High blood pressure if often not felt and only discovered in routine doctor's appointments.
What is blood pressure? It is the pressure that the blood creates when pumped and pushing against your arteries. The first number is the systolic pressure which measures the pressure when the heart is pumping the blood. The diastolic pressure is the second number and measure the pressure remaining when the relaxes. Just like a plumbing system, when there are things that clog arteries or the walls of the arteries thicken, this creates resistance and the heart has to work harder. This is dangerous because it increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes and aneurysms.
It's important to keep your blood pressure in a normal range. 120/80 mm Hg is considered ideal.
Causes of high blood pressure are numerous. It can be genetic and inherited by your parents. It can also be due to your lifestyle. A sedentary lifestyle, being over weight, consuming a high sugar and carbohydrate diet all contribute to high blood pressure. Consuming too much calcium can also increase your risk of cardiovascular disease.
Natural treatments of high blood pressure include:
Diet
Magnesium, potassium and niacin are good for the heart. Potassium-rich foods include avocados, bananas, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, grapefruit, nectarines, oranges, asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, green peas, potatoes, and squash. Foods rich in magnesium include nuts, rice, bananas, potatoes, kidney and lima beans, soy, and molasses.
Herbs and Nutritional Supplements
Garlic – There have been a number of studies examining the effects of garlic supplements on blood pressure. Garlic appears to lower blood pressure by 5 to 10%. It can also lower cholesterol, reduce triglyceride levels, discourage clot formation, and promote blood circulation.
CoQ10 has also been studied and shows beneficial effects on blood pressure and energy levels.
Hawthorn (Crataegus oxycantha) – Hawthorn is a very well known heart herbal tonic in traditional herbal medicine. It has been used in Europe and China for centuries as a folk remedy. It is believed to decrease blood pressure, increase heart muscle contraction, increase blood flow to the heart muscle, and decrease heart rate.
Lifestyle
Exercise and stress reduction are also key components of blood pressure reduction.
I also use other tools in my practice with much success such as acupuncture, homeopathy, counselling and neuro-eomotional technique.
If you are interested in lower your blood pressure and want to be put on a customized regime, call the clinic for an appointment today!