Posts Tagged ‘Blood Pressure’
Herbs for High Blood Pressure
This article is a quick review of the effective role played by herbs for high blood pressure treatment.
Although no scientific studies have actually conclusively proven that herbs for high blood pressure have a direct role in lowering hypertension, they are showing some true promise. The two herbs used to remedy this condition that are coming out in front include garlic and hawthorn. Both of these types of blood pressure herbal have been successfully prescribed by herbal specialists and alternative practitioners to their patients for many years. It is believed that they encourage the proper functioning of the circulatory system.
Some physicians believe that herbs for high blood pressure are a complement to traditional Western medicine. They recommend that patients with high blood pressure consume at least three or four cloves of garlic per day. While many people are turned off by the odor of garlic, garlic supplements are an alternative to smelly breath. Most grocery stores as well as health food stores sell a variety of brands of garlic.
Doctors recommend that patients choosing to take garlic supplements choose one that is an enteric-coated tablet. An enteric coated form of garlic to best encourage the proper absorption of Allicin. Allicin is the ingredient in garlic that is believed to be responsible for lowering blood pressure. Always follow the directions closely that are on the label of the type of garlic supplement you choose to buy
As far as blood pressure herbal, the herb hawthorn works best when it is taken along with vitamin C. Both of these items help to increase the dilating action of the blood vessels, which allows the blood to flow through freely because the arteries and veins are as open as they need to be.
When an individual’s blood pressure measures anywhere from 140 to 159 in regards to their systolic pressure and in the range of 90 to 99 for diastolic then this is classified as mild to moderate hypertension. At this point blood pressure herbal is a good idea. If garlic, vitamin C and hawthorn do not do the trick then turn to other blood pressure herbal options such as supplements of the mineral calcium and magnesium.
Calcium’s unique ability to improve hypertension has been borne out in some research studies. However it is not significant enough to work alone. Calcium plays a vital role in the contraction of muscular tissues and therefore is beneficial to the health of the heart and the blood vessels. Magnesium works in concert with calcium to make the walls of the blood vessels more elastic as well as to relax the muscles that are found there. Magnesium also increases the efficiently of other essential minerals in the bloodstream which include both potassium and sodium.
Other blood pressure herbal options that are being studied for their effectiveness at lowering blood pressure include coenzyme Q10 which helps to encourage normal blood pressure levels and a selection of fish oils that are composed of the essential fatty acids that support a health heart and circulatory system.
High Blood Pressure vs Garlic
Milk protein may be the answer to lowering high blood pressure in some people; however, it isn’t the only alternative. In fact, did you know that making something as natural as eating garlic apart of your regular diet can actually reduce blood pressure and help you manage your hypertension?
Garlic is a vegetable that is extremely beneficial to the heart and the entire cardiovascular system. It is considered to be a natural remedy for high blood pressure that has significant, positive effects when made part of a daily diet. Studies have found that by eating a single small garlic clove per day, a person can effectively manage their hypertension.
In fact some clinical studies have found garlic to decrease the systolic blood pressure by as much as 20 mm Hg to 30 mm Hg, and the diastolic blood pressure by as much as 10 mm Hg to 20 mm Hg in participants.
For instance, one 12 week study concluded that participants with high blood pressure who ingested a single clove of garlic per day had significant reductions in their systolic and diastolic blood pressure by the end of the study.
In addition, studies have also been conducted on testing the effectiveness of garlic powder taken in the form of a supplement for controlling blood pressure. These studies also found a significant reduction in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in participants who suffered from mild hypertension.
How does garlic lower blood pressure? It is believed that garlic can effectively lower blood pressure because it reduces spasms that occur in the small arteries. It also slows the pulse rate and modifies the rhythm of the heart. In addition, garlic can relieve gas in the digestive tract, numbness, dizziness and shortness of breath. Thus, garlic has been used as a herbal remedy as an effective method for treating various health problems aside form hypertension including infection, inflammation and heart disease.
Moreover, research has found that there are three chemicals found in garlic that are exceptionally helpful in treating high blood pressure. These chemicals are alliin, allinase, and allicin, and are particular effective for improving blood circulation.
How can you add garlic to your daily diet to manage your blood pressure? The following are two recommendations:
1. Eat fresh raw garlic cloves – you can eat a single raw clove of garlic per day with a meal or by itself. You don’t need to eat an exceptionally large clove, a small one should suffice. Just make sure the clove is fresh, as dried garlic no longer contains the properties that are beneficial for health.
2. Take garlic supplements in capsule form – This is often the preferred method, as most people don’t enjoy chewing on a raw piece of garlic. Herbalists recommend taking 300mgs of garlic capsule supplements three times daily (I.E. 3 capsules per day). Note: Be sure to read the instructions on the back of supplements before taking them.
If you decide to take garlic supplements, keep in mind that you should only do so under the supervision of a health practitioner. The reason is because garlic can thin the blood and can interact with other drugs and supplements that are prescribed for blood thinning such as Trental (pentoxifylline) and Coumadin (warfarin), aspirin, gingko, and vitamin E. Furthermore, it is often recommended that those who will be undergoing surgery should stop taking garlic as treatment a few weeks before and after surgery.
If you think garlic is a remedy you would like to try as treatment for managing your high blood pressure, be sure to talk to your doctor first for recommendations.
High Blood Pressure – Can Lifestyle Changes Really Control High Blood Pressure?
Whenever you are first diagnosed with high blood pressure or you see various television stories talking about blood pressure, it seems they always speak of changing your lifestyle in order to better control the disease. But exactly what lifestyle changes will help? Do these changes actually make a big difference? As you might suspect, lifestyle changes can most definitely help in reducing high blood pressure levels. Let’s take a look at some of the most helpful changes you can put into action.
Diet
Undoubtedly, changing your dietary habits will have one of the biggest effects on improving blood pressure levels.
- Eat more whole grains and cut down on white flour products.
- Eliminate saturated fats and use virgin olive oil. This tip alone has shown a reduced need for hypertension medications in a past study.
- Include more fresh fruits and vegetable in your diet. Foods like bananas, oranges, melons, carrots, celery, mushrooms, broccoli and others may help in lowering high blood pressure.
- Add more oily fish such as salmon into your diet. The omega-3 fatty acids that are contained in fish are very beneficial to good heart and cardiovascular health.
Salt
Reducing salt intake is another proven lifestyle change that lowers blood pressure. Did you know that we should consume less than one teaspoonful of salt each day? That is approximately 2,400 mg.
Many people will use a salt substitute at home and that’s a great idea. The problem though is in the bigger picture. Roughly 75% of the salt intake in your typical American diet comes from foods eaten outside of the home, typically fast foods and processed foods. If you have doubts about this you can simply look at the sodium levels on the package labels. I’m not picking on McDonald’s, but you have enough sodium in one quarter-pounder to last the entire day. And that’s not even counting the salty fries!
Exercise
This is a lifestyle change that can also go a long way in reducing high blood pressure levels. It’s also one that is the most difficult changes to start.
There have even been studies that have shown moderate exercise to control hypertension to the point where high blood pressure medicines were no longer needed.
Smoking, Alcohol and Caffeine
By now I am sure everyone knows you should not smoke. Cigarette smoking and good health just don’t mix. Reducing alcohol and caffeine consumption will also lower blood pressure levels as well as provide other health benefits for years to come.
Weight Loss
With nearly one-third of American adults being overweight or obese, it’s easy to see why high blood pressure is at record levels. Several studies have proven that by losing weight and reducing sodium intake many people with hypertension have been able to reduce or eliminate blood pressure medications.
These are only some of the major lifestyle changes that can help reduce high blood pressure. There are several others as well, but the important point is to asses where you currently are and begin making change in the areas you need to. By doing so you begin getting high blood pressure under control.
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High Blood Pressure and Its Treatment
If the pressure at which the blood flows through your arteries is more than normal then it is called high blood pressure.
Normally the blood pressure is 120/80. Systolic blood pressure is the higher value 120. This is the pressure at which the blood is pumped by the heart. The diastolic blood is 80. This is the pressure when the heart relaxes. If the blood pressure is 140/90 or more, then you are said to have hypertension or high blood pressure
Compact blood pressure monitoring equipment is available. It consists of a cuff, which is tied round your hand. You have to inflate the cuff with air by squeezing a bulb. Electronic blood pressure monitors automatically inflate the cuff. The instrument gives two readings which show the diastolic and systolic blood pressures.
Your blood vessels might be damaged by high blood pressure. This in turn may damage your heart and kidney. High blood pressure may also cause heart attack or stroke.
Treatment to high blood pressure starts with a change in life style.
• Stop smoking and the use of any tobacco product.
• Regular exercise is an absolute must.
• Eat plenty of vegetables and fruits. Avoid eating saturated fats.
• Cut down the intake of salt and alcohol.
• Relaxation techniques such as meditation would be of great help.
Consumption of alcohol might increase blood pressure in some people. If this is the reason you should avoid alcohol. Stress is also said to affect blood pressure. You have to find out methods to relax in consultation with your doctor.
Various types of drugs are prescribed for hypertension. They include diuretics, alpha blockers and beta blocker. Certain other varieties of drugs include calcium channel blockers and ACE inhibitors.
There are also various other treatments for hypertension
Some natural remedies for hypertension are
• Eating papaya every day on empty stomach
• Eating garlic cloves.
• Taking honey
• Take Amla or Indian gooseberry every day
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a serious condition that affects one in four adults. High blood pressure is dangerous because it makes the heart work harder to pump blood to the body. It is the force of blood against the walls of arteries. It makes the heart work harder to pump blood to the body and causes the hardening of the arteries. Normal blood pressure is less than 130/85. High blood pressure is higher than 140/90. Hypertension is between 120/80 and 140/90.
Certain herbs have been found to be an equally competent substitute of synthetic medications to control blood pressure. Herbs can even offer permanent cure to abnormal blood pressure. Certain herbs contain enzymes and triterpine glycosides that are helpful in normal functioning of heart and arteries. They also inhibit an enzyme that causes cells to clot. By keeping arteries and heart in good working condition, it controls blood pressure abnormality. Certain herbs can strengthen the heart, reduces stiffness of the arteries, and reduces cholesterol. They also increase the liver’s conversion of LDL’s – bad cholesterol into HDL’ s – good cholesterol. HDL’s do not clog the arteries.
To reduce high blood pressure, it is also important to eat fewer foods rich in sodium. Processed food account for 80% of the sodium in most diets. It is best to increase the amount of potassium, calcium, and magnesium in the diet. Garlic also helps lower blood pressure by keeping the arteries clear of cholesterol and potential plaque buildup. Along with good eating habits, certain herbs help to regulate the heart and blood pressure. They improve blood circulation and increases heart action without increasing blood pressure.
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Winning Over High Blood Pressure
There is direct relation between alcohol and blood pressure. Not a happy relationship. You pay for the alcohol and buy blood pressure and again pay for treating the blood pressure! The double loss game!
This is just one strong reason. The disease of blood pressure is due to various other reasons. The crush of the materialistic modern civilization is too much to bear in the metropolitan cities. The modern modes of relaxation have capacity to create further tension! Take for example, one of the entertainment utility-Television!
If you view the News Channel, your mind is likely to get more agitated. Instead of peace of mind, you get piece of mind!
These problems are interrelated and it is difficult to segregate the cause and effect, once you are trapped. For example, too much of alcohol, is the cause of high blood pressure. It is also responsible for weight increase.
Weight increase in itself is the cause of blood pressure. If you take medication for weight loss, again it has the potentialities for side effects. To treat the side effects, your doctor will again give some more medicines. The vicious cycle goes on. You will soon reach a stage, where you suffer form all sorts of deficiencies and diseases.
Blood pressure is only the cover. It has a solid back-up. Many serious, life-threatening diseases are waiting in the side-wings to take over once you are a patient of high blood pressure. They are heart diseases, heart attack, kidney failure, nervous breakdown and many others.
Forget medications for a while. I am not telling you that they are of no use. But the strategy of the moment is to change your lifestyle. Change in your food habits. Think positively that you are capable of beating blood pressure. Just give up junk food for ever. That is one of the contributing factors for your constipation, which again is one of the reasons for increase in your blood pressure.
If you are taking more than 2 spoonfuls salt per day, it is time to cut it. Give up processed foods and switch over to fruits and vegetables. Limit the sweets. Have a regular schedule of exercises. Meditation, breathing exercises, cycling, jogging, brisk walking, all these count a lot in reducing your blood pressure.
Along with the changed habits, develop a habit of thinking positively. Your supreme will power can cure any type of blood pressure.
High Blood Pressure Triggers – Knowing the Triggers Can Unlock the Cure
It’s worth investigating what causes high blood pressure as a staggering 70 million+ Americans have hypertension. Many people don’t evn know what are the main causes of high blood pressure. Many of those 70 million people, with the appropriate information available, could take steps to lower their blood pressure levels. This article describes precisely what happens within a person’s body and points towards some obvious remedies to the problem.
The pressure inside your arteries is simply an indicator of your blood pressure. Carrying blood away from your heart and towards the organs is an important function of the arteries. Because of this,arterial blood pressure is relatively higher to the blood pressures in your veins. Your veins are responsible for carrying blood back towards the heart after nourishing your internal organs.
If you think of a simple garden hosepipe,when yous queeze the end of the tube to close it up a little,the pressure goes up and watersprays out further. The same thing can happen in your body – if your arteries narrow then the pressure will go up, since same amount of blood has to be squeezed in a smaller space.
There are many reasons why your arteries may narrow.
A key factor is the balance of two of your mineral levels -sodium and potassium.It’s important to note that what you eat has a large effect on your hypertension. Also, your stress levels play a big part. If you are stressed regularly then you will also get hypertension because of having more stress chemicals, such as cortisol in your system.
Exercising is a good way to protect yourself from the risks of high blood pressure. Although when you exercise there is an upswing in your blood pressure, the extra demands placed on your system when you exercise make your arterial walls more flexible. This flexibility means your arteries are more likely to remain wide when you are at rest.
Natural Support for High Blood Pressure Reduction
Maybe it’s because of the way we’re brought up, but men try to ignore a lot of the signals our bodies send us. We’re taught to ignore pain (including hypertension headaches), to appear strong and in control at all times and to take life’s rough-and-tumble punishments with a stiff upper lip. Unfortunately, we ourselves often inflict the punishment.
High blood pressure can happen when you’re under stress for a long time. Because you’re uptight inside, your whole cardiovascular system absorbs that tension. Arteries and arterioles become narrower because the sheaths of smooth muscle that surround them contract and diminish circulation. The longer the stress goes on, the more permanent a condition this becomes, eventually affecting the whole blood-delivery and waste-extraction systems. In terms of simple hydraulics, the heart (the pump) has to exert increased tension (pump harder) to get the same amount of fluid through the narrower openings. This state, called “hypertension,” is easy to ignore until it’s too late and an aneurysm, stroke or infarction occurs.Blood Pressure Detection
High blood pressure is considered a stealthy killer because there may be no detectable signs for a long time. It’s usually unnoticed unless you’re systolic and diastolic readings are taken regularly using a sphygmomanometer–the cuff and mercury “barometer” the doctor puts around your biceps. The first reading is the pressure of your heart when it’s pumping. The second is the strength of the after-wave of blood flowing through the system when the heart is at rest. The ratio between the two readings tells a lot about how your heart is functioning. So what is “normal” blood pressure? If you’re a peak performance athlete about 18 years of age, normal may be 115/75. But as we get older, a higher reading such as 140/90 is acceptable. However, once it rises above that, you’re probably registering too much pressure on the system. The cause of high blood pressure varies with different individuals. The orthodox medical profession usually blames “essential” hypertension on stress from work, relationships, children, debts and parents–you name it. However, these states of stress can be prevented.A Preventive Lifestyle
One of the best antidotes to stress is exercise. Practitioners of tai chi claim that the regular practice of their art definitely lowers blood pressure. Cycling, swimming and walking are other fitness suggestions. It is ideal to get 20 minutes of “out-of-breath” exercise each day. Cigarette smoking is not a good idea. Most medical research associates smoking with damage to the cardiovascular system. Of course there are stories about guys who smoked until they were climbing into the coffin at 98 years of age! But there are a lot more stories about smokers who had massive cardiovascular problems at young ages and who are no longer able to lead productive lives. Find out what really relaxes you and make it a daily routine. Even watching an old movie, getting away to the country or taking up drawing or painting might be helpful. Also consider taking other positive steps to eliminate stress, such as simplifying your life.
Once diagnosed with high blood pressure, the first thing you have to do is slow yourself down. Faithfully take a day off every week. Switch from coffee to herbal teas such as camomile and peppermint. If you have a big caffeine dependency, try weaning yourself with green tea. There are other appropriate herbal teas. One of the finest and best tasting is linden blossom (lime flower or Tilia americana et spp.). It can be used regularly to maintain the smooth inner lining of the blood vessels. The French have found the flowers and keel of this plant help prevent the aggregation of platelets. Linden blossom is often combined with hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) in treating hypertension. The gentle, calming effect of both these herbs teaches the body how to relax. Herbal relaxants are also appropriate in cases of essential hypertension. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is widely used by professional herbalists, usually as a tincture (one teaspoon or five ml three times daily). Herbalists often combine this plant with cramp bark (Viburnum opulus). This remedy is active in relaxing smooth muscle (the tense muscles around the arteries are unconsciously clenched). Use one teaspoon (five ml) of the tincture three times daily. It would be wrong to think that any herb alone might lower blood pressure. Some plants will even raise it. If you have high blood pressure, you should avoid broom (Carothamnus scoparius) and licorice (Glycirrhiza glabra). The latter can pop up in a number of herbal teas being marketed as beverages. Check the ingredients. While herbs can help treat high blood pressure, it makes sense to prevent high blood pressure in the first place. Exercise, eat healthy foods, take time out-and enjoy it. Make peace with yourself. Now sit back, have a cup of linden tea and listen to your arteries purr.
Heart-Healthy Food Choices
The foods you eat play an important role in how your body deals with both high blood pressure and stress. One of the main reasons for high blood pressure is the consumption of too much saturated fat from animal sources and trans-fatty acids from artificially hardened vegetable fats such as shortening and margarine, as well as refined vegetable oils. Sweet foods, overly salted foods and insufficient fibre also contribute to high blood pressure.
Fresh, raw vegetables and fruits should prevail in a diet to control high blood pressure. Soy beans, potatoes and nuts are highly superior to animal meat as a protein source. Potassium lowers blood pressure by reducing blood-vessel constriction and helps alleviate stress by supporting the adrenal glands. Potassium-rich foods include apples, asparagus, avocados, cabbage, corn, tomatoes, bananas, oranges, grapefruit, prunes and raisins. High blood pressure has been linked to calcium and magnesium deficiency. Green, leafy vegetables are rich in calcium; almonds and cashews are excellent sources of magnesium. Nuts and seeds should also be eaten daily as a source of essential fatty acids, which produce hormone-like substances called prostaglandins that expand the veins and arteries. Foods rich in B vitamins, such as whole grains, green vegetables and eggs, help build resistance to stress.
There have been several reputable studies lately that indicate that a little wine or beer is good for the cardiovascular system. The Mediterranean diet is very healthy for the heart. Mediterranean cuisine embraces wine, olives and garlic, avoids fatty meats and is endlessly inventive with fresh green salads interspersed with bitter leaves of chicory and endive, along with sweet fruits such as oranges. Garlic is hypertensive, or lowers blood pressure. If you value your social life, you might want to take odourless garlic supplements available from health food stores. On the other hand, if you start feeding your friends pesto, they won’t even notice!
Visit www.ALISTROL.com for more information and try this natural, safe supplement to provide high blood pressure relief quickly while gaining health benefits as well.
Tips to Control High Blood Pressure Part III – With Foods
In the last 2 articles, we learned about high blood pressure. Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps out blood. High blood pressure means raising pressure in your heart and staying high over time, damaging the body in many ways. High blood pressure or arterial hypertension is almost never a serious health threat. However, doctors attempt to lower it in their patients because it can have serious long-term consequences. Since general approaches and supplements have provided us with many clues in controlling high blood pressure. We can control it with natural foods.1. CeleryIf you are asking advice from your doctor about high blood pressure, chances are he will tell you to take 4 stalks of celery daily. Study shows that celery contains a chemical called limonene that acts as a mild tranquilizer that can lower levels of stress hormones in your blood. This allows your blood vessels to expand, giving your blood more room and reducing pressure.2. Red teaRed tea has flavonoids, which have been proven effective in treating assorted skin and circulation problems.3.Fresh water algae or dark green vegetableFresh water algae contains a high amount of chlorophyll. Study shows that regular use of chlorella reduces high blood pressure and prevents strokes. When chlorella has been used consistently over a period of months, the low pressure often increases to normal.4. AvocadoAvocados are a good source of potassium, a mineral that helps regulate blood pressure. Adequate intake of potassium can help to guard against circulatory diseases like heart disease or stroke.5. Whole grainWhole grains which provide all edible parts of the grain include whole-grain corn, oats, popcorn, brown rice, whole rye, etc. Study shows that eating just one daily serving of whole grains may help prevent high blood pressure – and more servings could slash your risk even further.6. Cold water fishCold-water fish like wild Alaskan salmon and sardines which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that has been proven record of lowering cholesterol levels and increasing blood circulation in your body, and subsequently reducing high blood pressure. Take fish-oil supplements if you cannot get enough omega-3-rich foods.7. Gracefruit and beet juiceThe effect was traced to nitrate in the gracefruit and beet juice that reacted with bacteria in the mouth. This led to chemical changes which resulted in blood vessels dilating to increase blood flow and reducing blood pressure.Foods help to control high blood pressure also have the function of lowering cholesterol level as well as increase circulation of blood in the body, therefore it reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke.
For more information on how to lower your blood pressure, please visit:Kyle J. Nortonhttp://bestexpertarticles.blogspot.com/http://highbloodpressurewatchiii.blogspot.com
Tips to Control High Blood Pressure Part II – With Nutritional Supplements
As we know, high blood pressure is the force of your blood pushing against your arteries. When your heart has to work harder than normal to pump blood through your circulation system it causes damage to the heart and arteries, increasing your risk of heart attack and stroke. Therefore managing blood pressure becomes a very important factor not only for high blood pressure sufferers, but everyone to protect against heart disease and stroke.In the last article we discussed how to control high blood pressure in a general approach. In this article we will try to give some details of how to control high blood pressure with nutrition supplements.Study shows that the following might help to lower your high blood pressure and protect you against heart disease and stroke.1. PotassiumThe adequate potassium intake from fruits and vegetables can lower blood pressure. Unfortunately the body can not store potassium without magnesium. In the presence of adequate amounts of both potassium and magnesium, they increase the excretion of sodium and decrease high blood pressure.2. 3-n-butyl-phthalideA dose of the 3-n-butyl- phthalide compound is equivalent to four stalks of celery. In humans they lower blood pressure by an average of 13 percent.3. Hawthorn extractHerbalists recognized early that hawthorn held great promise for helping heart related problems such as congestive heart failure, cardiovascular system, circulatory system, and high blood pressure.4. Vitamin EPeople with high blood pressure need to increase their daily intake of vitamin E. Study shows that over a period of a month, a gradual increase of vitamin E dosage can yield a lower blood pressure5. Coenzyme Q10CoQ10 significantly reduces systolic and diastolic blood pressure. There is also a reduction in HbA1C, a marker for long-term glycemic control.6. Folic acidFolate is a vitamin B that is necessary for the formation of red blood cells. It may help to lower high blood pressure in some people, possibly by reducing elevated homocysteine levels.8.SeleniumSelenium’s primary function in the human body is to work in conjunction with vitamin E in the preservation and elasticity of the tissues. It is also neccessary in the slowing down of the process of aging by increasing endurance and improving the blood and oxygen supply to the heart muscle. The prostoglandins in the human body which protect against high blood pressure cannot be formed without selenium.9. ChromiumChromium reduces blood fat, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure. It also stabilizes blood sugar levels and helps correct insulin resistance10. L-arginineThere are many more supplements that help to expand the arteries, increasing circulation of blood to our body system as well as removing plaques from your arteries therefore lowering your blood pressure. Be sure to talk to your doctor, before taking any supplement.If you want more information of this subject, please visit:
Kyle J. Nortonhttp://healinghighbloodpressure.blogspot.com/http://bestexpertarticles.blogspot.com/