About Natural Cures for High Blood Pressure
As your blood moves through your arteries, it exerts pressure upon the vessel walls. The amount of force necessary for your heart to pump blood through your arteries determines your blood pressure. When your arteries or veins narrow, become partially blocked or your heart must work harder to circulate your blood, high blood pressure (hypertension) results. After consulting with your physician to rule out an underlying condition, you can use natural cures to help control your high blood pressure.
Diet
One of the contributing factors in developing high blood pressure is today's stressful, high-paced lifestyle that includes overeating, smoking, drinking alcohol, too little exercise and the consumption of high levels of sodium. The Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension Diet (DASH), accepted by the American Heart Association, suggests a diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grain cereals and breads and low levels of saturated fats. Download a DASH Diet chart (see Resources).
Supplements
A wide range of supplements may help reduce your blood pressure. Too little potassium in your body increases your risk of hypertension. Add a 2000 mg potassium tablet to your morning routine. Other popular supplements include, Coenzyme Q10, Omega-3 fatty acids and amino acids. L-arginine, L-taurine, fish oil and flaxseed oil are commonly used as part of a complete diet and lifestyle program to reduce high blood pressure.
Lifestyle
Get moving. Increasing your physical activity can lower your blood pressure. 30 minutes a day of exercise that raises your heart rate is recommended, but make sure your doctor approves before you start any new exercise routine. Keep it simple if you have been leading a sedentary lifestyle; increase your activity as your body adjusts.
Herbal
Popular natural cures for high blood pressure include Snakeroot tea and ginseng supplements. Holistic practitioners may also recommend hawthorn tea, grapefruit extract, kelp and dried seaweed to treat hypertension. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not routinely test the efficiency or the risks associated with consuming herbal remedies, so actual statistics are sketchy, but these herbal remedies are readily available in health food stores.
Additional
Popular in alternative health circles are green drinks that include ingredients high in lecithin. Cabbage, alfalfa, split peas and kelp are blended with spirulina and fiber and are consumed daily. Pomegranate juice and juice blends containing strawberries, blueberries, celery and blackstrap molasses add fiber, phyto-nutrients and potassium in flavorful combinations (see Resources).
Warning
While using natural cures to lower your blood pressure may be an effective part of your overall health plan, follow your doctor's recommendations to lose weight and eat a healthy diet. Your doctor may also prescribe blood pressure medications to control your hypertension until you can lower it naturally.
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