High Blood Pressure

Blood Pressure is the force exerted by the blood against the walls of the blood vessels, caused by heart contractions forcing a constant volume of blood around a closed system. Under certain circumstances your blood pressure can go up, this is called high blood pressure or hypertension. The opposite is called hypotension, the most common symptoms experienced is fatigue, blurred vision and dizziness. This means that there is insufficient blood circulating around the body. Normal average systolic/diastolic blood pressure in a healthy adult of average size and weight is 120/80 mm Hg.

THE FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE:

• Stress
• Adrenal hyperactivity
• Kidney insufficiencies
• High cholesterol
• Obesity
• Smoking and alcohol consumption
• Diet
• Hormonal disruptions
• Physical inactivity
• Genetics

LONG TERM COMPLICATIONS OF HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE:

• Stroke or heart failure
• Damage to the arteries
• Metabolic syndrome
• Kidney failure

LIFESTYLE FACTORS TO IMPROVE BLOOD PRESSURE

• Lifestyle changes (exercise, diet, cholesterol)
• Stress management
• Address any underlying causes
• Avoid smoking as cigarettes dramatically decrease blood circulation and contribute to Vitamin C and Bioflavinoid deficiencies
• Get your cholesterol levels in check. If you have high cholesterol this will contribute to sticky blood and plaque formation increasing the risks of cardiovascular diseases
• Manage stress levels by practicing yoga, meditation, breathing exercises or be more active. Take a formulation to support the nervous system which contains Magnesium, B Vitamins or herbs such as Chamomile, Lemon Balm, Passionflower, Magnolia or Sacred Basil
• Avoid alcohol and smoking as these dramatically reduce peripheral circulation
• Consider losing some weight if you are carrying any extra kilograms. Being overweight or unfit causes the cardiovascular system (especially the heart muscle) to work overtime which often places an extra strain on circulation
• Begin an exercise regime to improve circulation, removal of wastes, oxygenate the blood, encourage general wellbeing and break down congestion which may contribute to sluggish circulation
• Acupuncture may be of assistance to improve the energetics of the cardiovascular system

DIET TIPS TO IMPROVE BLOOD PRESSURE

• Increase foods which contain Oligomeric Procyanidins (OPC’s) such as blueberries, grapes, bilberry’s, cranberries, pine bark, dark chocolate and red wine
• Increase foods to improve circulation and improve cardiovascular health such as anti-oxidant rich foods – blueberries, green tea, grapes, berries, pineapples, chillies, dark chocolate, garlic, turmeric, fish, ginger and olive oil
• Ensure that you are drinking sufficient amounts of water (at least 2 litres/ day) as dehydration can cause the tissues to hold onto excessive amounts of fluids
• Reduce the amount of Sodium chloride (common table salt) you consume in your diet and use mineral salts such as Himalayan rock salt or sea salt
• Aim for a healthy lifestyle with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, quality organic dairy products, a wide range of quality protein sources in your diet such as legumes, nuts and seeds