Can diet lower high blood pressure?
As the heart pumps blood through the arteries, the blood presses against the walls of the blood vessels.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, occurs when this pressure is abnormally high. It occurs when your blood pressure reading exceeds 120/80.
High blood pressure is also known as the “silent killer” as there are no symptoms.
High blood pressure causes damage particularly to aorta muscle, which opens the door to the formation of clots or plaques.
The consequences of high blood pressure can be quite serious, and include kidney failure, heart disease, and stroke. Predisposing factors include obesity, alcohol, lack of exercise and smoking.
Prevent high blood pressure
There are plenty of ways to prevent high blood pressure.
Some nutrients to try include calcium, magnesium, potassium, coenzyme Q10, essential fatty acids, garlic, selenium and vitamin E.
Useful herbs that can be useful include cayenne, camomile, fennel, hawthorn, parsley, rosemary, hops and valerian root.
Suggested lifestyle and dietary recommendations include:
- Following a salt-free diet.
- Eating fibre and grains such as brown rice, buckwheat, millet and oats.
- Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables.
- Drinking fresh juices.
- Taking flaxseed oil daily.
- Avoiding animal fats, cheese, avocados, herring, sherry, wine, yoghurt, alcohol, caffeine and tobacco.
- Keeping weight down and get regular exercise and sufficient sleep.
- Massage can be useful in preventing and treating hypertension.
Gentle, relaxing, soothing massage helps to reduce blood pressure by lowering stress and increasing circulation.
q Information courtesy of Zelda Fourie, qualified Therapeutic Massage Therapist and member of the SA Natural Health Practitioners Board (SANHPB).
