Blood pressure is the force at which blood gets pumped through the arteries from the heart. Your blood pressure reading is based off of two numbers called "systolic" and "diastolic." These are the top and bottom numbers, respectively. The pressure that takes place when your heart beats is systolic pressure, and the pressure in between beats is diastolic. The ideal blood pressure reading is 120/80; if it is 140/90, it is considered high, and your risk for kidney disease, strokes and heart attacks goes up. To lower blood pressure, natural methods can be utilized.
Significance
According to the Centers for Disease Control, in 2005, high blood pressure was listed as a primary or contributing cause of death in 319,000 Americans. One of the most staggering statistics about high blood pressure is that there is no known cause of why it happens to certain individuals. Approximately one fifth of the people that get it don't even know until they get their blood pressure taken.
Function
One of the most common ways to treat high blood pressure is with conventional drugs such as diuretics, beta blockers, alpha beta blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and vasodilators. All of these medications might be effective, but they can cause side effects. The main function of natural remedies is to offer you an alternative approach that can be equally as effective without any side effects.
DASH
The Heart, Blood and Lung Institute created a diet plan specifically for high blood pressure. It is called the DASH diet, which stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. It is low in saturated fats, trans fats and sodium. DASH recommends having your diet consist mainly of fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, whole grains and high potassium foods. The total daily amount of sodium recommended is 1500 milligrams.
Exercise
Exercise is known for many benefits to the body. When it comes to high blood pressure, the benefits become even more valuable. According to the Mayo Clinic, regular exercise can help lower your weight, which is a risk factor for high blood pressure. It can also help lower your blood pressure if it is high. To use exercise to lower your blood pressure, aim for 30 minutes a day. Examples are running, biking, swimming, stepping and walking.
Identification
Smoking and drinking are two habits that can have an effect on blood pressure. Smoking can cause blood vessels to become damaged and constricted. Drinking alcohol can elevate blood pressure, even in otherwise healthy people. If you smoke, quit, and if you drink, do so in moderation.
Supplements
Dietary supplements are natural; according to the Mayo Clinic, there are some supplements that can be used to lower blood pressure. Examples of these include garlic, blond psyllium, omega-3 fatty acids, calcium and alpha-linolenic acid. These may be effective, but you should use them with caution being that the FDA does not test them for efficacy or purity.
