Natural Ways to Lower Blood Pressure
If only I knew then what I know now I might not be on medication for hypertension for the rest of my life. But it is not too late to learn to live a healthier life.
High blood pressure really had no significance for me until I was diagnosed with it. I felt no different than before. I was some what surprised by the jump in the figures as the nurse took my blood pressure reading once and then repeated it in another five minutes. The numbers only went down a point or two the second time, so I was advised to follow up with my family physician. Truthfully I still was not concerned. It had always been normal and I felt no different so why concern myself?
Did you know that hypertension plays a part in the death of roughly half of those who die today? Unless tested generally the patient may not even be aware of the condition. Julia Swarner, Dr. P.H. tells of her dealings with it first hand as a medical student in examining her first cadaver – Wellness – The Inside Story:
- Scarred, hardened, and narrowed arteries
- Damaged kidneys
- Stroke resulting from a weakened arteries in the brain bursting
- Heart attack
Dr. Swarner advises blood pressure is high when 140 over 90 or more and explains the top figure is the pressure inside the arteries when the heart is contracting, the bottom when the heart is relaxed. So how do we obtain more favorable readings?
Diet
Not all cases of high blood pressure or hypertension require medication. When I was first diagnosed my doctor recommended that I try a restrictive diet. He advised no more than 1000 mgs. of sodium per day. This requires close monitoring, as many processed foods contain high levels of sodium and sodium goes under many different names. For more about the many names salt hides under read:
http://www.healthmad.com/Nutrition/Salts-Sneaky-Hiding-Places.88655 .
One of the foods I noted which was extremely high in sodium was canned soup. One can of many types of soup contain a full day’s supply of sodium. While cutting my salt intake I increased my daily portions of natural fruits and vegetables, but regardless, I was still prescribed medication as my numbers did not go down sufficiently. It is important to try and treat your hypertension with alternate means prior to being medicated as once you are prescribed medication you will most likely take it for the rest of your life. Medications taken for hypertension do not cure but control.
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CHAN LEE PENG | Jul 28, 2009 | Reply
Sister, thanks for this Great article. It’s very useful and practical for hypertensive patients. I also would like to take this opportunity to address to those who’re suffering from hypertension or other chronic diseases.
“Dear patients, or friends, don’t give up your life. There’s still a hope by attaching yourself to a healthy lifestye and a healthy eating habit. I know you feel pain, but you should never give up your life. Think that, there are still many people in this world with the worst health condition, who’re striving to live in every second they’ve ever have. Be assured that miracle is there!! Besides following the info attached here, do pray hard for the GOD! I wish u all good luck and better tomorrow!”
Regards,
Chan
BC Doan | Jul 28, 2009 | Reply
A very comprehensive and informative article to lower blood pressure! Thanks Judy! Many will benefits from this thorough researched article..
Judy Sheldon | Jul 28, 2009 | Reply
Chan & Icy, thank you so much for your warm support. I do hope that people will benefit from our research.
Take care & God bless!
Jenny Heart | Jul 28, 2009 | Reply
Thanks for this educational article. People should consider this article much food for thought. Like it!
Hasham | Jul 28, 2009 | Reply
Nice article. Keep it up.
Gijo George | Jul 28, 2009 | Reply
A good lifestyle can keep you healthy for a longer period. Great Article.
Louie Jerome | Jul 28, 2009 | Reply
Interesting and useful articlle, Judy. Thanks.
Annie Hintsala | Jul 28, 2009 | Reply
What a lot of good info! Very well researched. I think I’ll send this link to my brother who seems to be the poster child of high blood pressure. (Can you help this man?)
Moses Ingram | Jul 28, 2009 | Reply
I found this article to be very informative although my own blood pressure has always been good.
CA Johnson | Jul 28, 2009 | Reply
This is great advice, Judy. I have family members who have high blood pressure so this will be helpful to them.
Goodselfme | Jul 28, 2009 | Reply
Very well researched and presented nicely. Thank you for this great assistance to the many who need to read.
Judy Sheldon | Jul 28, 2009 | Reply
Thanks so much for your support everyone. It is my hopes that others will learn to live healthier.
Take care & God bless.
valli | Jul 28, 2009 | Reply
Useful and natural ways to lower blood pressure. Thanks Judy for your well researched article.
Judy Sheldon | Jul 28, 2009 | Reply
Valli, thank you for your support.
Take care & God bless.
Daisy Peasblossom | Jul 29, 2009 | Reply
Excellent article. It is really sneaky all the places that modern foods hide salt.
Judy Sheldon | Jul 29, 2009 | Reply
Daisy, you have that right. Kind of like sugar. lol
Take care & God bless.
Patrick Regoniel | Jul 30, 2009 | Reply
Thanks Judy. Your article is just right on time for me. I was diagnosed with hypertension a month ago. I started to eat mainly vegetables, fruits, and other natural foods. It worked indeed because my lipid profile, which used to exceed normal levels, returned back to normal. I would highlight the effect of garlic because when I took it (munched on a clove or two), I saw a rather fast decline in my blood pressure in a matter of minutes.
Judy Sheldon | Jul 30, 2009 | Reply
Patrick, you are absolutely right about garlic, and if you can eat it raw so much the better! I am glad to hear that you have lowered your numbers! Good job!
Melody SJAL | Jul 30, 2009 | Reply
Excellent advice on how to lower BP. When my BP soared during childbirth, I used to swallow bits of garlic everyday, ouch!
nobert soloria bermosa | Jul 30, 2009 | Reply
many people are suffering BP problems,this will surely be of great help
Judy Sheldon | Jul 30, 2009 | Reply
Melody, great advice. Garlic is a wonder plant, especially if consumed raw. It does take some getting used to. lol
Nobert, thank you for your support.
Take care & God bless.
Ruby Hawk | Jul 31, 2009 | Reply
Judy, your advise is right on the money. I take all my medications with me when I see my doctors. I never use table salt and very little to no pre prepared foods. They are loaded with salt. Canned soup is a no no and any canned veggies except the no salt.
Judy Sheldon | Jul 31, 2009 | Reply
Ruby, sounds like you are on the right track! Great news and thanks for your support!
quiet voice | Jul 31, 2009 | Reply
..Hi Judy, Great article, high blood pressure is so dangerous, this is very useful information. Thank you.
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Judy Sheldon | Jul 31, 2009 | Reply
Louise, thanks for your support.
Take care & God bless.
Momma Tells | Aug 1, 2009 | Reply
Judy, you’ve done a fantastic job with this article. Your information sounds very useful to a whole lot of people. I hope your blood pressure responds well.
Judy Sheldon | Aug 2, 2009 | Reply
Momma Tells, thank you sincerely for your support. I hope it does too.
Take care & God bless.
Brian Daniel Stankich | Aug 3, 2009 | Reply
Thanks, Judy, I’m passing this on to a friend. Brian
Judy Sheldon | Aug 3, 2009 | Reply
Brian, thanks so much. I hope it helps him.
Take care & God bless.
nomihsej | Aug 6, 2009 | Reply
hey… thanks 4 da info…
did well for my report
Judy Sheldon | Aug 6, 2009 | Reply
Nomihsej,
I’m glad if it helps.
Lex92 | Aug 10, 2009 | Reply
Thanks for writing this Judy!! My grandma has major blood pressure issues…it scares me sometimes… i think this will help her keep her blood pressure down!
Thank you soo much!
Judy Sheldon | Aug 10, 2009 | Reply
Alexa, I researched this to help people with high blood pressure and it is extremely satisfying to know it will help some people. It has helped me. I’ve brought mine down further.
Take care & God bless.