Blood Pressure: The Silent Killer

The first myth that is most common is that high blood pressure is no big deal. With high blood pressure initially there may be no symptoms. But the truth is when blood flow begins to push too hard against blood vessels it leads to damage of the heart, kidneys and other organs in the body. To say it is not a big deal couldn’t be further from the truth.

The second myth would be that there is no good treatment available. This is false. While many people may feel as if there is nothing to be done about high blood pressure, the truth is if you follow a sensible plan you can manage high blood pressure.

A little high blood pressure is ok is the third false myth. Normal readings are typically 119 or below for the top number and 79 or below for the bottom number when blood pressure readings are taken. If either of these numbers is above normal and stays that way something should be done right away and you should talk to your doctor.

High blood pressure can’t be prevented is myth number four and it is dead wrong. Even if your entire family has high blood pressure this does not mean that there is nothing you can do to prevent it. Simple lifestyle changes such as consuming a healthy well balanced diet, limiting salt intake, exercise and keeping weight under control can go a long way to helping you prevent high blood pressure.

Myth number five is that treatment is difficult. Most people think treatment means giving up all favorite foods, engaging in intensive exercise plans, and taking expensive dangerous drugs. It is true that some simple changes need to be made to get blood pressure under control, but those changes don’t have to be unpleasant or difficult.

High blood pressure most definitely is a big deal, it can actually kill you as you become a literal walking time bomb for stroke, kidney failure, or heart attack; but it doesn’t have to be that way. There are many natural remedies that can help to normalize high blood pressure aside from pharmaceuticals for those that wish to limit exposure to them and the not so uncommon side effect that are associated with them, as high blood pressure medications don’t actually cure high blood pressure, they manage the symptoms. However, it is important to be sure that you do not lower blood pressure too much, and it is recommend to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any natural course of remedy. Just the same as not every person can take medications, not every person can take every course of natural remedy.

Bananas are loaded with potassium which is an important nutrient in treating high blood pressure. Researchers from Duke University have found that getting more potassium can lower blood pressure by 20 points in those that were at the greatest risk. Brown rice has been shown to help reduce high blood pressure in as little as a month. Increasing water intake has been shown to help reduce and even eliminate high blood pressure by as much as 40 points in 2 weeks. The Harvard Heart letter raved about a hand held device that is squeezed which helps to reduce high blood pressure even more effectively than drugs.

Blood pressure medications are a $10 billion a year business. It stands to reason that it is in their best interest that simple methods such as exercise, a few hand squeezes, water, brown rice and bananas go unmentioned as much as possible. Natural methods are a plague to big pharma as they can not patent them, even if they could it would be hard to make any money off of these already available inexpensive methods. Big Pharma pays lobbyists to promote restrictive laws against natural methods in what some say is in their profit margin interest to limit the public’s options and freedom for method of healthcare. There are also big incentives to continue prescribing medications, in all high blood pressure is a very lucrative business.

Losing those extra pounds will not only improve the waistline but blood pressure will often drop with those pounds. Being overweight can also disrupt sleep which further increases blood pressure. In general every 2.2 pounds dropped can lower your points by 1. Walking for 30 minutes a day for 5 days a week can lower blood pressure by 5-8 points.

Diets that are rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and low fat dairy products that avoid/limit saturated fats and cholesterol can lower blood pressure by 11 points. Boosting potassium is recommended. Small reductions in sodium can reduce points by 5-6 points. Consuming fewer processed food can also be a great help. Drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure. Each cigarette smoked increases blood pressure, quitting will help lower levels, reduce risk of heart disease and improve overall health.

Chronic stress can contribute to high blood pressure. It may not be possible to eliminate all stressors, learning to cope with them in a healthier way can help to keep blood pressure under control. Avoid stress triggers whenever possible, practice gratitude and mindfulness, solve the issues that you can and understand that there are things you can’t change and/or control; take time to relax and unwind, music, aromatherapy, yoga and meditation may help.