May 10th is World Hypertension Day, so we felt it was a good time to write an article on this widely recognized chronic issue.
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common health problem that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the force of your blood against the walls of your arteries becomes too high, which can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and even death. Luckily, there are many ways to lower your blood pressure naturally, including eating certain foods and herbs, practicing relaxation techniques, and making lifestyle changes. This article will focus on some of the best foods and herbs for lowering blood pressure.
What is High Blood Pressure
Hypertension usually has no symptoms or warning signs until it damages organs. Therefore, it is important to regularly check your blood pressure levels and take steps to keep them under control. Some risk factors for developing high blood pressure include age, family history, being overweight or obese, physical inactivity, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and poor diet.
Foods That Help Lower Blood Pressure
Changing your diet is one of the most effective ways to lower blood pressure. Here are some foods that have been shown to help:
1. Fruits and vegetables - Eating plenty of fruits and veggies can reduce your blood pressure because they contain fiber, potassium, vitamins C and D, and other nutrients that support heart health. Examples include bananas, avocados, spinach, kale, sweet potatoes, and berries.
2. Whole grains - Whole-grain products like oats, quinoa, brown rice, and whole wheat bread provide fiber and other nutrients that help regulate blood sugar and insulin levels, which can contribute to high blood pressure.
3. Nuts and seeds - Snacking on nuts and seeds like almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds can help lower blood pressure due to their high magnesium content. Magnesium helps relax blood vessels and improve circulation.
4. Fish - Consuming fatty fish like salmon, tuna, mackerel, and sardines provides omega-3 fatty acids with anti-inflammatory properties that protect against heart disease and lower blood pressure.
Herbs That Help Lower Blood Pressure
In addition to food, several herbal remedies have been used traditionally to treat high blood pressure. Here are four examples:
1. Hawthorn—Hawthorn is an herb that has been used since ancient times to promote cardiovascular health. Studies suggest that it may be able to dilate blood vessels and increase blood flow, leading to reduced blood pressure. We have made this in a special way and call it Heart tonic. My friends and family have had great success in bringing their blood pressure down in a matter of days.
2. Ginkgo biloba - Ginkgo biloba contains antioxidants called flavonoids that have been shown to widen blood vessels and improve circulation. This can result in decreased blood pressure and enhanced overall vascular function.
3. Garlic—Garlic is another popular herb linked to lower blood pressure. Compounds found in garlic called allium sulfides appear to stimulate the production of nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels and lowers blood pressure.
4. Flor de Manita is widely used to assist the heart in regulating blood pressure. It is an anti-inflammatory
and stimulant. It has been known to clean arteries and lower cholesterol. This is a new herb for us here at Positive Life Changes!
The list doesn't stop there! We have many herbs in stock that have been used to help lower blood pressure: Butterfly Pea Flower, Dandelion root & leaf, Suma, Yohimbe, Shiitake, Chaparral, Cleavers leaf, Passionflower, Olive leaf, Gotu Kola, Goji Berry, Black Walnut, Cascara Sagrada and Ginseng.
We also carry a formula called Blood Pressure Care, which is very effective.
Some of these herbs can interact with HBP medications. Talking to an herbalist, such as myself, is essential to find the best options for you.
Therapies That Help Lower Blood Pressure
Besides medications prescribed by doctors, alternative therapies can complement traditional treatment methods and lower blood pressure. They include:
1. Acupuncture - Several studies have demonstrated that acupuncture can effectively lower blood pressure in both the short and long term. Acupuncturists insert needles into specific points on the body to balance energy flows and alleviate pain and illness.
2. Bowenwork—Regular Bowenwork treatments can help the body relax, getting it out of the "fight/flight to a rest/digest" mode to naturally bring the blood pressure down to normal levels. Schedule your Bowenwork session with me today! I am in Helena, and I come to Bozeman regularly.
3. Exercise—Get in the habit of regular exercise, such as walking, weightlifting, or playing a sport that raises your heart rate just enough to move the blood throughout the body.
4. Eliminate- If possible, eliminate things contributing to the hypertension. High-stress jobs, parenting, and finances can all contribute to everyday stress. We cannot eliminate being a parent, but trusting in God for healing and guidance can help bring peace and wisdom into our everyday lives. Finding ways to get your mind off the "worries of the world" and getting into the Word are surefire ways to bring stress levels down, thereby protecting your heart.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
High blood pressure is a serious condition that requires attention and management. By incorporating these natural remedies into your daily routine, you can potentially lower your blood pressure without relying solely on medications. Remember to always consult with your doctor before making any major changes to your diet or lifestyle, especially if you're currently taking medications for high blood pressure. Call, text, or email me with any questions you may have. Let me help you make positive life changes to regain control of your health!
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