High blood pressure (hypertension) affects one in every five Canadians and is the number one risk factor for stroke and a major risk factor for heart disease. Hypertension has been called the “silent killer” because it occurs without any symptoms. The good news is there are many things you can do naturally to help lower your blood pressure.
“Blood pressure” represents the resistance of the blood flowing through the arteries each time the heart beats. Normal blood pressure is 120 (systolic)/80 (diastolic) and high blood pressures are divided into 4 classes (borderline, mild, moderate, and severe). Blood pressure may normally be elevated during stress or physical activity, but in a person with hypertension, their blood pressure may be elevated even at rest. Dietary and lifestyle changes along with nutritional supplementation can successfully reduce blood pressure in those with borderline to moderate hypertension and prevent the need for a host of blood pressure-lowering medications.
As a Naturopathic Doctor, I typically find that hypertension must be addressed using a multi-faceted approach since this condition has multiple causative factors. Here are some heart healthy tips you can implement right now that will have a positive impact on your blood pressure:
Reduce excess weight – obesity causes your body to become desensitized to insulin, resulting in high blood sugar levels, which can damage arteries and lead to atherosclerosis and high blood pressure.
Get moving! – exercise is an amazing way to de-stress, strengthen your heart, lose weight, improve your mood, and more. Walking is an easy way to get started, but you can do whatever you enjoy, make it fun!
De-stress – Stress hormones can cause your blood pressure to rise and can lead to atherosclerosis over time. Yoga, meditation, journaling, and exercise are great options for de-stressing.
No coffee – Your coffee is doing you more harm than good. Caffeine can impair your blood sugar regulation for hours and releases stress hormones that will raise your blood pressure. The more you feel you can’t do without coffee, the more you should be abstaining from it.
Garlic and Onions – Sulfur-containing compounds in garlic and onions have been shown to have blood pressure lowering effects. Eat lots of these and your body will love you for it...although others might not.
“Stalk” up on celery – Studies show that one of the compounds contained in celery may have blood pressure lowering abilities. If you have high blood pressure, celery should quickly become your favourite vegetable.
More fish – Cold water fish (halibut, tuna, salmon, mackerel, herring) 3 or more times per week can work wonders for cardiovascular health, including blood pressure. Consult your Naturopathic Doctor if you would also like to add a fish oil supplement.
Hawthorn – This herbal medicine, also known as Crataegus, is very well-known for its ability to improve cardiovascular health overall. It is known to lower blood pressure through its diuretic actions as well as its tonifying effects on the vascular system. Consult your Naturopathic Doctor before using any herbal medicines.
Adopting these changes mentioned above is a fantastic way to begin taking control of your blood pressure and cardiovascular health. There are plenty more naturopathic recommendations that may be very helpful and, if you are looking to reduce your blood pressure for good, at Newmarket Naturopathic Health Centre we are able to provide you with a more comprehensive treatment plan.
Yours in health,
Dr. Michael Morsillo, B.Sc., N.D.
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine
Nature's Emporium
16655 Yonge St.
Newmarket, ON
905-898-1844
www.drmorsillo.com
No comments:
Post a Comment