High blood pressure (aka hypertension) is a consistently growing problem in our society. According to the American Stroke Association it is estimated that 1 in 4 adults, nearly 70 million people, are suffering from hypertension. Long term, untreated hypertension has been known to lead to heart failure, kidney disease, heart disease, eye damage, atherosclerosis, stroke and even death.
The American Medical Association recognizes a normal blood pressure as a systolic reading of 120 and a diastolic reading of 80. A systolic reading of 120-139 coupled with a diastolic reading of 80-89 is considered as pre-hypertensive and “at risk”.
High blood pressure isn’t diagnosed until an individual reaches a systolic reading of 140 or greater and a diastolic reading exceeding 90. Systolic blood pressure is the reading that doctors use to gauge the amount of pressure the heart is exerting when beating. Diastolic blood pressure is the reading used to determine the amount of pressure that is being produced in the heart when its resting in-between beats.
The treatment of hypertension doesn’t need to be limited to only medications. In today’s society, high blood pressure can be treated as effectively using simple, natural approaches. There are little things such as eliminating soda from your diet, decreasing your sodium (salt) intake and avoiding dehydration by drinking plenty of water which can all help to decrease a person’s blood pressure. Other natural ways to help decrease blood pressure include:
- Increase daily intake of 100% natural juices
- B-Vitamins are crucial for daily metabolic activity within the body. Get a B-Complex vitamin supplement to take on a daily basis.
- Studies have shown that the use of magnesium and calcium supplements is excellent in lowering hypertension.
- De-stress! Join a yoga class even if it’s only once a week. The therapeutic results will amaze you.
- Increase the consumption of garlic (3-4 cloves daily).
- Have 8 ounces of celery juice, 1 part carrot juice, and 1 part water at least once a day.
- Exercise! This is one of the best things you can do for your body because it conditions your heart to pump blood and oxygen to the tissues more efficiently. This will allow your heart to become stronger so it can work half as hard but 2X as efficient! Exercising 30 minutes most days of the week can lower blood pressure 4-9 points.
- Lose weight! It has been shown that your systolic blood pressure can drop 5-20 points for every 20lbs lost!
- Decrease sodium (salt) intake. If you are able to limit yourself to 2,400 mg per day or less it can drop your blood pressure 2-8 points.
- Reduce alcohol consumption. Alcohol dehydrates the body of water. Limit yourself to no more than 2 drinks per day for a man and 1 drink per day as a woman and you’re looking at an average drop in pressure of 2-4 points.
Remember, majority of people who have high blood pressure, especially in the early stages don’t exhibit any symptoms. It’s very important to get yourself checked and to monitor your pressure so that you can avoid future health problems that can occur. Medications can be very beneficial but should be a last resort for someone who is unable to decrease their pressure naturally as there are always easier, cheaper and safer ways to handle hypertension. Book an appointment with us today and we will provide you with a thorough and in depth examination allowing us to customize a plan that will help optimize your health!
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