Treatments for Hypertension - Natural Remedies

What are some effective natural treatments for hypertension?

Although hypertension is generally viewed as a "silent killer" in the United States, due to its under diagnosis and the prevalence of sufferers who go untreated, there are a number of ways to effectively manage high blood pressure.

Because high blood pressure can result in significant organ damage (namely to the kidneys, eyes, brain, and heart), it is important that a comprehensive treatment be implemented upon diagnosis of the condition. Aside from the numerous medications available for lowering blood pressure, there are many natural remedies and lifestyle changes that can have potentially extensive effects upon blood pressure in hypertensive people.

If high blood pressure is properly diagnosed, treatments for hypertension can reduce the risk of stroke by 35-40%, heart attack by 20-25%, and heart failure by greater than 50%. There are several different classifications of hypertension, ranging from pre-hypertensive blood pressure (which ranges from 120/80 to 139/89 mmHg), to Stage 1 Hypertension (140/90 to 159/99 mmHg), to Stage 2 Hypertension (160/100 or greater).

The extent of the blood pressure elevation is a determining factor in the best method of treatments for hypertension, but it would be prudent for anyone with elevated blood pressure to make changes in their lifestyle, such as quitting smoking, getting more exercise, and making changes in their diet.

The DASH diet (Dietary Approached to Stop Hypertension) has had a great deal of success in clinical trials as one of the treatments for hypertension, the main components of which are:

• increased fruit and vegetable intake
• low-fat dairy foods
• lower intake of foods high in saturated fat, cholesterol, and overall fat content
• increased intake of whole grain products, fish, poultry, and nuts
• eating less red meat and sweets
• eating of more foods that are high in calcium, magnesium, and potassium

Additionally, those who are overweight should make every effort to lose weight, as weight is quite closely related to hypertension.

Because lifestyle changes are gradual and difficult to undertake for most people, medication is a significant component of successful treatment/management of hypertension. There are a number of antihypertensive agents that can be prescribed to those diagnosed with hypertension, and talking to your physician can yield a clearer picture of which medication is right for you, in light possible side effects, contraindications, etc.

In addition to lifestyle changes and medication, there are a few natural remedies that have gained growing interest in natural health circles, and are potentially useful treatments for hypertension or high blood pressure.

Natural Remedies

Garlic has recently emerged as somewhat of a "miracle food" for its ability to lower the risk of numerous diseases, and hypertension is no exception, as garlic has been shown to lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure. It can be taken in its whole (food) form, or as a supplement (ideally under the supervision of a qualified professional).

Other compounds that have been said to encourage positive outcomes for hypertensive people are Coenzyme Q10, the herb Hawthorn, fish oil, and folic acid, all of which can be found in most health food stores (but should ideally only be taken after discussion with your natural healthcare practitioner).

Conclusion

There are a number of options of treatments for hypertension available for those suffering from high blood pressure, many of which entail a natural approach and are based upon our own desire to achieve optimal health.

Particularly with relation to hypertension, medication is undoubtedly helpful, but cannot be seen as the only answer, because medication does not change the underlying factors leading to hypertension. It is of utmost importance to take personal responsibility for one's role in the development of hypertension, and to utilize all treatment options in working to restore cardiovascular health and blood pressure within the normal range (as well as in the prevention of the condition).

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