Blood Pressure and Hypertension Hypertension or an elevation of blood pressure is a very common problem these days.
Typical symptoms include headache, a fullness in the head, ringing in the ears, fatigue, nosebleeds and irritability. The causes of hypertension range from kidney and adrenal problems, stress, dietary/environmental factors, weight and hereditary factors, to other reasons of unknown origin.
Even though there is no single known cause for hypertension, it is known that lifestyle is a major contributor - with too much alcohol (binge drinking elevates blood pressure considerably), dietary fat, body fat, salt and stress, and not enough fibre, exercise, magnesium, potassium and calcium. There are two blood pressure readings — the systolic pressure (as the heart beats) over the diastolic pressure (as the heart relaxes between beats). A normal blood pressure reads 120/80, with 110/70 to 140/90 being within the normal range.
There are many contributing factors in hypertension. Some of the main contributors include a kidney infection or obstruction, diabetes, adrenal &/or thyroid gland problems, sleeping disorders and a constriction of the aorta of the heart. Other factors that increase blood pressure are obesity, cigarette smoking, salt, stress, and excessive use of stimulants such as coffee and tea, drugs and the use of oral contraceptives.
Stress in an important factor to be considered in hypertension. When people are stressed the adrenal glands release adrenalin, which can increase the blood pressure. Many people push themselves too hard and consequently become hypertensive. These people need to learn to eat properly, avoid stimulants and alcohol and sort out bad/stressful situations in their life – such as bad marriage, unhappy at work etc.
People with hardening of the arteries commonly have hypertension. Because the arteries are obstructed by fatty streaks, circulation of blood through the vessels becomes difficult. As a result, blood pressure becomes elevated.
Diet is very important and should be one of the first considerations in the treatment of this condition. Ideally adopt one that is that is high in fresh vegetables, whole grains, fish, a good amount of water and low in all animal fats, such as the fat on meat, dairy products and butter. Sugar and table salt must be reduced and kept to an absolute minimum. The sodium, as found in table salt, is a primary contributor to hypertension. High levels can contributed to fluid retention, which puts additional stress on the heart and circulatory system. Try the “Celtic sea salt” a grey, damp salt that has not been refined. It tastes quite different and is said to be beneficial for health. Fibre levels need to be increased and should consist of a variety of fresh vegetables and whole grains. Some people find a fibre supplement to be convenient, as this can be sprinkled on breakfast or taken as a tablet. Foods rich in potassium are important, as this mineral can be depleted if taking diuretics. Potassium rich foods include fish, bananas, potato, tomato, peaches and oranges can help top up this mineral, which is depleted when taking diuretics.
I believe that Magnesium is one of the most important minerals in the treatment of hypertension. Magnesium works with calcium in the contraction and relaxation of muscles in the body, including the heart muscle. A magnesium deficiency can easily occur, because this mineral is refined out of many foods during processing. Magnesium is involved in many essential metabolic processes, including vascular tone, muscle impulse transmission and it helps promote the absorption and metabolism of other minerals, such as calcium, phosphorus, sodium and potassium. It is necessary for proper functioning of muscles in the body, including those of the heart. Deficiency symptoms include an irregular heart rhythm, muscle twitch and spasms, cramp, irritability, restless leg syndrome, eye flicks, insomnia and an inability to relax. A deficiency interferes with nerve and muscle impulses.
Regular, gentle exercise and weight loss for those who need it are essential in preventing and treating high blood pressure, because they keep the circulatory system healthy. Walking, slow swimming and casual cycling are good choices. Promoting a tranquil outlook on life is of primary importance in reducing and preventing hypertension. Yoga will relax, stretch and improve overall health and well-being.
There are many herbs and natural products that have been traditionally used in the treatment of hypertension. These include Hawthorn berries, rosemary, astragalus, garlic & lecithin. Hawthorn – The heart herb, has been shown to help normalise the blood pressure, by regulating the action of the heart. It is good for a heart muscle weakened by age, for inflammation of the heart muscle, for softening the arteries in artherosclerosis, helps strengthen blood vessels and has been used in angina pectoris, vascular insufficiency, blood clots and for nervous heart problems. This could be taken as a supplement or in a herb tea.
Garlic is known to help strengthen the blood vessels and equalises both high and low blood pressure. If you have had a heart attack, a key substance you should be including in your diet is garlic. When garlic is added to the diet it seems to make the blood less sticky. This makes it helpful in dissolving clots.
An intake of foods rich in Omega 3 fatty acids has been know to help in hypertension. Salmon oil is one of the best food sources of this and has been clearly shown to offer some protection against heart disease. It helps reduce abnormal blood clotting, high cholesterol and blood pressure - all factors which contribute to this condition. The fish oils are not directly responsible for these actions itself, but the body converts the fatty acids into prostaglandin's and other compounds, which then exert their effects on various tissues of the body.
Co-Enzyme Q10 is found in every cell of the body but is highly concentrated in the heart muscle. It is an essential component of the 'energy furnaces' responsible for a cells energy production, as well as its vital role in the treatment and prevention of angina pectoris, congestive heart failure, hypertension, obesity, diabetes, immune insufficiencies, chronic fatigue and free radical stress. Low levels of Co enzyme Q10 in the body will affect muscle status, circulation, cardiovascular health and severely compromise the immune system.
There are many ways you can be proactive if you suffer with hypertension.
