressure is diagnosed when blood pressure readings are 140 mmHg systolic over 90mmHg diastolic. Normal or optimal blood pressure is 120/80, however, increasingly research is showing the connection between blood pressure and secondary disease with suggestions putting the ideal blood pressure for good cardiovascular health at 115/75. Anything over this shows an increasing risk of cardiovascular disease.

While diagnosis of high blood pressure is quite simple, as anyone affected will tell you treatment is not so simple. Statistics suggest that 70% of those affected by high blood pressure are not able to control their blood pressure effectively enough to prevent other cardiovascular complications like stroke. Further, the medications prescribed for high blood pressure can themselves have quite unpleasant side effects including, dizziness, insomnia and impotence.

What Natural Options Exist for High Blood Pressure

Increasingly, those affected by high blood pressure are turning to complementary and alternative medicine for solutions and experiencing great results. Complementary and alternative medicine offers many time proven treatment options for maintaining balanced blood pressure.

The first and most effective step in managing high blood pressure is dietary review.

Nutritionally, high blood pressure can often be assisted by increasing consumption of potassium and magnesium rich foods, or supplementation. Some good magnesium rich food sources include beans and legumes, whole grains and green leafy vegetables, while potassium can be found in fish, bananas potatoes and avocados. While medically, the use of oral magnesium and potassium supplementation is controversial it is difficult to obtain a therapeutic dose of magnesium through diet alone. This is particularly true where other deficiency symptoms exist.

Consuming a diet high in leafy green vegetables, whole grains and legumes not only increases your magnesium and calcium intake but, has the added benefit of boosting fibre intake. A diet high in fibre has been shown to confer many protective benefits including reducing blood pressure by preventing the circulation of fats in the blood.

We talk regularly in our practice about the benefits of essential fatty acids or omega-3 fatty acids. High blood pressure and overall cardiovascular health is another area where these “good fats” offer many benefits. Several clinical studies have shown that diets or fish oil supplements rich in omega-3 fatty acids lower blood pressure in people with hypertension.

Where dietary modification alone is ineffective there are a number of herbs that have been shown to be beneficial. Herbal supplementation typically takes two forms. Firstly, those herbs that support vasodilation, or enlargement of the blood vessels and secondly those with calming or sedative effects. As we age, blood vessels begin to lose their elasticity preventing vasodilation from occurring naturally, this reduced space for blood leads to increased blood pressure.

Herbs that improve vasodilation cayenne, chamomile, fennel, hawthorn berries, parsley and rosemary
Herbs that are sedative and calming hops, valerian and kava.

Research has also shown that significant reductions in blood pressure can be gained from regular swedish massage. In trials immediate results were obvious in systolic blood pressure, however most benefit is gained from regular massage treatment. One study that followed participants over ten treatments showed a drop in blood pressure of almost 18mmHg in systolic blood pressure and 9mmHg in diastolic blood pressure. This can effectively change a diagnosis of high blood pressure to normal blood pressure.

If you are affected by high blood pressure and looking for a natural method for controlling it, why not call us on07 3800 1993 to arrange a time to discuss your requirements with our nutritionist.