High Blood Pressure, Recommendations and Herbs
The blood passes through the blood vessels anytime the heart pumps through the arteries. The normal, high or low blood pressure depends on some factors like the output from the heart, the volume of the blood and blood distribution though different organs.
If blood pressure rises, the heart must work harder to pump enough blood to all the organs in the body. Hypertension or high blood pressure can ultimately lead to kidney problems, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, arteriosclerosis and adrenal tumors.
More than 35 million Americas have high blood pressure and about 15 million aren’t aware that they have high blood pressure. High blood pressure is also known as “silent killer” since it doesn’t cause any symptoms until complications happen.
Blood pressure falls under two categories called primary and secondary. Primary hypertension is high blood pressure that is not related to any diseases but depends on factors like stress, obesity, excessive use of drugs, smoking, excessive consumption of stimulants in caffeine and tea and high sodium consumption.
Secondary hypertension happens when other underlying health problems causes high blood pressure like hormonal abnormality, chronically constricted blood vessels, plaque built up in the arteries (atherosclerosis) and inherited narrowing of aorta.
In fact, arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis which are narrowing and hardening of the arteries can make the blood circulation difficult and cause hypertension. Secondary hypertension can also be a result of poor kidney function which can cause excessive sodium retention and fluid in the body. Also the kidneys can increase blood pressure by secreting substances that can constrict blood vessels.
Herbs:
- Using cayenne, chamomile, hawthorn, parsley, berries, rosemary and fennel can be beneficial for high blood pressure. Do not use chamomile on daily basis because you might develop allergies.
- Valerian root and hops can also help to calm verves. Make sure to avoid herbs like licorice and ephedra that can elevate blood pressure.
Recommendations:
- Eliminate salt from your diet completely. Lowering your salt intake isn’t enough so read products' labels very carefully. Avoid processed foods that have preservatives like MSG, sodas and canned foods completely. http://www.seattleorganicrestaurants.com/vegan-whole-food/cancer-junk-food-carcinogen.php
- Eat a diet high in fiber and take nutritionally balanced supplements (most supplements have imbalanced minerals and vitamins that can cause more harms). Include plenty of raw organic fruits and vegetables in your diet such as broccoli, cabbage, cantaloupe, eggplant, garlic, grapefruits, green leafy vegetables like lettuce and kale, melons, peas, raisins, squash and apples. http://www.seattleorganicrestaurants.com/vegan-whole-food/vitamins-drugs.php
- Include fresh juices in your diet like green smoothies and add other nutritious foods such as berries (blueberries and cranberries), beet, carrot, celery, citrus fruits, spinach and watermelon. http://www.seattleorganicrestaurants.com/vegan-whole-food/green-smoothie.php
- Drink spring water or distilled water only and avoid drinking tap water that have contaminates like fluoride and chlorine. http://seattleorganicrestaurants.com/vegan-whole-foods/fluoride-health-risks/
- Taking two tablespoon flaxseed can also be very beneficial. Avoid all animal fat like bacon, beef, chicken, all processed meat, dairy products, pork, sausage, gravies and smoked salmon. You can consume small amounts of free range chickens, organic turkey breast and wild sockeye salmon (lowest mercury fish). http://www.seattleorganicrestaurants.com/vegan-whole-foods/flaxseed/
- Avoid drinking wine and eliminate your consumption of yogurt, milk chocolate, fava bens, cheese and sour cream. Also avoid smoking, drugs, alcohol and caffeinated drinks.
- If you are taking drugs that helps to reduce blood pressure (like MAO inhibitors) avoid chemical tyramine that can cause high blood pressure or even lead to strokes. Foods that contain Tyramine are almonds, bananas, beef, beer, cheese, avocado, chocolate, coffee, fava beans, peanuts, sesame seeds, pickles, pineapple, soy sauce, pumpkin seeds, yogurt, yeast extracts, raisins and others, Avoid all foods that have been fermented or have gone through process. Also avoid over the counter allergy or cold medicines.
- Being obese or even overweight can increase blood pressure so maintain a healthy weight. Add cleaning foods into your diet every day. Find more tips on how to detox your body.
- Get regular exercise and have enough sleep at nights. Since hypertension shows no signs, measure your blood pressure at least every four to six month. Have your blood pressure monitored on a regular basis if you are pregnant. Keep in mind that hidden and untreated hypertension can cause serious health threat to both mother and the baby.
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