If you're one of the millions of people who are suffering from high blood pressure, you could be forgiven for feeling a little gloomy at the thought of taking medication for the rest of your life to keep your BP within normal limits.
At one time, the general medical consensus was to immediately prescribe medication for everyone, no matter what their age, if they had high blood pressure, as it was thought this would prevent a rise in the already high rates of stroke and cardiovascular disease in western society.
Now, however, there's a move amongst many health care professionals to try, if possible, to lower blood pressure naturally before prescribing medication and, very often, the shock of a diagnosis of high blood pressure is the wakeup call many people need to help themselves lower it via more natural means.
With that in mind, here are 6 things you can try to help reduce your BP, none of which involve popping pills... (Obviously, consult your health care professional before trying any of these methods and never stop taking your prescribed BP medication without getting the go-ahead from your prescribing Doctor.)
* Lifestyle changes are a major factor you probably need to look at if you want to reduce your blood pressure via more natural means. If you're living a stressful, caffeine-filled life with too little sleep and too much fast food, then it's obvious something is going to have to give and usually, it's your health. Slow down, cut the caffeine out and start thinking about how you can take care of yourself for a change.
* A proper diet filled with good nutrition rather than empty carbohydrates is something you really need to consider before it's too late and you don't have any option but to take that medication. Cut down on the fast food and start eating more fresh fruit and vegetables. A high potassium, low sodium diet is often recommended, so think about foods such as tomatoes, bananas, orange juice, honey dew melon etc. A high sodium diet can cause the body to retain fluid which makes your heart work harder to push it round your body, so make sure you cut your sodium intake right down.
* Stop smoking. Yes, it's difficult, especially if you've been smoking for a number of years, but it's either give up cigarettes or watch your health decline even further. Your health care provider will be only too happy to give you advice on how to stop and there are plenty of aids and devices such as nicotine patches on the market to help you get through the tough stages.
* Get more exercise. Most of us don't take nearly enough exercise and it shows in our declining health. So, take the dog for a walk. Join a gym. Start swimming. Get yourself a rebounder (NASA described rebounding as ‘the most efficient and effective form of exercise yet devised by man’ and, if it’s good enough for NASA, it’s good enough for me!). You'll soon feel the benefits.
* Get plenty of fresh air, and I'm not particularly talking about exercise here. So many people remain cooped up inside their homes sitting in front of computers or games consoles instead of getting out into the yard or garden and getting some fresh air. And, talking about gardens... gardening can be a huge stress buster - which, again, contributes to lowering your blood pressure.
* Eat foods that help lower blood pressure naturally. Artichokes contain natural diuretics which assist in flushing excess sodium from your body. Foods containing essential unsaturated fatty acids such as Omega 3 help boost your immune system and protect your body against certain diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. Oily fish is a good source of Omega 3. Nibbling on sunflower seeds is a healthier option than snacking on chocolate or donuts as the seeds are rich in minerals such as potassium and magnesium.
Good luck!
At one time, the general medical consensus was to immediately prescribe medication for everyone, no matter what their age, if they had high blood pressure, as it was thought this would prevent a rise in the already high rates of stroke and cardiovascular disease in western society.
Now, however, there's a move amongst many health care professionals to try, if possible, to lower blood pressure naturally before prescribing medication and, very often, the shock of a diagnosis of high blood pressure is the wakeup call many people need to help themselves lower it via more natural means.
With that in mind, here are 6 things you can try to help reduce your BP, none of which involve popping pills... (Obviously, consult your health care professional before trying any of these methods and never stop taking your prescribed BP medication without getting the go-ahead from your prescribing Doctor.)
* Lifestyle changes are a major factor you probably need to look at if you want to reduce your blood pressure via more natural means. If you're living a stressful, caffeine-filled life with too little sleep and too much fast food, then it's obvious something is going to have to give and usually, it's your health. Slow down, cut the caffeine out and start thinking about how you can take care of yourself for a change.
* A proper diet filled with good nutrition rather than empty carbohydrates is something you really need to consider before it's too late and you don't have any option but to take that medication. Cut down on the fast food and start eating more fresh fruit and vegetables. A high potassium, low sodium diet is often recommended, so think about foods such as tomatoes, bananas, orange juice, honey dew melon etc. A high sodium diet can cause the body to retain fluid which makes your heart work harder to push it round your body, so make sure you cut your sodium intake right down.
* Stop smoking. Yes, it's difficult, especially if you've been smoking for a number of years, but it's either give up cigarettes or watch your health decline even further. Your health care provider will be only too happy to give you advice on how to stop and there are plenty of aids and devices such as nicotine patches on the market to help you get through the tough stages.
* Get more exercise. Most of us don't take nearly enough exercise and it shows in our declining health. So, take the dog for a walk. Join a gym. Start swimming. Get yourself a rebounder (NASA described rebounding as ‘the most efficient and effective form of exercise yet devised by man’ and, if it’s good enough for NASA, it’s good enough for me!). You'll soon feel the benefits.
* Get plenty of fresh air, and I'm not particularly talking about exercise here. So many people remain cooped up inside their homes sitting in front of computers or games consoles instead of getting out into the yard or garden and getting some fresh air. And, talking about gardens... gardening can be a huge stress buster - which, again, contributes to lowering your blood pressure.
* Eat foods that help lower blood pressure naturally. Artichokes contain natural diuretics which assist in flushing excess sodium from your body. Foods containing essential unsaturated fatty acids such as Omega 3 help boost your immune system and protect your body against certain diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. Oily fish is a good source of Omega 3. Nibbling on sunflower seeds is a healthier option than snacking on chocolate or donuts as the seeds are rich in minerals such as potassium and magnesium.
Good luck!