High blood pressure can be a serious health concern and it is important to take the proper steps to help manage it. This post will discuss natural remedies that can help control the condition. We will discuss lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, supplements and herbs, as well as other natural remedies. We will also look at how these remedies can be used to help reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other health complications. Finally, we will discuss the importance of talking to your doctor before trying any natural remedies. By following the advice in this post, you can make sure you are taking the right steps to lower your BP and improve your overall health. Common names to this condition includes Hypertension (Scientific), uchch rakt chaap (Hindi/Urdu), uchch rakt daab (Marathi), uyar iratta aluttam (Tamil), Gao xieya (Chinese), hipertension (Spanish), hipertensao (Portuguese), uchch rakt chaap (Bengali), gipertoniya (Russian).
What is Hypertension?
The BP is measured with the instrument called sphygmomanometer in millimeters of mercury. The highest pressure reached during each heart beat is called systolic pressure and the lowest between the two beats is known as diastolic pressure. The first gives the pressure of the contraction of the heart as it pushes the blood on its journey through the body and indicates the activity of the heart. The second represents the pressure present in the artery when the heart is relaxed and shows the condition of the blood vessels. The blood pressure level considered normal is 120/70, but may go up to 140 /90 and still be normal. Within this range, the lower the reading, the better. BP between 140/90 and 160/95 is considered border line area. From 160/96 to 180/114, it is classed as moderate hypertension, while 180/115 and upward is considered severe. A raised diastolic pressure is considered more serious than the raised systolic pressure as it has a serious long-term effect. The higher the pressure the greater the danger it causes to the wall.
Common Symptoms
Mild and moderate hypertension may not produce any symptoms for years. The first symptoms may appear in the form of pain toward the back of the head and neck on waking in the morning, which soon disappears. Some of the other usual symptoms of hypertension are dizziness, aches and pains in the arms, shoulder region, leg, back, etc., palpitations, pain in the heart region, frequent urination, nervous tension and fatigue, crossness, emotional upset, tiredness and wakefulness. A person suffering from high BP cannot do any serious work, feels tired and out of sorts all the time. He may experience difficulty in breathing and suffer from dyspepsia. Hypertension, if not eliminated, may cause heart attacks or strokes or other disability conditions such as detachment of the terina.
Root Causes
The kidneys play an important role in controlling blood pressure through secretion of rennin, a natural chemical. If increased rennin is secreted by the kidneys, more salts are retained in the body, which leads to an increase in the volume of circulating blood and consequently to an increase in the blood pressure. Repeated infections and inflammation in the kidneys can also give rise to hypertension. The most important causes of hypertension are stress and a faulty style of living. People who are usually tense suffer from high blood pressure, especially when under stress. If the stress continues for a long period, the pressure may become permanently raised and may not become even after removal of the stress. An irregular life style, smoking and an excessive intake of intoxicants, tea, coffee, cola drinks, refined foods, destroy the natural pace of life. The expulsion of waste and poisonous matter from the body is prevented and the arteries and the veins become slack. hardening of the arteries, obesity, diabetes and severe constipation also lead to hypertension. Other causes of high blood pressure are excessive intake of pain killers, common table salt, food allergies and eating a high fat, low fiber diet, processed foods deficient in essential nutrients.
Natural Home Treatments for High Blood Pressure
- Lower Blood Pressure Naturally: Eating 2-3 cloves of garlic everyday helps to keep BP under control. Garlic helps to reduce small veins contraction and helps to reduce irregular heartbeat. It also beneficial for stomach gases, fatigue or confusion and breathing difficulty. Which are indirect cause and symptoms of hypertension.
- You may be able to keep your blood pressure under control by drinking magnetic water. Put a cupful of water (preferably in a glass container) next to the north pole of a magnet. Let it sit for 2 hours. Drink a cupful of magnetic water twice a day. Charging the water in this way increases its diuretic properties and thus helps bring down hypertension, in the same way as several widely used current hypertension medications, which are diuretics.
- Eat honeydew and watermelon everyday without removing seeds. All melons, especially honey dew, contain potassium. As noted earlier, reducing dietary intake of sodium and optimizing intake of potassium can help bring it under control. Eat watermelon, seeds and all. OR Eat some watermelon with a pinch of cardamom and a pinch of coriander added. This will act as a mild diuretic and will help to regulate blood pressure. The seeds of watermelon have a juice that contains L-citrulline, an amino acid the body converts to Larginine, another amino acid, which relaxes arteries.
- Add 1 teaspoon coriander and 1 pinch cardamom to 1 cup freshly squeezed (not canned) peach juice. Drink this as many as 2 or 3 times a day to help with the condition.
- Grind amla (Indian gooseberry) without seed and strain the juice. Take 1 tablespoon of this juice along with same amount of honey. Drink this everyday morning on regular basis.
- Soak 1 or 2 rudraksha beads in a cup of water overnight, and the next day drink that water. This is beneficial for regulating BP.
- Eating purple potatoes twice a day for a month can lower the symptoms. Boil potatoes with peel and try different recipes. Potatoes has lots of potassium and less magnesium.
- Mix orange juice and coconut water (the natural juice inside a fresh coconut) in a ratio of 2 parts orange to 1 part coconut. Drink ½ to 1 cup 2 or 3 times a day.
- Mix together punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa) 1 part, passion flower 1 part and hawthorn berry 2 parts. Use all dried powders. Take a cup of boiling water and add 1/2 tablespoon of mixture in it. Steep for 5 to 10 minutes, and drink the tea after lunch and dinner.
- Dry and roast watermelon seeds. Enjoy everyday. This helps to increase blood vessel size which eventually keeps BP low.
- Honey water can also help. Add a teaspoon of honey and 5 to 10 drops of apple cider vinegar to a cup of hot water, and drink it in the early morning. This drink helps to reduce cholesterol, maintains vasodilation, and helps to regulate BP.
- Drink 1 cup mango juice, followed about an hour later by ½ cup warm milk, with a pinch of cardamom, a pinch of nutmeg, and 1 teaspoon ghee.
- Hibiscus: Hibiscus tea consumed before breakfast for four weeks is very useful for BP lowering. Regular consumption of hibiscus tea also lowers LDL cholesterol and triglycerides (blood fats) and raises HDL (good) cholesterol. Boil 5 cups of water in a stainless-steel pot. Remove from the heat. Add ½ cup (72 g) dried hibiscus calyces. Cover and steep for 15 minutes. Strain. Add 1 cup (235 ml) pure pomegranate juice and ½ lemon juice. Drink warm or cold. You may use cranberry juice instead of pomegranate juice. Both these juices can lower blood pressure. All of these plants are rich in antioxidant and cardiovascular protecting plant compounds called flavonoids.
- Parsley contains potassium which is an important component required to counter the effects of sodium and thereby control the blood pressure levels and the heart rate. Take 250 ml of water, add 25gm of parsley leaves and bring it to boil. Boil it for 10 minutes. Strain the water. Drink this water 5-6 times a day.
- Mung dal soup, made of mung dal with cilantro, cumin, and a pinch of turmeric, is good for persons with hypertension.
Vitamins for high BP: Try vegetable soup. Yes, vegetable soup. - Add any of the following: Celery, Garlic, Hawthorn, Kudzu, Onion, Tomato, Broccoli, Carrot, Purslane (any anything else that contains magnesium), Saffron, Valerian, Fennel, Oregano, Black Pepper, Basil and Tarragon. Consume on a regular basis. Eliminate pork, beef, and alcohol from your diet. Eat more plant foods and herbs and use a good vitamin regimen.
Healthy diet tips for high blood pressure patients
- Meditation is excellent for regulating blood pressure. (During meditation practice imagine the dial on a blood pressure cuff slowly falling. Imagine changes in measurements as heart rate and blood pressure with relaxation and believe me it will definitely help to lower blood pressure.)
- Sleep at least 8 hours. Taking a good rest is very important for high BP patients.
- Persons with hypertension should not eat salt, fatty fried foods, or hot spicy food.
- An apple (including their peel!) a day. Apple peels are rich in the cholesterol lowering fiber pectin and in flavonoids that inhibit angiotensin converting enzyme.
- Increase your intake of dietary fiber, and of potassium, calcium, and magnesium, which have a balancing effect on the circulation and encourage the action of the heart.
- Working hard under the hot sun should be avoided by anyone with high blood pressure, as that may promote hemorrhage in the brain.
- Keep up with regular annual checkups. During that time, medical staff will check your blood pressure. Many peoples have hypertension and don’t know it. If you have prehypertension or hypertension, your doctor will recommend more frequent monitoring.
FAQs.
Q. What is blood pressure?
It is a measure of the force of the blood against the walls of your arteries as it is pumped around your body by your heart. It is measured as two numbers: systolic and diastolic. Systolic pressure is the pressure when your heart contracts and pushes blood out, and diastolic pressure is the pressure when your heart relaxes and refills with blood.
Q. What is the normal blood pressure? What is the blood pressure of a healthy person?
Normal is typically considered to be 120/80 mmHg (millimeters of mercury).
Q. What is normal BP as per age?
The normal range for adults aged 18 and older is 90/60 mmHg to 120/80 mmHg. For adults aged 65 and older, the normal range is slightly lower, at 90/60 mmHg to 130/80 mmHg.
Q. What causes high blood pressure (hypertension)?
It is caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, lifestyle choices, medications, and underlying health conditions. Common lifestyle factors that can contribute to the problem include smoking, over weight, lack of physical activity, too much salt in the diet, and stress. Underlying health conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes, and thyroid disorders can also cause the condition. In some cases, there may not be an identifiable cause.
Q. What exactly is high and low blood pressure?
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a medical condition in which the force of the blood against the artery walls is too high. The heart must work harder to pump the blood, which can damage the arteries and increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other serious health problems. Low blood pressure, also known as hypotension, is a medical condition in which the force of the blood against the artery walls is too low. This can cause lightheadedness, fatigue, fainting, and other symptoms. Low blood pressure can also be a sign of an underlying medical condition.
Q. What are the symptoms of high blood pressure?
The most common symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Difficulty sleeping
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Confusion
- Irregular heartbeat
Q. What are the types of blood pressure?
The two types are systolic and diastolic. Systolic is the top number and measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts. Diastolic is the bottom number and measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart relaxes.
Q. Is a blood pressure of 160/90 high?
Yes, 160/90 is considered high. The ideal range is below 120/80.
Q. Why is it bad to have high blood pressure?
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can cause serious damage to the heart and other organs. It can lead to stroke, heart attack, heart failure, kidney disease, and even blindness. Long-term high blood pressure can also cause hardening and thickening of the arteries, which increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other serious health problems.
Q. Why does weight loss lower blood pressure?
Weight loss can help to lower blood pressure because it reduces the strain on the heart and arteries. Carrying extra weight can cause high blood pressure because the heart needs to work harder to pump blood around the body. When excess weight is lost, the heart does not have to work as hard and the pressure on the arteries is reduced.
Q. Which is the best blood pressure monitoring device?
The best BP monitoring device depends on your needs. Some popular devices include Omron’s 10 Series Upper Arm BP Monitor, Withings Wireless BP Monitor, and iHealth Clear Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor. Here are few tips while selecting the best model:
- Consider your budget. You can find home blood pressure monitors in a variety of price ranges, so make sure to consider what you can afford.
- Look for features. Different models offer different features, so decide which ones are most important for you. Features to consider include accuracy, memory storage, cuff size, and more.
- Check for accuracy. Accuracy is essential to ensure your readings are accurate, so it’s important to choose a monitor that is clinically validated and has been tested for accuracy.
- Read reviews. If you’re unsure about a particular model, take a look at reviews from other users to see what they have to say.
- Talk to your doctor. If you’re still unsure, talk to your doctor for advice. They can help you choose the best model for your needs.
Q. What model of home blood pressure monitor is recommended, and why?
The Omron 10 Series Wireless Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor is one of the most highly popular home blood pressure monitors. It is accurate and reliable, and it is easy to use. It also allows users to store up to 200 readings and share them with their doctor or healthcare provider. Additionally, the Omron 10 Series is Bluetooth-enabled, meaning it can be connected to a smartphone and the Omron Connect app for additional convenience.
Q. Does exercise increase blood pressure?
Exercise can temporarily increase BP, but regular exercise can actually help to lower BP. During physical activity, your heart rate increases, and your blood vessels open wider to deliver more oxygen-rich blood to your muscles. This can cause a temporary rise in BP. However, regular physical activity can lead to long-term reductions in BP.
Q. Is BP 170/90 high?
Yes, a reading of 170/90 is high.
Q. Can caffeine increase BP?
Yes, caffeine can increase it. Caffeine is a stimulant that can cause an increase in heart rate, which can in turn lead to an increase in blood pressure.
Q. Which hormone controls blood pressure?
The hormone that controls blood pressure is Angiotensin II. It is produced in the kidneys and stimulates the constriction of blood vessels, which raises blood pressure.
Q. How does CBD affect blood pressure?
CBD is thought to have a positive effect on blood pressure. It is believed that CBD can reduce the condition by reducing stress and anxiety, and by acting on the body’s endocannabinoid system to help regulate blood pressure. Additionally, some research suggests that CBD may be able to help reduce inflammation, which can also help reduce blood pressure. However, it is important to note that more research is needed to better understand the effects of CBD.
Q. Does high BP cause dizziness?
Yes, a sudden drop in BP can cause dizziness. High blood pressure can also cause dizziness if it stays at a high level for a prolonged period of time, as this can put stress on the body’s cardiovascular system. High blood pressure can also be a symptom of other underlying conditions, such as anemia, diabetes, or dehydration, which can also cause dizziness.
Q. Does meditation really lower blood pressure?
Yes, meditation can help. Studies have found that meditation can reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. In addition to reducing stress, meditation also helps reduce levels of cortisol, a hormone that can increase BP.
Q. What is the best time to check blood pressure?
The best time to check BP is in the morning, before eating or drinking, and when you are relaxed.
Q. Is banana good for low blood pressure?
Yes, bananas are a good food to eat if you have low BP. They are rich in potassium which helps to regulate blood pressure. Eating a banana a day can help maintain a healthy level. They also contain fiber, magnesium, and other essential vitamins and minerals which may help to reduce your risk of high blood pressure. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help to keep your BP in a healthy range.
Q. Is stress the cause of high blood pressure?
No, stress can be a contributing factor to high blood pressure, but there are many other causes. These include obesity, smoking, diet, lack of exercise, genetics, and underlying health conditions.
Q. Does fasting help lower your blood pressure?
Yes, fasting can help lower your blood pressure. Research has shown that it can reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Fasting also helps reduce inflammation, which can reduce your risk of heart disease. However, it is important to talk to your doctor before starting any kind of fasting regimen, as it can have some risks if not done properly.
Q. What is the best Ayurvedic medicine?
The best ayurvedic medicines are Brahmi, Arjuna, Ashwagandha, Gokshura, Shankhapushpi, and Purnarnava. These herbs help to reduce stress, improve blood circulation, and lower hypertension. Consult with an ayurvedic doctor before taking any of these herbs.
Q. Can BP be cured by Ayurveda?
Yes, Ayurveda has traditionally been used to treat many health conditions, including those associated with BP. However, it is important to note that Ayurvedic remedies should only be used in conjunction with prescribed medications, and should never be used as a replacement for prescribed treatments. Ayurveda uses lifestyle changes, dietary modifications, yoga, meditation, and herbal remedies to treat a variety of conditions, including high blood pressure (BP). Herbal remedies that may help in controlling BP include shilajit, ashwagandha, brahmi, guduchi, and arjuna. These herbs help reduce stress, improve circulation and reduce inflammation, which can help to regulate BP. Additionally, lifestyle changes such as reducing alcohol and caffeine consumption, increasing physical activity, and avoiding processed foods can also help to reduce BP levels.
Q. How do I control or lower blood pressure? What are the natural ways to reduce it?
- Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products. Eating a diet that is rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products and skimps on saturated fat and cholesterol can lower your blood pressure by up to 11 mm Hg. Make sure to include plenty of potassium-rich foods, such as bananas, sweet potatoes, and white beans.
- Exercise regularly. Regular physical activity can help lower your BP by 4 to 9 mm Hg. Aim for at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise, such as walking, jogging, or swimming, most days of the week.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Reduce your sodium intake. Eating less sodium can reduce your blood pressure by up to 8 mm Hg. The American Heart Association recommends no more than 2,300 milligrams (mg) of sodium a day, or 1,500 mg if you have high blood pressure.
- Limit your alcohol intake. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. For healthy adults, that means up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.
- Quit smoking. If you smoke, quitting can lower your blood pressure by 4 to 9 mm Hg.
- Manage stress.
- Monitor your blood pressure.
- Take prescribed medications as instructed by your doctor.
Q. Why is low blood pressure more harmful than high?
Low blood pressure is more harmful than high because it can cause a decrease in the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the brain, heart, and other organs. Low BP can also cause dizziness, fainting, confusion, and other symptoms, which can lead to serious health complications. Hypertension is a risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease, but it does not usually cause any symptoms until other complications have developed.
Q. How long do blood pressure pills take to work?
It depends on the type of blood pressure medication. Some work within minutes, while others can take days or weeks to reach their full effect. It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions and take your medication as prescribed.
Q. What is the best treatment?
The best treatment for high blood pressure depends on the severity and underlying cause. Generally, lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, increasing physical activity, and limiting alcohol and caffeine intake are recommended. It is important to speak to your doctor to determine the best treatment plan for you.
Q. What is the best natural remedy for high BP?
The best natural remedy for high blood pressure is to make lifestyle changes such as exercise, reducing salt intake, and reducing stress. Additionally, some herbal remedies may be beneficial, such as garlic, hawthorn, hibiscus, and omega-3 fatty acids. It is important to talk to your doctor before starting any herbal remedies to make sure they are safe and appropriate for you.
Q. What is the best diet?
The best diet for high blood pressure is the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet. The DASH diet emphasizes eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, low-fat dairy, and healthy fats. It also recommends limiting sodium, processed foods, and added sugars.
Q. What is best exercise for lowering high blood pressure?
The best type of exercise for lowering high blood pressure is aerobic exercise, such as walking, jogging, biking, swimming, or dancing. According to the American Heart Association, regular aerobic exercise can reduce your BP by up to 9 mm Hg and lower your risk of heart disease and stroke. Other forms of exercise, such as strength training and stretching, may also help, but the greatest benefit comes from aerobic exercise.
Q. Which food is bad for a high blood pressure patient?
Foods high in sodium, such as canned soups and processed meats, should be avoided by high blood pressure patients. Foods high in saturated fat, like fast food, should also be avoided. Additionally, foods high in sugar, such as sweets and sugary drinks, should be avoided.
Q. What precautions should I take during high BP?
- Follow a healthy diet. Cut down on processed and fatty foods and increase your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Exercise regularly. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise, such as brisk walking, five days a week.
- Follow your doctor’s advice with regard to medication.
- Reduce stress levels. Practice relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation.
- Reduce or eliminate alcohol and caffeine intake.
- Monitor your BP regularly.
- If you smoke, quit.
- Get enough sleep. Aim for at least 7-8 hours per night.