Natural Remedies for High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure (hipertensio arterialis) is a disease of modern times. To prevent heart and vascular diseases, pressure should be below 140/90. Nutrition is the most important way to fight high blood pressure (hypertension), either in combination with pharmacological drugs, or as a substitute for them.

In the Asian countries, celery is used for a long time for lowering blood pressure. Dr. William Elliott from the University of Chicago was isolated substance from celery that lowers blood pressure, and that is confirmed by experiment on rats. He believes that celery lowers blood pressure lowering stress hormone that leads to narrowing of blood vessels and increase blood pressure. Celery is therefore effective in patients in whom pressure increases due to mental stress. In that experiment celery has also reduced cholesterol, which is often elevated in patients with essential hypertension.

Another legendary medicine for high blood pressure whose effects are scientifically confirmed is garlic (Allium sativum). Recently in Germany studied its effect and found that significantly lowers diastolic (bottom) blood pressure in patients with medium hypertension. This effect is achieved with a few cloves a day. During the tests effect become stronger, which speaks of his cumulative effect. Garlic contains adenosine which reduce blood pressure relaxing vascular smooth muscles, so they expand. Both raw and cooked garlic reduce pressure, but raw is efficient.

Berlin researcher Peter Zinger believes that omega - 3 fatty acids in fish oil are main medicine for hypertension. In hypertension lighter forms low-dose fish oil may lead to normalization of blood pressure, and in severe forms can increase the effect of beta blocker drugs. In order to regulate blood pressure it should take at least three oily sea fish meals per week (salmon, mackerel, tuna, sardines and herring). Required amount of omega - 3 fatty acids is 2000mg per day which can be provided with 100g of fresh mackerel, 120g canned salmon or 200g sardines. Monounsaturated fatty acids from olive oil also reduce blood pressure.

Fruits and vegetables also lowers blood pressure. It has been noticed that the transition to a vegetarian diet lowers blood pressure. Antioxidants from fruits and vegetables increase prostacyclin and that way expands blood vessels, leading to lower pressure. Vitamin C from fruits and vegetables has preventive effect, because lack of it leads to increased pressure. Dr. Christopher Bulpitt from Hammersmith Hospital said that blood pressure and cerebral stroke are more common in people who don’t take enough vitamin C.

Potassium has a significant impact on blood pressure. Lack of potassium leads to higher blood pressure. Insufficient potassium entry leads to sodium retention, which increases blood pressure. Foods rich in potassium are baked potato, melon, avocado, peaches, apricots, plums, tomato juice, fat-reduced yogurt, beans, salmon, soy, bananas and almonds.

Another important element is calcium. Calcium increases the excretion of sodium and also reduce secretion of parathormone, which also increases the pressure. Milk and milk products are reach with calcium as well as salmon, mackerel and sardine with bones, kale, figs, tofu, soy, beet leaves and beans.

In a large number of patients (30 - 50%) reduction of salt in the diet can significantly lower blood pressure. According to Ross Feldman research from the University of Ontario, lower salt intake allows greater elasticity of blood vessels, which leads to lower blood pressure. However, in 15% of people with hypertension significantly reduced salt intake has no effect, and some may even increase the pressure. Also, sodium from salt can damage brain blood vessels and cause stroke without increasing blood pressure. Unsalted food is especially recommended for patients who beside elevated pressure, have problems with kidneys and heart.

One glass of wine a day or one short drink have no influence on the pressure, but larger quantities leads to progressive and permanent increase. In people who drink a lot , reducing or ceasing alcohol use can lead to normalization of blood pressure.

Coffee is not a major cause for chronic high blood pressure. In people who occasionally or regularly drink coffee, caffeine temporarily increases blood pressure, so most hypertensive patients don’t have problems with caffeine. Only those patients whose pressure significantly increases under stress shouldn’t drink coffee because they have an excessive reaction of adrenal gland to caffeine, which raises blood pressure.

Tips for people with high blood pressure:

* Eat more fruits and vegetables, because they are full of known and unknown substances that reduce blood pressure (vitamin C, potassium, calcium, ...).

Eat especially celery and garlic.

* Eat oily sea fish such as mackerel, salmon, tuna, sardines or herring three times a week.

* Don’t eat salty food

* Limit alcohol intake to one or two drinks per day. Reducing or ceasing alcohol can significantly increase the pressure.

* If you are overweight - lose weight. It is a sure way to lower blood pressure.

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