Blood pressure

Blood pressure

Age,  weight  gain, lack of exercise, smoking and alcohol abuse are    just a few of the lifestyle factors that can subject your heart and   circulatory system to  tremendous strain. That,in turn, causes  damage to blood vessels, sending your blood pressure   soaring. The good news: It’s  never too  late to do something  about it.

Regular exercise and gentle endurance sports such as cycling, Nordic walking and swimming   can help both low and high blood pressure.

Regular  exercise  is beneficial   whether you  have high  or low blood  pressure.

HIGH  BLOOD  PRESSURE

High   blood pressure is   one of the  main  risk factors   for having  a stroke. It requires monitoring  and,  often, medical treatment. Make sure  that you get your   blood pressure checked  regularly at  a pharmacy  or by your doctor and seek medical treatment if it consistently measures 140/90 or above.

Many plants contain  ingredients  that can lower blood pressure

Many plants contain  ingredients  that can lower blood pressure effectively, relax    the muscles of your blood vessels and have a calming effect on your nervous   system. With a little help from nature, it’s easy to  bring  slightly elevated  blood pressure under control   or complement conventional medical  therapy  if your blood pressure is  very high.

GOOD  TO  KNOW     

Green  tea

The health   effects of green tea have been touted for   4,700 years,  since Chinese emperor   Shennong    claimed it was useful  for  treating a  range of ailments. The tea is rich in  antioxidants that    have  benefits  for the cardiovascular system, and drinking it regularly   over   the  long   term   may help to prevent high blood pressure. To optimize  the health   benefits, use water that’s not quite  boiling—about 160°F (70°C ) is ideal and allow it to brew  for 5–6 minutes. Drink  a few cups of this tasty and healthy beverage every day.

HOME  remedies

To help to reduce  mild   high   blood pressure, try the    following remedies. Consult your   doctor first  if you are already  taking prescription medication.

• Drink lime flower or nettle tea three times daily.

• Other plants that help to regulate  blood pressure include   olive leaves,  passion flower,   valerian, yarrow,   hawthorn,   skullcap and bilberry. However, it is best to  take   them  in a tincture form   that    has  been prescribed for you by  a qualified   herbalist.

• Chew a clove of raw  garlic every day or add one to salad  dressings and other dishes. Raw garlic and onions  contain a substance called allicin,  which helps to keep blood vessels elastic,   lowering blood pressure.

NUTRITION for high blood pressure

• Enjoy fresh asparagus whenever it is available. This vegetable acts   asa natural diuretic and can lower blood pressure by removing  excess salt   and water from the body.

• Reduce salt consumption as much as possible, as too much  salt  raises blood pressure. Season food with  fresh  herbs instead.

• Avoid alcohol, nicotine and   coffee—they may increase blood pressure.

• Eat  fresh, oily fish such as sardines or salmon once a  week. They contain  valuable fish oils   that may lower blood pressure.

• Use plant  oils for cooking and frying.

• Use butter or margarine sparingly, especially if you are  predisposed to  high   blood pressure or  high   cholesterol.

• Cut out saturated fats, but eat plenty of fruit, vegetables and  wholegrains.