Natural Remedies for High Blood Pressure

How’s your blood pressure? More than half of all older adults have high blood pressure, and about 50 percent of people who have it do not know it. That is why is called the “silent killer.” High blood pressure accounts for approximately a million deaths a year. Blood pressure is high in adults if it is consistently 140 mmHg systolic and/or 90 mmHg diastolic or higher. People whose blood pressure is dangerously high are diagnosed as having primary or essential hypertension.When high blood pressure results from a medical disorder or a drug, it is diagnosed as secondary hypertension.

Your blood pressure may be good and suddenly register high. This can happen due to anxiety, physical exertion, drinking a large amount of coffee or digesting a meal. This high reading is usually temporary with no lasting effects. If, your doctor diagnoses you as having high blood pressure, follow his or her advice. The risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease increases when high blood pressure is not managed.

Blood pressure is one of the easiest health problems to control. A healthy lifestyle that includes vitamins and nutrients can help manage high blood pressure and reduce the need for prescription medication. According to Dr. Jaing He, Chairman of the Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine,

“High blood pressure is an important health issue not only because of its high frequency but also because it is a major modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease and kidney disease. Interventions that have proven effective include weight loss, reduced salt intake, moderating alcohol consumption, potassium supplementation, modification of eating habits, and increased physical activity.”

The following lifestyle strategies and dietary remedies can help eliminate the causes of high blood pressure in contrast to prescription medications that only treat the symptoms.

âÂ?¢If you’re overweight, lose weight
âÂ?¢Don’t smoke.
âÂ?¢Don’t drink alcohol.
�Reduce your salt intake.
�Exercise at least three times a week.
�Handle stress by practicing relaxation techniques.
�Consult your physician before taking antihistamines and decongestants. An ingredient in some of them can raise blood pressure.

CALCIUM
Researchers have shown that calcium relieves symptoms of anxiety, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and restless leg complaint.

Best food sources of calcium:
low-fat dairy products
dark green leafy vegetables such as broccoli and collard, turnip, and mustard greens

CAYENNE
Cayenne is valuable for the heart and circulatory system. It is a high source of organic calcium and potassium, both of which help the heart work effectively. Medical evidence indicates that that cayenne has stopped heart attacks within 30 seconds. Cayenne can be added to food or taken as a supplement in capsule form.

COENZYME Q10
Coenzyme Q10 is effective in helping oxygenate the body by dilating the small blood vessels and capillaries, stabilizing circulation and reducing the risk of vascular disease.

Best food sources of coenzyme Q10:
sardines
mackerel
liver of beef and lamb
eggs.
spinach
broccoli
peanuts
wheat germ and whole grains

DANDELION
Dandelion is a proven diuretic, and aids in flushing excess water from the body. It is also a rich source of potassium. Both of these qualities aid in maintaining normal blood pressure levels. The whole plant can be eaten; typically, a tea is made using the leaves.

DONG QUAI
Dong quai strengthens the heart, and is used as a blood tonic. Research has shown that donq quai promotes blood circulation, reduces blood clotting, and relaxes peripheral
blood vessels. Dong quai can be found in supplement form.

FLAXSEED
Flaxseed helps regulate blood pressure and blood vessel constriction. Research indicates that alpha-linoleic acid and lignans in flaxseed are beneficial in the management of autoimmune diseases. Use organic, cold pressed flaxseed oil or sprinkle flaxseeds on vegetables, salads or cereals

FISH
Cold water, deep sea fish, such as cod, mackerel, sardines, salmon, and herring are
rich in omega 3 fatty acids. Scientific studies have shown that large quantities of omega 3 fatty acid supplements reduce blood pressure.

GARLIC
Garlic is one of the most powerful broad-spectrum plant antiseptics. Medical studies reveal that people who eat garlic regularly have longer blood clotting times and lower blood lipid levels, which reduces the risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease. Eating 5 or 6 garlic cloves a day helps build up anti-fungal power in the blood.

GINKGO BILOBA
Ginkgo helps circulation and is a proven antioxidant Scientific studies have shown that ginkgo biloba dilates blood vessels and reduces blood platelet stickiness. Ginkgo can be found in supplement form, and should be taken before late afternoon.

GINSENG
Ginseng root lowers blood sugar and cholesterol levels. It promotes relaxation and protects against stress. Panax ginseng is the most commonly used species of ginseng
Ginseng can be found in supplement and tea forms.

HAWTHORN
Hawthorn is an herb rich in flavonoids, which help open coronary blood vessels. Studies have shown that it can reduce high blood pressure and alleviate vascular disorders. Supplements can be taken or a tea can be made using hawthorn leaves.

MAGNESIUM
Magnesium works to keep the heart working properly. Studies have revealed that when people come into an emergency room with a heart attack, if they are given intravenous magnesium right away, their chances of survival increased. It has been shown to improve the symptoms of congestive heart failure. At least 28 studies have shown that people with hypertension have a magnesium deficiency that averages 15 percent below normal.

Best food sources of magnesium:
whole grains, such as oats, brown rice, millet, buckwheat and wheat
legumes, such as lentils, split peas and beans
bran
almonds and peanuts
broccoli
chocolate contains large amounts of magnesium, craving for chocolate may be an indicator of a magnesium deficiency.

OLIVE OIL
Olive oil has a high content of monounsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants. Medical studies have shown that it protects against heart disease, and reduces the bad (LDL) cholesterol. Olive oil should be used instead of butter, margarine, and hydrogenated vegetable oil.

POTASSIUM
Potassium is necessary for normal functioning of the kidneys, and an essential nutrient for normal heart function. Studies have shown that potassium helps maintain normal high blood pressure levels.

Best food sources of potassium:
oranges
bananas
potatoes
winter squash
tomatoes
avocados
black strap molasses

VITAMIN C
Vitamin C is one of the great immune system boosters. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant, and helps alleviate some of the symptoms of high blood pressure, when taken in doses of 1,000 milligrams or more.

Best food sources of vitamin C:
celery – four stalks of fresh celery daily have been shown to significantly reduce blood pressure
citrus fruits
rose hips
alfalfa sprouts
tomatoes
red sweet peppers
kale
black currants
buckwheat

VITAMIN E
Vitamin E is a combination of mixed tocopherols, which oxygenates the blood and protects cells. It protects the body from the damage that leads to a rise in bad (LDL) cholesterol and heart disease.

Best food sources of vitamin E:
Wheat germ oil
Almonds
Sunflower oil and seeds
Sunflower oil
Safflower oil
Hazelnuts
Spinach
Broccoli
Soybean oil
Kiwis
Mangos

ZINC
Zinc is considered as one of the latest “wonder minerals.” In elevated levels in the body, the mineral cadmium, which enters the air, food, and water, can cause high blood pressure. Zinc counteracts elevated cadmium and reduces its effects on the body. Zinc also strengthens the immune system and heals infections.

Best food sources of zinc:
wheat germ
oysters
green peas
wheat germ
oatmeal
clams

CAUTION: Please consult your physician before taking any of these remedies.

REFERENCES

Banerjee, S.K. & Maulik, S.K. (2002). Effect of garlic on cardiovascular disorders: A review. Nutrition Journal 1, 1-4.

Ferrandini C, Droy-Lefaix MT, Christen Y, eds. Ginkgo biloba Extract (EGb 761) as a Free Radical Scavenger. Paris: Elsevier, 1993.

Fugh-Berman, A. (2000). Herbs and Supplements in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease. Preventive Cardiology.1:24-32.

Khosh, F. & Khosh, M. (2001). Natural approach to hypertension. Alternative Medicine Review 6, 590-600.

Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 1996, 206-7.

Schmidt U, Kuhn U, Ploch M, H�¼bner W-D. Efficacy of the Hawthorn (Crataegus) preparation LI 132 in 78 patients with chronic congestive heart failure defined as NYHA functional class II. Phytomed 1994;1:17-24.

Whiting, S.J., Wood, R. & Kim, K. (1997). Calcium supplementation. Journal of American Academy of Nurse Practitioners 4, 187-1