Alternative Ways to Treat High Blood Pressure

It isn't always possible to determine what causes high blood pressure or hypertension in some people. Hypertension can go undetected for some time because there are few symptoms but it is serious and should not go ignored. High blood pressure can lead to heart failure, kidney failure, a stroke or eye damage, there are few symptoms. There may be headaches, tiredness, dizziness or confusion but these can also relate to other illnesses.

Some causes of hypertension include: hormonal disturbances, chronic alcohol abuse, high sodium (salt) intake, diabetes, abnormalities within the kidneys and tumours on the adrenal gland. Some medications such as antidepressants and painkillers and also oral contraceptives have been linked to high blood pressure. It is also thought that certain lifestyle factors such as a lack of exercise and a diet rich in fat or severe stress can contribute to high blood pressure.

There are medical treatments for hypertension and these are recommended. Alongside these, it is possible to make lifestyle changes that can help reduce high blood pressure. You could, for instance, limit your alcohol and caffeine intake and reduce your salt intake. Some people are sensitive to salt and in the hope of avoiding triggering off this sensitivity, babies under one year should not have salt added to their food. If you are suffering from hypertension, think before you automatically sprinkle salt on your plate.

Start exercising regularly and try to lose some weight if you are overweight. Exercise not only helps increase your flexibility but also improves your circulation. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise three or four times a week. Walking the dog or walking to the shops instead of using the car all the time can be a good idea. It has also been found that stroking pets can help relax people and reduce high blood pressure.

Smoking and using tobacco should be avoided. Nicotine in tobacco products causes your blood vessels to constrict and your heart to beat faster which can raise your blood pressure. Yoga, meditation and other relaxation techniques can help reduce stress.

Other natural ways to help reduce blood pressure include: supplementing your diet with Calcium, Magnesium and Potassium all of which have been found to help relieve hypertension. Vitamins B and C, too, can help lower the risk of heart disease. Garlic can be good for the heart and one cup of green tea a day can be good for your health.

Herbs that are recommended to help reduce hypertension include: Ginseng, Misteltoe, Hawthorn and Snakeroot. Be cautious, however, in the use of herbs because in high doses these herbs can be toxic. Also some can interact dangerously with other blood pressure medications. For this reason it is vital you talk with your doctor before attempting to use herbal remedies to treat hypertension.

Adults should aim to have their blood pressure checked at least every two years.

Sources

http://www.info-on-high-blood-pressure.com/whatcauseshighbloodpressure.html

http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/heartdisease/risk/092.html

http://hcd2.bupa.co.uk/fact_sheets/html/hypertension.html

http://www.highbloodpressureinfo.org/alternative-high-blood-pressure-treatment.html