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Ayurvedic and Dietary Treatments for High Blood Pressure

high blood pressure caffeine — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 00:14:34 +0000

High blood pressure or hypertension is the condition when the blood flow in the arteries and veins is forced under a higher pressure than normal. This can happen due to the weakness of the heart or due to the buildup of cholesterol in the coronary arteries, which can reduce their lumen. Today, most people in the world are suffering from hypertension, though it is not always fatal. Proper medication and a positive lifestyle can make people with higher blood pressures lead a long and happy life. However, neglect can cause severe fatal problems like myocardial infarctions (heart attacks).

High blood pressure is known as Rakta Gata vata in Ayurveda. It can be caused due to vitiation of any of the three doshas, though the contribution of the vata dosha may be more, as it is responsible for the circulation of blood. The following are the main precipitating factors for people with different doshas:-

1. Vata type of Hypertension – This is caused by extreme emotions such as worry, anxiety and stress.

2. Pitta type of Hypertension – This is caused by negative emotions such as hatred, jealousy and feeling for revenge.

3. Kapha type of Hypertension – This is caused by problems with the digestive system. (1) Useful Herbs in the Treatment of High Blood Pressure

1. Alfalfa (Medicago satina)

Alfalfa contains several elements which are needed in the softening of the hard arteries. This reduces the tension in the arteries and hence helps to treat hypertension.

2. Bloodwort (Achillea millefolium)

Bloodwort is a sweat-inducing herb. It makes the blood flow towards the skin for expelling the sweat. Due to this free movement of the blood, the high blood pressure is reduced. Bloodword contains an alkaloid which is effective in reducing high blood pressure.

3. Garlic (Allium sativum)

Garlic is an antispasmodic agent. Hence it reduces the pressure in the arteries caused due to the pumping action of the heart during blood circulation. Garlic creates a rhythm in the pumping of the heart, which eases the pulse. Other high blood pressure problems such as dizziness, shortness of breath and indigestion are also taken care of by garlic. Garlic is widely considered to be the best remedy for high blood pressure.

4. Jaundice Berry (Berberis vulgaris)

Jaundice berry is another very effective remedy in the treatment of high blood pressure. It eases the tension in the arteries by making them dilate. Thus the blood flow in them is facilitated.

5. Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)

Parsley is like a monitor of the blood vessels. It regulates the flow of blood in them and maintains easy circulation. It looks after the entire arterial system. Hence it is a very beneficial herb for people with high blood pressure.

6. Rauwolfia (Rauwolfia serpentina)

The effects of rauwolfia on the arteries and veins of the human system have been investigated in detail, and immensely positive results have been obtained. Rauwolfia has a treasure-trove of alkaloids for easing the arteries, synchronizing the blood flow in them, reducing palpitation and even removing the cholesterol buildup in the arteries. Hence, practitioners of all forms of medicine acknowledge the effects of rauwolfia. In Ayurveda especially, the root of the rauwolfia is prescribed for hypertension patients. The Ayurvedic name for rauwolfia is sarpagandha.(2) Dietary Treatments for High Blood Pressure

A strict dietary regimen is important to seek early treatment from high blood pressure. The following points must be obeyed:-

1. Salt should be reduced or totally eliminated from the diet. Hot and spicy foods should also be avoided.

2. Instead of hydrogenated fats, polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats must be used. These include oils of sesame, olive, flaxseed, mustard and groundnut. Ghee and butter made from cow’s milk are beneficial. Buffalo milk should be avoided.

3. Indigestion should be taken care of by consuming a good amount of leafy vegetables containing fiber.

4. Bitter gourd and drumsticks are advantageous vegetables for people suffering from high blood pressure. Colocasia must be avoided, but yellow pumpkin helps in reducing blood pressure.

5. Among fruits, bananas, oranges, guavas and apples are good. All kinds of dry fruits and nuts are good.

6. Sweets and chocolates must be avoided.

7. Red meats must be avoided. But white meats, especially fish are beneficial in lowering blood pressure. (3) Ayurvedic Concepts for High Blood Pressure

Sarpagandha is the drug of choice in high blood pressure. Not only is this drug used in Ayurvedic medicine, but it is also used in allopathic medicine in the treatment of high blood pressure. In addition, the following herbal preparations are prescribed depending on the doshic cause of high blood pressure:-

a. For Vataja High Blood Pressure, jatamansi and brahmi are prescribed.

b. For Pittaja High Blood Pressure, sarsarapilla and sandalwood are prescribed.

c. For Kaphaja High Blood Pressure, calamus, arjuna, shilajit, guggulu and berberis are prescribed.(4) Home Remedies for High Blood Pressure

a. Have a spoonful of lemon juice mixed with honey every morning.

b. Oranges are very helpful in high blood pressure. Have a juice of two or three oranges every day.

c. Prepare a powdered mixture of cumin seeds, fennel seeds and sugar. Take one spoonful of this mixture in water every morning and evening.

High Blood Pressure Medication

high blood pressure caffeine — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:07:16 +0000

Controlling your blood pressure is just one of many things you can do to prevent stroke. Many people assume that strokes can’t be prevented. Controlling High Blood Pressure also requires you to make changes to your lifestyle, through proper diet and exercise. To assist you, there are various herbal remedies available that are reported to help lower HBP.

Medicine can be a great high blood pressure treatment. Ask your doctor if any medications might be right for you. Medicines will control your blood pressure, but they cannot cure it. You will need to take blood pressure medicine for a long time.

Drugs that help lower high blood pressure have various side effects. If you experience severe side effects from any drug, contact your doctor immediately. Drugs that lower blood pressure include diuretics, beta blockers and calcium channel blockers.

Salt substitutes usually contain potassium chloride instead of sodium chloride as found in salt. The salt substitute makes you produce saliva much in the same way salt does. Salt and sugar intake must be dramatically curtailed with an increase in fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy protects, fiber and protein from meat, fish and poultry. Losing weight will result in lower blood pressure.

Vasodilators open blood vessels by relaxing the muscle in the vessel walls. Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) prevent calcium from getting into the muscle cells of the heart and blood vessels, relaxing the blood vessels. Vasodilators are not commonly used alone to treat ongoing high blood pressure because of the significant drop in blood pressure that they cause, which may lead to heart palpitations or rapid heartbeat. They may be used if a person is in a hypertensive crisis or when other classes of medicine are not effective in controlling high blood pressure.

Potassium pills may need to be taken with some diuretics. A diet high in potassium also may be needed. Potassium levels and kidney function are watched closely as the dose increases.

Tekturna works by reducing the ability of renin to begin this process. Doctors say Tekturna is unique because it acts earlier in your body’s blood pressure process than other medications. Tekturna is known as a renin inhibitor. Renin is an enzyme produced by your kidneys that starts a cascade of chemical steps that increases blood pressure.

Calcium Channel Blockers reduce the overall level of calcium in the heart, reducing blood pressure. Alpha Blockers lower blood pressure by limiting the nerve impulses sent to the blood vessels, while Alpha-Beta Blockers combine the effects of Alpha-Blockers and Beta-Blockers. Calcium channel blockers keep calcium from entering the muscle cells of the heart and blood vessels. This reduces the heart rate and causes the blood vessels to relax. Calcium, magnesium, potassium, and CoQ10 deficiencies are directly linked to high blood pressure. Therefore reducing their amounts in the body can make it more difficult for your doctor to normalize your blood pressure.

Beta-blockers are also one of the types of drugs used to lower blood pressure. Although migraines are not considered to be high blood pressure headaches, high blood pressure medication does seem to help. Beta blockers will lower blood pressure by regulating the heart rate. Other effective drugs for lowering your pressure are vasodilators, ace inhibitors and calcium channel blockers. Beta blockers are one group. They slow the heart down.

Alternative medicine is relatively inexpensive while medications can easily cost a small fortune. Furthermore, medications usually have side effects, which may be difficult for some people to handle. Alternative therapies can help to cure the problem of high blood pressure without taking recourse to conventional drugs that often have serious side effects. The focus of alternative treatments is to treat the very source of the disease.

Talk to your doctor about adjusting your medication and making lifestyle changes that will lower your blood pressure to under 140/90.

High Blood Pressure And Salt Is It Essential

high blood pressure caffeine — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 13:17:13 +0000

The answer to this question is fairly obvious is it not?
Sodium Chloride (the chemical name for Salt, the culinary cooking condiment not the International Treaty on Weapons limitation) is an essential element in the life of human beings. Most people think of Salt purely in terms of that little white food seasoning found in shakers on virtually very food table the world over.
Salt was of crucial importance in Ancient times as part of the economic transactions over slaves, hence the phrase Not worth his Salt. Wars have been fought over Salt supplies and certainly the capture of a national Salt supply has certainly played an important part in the nature of military campaigns.
Salt has inspired literature and many of the more semi philosophical sayings of today (To be taken with a pinch of salt, Salt of the Earth etc) come from a fascination with Salt.
References to salt can be found in one of the worlds oldest published reference books, the Chinese book The Peng-Tzao-Kan-Mu. For an ancient text and one that almost dates prehistory the book describes in almost eerie detail two processes of extracting salt that are very much in use still today.
The actual requirement for the average Western Adult male is surprisingly small at 250 mg of sodium yet we still seem so addicted with the substance that the average consumption is almost 700 percent greater. So it comes as no surprise that Salt as a single substance is not only vitally important to our well being but also as one single substance probably causes us more harm than any other single substance (along with sugar).
With an approach to the consumption of Salt that almost borders an epidemic in that our consumption far outstrips our need as we consume on average some 3500 mg per day. This is still more than 7 times the amount actually required and goes some way to emphasise our dependency on this white granular substance.
So if this substance tastes so good how can it actually be so bad for us? Well as the Chinese have said over the past 2500 years or so, too much Salt hardens the pulse i.e. it makes the arteries harden and this can lead to High Blood Pressure. The connection between excessive consumption of Salt and Hypertension has been well documented over the years and is as reliable as one could ever expect.
Does not everyone need to consume salt in order to survive? Salt is one of those substances that you could almost connect with virtually all of our external and internal bodily functions. With regards to our metabolism, Sodium helps assist the cells in our intestines in absorbing food and lastly, with sodium, the muscles in your body would not be able to contract and therefore we would not be able to move.
So the sad aspect to the whole subject is that it is very much a case of too much of a good thing will cause you harm.
It would appear that in this case the overall approach has got to be moderation in all things.

High Blood Pressure Diet – Improving Your Diet by Adding Dietary Fibers

high blood pressure caffeine — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 12:16:06 +0000

Since most of the causes that trigger high blood pressure stems from improper dietary intakes, we should give concern as to how our body eliminates the resulting wastes. These wastes are either eliminated through the kidney or through the large intestines.

Fiber as waste binder plays a pivotal role in preventing high blood pressure through proper waste elimination. Thus, we can improve our health conditions, by adding dietary fibers to our daily meal plans.

In as much as our body produces a lot of waste materials, some known excesses such as sodium and glucose tend to overwork the kidneys. High-fiber diets can help the digestive system by its inherent ability to bind other food, which then allows proper digestion to take place.

As the normal digestive processes occur, other organs such as the kidneys and the large intestines without cause for stress or hormonal imbalance, will also perform proper waste disposal.

As a form of standard dietary guide, persons weighing about 120 pounds are required to partake at least 25 grams of dietary fiber, while a person who weighs as much as 200 pounds should have at least 35 grams of dietary fiber.

Insoluble or Hard fiber – often found in wheat bran is also known medically as the “water carrier”. As a water carrier, this fiber can produce stool consistently and regularly. As this fiber passes through the intestinal tract, the water it carries help to dissolve unwanted and sometimes toxic wastes. Thus, it aids greatly in preventing disorders such as appendicitis, diverticulosis, hemorrhoids as well as reduce cancer risks.

Pectin – a mixture of polysaccharides found in plant cell walls useful in reducing cholesterol and has the ability to bind even the bile acids produced by the liver. Other dietary fibers ideal for selective waste absorption are saponins and guar gums.

High fiber is present in almost all fruits and vegetables but is particularly high in cereals and grains.

Effects of Fiber and Water in your Diet

However, in order for fiber to work effectively, fiber needs water. Unless there is sufficient water the stool that fiber produces cannot be expelled with ease out of the digestive system. Without the water the stool will be dry and hard. For people experiencing high blood pressure, they will have to drink more than four glasses daily, as this will help eliminate sodium.

Ways to Increase your Dietary Fiber

The best way for fiber to work effectively is to start your day with high-fiber cereals. Make your meals complete by eating fruits, vegetables, grains, and tubers. If you want to snack on something, make it fruits or high-fiber snacks and always make it a point to drink plenty of water.

Inadequate fiber, will lead to accumulation of wastes in the body and wastes as we all know can lead to complications and other bodily disorders. Hence, improving our diet by adding dietary fibers, can help eliminate the factors that trigger high blood pressure.

Alvin Hopkinson is a leading health researcher in the area of natural remedies and high blood pressure treatment. Discover how you can get rid of your high blood pressure for good using proven and effective home remedies, all without using harmful medications or drugs. Visit his site now at http://www.minusbloodpressure.com

The Best High Blood Pressure Fruits And Vegetables Diet

high blood pressure caffeine — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 10:43:57 +0000

If you are looking for a natural way of helping to control high blood pressure then a great place to start is by modifying your diet. A diet designed to reduce blood pressure should include plenty of fresh, fruits and vegetables as they contain essential minerals, nutrients and fiber, which can all help in a treatment plan to reduce high blood pressure. So what kinds of high blood pressure fruits and vegetables should a person be choosing to eat?
Generally a person should be eating fruits and vegetables which contain high amounts of fiber in them. This will help suppress the appetite and help the digestive process.
Fruits and vegetables to include in a diet to reduce high blood pressure include the following:
Asparagus
Carrots
Broccoli
Peas
Corn
Strawberries
Oranges
Apples
Pears
Bananas
Lentils
Chickpeas
But, most vegetables and fruits can be added into the diet, and they should replace the foods that need to be restricted from a high blood pressure diet, including processed foods, foods that contain high levels of sodium and food that are high in saturated fats.
The great thing about substituting these particular foods for those that are high in fat is not only do they make you feel fuller quicker, but they also provide you with good sources of nutrients and minerals, which are vital to keep your body healthy and boost the immune system.
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Also by eating more fruit and vegetables there is normally a natural reduction in the volume of calories consumed, and in many cases just by cutting back on the number of calories, thereby reducing weight, there is knock on reduction in the high blood pressure.
As well as increasing the amount of fiber you have in your diet you should also increase the amount of potassium as well. Fruit that is rich in potassium are bananas.
Why not place a few in a liquidizer with some freshly squeezed orange juice and some raspberries and you will have a really great tasting drink that is also helping to lower blood pressure, as it contains high amounts of fiber, potassium and all other beneficial nutrients.
To ensure that there is a sufficient mix of nutrients and variety in the diet, try and include three different colored vegetables on the plate for every meal. So for example you could have some grated carrot along with some lettuce and a couple of cherry tomato.
Also, if you do need to cook your vegetables or fruit it is best if they are steamed. This way they will not lose so many of their essential properties, which are vital to maintaining a healthy body.
A number of studies have been carried out show changing your diet can have the same beneficial impact on high blood pressure as taking medication. This does not mean that the medication prescribed by the doctor should not be taken – Of course it should. But it means that if a good diet is followed then the blood pressure can be regulated much faster, and the effects can last for longer.
A high blood pressure, fruits and vegetables diet, with the inclusion of lean low fat meats, can mean that not only is the blood pressure reduced, but also those that are overweight usually find they lose weight as well. Discuss any changes in diet before you make them with your doctor.

Foods to be Avoided for High Blood Pressure

high blood pressure caffeine — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 03:34:06 +0000

High blood pressure if left unchecked results in increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and leads to target organ damage such as LVH, retinal changes and vascular changes. The main objective in the management of hypertension is prevention of target organ damage and reduction of cardiovascular risk. The management requires a multi-prolonged approach. Although it is widely accepted that drug therapy is essential for optimal Blood pressure control, it should not be forgotten that nonpharmocological measures are also important in the management of hypertension.

What are the foods to be avoided in high blood pressure? This is very common question my patients often ask me. On one hand, it is exceedingly complicated and complex and has been the continued focus of research by doctors and physicians. On the other hand, the vast majority of dietary recommendations for hypertension have resemblance and similarities to general healthy diet recommendations.

Following Foods should be avoided if you have High blood pressure:

1. Alcohol

The association between alcohol and high blood pressure is well documented both in population and clinical studies. An Alcohol intake of about 80 g/day (Equivalent to four pints of beer) has been shown to raise Blood pressure particularly in patients of hypertension. Blood pressure tends to fall when alcohol is stopped or reduced and remains low in patients who continue to abstain. Patients with hypertension should avoid Alcohol. As alcohol can raise blood pressure directly, is also an important factor in damaging walls of blood vessels, which can elevate the blood pressure further and make it more difficult to treat, while at the same time increasing the risk of complications. Limit consumption of Alcohol to no more than two drinks per day in most men and one drink per day in women and lightweight men.

2. Salt

A restriction in dietary sodium intake can reduce the incidence of hypertension. Studies have shown that there is a clear relationship between dietary salt intake and Blood pressure and people who consume less salt have a smaller rise in Blood pressure with advancing age. Salt restriction to about 100mmol/day (2.4 gm sodium or 6 gm sodium chloride) has been shown to produce a significant reduction in systolic Blood pressure to about 8-14 mm Hg in several randomized placebo-controlled studies. In some people, eating too much salt can make blood pressure much worse and In other cases the same salt consumption may have no effect.

More salt intake will result in more retention of fluid by kidneys and this will lead to more preload on heart, that will result in more blood pressure. You should avoid salt in your diet if you really want to control your blood pressure. If you are already a patient of hypertension, then reduce salt in your diet as it just accentuates the problem. You can lower your blood pressure to a great extent if you reduce salt consumption in your diet. You should not have more than 6 grams (100mmol/day) of salt per day. Pizza, canned foods, frozen diners, broths, canned soups and salad dressings have high sodium so try to avoid these foods. If you are non-vegetarian then make sure you are including white meat like chicken and fish rather than red meat in your diet.

3. Fats

Food that is rich in fats should be avoided. Foods High in Fat are as follows

Fats and oils (like margarine, vegetable oils, butter, lard, salt pork, meat drippings, gravy, and fat back)

Cream, ice cream, Whole milk, 2% milk.

Most pies, pastries, cakes.

Most cheeses (like cream cheese, cheddar, American)

Many snack foods (like nuts and chips)

Fatty meats (like corned beef, regular ground beef, ribs, sausage, hot dogs, bacon, bologna, salami,)

Fried foods (like French fries and fried chicken)

Most cookies contain high fat content

Many fast foods are also rich in fats

Saturated fats are not good for heart and blood vessels. Low density lipoprotein LDL is main factor which causes thickening of blood vessels so causing extra strain on blood vessels in patients of high blood pressure. The balanced high blood pressure diet should include mild amounts of saturated and trans-fats (red meat, fast food), and moderate amounts of other fats (olive oil and canola oil).

4- Caffeine Intake: The evidence from the literature is rather conflicting and the effects of caffeine seem to depend on multiple variables such as daily dose, preexisting Blood pressure and coffee drinking habits. The ingestion of 250mg of caffeine has been shown to cause an increase in systolic blood pressure ranging from 6mm of hg in normal individuals to 10 mm hg in patients with hypertension and an increase in diastolic blood pressure of 5 mm hg in normal individuals to 8.5 mm Hg in patients of hypertension.

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High Blood Pressure Symptoms: Spotting the silent Killer

high blood pressure caffeine — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 11:43:08 +0000

Many times, there are no obvious high blood pressure symptoms at all. In fact, high blood pressure, aka hypertension or simply HBP, often goes unnoticed until it has advanced to severe degrees and begins causing damage to various bodily systems. That’s why it is often referred to as the Silent Killer. Left untreated, high blood pressure can cause a person to have significantly higher probabilities for coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke and kidney problems and/or failure.

Symptoms of High Blood Pressure

In the earlier stages of HBP development, no symptoms may be present at all. However, there are reports of those who experience regular:

Of course, these symptoms can be representative of many ailments and are therefore difficult to discern as signs of HBP per say. If you are concerned about possibly having or developing high blood pressure, the best approach to take is to purchase a home testing device and check yourself regularly. It is important to realize that all of our blood pressure readings fluctuate many times throughout each day.

That is completely normal as there are various factors that change blood pressure. It takes a physician to actually diagnose high blood pressure and at which of the possible stages of development that it is in. In general, people are diagnosed with having high blood pressure if their blood pressure readings are found to be consistently high over a given time period through regular professional testing.

High Blood Pressure Diet

The best method for combating high blood pressure readings and regulating them is to initiate a high blood pressure diet into your everyday lifestyle. Itâs actually quite straightforward. The HBP diet is comprised of foods that are low in sodium, low in fats, low in simple sugars (monosaccharides), high in calcium, high in potassium and also high in quality proteins, fiber and magnesium. In other words, you need to eat a lot of plants â vegetables, legumes and fruits.

In addition, you need to keep away from foods that are processed. These are commonly overloaded with sodium, preservatives and are other nutritionally-void and detrimental substances. Here are the foods that you should concentrate on â in order of importance:

You should avoid the following foods to maintain normal blood pressure readings:

In addition to a sensible high blood pressure diet, you should also begin to exercise for about half an hour every single day. Living healthily by eating properly and exercising daily is your right â and it is a blessing to yourself and to those around you. Take the time to manage your stress as well. Meditation, Yoga, Pilates, breathing exercises (pranayama) and simply intending to remain positive in all situations makes you thrive through life and remain vibrantly happy.

High blood pressure symptoms are manageable and almost always able to reversed. Just love yourself by eating right and staying active. The results will begin to show almost immediately!