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Natural Alternatives to Blood Pressure Drugs

By Sam Smith
Feb 27, 2009
Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against blood vessel walls as it circulates through the body. When the heart pumps more blood and if the arteries are narrow, the higher the pressure. Narrow arteries also make the heart to work harder. Daily life events, such as exercise, stress or emotions can cause the pressure to rise temporarily. This is normal. But chronic high blood pressure must be treated.

Headaches, nose bleeding and sweating can be sign of high blood pressure or hypertension. There are cases of heart attack, stroke or brain, vision or kidney problems with no previous symptoms of hypertension. This is the reasons the hypertension is also called as "silent-killer".

Blood Pressure numbers:

Systolic and Diastolic are the two measurements used in blood pressure. For example, 120/80. Systolic, 120 from the example, is the measurement of the blood pressure during the heart beat. Diastolic, 80 from the example, is the blood pressure level when the heart is at rest in between heart beats. It is said to be in normal rate when the measurement is 120/80.

Diet and life style changes:

High use of salt plays a major role in hypertension and reducing the intake will have little problem with hypertension. People with hypertension should consume more plant foods since they are high in blood pressure reducing potassium and not loaded with sodium.

Salt substitute that contains potassium chloride can be helpful to reduce added to food. Most sodium comes from eating packaged foods or dining out. A single teaspoon of salt contains 2,325 mg of sodium. Limiting sodium intake to 1,500 to 2,000 mg daily can help some individuals lower their blood pressure. Consult with your doctor on the optimal intake for you depending on your medical status.

Some of the foods that are lower in fats and high in potassium, calcium and magnesium, which help lower the blood pressure, are as follows: Whole grains, fish, nuts and poultry. Celery, onions and garlic also can help reducing blood pressure.
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