Blood Pressure High - Hypertension

High blood pressure, as it is more commonly known, is regarded as a silent killer. High blood pressure or hypertension means high pressure (tension) in the arteries. The arteries are the vessels that carry blood from the pumping heart to all of the tissues and organs of the body.Modern life has brought refined, highly processed, high fat, salty foods and stress with little opportunity for exercise, resulting in weight gain. It is rare in countries where diets are high in fiber such as in China, Africa, and areas of South America. Therefore, the main focus in the treatment of hypertension is diet.

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Symptoms of High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure usually causes no symptoms. * Even if high blood pressure does cause symptoms, the symptoms are usually mild and nonspecific (vague, or suggesting many different disorders). * Thus, high blood pressure often is labeled "the silent killer." * People who have high blood pressure typically don't know it until their blood pressure is measured.

Causes of High Blood Pressure

In about 10% of people, high blood pressure is caused by another disease (this is called secondary hypertension). In such cases, when the root cause is treated, blood pressure usually returns to normal. These causes include the following conditions: * Chronic kidney disease * Tumors or other diseases of the adrenal gland * Coarctation of the aorta - A narrowing of the aorta that you are born with that can cause high blood pressure in your arms * Pregnancy * Use of birth control pills * Alcohol addiction * Thyroid dysfunction In the other 90% of cases, the cause of high blood pressure is not known (primary hypertension). Although the specific cause is unknown, certain factors are recognized as contributing to high blood pressure.

Treatment Of High Blood Pressure

Garlic: Garlic is regarded as an effective means of lowering blood pressure. It is said to reduce spasms of the small arteries. It also slows down the pulse rate and modifies the heart rhythm, besides relieving the symptoms of dizziness, numbness, shortness of breath, and the formation of gas within the digestive tract. It may be taken in the form of raw cloves or two to three capsules a day.

Indian Gooseberry: Indian gooseberry is another effective remedy for high blood pressure. A tablespoon each of fresh amla juice and honey mixed together should be taken every morning in this condition.

Lemon: Lemon is also regarded as a valuable food to control high blood pressure. It is a rich source of vitamin P, which is found both in the juice, and peel of the fruit. This vitamin is essential for preventing capillary fragility.

Grapefruit: Grapefruit is useful in preventing high blood pressure. The vitamin P content in the fruit is helpful in toning up the arteries.

Watermelon: Watermelon is another valuable safeguard against high blood pressure. A substance extracted from watermelon seeds is said to have a definite action in dilating the blood vessels, which results in lowering the blood pressure. The seeds, dried and roasted, should be taken in liberal quantities.

Rice: Rice has a low-fat, low-cholesterol, and low-salt content. It makes a perfect diet for those hypertensive persons who have been advised salt-restricted diets. Calcium in brown rices in particular soothes and relaxes the nervous system and helps relieve the symptoms of high blood pressure.

Potato: Potatoes, specially in boiled form, are a valuable food for lowering blood pressure. When boiled with their skin, they absorb very little salt. Thus they can form a useful addition to a salt-free diet recommended for patients with high blood pressure. Potatoes are rich in potassium but not in sodium salts. The magnesium present in the potassium but not in sodium salts. The magnesium present in the vegetable exercises beneficial effects in lowering blood pressure.

Parsley: Parsley is very useful in high blood pressure. It contains elements, which help maintain the blood vessels, particularly, the capillaries. It keeps the arterial system in a healthy condition. It may be taken as a beverage by simmering 20 gm of fresh parsley leaves gently in 250 ml of water for a few minutes. This may be drunk several times daily.

Rauwolfia: Among the herbs, rauwolfia is the best remedy for high blood pressure. Alkaloids of this drug, which have a direct effect on hypertension, have been isolated and are being widely used by practitioners of modern medicine, but they have certain unpleasant side-effects which the drug, taken in raw form, does not have. Practitioners of the Indian system of medicine have, therefore, preferred to use the root of the drug in a powdered form. Half a teaspoon of this drug, taken thrice a day, is very effective in hypertension.

Vegetable Juices: Raw vegetable juices, especially carrot and spinach juices, taken separately or in combination, are also beneficial in the treatment of high blood pressure. If taken in combination, 300 ml of carrot juice and 200 ml of spinach juice should be mixed to make 500 ml or half a liter of the juice, and taken daily. If taken separately, one glass should be taken twice daily, morning and evening.

Dietary Calcium and Potassium: Recent studies have revealed an important link between dietary calcium and potassium and hypertension. Researchers have found that people who take potassium-rich diets have a low incidence of hypertension even if they do not control their salt intake. They have also found that people with hypertension do not seem to get much calcium in the people with hypertension do not seem to get much calcium in the form of dairy products. These two essential nutrients seem to help the body secrete excess sodium and are involved in important functions, which control the working of the vascular system. Potassium is found in abundance in fruits and vegetables, and calcium in dairy products.

Dietary Considerations

Decreasing or avoiding the following foods:

1. Meat and other animal products – Vegetarians have lower blood pressure levels. Try, at least, to cut down the amounts of red meats, dairy products, and fatty foods. Totally avoid fried foods.

2. Salt – Keep it to a minimum.

3. Caffeine – such as in coffee, tea, chocolate, and sodas.

4. Alcohol – even moderate amounts can produce high blood pressure.

5. Sugar – such as in candies and pastries. This should be kept to a minimum. Replace it with fresh fruits and unsweetened juices.

Add to your diet:

1. Fiber – A high fiber diet is important. To achieve this, eat:

• Fresh vegetables – at least 1 cup per day.
• Fruits – at least 1 piece per day.
• Whole Grains like brown rice and oatmeal –1 cup per day.
• Oat bran – at least 1 to 2 tablespoons per day.

Fruits and vegetables are high in potassium, which helps in lowering blood pressure.

2. Fluids – Drink at least 8 cups a day in the form of water, herbal teas, broths, or diluted juices.

Other beneficial foods are onions, garlic, brewer's yeast, lecithin, and soy products (such as tofu).

Other effective Remedies for High Blood Pressure

Persons suffering from hypertension must get atleast eight hours of good sleep, because proper rest is a vital aspect of the treatment. Most important of all, the patient must avoid overstrain, worries, tension, anger, and haste. He or she must develop a calm and cheerful attitude and develop a contented frame of mind.

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