Nowadays, life has become so stressful that there is hardly any man who is not suffering from any kind of disease. It happened due to busy schedule, Long working hours, unhealthy food habit, insufficient rest and sleep, tension and stress, all leads to different health problems. High blood pressure is one such problem in which the blood pressure rises more than the normal pressure level of 120/80 mm of Hg. This not only is an alarming condition, but it leads to several other heart-related disease, poor functioning of the sense organ, etc.
There are two levels of high blood pressure: Stage 1 and Stage 2 (see the chart below).
Category
|
Systolic
(Top number) |
Diastolic
(Bottom number) |
Normal
|
Less than 120
|
Less than 80
|
Prehypertension
|
120-139
|
80-89
|
High Blood Pressure
|
Systolic
|
Diastolic
|
Stage 1
|
140-159
|
90-99
|
Stage 2
|
160 or higher
|
100 or higher
|
Symptoms Of High blood Pressure:
1.Headache – A simple headache may also be a sign of High Blood Pressure. Headache caused by this condition is constant, which does not cure with pain killers. The head aches the most in the center and in the temples of the forehead.
2.Dizziness – The headache is accompanied with a kind of dizziness. You will notice that your steps are not falling straight. Your head might spin in intervals.
3.Nausea – Your body denies to take food. There is a constant nauseating feeling. You might even throw up after meals.
4.Breathing Problem – A small walk may also make you tired and go out of breath. A constant problem to breath, like it happens during cold and cough is experienced.
2.Dizziness – The headache is accompanied with a kind of dizziness. You will notice that your steps are not falling straight. Your head might spin in intervals.
3.Nausea – Your body denies to take food. There is a constant nauseating feeling. You might even throw up after meals.
4.Breathing Problem – A small walk may also make you tired and go out of breath. A constant problem to breath, like it happens during cold and cough is experienced.
Home remedies for high blood pressure
1). Garlic: Garlic is regarded as an effective means of lowering blood pressure. It is said to reduce spasms of the small arteries. It also slows down the pulse rate and modifies the heart rhythm, besides relieving the symptoms of dizziness, numbness, shortness of breath, and the formation of gas within the digestive tract. It may be taken in the form of raw cloves or two to three capsules a day.
2). Gooseberry(Amla): Indian gooseberry is another effective remedy for high blood pressure. A tablespoon each of fresh indian gooseberry juice and honey mixed together should be taken every morning in this condition.
3). Lemon: Lemon is also regarded as a valuable food to control high blood pressure. It is a rich source of vitamin P which is found both in the juice and peel of the fruit. This vitamin is essential for preventing capillary fragility.
4). Grapefruit: Grapefruit is useful in preventing high blood pressure. The vitamin P content in the fruit is helpful in toning up the arteries.
5). Watermelon: Watermelon is another valuable safeguard against high blood pressure. A substance extracted from watermelon seeds is said to have a definite action in dilating the blood vessels, which results in lowering the blood pressure. The seeds, dried and roasted, should be taken in liberal quantities.
6). Rice: Rice has a low-fat, low-cholesterol, and low-salt content. It makes a perfect diet for those hypertensive persons who have been advised salt-restricted diets. Calcium in brown rice, in particular, soothes and relaxes the nervous system and helps relieve the symptoms of high blood pressure.
7). Potatoes: Potatoes specially in boiled form, are a valuable food for lowering blood pressure. When boiled with their skin, they absorb very little salt. Thus they can form a useful addition to a salt-free diet recommended for patients with high blood pressure. Potatoes are rich in potassium but not in sodium salts. The magnesium presents in the vegetable exercises beneficial effects in lowering blood pressure.
8). Parsley: Parsley is very useful in high blood pressure. It contains elements, which help maintain the blood vessels, particularly, the capillaries. It keeps the arterial system in a healthy condition. It may be taken as a beverage by simmering 20 gm of fresh parsley leaves gently in 250 ml of water for a few minutes. This may be drunk several times daily.
9). Rauwolfia: Among the herbs, rauwolfia is the best remedy for high blood pressure. Alkaloids of this drug, which have a direct effect on hypertension, have been isolated and are being widely used by practitioners of modem medicine, but they have certain unpleasant side-effects which the drug, taken in raw form, does not have. Practitioners of the Indian system of medicine have, therefore, preferred to use the root of the drug in a powdered from. Half a teaspoon of this drug, taken thrice a day, is very effective in hypertension.
10). Raw vegetable juices :Raw vegetable juices, especially carrot and spinach juices, taken separately or in combination, are also beneficial in the treatment of high blood pressure. If taken in combination, 300 ml of carrot juice and 200 ml of spinach juice should be mixed to make 500 ml or half a litre of the juice, and taken daily. If taken separately, one glass should be taken twice daily, morning and evening.
11). Potassium-rich diets: Recent studies have revealed an important link between dietary calcium and potassium and hypertension. Researchers have found that people who take potassium-rich diets have a low incidence of hypertension even if they do not control their salt intake. They have also found that people with hypertension do not seem to get much calcium in the form of dairy products. These two essential nutrients seem to help the body secrete excess sodium and are involved in important functions which control the working of the vascular system. Potassium is found in abundance in fruits and vegetables, and calcium in dairy products.
12). Juice: Mix 1/2 onion juice and 1/2 honey. Take 2 tbls once a day for 1-2 weeks.
Eat 1 Papaya on an empty stomach daily for a month. Do not eat anything after for about 2 hours.
Eat 1 Papaya on an empty stomach daily for a month. Do not eat anything after for about 2 hours.
Tips To Lower Blood Pressure?
1.Walk – One of the major causes of High Blood Pressure is excess of weight. The best way to reduce it is walking. Due to excessive pressure on your heart, it does not pump well and thus is low on Oxygen. Walking allows your heart to pump and take in oxygen. Walking in high speed is not necessary, it will only exert your body. Walk at a brisk pace. Everyday walking will increase your speed automatically.
2.Deep Breathing – Stress is also one of the causes of High Blood Pressure. Regular practice of deep breathing and meditation can cure the condition. It is said that we don't inhale the amount of oxygen which is needed by the heart. Deep breathing allows the flow of right amount of oxygen. Deep breathing and meditation also helps you to strike the right balance and relieve you of tension.
3.Potassium Rich Food – Potassium is a boon for your body during High Blood Pressure. Potassium rich food includes, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, orange juice, potatoes, bananas, peas, and prunes and raisins. Include them in your regular diet.
4.Avoid Salt – Salt is high on sodium, which is as good as poison for your body. Put very less salt in your food and avoid taking extra salt with meals. Lime, garlic, pepper and other herbs can be used a substitute.
5.Dark Chocolates – This is a good news. High Blood Pressure can reduce with the intake of Dark Chocolate. Dark Chocolate has a substance called flavonols, which makes your blood vessels more elastic.
6.Relax and Avoid Work – All you need is a good rest. High Blood Pressure stresses your body organs. Relaxation, leads to lowering of the pressure. All your body needs is a break.
1.Walk – One of the major causes of High Blood Pressure is excess of weight. The best way to reduce it is walking. Due to excessive pressure on your heart, it does not pump well and thus is low on Oxygen. Walking allows your heart to pump and take in oxygen. Walking in high speed is not necessary, it will only exert your body. Walk at a brisk pace. Everyday walking will increase your speed automatically.
2.Deep Breathing – Stress is also one of the causes of High Blood Pressure. Regular practice of deep breathing and meditation can cure the condition. It is said that we don't inhale the amount of oxygen which is needed by the heart. Deep breathing allows the flow of right amount of oxygen. Deep breathing and meditation also helps you to strike the right balance and relieve you of tension.
3.Potassium Rich Food – Potassium is a boon for your body during High Blood Pressure. Potassium rich food includes, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, orange juice, potatoes, bananas, peas, and prunes and raisins. Include them in your regular diet.
4.Avoid Salt – Salt is high on sodium, which is as good as poison for your body. Put very less salt in your food and avoid taking extra salt with meals. Lime, garlic, pepper and other herbs can be used a substitute.
5.Dark Chocolates – This is a good news. High Blood Pressure can reduce with the intake of Dark Chocolate. Dark Chocolate has a substance called flavonols, which makes your blood vessels more elastic.
6.Relax and Avoid Work – All you need is a good rest. High Blood Pressure stresses your body organs. Relaxation, leads to lowering of the pressure. All your body needs is a break.
Following Foods should be avoided if you have High blood pressure:
1. Alcohol
The association between alcohol and high blood pressure is well documented both in population and clinical studies. An Alcohol intake of about 80 g/day (Equivalent to four pints of beer) has been shown to raise Blood pressure particularly in patients of hypertension. Blood pressure tends to fall when alcohol is stopped or reduced and remains low in patients who continue to abstain. Patients with hypertension should avoid Alcohol. As alcohol can raise blood pressure directly, is also an important factor in damaging walls of blood vessels, which can elevate the blood pressure further and make it more difficult to treat, while at the same time increasing the risk of complications. Limit consumption of Alcohol to no more than two drinks per day in most men and one drink per day in women and lightweight men.
The association between alcohol and high blood pressure is well documented both in population and clinical studies. An Alcohol intake of about 80 g/day (Equivalent to four pints of beer) has been shown to raise Blood pressure particularly in patients of hypertension. Blood pressure tends to fall when alcohol is stopped or reduced and remains low in patients who continue to abstain. Patients with hypertension should avoid Alcohol. As alcohol can raise blood pressure directly, is also an important factor in damaging walls of blood vessels, which can elevate the blood pressure further and make it more difficult to treat, while at the same time increasing the risk of complications. Limit consumption of Alcohol to no more than two drinks per day in most men and one drink per day in women and lightweight men.
2. Salt
A restriction in dietary sodium intake can reduce the incidence of hypertension. Studies have shown that there is a clear relationship between dietary salt intake and Blood pressure and people who consume less salt have a smaller rise in Blood pressure with advancing age. Salt restriction to about 100mmol/day (2.4 gm sodium or 6 gm sodium chloride) has been shown to produce a significant reduction in systolic Blood pressure to about 8-14 mm Hg in several randomized placebo-controlled studies. In some people, eating too much salt can make blood pressure much worse and In other cases the same salt consumption may have no effect.
A restriction in dietary sodium intake can reduce the incidence of hypertension. Studies have shown that there is a clear relationship between dietary salt intake and Blood pressure and people who consume less salt have a smaller rise in Blood pressure with advancing age. Salt restriction to about 100mmol/day (2.4 gm sodium or 6 gm sodium chloride) has been shown to produce a significant reduction in systolic Blood pressure to about 8-14 mm Hg in several randomized placebo-controlled studies. In some people, eating too much salt can make blood pressure much worse and In other cases the same salt consumption may have no effect.
More salt intake will result in more retention of fluid by kidneys and this will lead to more preload on heart, that will result in more blood pressure. You should avoid salt in your diet if you really want to control your blood pressure. If you are already a patient of hypertension, then reduce salt in your diet as it just accentuates the problem. You can lower your blood pressure to a great extent if you reduce salt consumption in your diet. You should not have more than 6 grams (100mmol/day) of salt per day. Pizza, canned foods, frozen diners, broths, canned soups and salad dressings have high sodium so try to avoid these foods. If you are non-vegetarian then make sure you are including white meat like chicken and fish rather than red meat in your diet.
3. FatsFood that is rich in fats should be avoided. Foods High in Fat are as follows
Fats and oils (like margarine, vegetable oils, butter, lard, salt pork, meat drippings, gravy, and fat back)
Cream, ice cream, Whole milk, 2% milk.
Most pies, pastries, cakes.
Most cheeses (like cream cheese, cheddar, American)
Many snack foods (like nuts and chips)
Fatty meats (like corned beef, regular ground beef, ribs, sausage, hot dogs, bacon, bologna, salami,)
Fried foods (like French fries and fried chicken)
Most cookies contain high fat content
Many fast foods are also rich in fats
Fats and oils (like margarine, vegetable oils, butter, lard, salt pork, meat drippings, gravy, and fat back)
Cream, ice cream, Whole milk, 2% milk.
Most pies, pastries, cakes.
Most cheeses (like cream cheese, cheddar, American)
Many snack foods (like nuts and chips)
Fatty meats (like corned beef, regular ground beef, ribs, sausage, hot dogs, bacon, bologna, salami,)
Fried foods (like French fries and fried chicken)
Most cookies contain high fat content
Many fast foods are also rich in fats
Saturated fats are not good for heart and blood vessels. Low density lipoprotein LDL is main factor which causes thickening of blood vessels so causing extra strain on blood vessels in patients of high blood pressure. The balanced high blood pressure diet should include mild amounts of saturated and trans-fats (red meat, fast food), and moderate amounts of other fats (olive oil and canola oil).
4- Caffeine Intake: The evidence from the literature is rather conflicting and the effects of caffeine seem to depend on multiple variables such as daily dose, preexisting Blood pressure and coffee drinking habits. The ingestion of 250mg of caffeine has been shown to cause an increase in systolic blood pressure ranging from 6mm of hg in normal individuals to 10 mm hg in patients with hypertension and an increase in diastolic blood pressure of 5 mm hg in normal individuals to 8.5 mm Hg in patients of hypertension.
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1 comments:
Your articles is chock full of good information. I had high blood pressure during my 2 pregnancies and found that it caused a ear ringing symptom. That is usually something that happens with hyper tension as well. For my sake it went away once I gave birth. High blood pressure is nothing to fool around with. Thanks so much for the great facts :)
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