What about your blood pressure? Could your current life-style cause high blood pressure in the future? What can you do to keep your blood pressure under control?

Blood pressure is the force blood exerts against blood vessel walls. It can be measured using an inflatable rubber cuff, which is wrapped around the upper arm and connected to an apparatus that records pressure. Two readings are obtained. For example: 120/80. The first number is called systolic blood pressure because it indicates blood pressure during the heartbeat (systole), and the second number is called diastolic blood pressure because it indicates blood pressure while the heart is relaxed (diastole). Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury, and physicians classify patients as hypertensive when their blood pressure is above 140/90.

What makes blood pressure increase? Imagine that you are watering your garden. By opening the faucet or by reducing the caliber, or diameter, of the jet of water, you increase the pressure of the water. The same occurs with blood pressure: Increasing the rate of flow of blood or decreasing the caliber of the blood vessel elevates the blood pressure. How does high blood pressure occur? Many factors are involved.

Factors You Cannot Control

Researchers have discovered that if a person has relatives with high blood pressure, his chances of suffering from the disease are greater. Statistics indicate a higher incidence of hypertension in identical twins than in fraternal twins. One study refers to the ?mapping of the genes responsible for arterial hypertension,? all of which would confirm the existence of a hereditary component responsible for high blood pressure. The risk of abnormally high blood pressure is also known to increase with age and to be greater among black males.

Factors You Can Control

Watch your diet! Salt (sodium) can boost blood pressure in some people, especially people with diabetes, those with severe hypertension, older people, and some blacks. Excess fat in the bloodstream can create deposits of cholesterol on the internal walls of blood vessels (atherosclerosis), thus reducing their caliber and increasing blood pressure. People who are more than 30

Related posts:

1. Hypertension – causes, prevention and treatment
2. High Blood Pressure: Causes,symptoms,treatment
3. Devastating Effects of High Blood Pressure

Here is the best hypertension diet that will dramatically and positively lower your blood pressure within the space of a few weeks.

Stock Up On Your Vegetables. Getting your required portion of vegetables a day is important because it contains the nutrients that will help lower your blood pressure. You need to eat up to 5 servings of vegetables a day. One of the best ways to stock up on your vegetables is to include a bowl of salad with each meal you have each day. Mix in tomatoes, spinach leaves, cucumbers, peppers, carrots and even potatoes. Use your imagination! This is a great way to have a variety of different vegetables consumed on a daily basis.

Eat Your Fruit. Fruit is as equally as important as vegetables in lowering your blood pressure. Fruit abundant in Vitamin C is important such as oranges and apples. Again aim for up 5 servings of fruit a day. A great of achieving this – is start with a glass of orange juice in the morning, during your breakfast, slice up a banana and pour it over your cornflakes,

Originally posted 2009-11-05 08:34:22. Republished by Old Post Promoter

Related posts:

1. The Best High Blood Pressure Fruits And Vegetables Diet
2. Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) Diet – 5 Food Tips That Will Normalize Your Blood Pressure
3. High Blood Pressure Diet – Improving Your Diet by Adding Dietary Fibers

It was previously assumed that if you had heart attacks and congestive heart failure in your family, then you were doomed and if your genetic slate was clean, then you’d be fine. However, health experts are finding that long hours, high stress and sloppy lifestyle habits are contributing to a rise in patients suffering from hypertension.

Over at the Harvard School of Medicine, researchers have developed a dietary program known as “DASH,” an acronym for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. The DASH diet includes: 8 grain servings, 5 vegetable servings, 2-3 low fat dairy servings, 1-2 servings of meat, poultry or fish and 5 servings per week of nuts, seeds or beans.

Saturated fats and sugars should be limited and serving sizes generally run 1/2 cup cooked, 1 cup raw or 2 tbsp nuts and seeds. Exercise is crucial! Within just two weeks, the diet already began having an effect on Dr. Gabe Mirkin’s patients, with 70% returning to normal blood pressure levels. He says that increasing minerals like magnesium, calcium and potassium had a strong impact, as did limiting fat and sodium. The diet triggers a diuretic effect, much like certain medications that work to “flush the system.”

In addition to the DASH Diet, certain “super foods” and supplements give high blood pressure sufferers high hopes for recovery. Several studies show the effectiveness of Q10, a coenzyme that reduces both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, as well as fish oil supplements that pack the body with the necessary omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids it needs to perform better. Traditional Chinese medicine recommends garlic, chestnuts, turnips, honey, Chinese celery, hawthorn berries and mung beans to decrease high blood pressure.

Thirty minutes of moderate-intense exercise at least four days per week is the official 2003 American Heart Association standard for optimal heart health. For people who may not be able to meet strenuous standards, walking for three ten-minute intervals per day is recommended.

Additionally, yoga is a good low-impact exercise that decreases stress and may also help reverse high blood pressure. Many Americans find that treadmills and bicycles are their best allies when it comes to an enjoyable workout they can stick to.

Originally posted 2009-11-12 03:35:39. Republished by Old Post Promoter

Related posts:

1. Diet to Reduce High Blood Pressure- a Natural Hypertension Treatment With No Medication
2. Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) Diet – 5 Food Tips That Will Normalize Your Blood Pressure
3. High Blood Pressure – a Silent Killer

Seriously, this is not a wind up nor is it a reverse promotion for the Canine Defence League (or whatever). It is genuine recommendation for those who suffer with High Blood Pressure and want to do something positive about it in a natural manner.

I suffer from High Blood Pressure. I keep banging on about it in a number of articles because in a great many ways (mine probably included if I am brutally honest), something can be done about and it may (note MAY, not DEFINITELY) have been avoidable.

But I digress; this article is about what can be done about High Blood Pressure (HBP or Hypertension) not about how I managed to get it.

There are two options to consider when you are diagnosed with High Blood Pressure.

Firstly you can sit there and go “Woe is me, how many tablets do I have to take and at what part in the proceedings will impotence hit me?” Us guys like to get our priorities right ?

Secondly you can sit up, re evaluate how you got into that position in the first place and then try and see if you can do something about it. The latter path is the one yours truly decided upon and hence we find ourselves discussing the merits and relative advantages of getting a mutt!

In my case the BP readings were fairly high (try 216 over 160! 120 over 80, god how I used to fantasise about that) and as such Drug therapy was the immediate no brainer in the first instance but once that came under control and the levels dropped it was possible to look at other complimentary measures to run alongside the tablets.

One year down the line from my initial diagnosis and the BP levels were manageable, I had managed to lose some weight. I could have lost the weight sooner but my self discipline for diets has always been awful but again, I digress.

Increased exercise was the next part of the rehabilitation plan and though I had always been keen on walking and getting outside for exercise, again my lousy self discipline always managed to get in the way of any constructive resolution.

This whole narrative might sound like the immediate problem was my own lack of self will and discipline and in many ways that is true. I admire those fanatical enthusiasts who can be seen pounding the streets at 6.30 am every day before they go off to work. My own view on this has always been to try and incorporate some form of longer lasting therapy that in my case was more self sustainable allowing for my own weaknesses.

Now the question may be asked at this point is how serious was I about getting my HBP down and under manageable levels? I have never been more serious about anything else in my life as to be totally honest I am not too wild about departing this mortal coil well before my anointed time.

My own view on this whole exercise was that my “anti HBP regime” had to be able to be sustainable AND scaleable therefore meaning that the lifestyle / approach would still be on track if I found myself laid up with any form of illness and /or accident.

So, increased exercise as well as change of diet, eating, work habits etc was the order of the day.

Hence we find our self with the situation with a dog. Having lived with dogs all throughout my childhood, I was aware of the companionship that my son would feel if we had one for our family but also I was keenly aware of the responsibility that comes along with having a dog!

They need feeding, looking after and……plenty of exercise.

Now we are the proud owners of a Black Labrador / Border collie first cross 50 lbs of fun, fur and mayhem called Elmo. He specialises in all of the things that dogs do best. He eats as much as he can get his paws on, he then makes sure that as much as possible is then manufactured out the other end as often as possible and in the most inconsiderate of places! He chews anything and everything he can get his jaws round, nothing is safe, nothing is sacred and one of these days my eight year old son will get the message not to leave toys lying around the place unattended.

Lastly he is demanding about being taken out and this is where we find the missing link in my Anti HBP Therapy! As the day goes by his whole demeanour and attitude becomes more intense until finally if you haven’t got the hint by evening time he enters into what can only be described by US Sports Commentators as his “Hurry up Offence”. He comes and sits in front of you, rests his head on your legs and doesn’t move. He just looks at you with that expression that makes it perfectly clear that either it is exercise time or he is going to leave large amounts of canine saliva all over your trousers, shorts, anything in fact that you happen to be wearing at the time!

With a persuasive argument like that it is difficult to refuse and hence I find my High Blood Pressure reducing to manageable proportions, my weight dropping and I am also now in the position of being able to review and reduce (in certain cases) the level of medication that I need to help control my blood pressure.

All by and large down to getting a pooch!

Now if I could do something about the chewing….next time he destroys the Satellite remote (again), he gets it……..

Originally posted 2009-11-17 03:37:13. Republished by Old Post Promoter

Related posts:

1. Lower High Blood Pressure Naturally- Cure Hypertension and Sleep the Whole Night
2. Naturally Lower High Blood Pressure- Lower Hbp, Increase Sex Drive, and Lose Weight
3. If You Have High Blood Pressure Lower Your Cholesterol

Most of these Qigong methods have a common factor. The rate of respiration is slowed down. This may be the chief parameter which accounts for their lowering of blood pressure.

Recent research shows that 3 or 4 15-minute sessions of slow breathing (less than or equal to 10 breaths per minute) can lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, usually within 8 weeks (1) ? (19). In one clinical trial, some diabetics were not able to sufficiently lower their respiration rate. However, with a longer training period a lower rate of respiration might be achieved.

The breathing exercise should be performed using normal, Buddhist or diaphragmatic breathing, like opera singers. The Daoists thought that normal breathing was one of the secrets of longevity. If you look at a baby in its crib you will only notice its stomach move up and down as it breathes. By contrast, when most seniors breathe their upper chest heaves up and down and there is no visible movement of their abdomen, a consequence of shallow breathing. A Chinese doctor looks at the abdomen of a critically ill patient. If it moves up and down as the patient breathes, the patient has a better chance of surviving than a patient with no visible abdominal movement on breathing. Thus, you may have to instruct patients so that normal or diaphragmatic breathing is done automatically.

Normal or diaphragmatic breathing can be practiced lying down or sitting in a chair. The practice methods are similar. The method of practice while sitting in a chair will be described. Inhale and exhale gently, smoothly and continuously through your nose. Sit comfortably, with your knees bent and your shoulders, head and neck relaxed. Place one hand on your upper chest and the other just below your rib cage. This will allow you to feel your diaphragm move as you breathe. As you inhale, the hand on your chest must move as little as possible, while the hand on your abdomen must move outwards. When you exhale, the hand on your abdomen moves inward, which you can help by slightly and gently pulling your abdominal muscle inward. Once again, the hand on your chest moves as little as possible. At first, you?ll probably get tired while doing this exercise because an increased effort will be needed to use the diaphragm correctly. Keep at it, because with continued practice, diaphragmatic breathing will become easy and automatic. Practice this exercise 5-10 minutes a few times a day.

Slow breathing has the physiological effect of relaxing the muscles surrounding the small blood vessels, which allows the blood to flow more easily. Alpha blockers block receptors in arteries and smooth muscle. This action relaxes the blood vessels and leads to an increase in blood flow and a lower pressure for the control of hypertension. The action in the urinary tract enhances urinary flow for an enlarged prostate. Slow breathing seems to have the same effect as alpha blockers. Thus, it may also reduce the symptoms of an enlarged prostate. This conjecture has not been subjected to clinical trials, but has worked on

Originally posted 2009-10-30 06:07:07. Republished by Old Post Promoter

Related posts:

1. Hypertension Symptoms and Natural Hypertension Treatments
2. Seven Qigong Practices for Hypertension #3
3. Hypertension – causes, prevention and treatment

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

Originally posted 2009-11-07 07:15:23. Republished by Old Post Promoter

Related posts:

1. The Best High Blood Pressure Fruits And Vegetables Diet
2. Diet to Reduce High Blood Pressure- a Natural Hypertension Treatment With No Medication
3. What if you Could Extend your Life With a High Blood Pressure Diet?

However, millions of people spend billions of dollars seeing doctors, paying for visits, getting check-ups and buying expensive medication, but never realize that God created the miraculous human body to run near perfect and cure itself naturally. And the travesty is not only the financial aspect of the ’silent killer’, but by lowering your high blood pressure with synthetic medication you could be hurting your body by not curing the cause.

The ‘Silent Killer’

If you don’t know already, high blood pressure got its nickname, the silent killer, because it does exactly that? it will kill you with NO WARNING. In fact, over 50,000 people died last year because of this disease. I recently read one article which called it a ‘widow maker’. And I couldn’t agree more; we all know someone who has lost a loved one because of this deadly disease.

But in the process of slowly killing you, it could cause well over one hundred health problems including obesity, stroke, cardiovascular disease, depression, Alzheimer’s disease, kidney stones, diabetes and numerous other diseases. But I can guarantee your doctor did not tell you that the miracle pill will not treat any of these diseases. In fact, the path of HBP medication will lead you back to the hospital for another visit, another disease to treat and anther pay check cashed by the medical industry. A little fishy, right?

If you do the math (and thousands are already sold), you could save literally multiple thousands of dollars and add decades to your life by naturally treating high blood pressure.

The Good Thing about High Blood Pressure

By now you know there is nothing good about high blood pressure. Whatever career; whatever race; whatever weight; whatever stage- you can treat high blood pressure naturally.

One of the best things about health is it seems that I learn something new everyday. In fact, I spend part of my week researching the latest rave in natural health and it always amazes me to hear about the human body. In fact, my personal faith is seriously strengthened each week learning something new about our bodies. And you would be amazed at some of the e-mails I have received from customers who have dropped drastic points (even stages) in weeks from simple natural health tips that work. Funny their doctors forgot to mention these tips?

Here is word from our company’s personal health doctor, Dr. Scott Saunders.

“As a medical doctor with over ten years of research in the field of nutritional and alternative medicine, I’ve seen a great deal of misinformation. As I’ve read through the reports by Barton Publishing, I’ve been impressed by how well-researched and comprehensive these reports are. There is no hype or pushing a specific type of therapy, just well-researched alternative treatments and some anecdotes. People are different so there are a variety of ways to heal illnesses. These reports take this into account, giving you many options and providing the information you need to heal yourself and be independent of drugs and “experts.”

Naturally Treat Hypertension

Treating your high blood pressure naturally is different from the traditional method of popping a pill and PRESTO! Many of our customers will try all of the treatments and drop points in weeks or months. Yet, many of our customers might try one to two different treatments and will drop points. Whatever the case, we recommend the following treatments.

1. Your body! Your body must be treated as one of your most important assets. I like the famous health clich

Originally posted 2009-11-03 09:47:06. Republished by Old Post Promoter

Related posts:

1. Naturally Treat High Blood Pressure- Treat Hypertension, Shed Weight and Increase Sex Drive
2. Lower High Blood Pressure Naturally- Cure Hypertension and Sleep the Whole Night
3. Diet to Reduce High Blood Pressure- a Natural Hypertension Treatment With No Medication

It is thought that an estimated one in three people in the US have high blood pressure, and it is likely these numbers will be mirrored more or less in most industrialized nations. Of these people is it thought that about a third will go undiagnosed and not realise that they have high blood pressure, as they have not had their blood pressure levels checked for a period.

Also, of those who are diagnosed it is believed that around 50% do not take their blood pressure medication as prescribed, which is considered as one of the major causes of malignant hypertension (when blood pressure becomes very high and severe damage can occur to major organs in the body).

The reason for this complacency is clear. It is not that people aren’t aware high blood pressure can lead to an increased risk of stroke, heart attacks and kidney problems, but the symptoms of high blood pressure are mild or non-existent so people either forget or don’t think they need them as they feel well.

It is usually only when the blood pressure becomes severely elevated that there are symptoms identified that can be isolated.

This lack of symptoms is the reason that high blood pressure has been given the rather morbid name by many of the “the silent killer”.

Continue reading to discover how you can sign up for the free Banish High Blood Pressure newsletter, and find out how to relieve high blood pressure safely.

There is a foolproof way to check if a person has high blood pressure, and that is to have the blood pressure checked in a doctors surgery, or to use one of the many home blood pressure monitors that can be purchased. Usually, it takes more than one reading to get a “baseline” blood pressure level as a number of factors can influence a reading, including caffeine, alcohol, exercise, posture and stress levels.

In different countries the standards for what is considered as normal, pre hypertentive and hypertentive and malignant hypertension are slightly different.

- Normal blood pressure readings tend to be lower than 12/80 mmhg

- A person is likely to be considered as pre hypertentive if they have a systolic reading of between 120 and 139, or a diastolic reading of between 80 and 89. Both the systolic and the diastolic readings are important.

- A person is considered to have hypertension if they have a blood pressure over 140/90, and both the numbers will be considered when diagnosing the condition.

Many people with high blood pressure are referred to as having benign hypertension, as the damage being caused can take many years to develop.

The term “benign” is used to distinguish it from malignant hypertension which requires immediate medical attention as it is often life threatening or can damage vital organs in the short term.

Even if you have benign hypertension, or no symptoms are being shown it is important to treat high blood pressure rapidly. There is no way of knowing the length of time that a person can have high blood pressure without causing damage, and the risk of damage increases over time.

Originally posted 2009-11-05 08:34:19. Republished by Old Post Promoter

Related posts:

1. Naturally Treat High Blood Pressure- Treat Hypertension, Shed Weight and Increase Sex Drive
2. The Good Thing About High Blood Pressure-you Can Naturally Treat Hypertension
3. Hypertension – Symptoms, Complications of This Silent Killer

There are two types of hypertension – primary and secondary. Primary hypertension is closely related to the patient’s lifestyle while secondary hypertension is caused by other medical conditions – kidney and liver failure are known to be causes of secondary hypertension.

Symptoms or Signs of Hypertension

These symptoms are not mandatory in condition of hypertension, but if you suspect or find it unsettling, do take a blood pressure test at your local medical center.

1. Chest pains – A heavy crushing pain in the chest; in laymen’s term it feels like someone is standing on your chest.
2. Nosebleed
3. Urinal bleed – blood in urine.
4. Tiredness and regularly experience confusion
5. Changes or blurring of vision

Causes of Primary Hypertension and Prevention

Lack of physical activity: Most of the causes for primary hypertension are caused by the lifestyle factor. The lack of physical activity could, first of all, increase cholesterol levels. Rising cholesterol levels narrows the blood vessel, thus increasing the pressure of blood flow – hypertension. Prevention can then be done maintaining a minimum of 30 minutes of physical activity (jogging or walking) could reduce cholesterol induced hypertension. Taking precautions against diabetes could also help because diabetes are normally related to hypertension.

Tobacco products: It is uncertain whether it is the tobacco, or nicotine in tobacco products that are the exact cause of hypertension. But the facts are smokers are at higher risk of suffering from hypertension. This may be explained by the fact that nicotine increases blood pressure temporarily but there are arguments that nicotine patches do not increase blood pressure. No matter the case, anyone can prevent hypertension by staying away from tobacco products especially cigarettes and users – smokers.

Alcohol: The factual statistics shows that between 30% – 60% of alcoholics suffer from hypertension. Although there are no medically or scientifically proven tests that results in the conclusion that alcohol is a cause of hypertension, do use your common sense by judging the statistics and stay away from alcohols because it increases your risk of suffering hypertension.

Sodium: Excessive intake of salt or salty foods could lead to hypertension as sodium tends to increase the blood pressure. Notice that the term ‘tends to’ is applied. This is because only those who are sensitive or responsive to sodium would have their blood pressure react to excessive sodium intake. However, to play it safe, it is advisable to cut down on food intakes that contain high levels of salt such as salty snacks, pickled foods, processed foods, etc.

Stress: Blood pressure levels increase as stress increases. The only prevention for stress induced hypertension is to calm down and do not response to hectic circumstances. Take things less seriously or light, you health is far more important and therefore whatever that causes stress is just not worth your time or attention.

Originally posted 2009-11-07 08:49:14. Republished by Old Post Promoter

Related posts:

1. Hypertension – causes, prevention and treatment
2. Hypertension Causes and Risks
3. What Causes Hypertension, Symptoms of Hypertension and Treatment

The fact that most of us not only can afford to eat beyond the basic needs of survival, but also we enjoy eating rich foods, create ideal conditions for high blood pressure, a common problem in developed countries.

Here is a list of foods to reduce or avoid:

Sodium-rich foods such as processed foods

Since low potassium elevates sodium levels that can lead to hypertension and potassium is known to lower blood pressure, replace table salt with potassium-rich salt. Also, replace sodium-rich foods with potassium-rich foods.

Foods rich in potassium include apricots, avocados, bananas, cantaloupes, honeydew melons, kiwi, peaches, oranges, watermelons, raisins, prunes, dates and figs. Also, pumpkins, tomatoes, greens, potatoes, artichokes, beans, lentils, salmon, sardines and cod.

Tobacco

Caffeinated products, such as coffee and chocolate

There have been studies that show consuming dark chocolate can reduce blood pressure without significant weight gain. On the whole, however, foods containing caffeine can elevate stress levels and keep you up at night.

Alcohol

Alcohol can cause high blood pressure, but when consumed in moderate amounts also help the heart. Therefore, restrict yourself to no more than one or two glasses of red wine a day.

Sugar and other sweeteners, including maple syrup, molasses, brown sugar and artificial sweeteners

Sugar and other sweeteners have been known to raise blood pressure in some people. Developed countries consume too much sweets in their diet, leading to obesity and diabetes, both of which are also closely linked with hypertension. Aspartame, that is found in some artificial sweeteners, can raise your blood pressure.

Try to replace foods containing simple sugars (that are absorbed directly into the bloodstream) with complex carbohydrates that break down more slowly, such as found in fresh fruit.

Raw honey is also a good sweetener, because moderate amounts have been known to help lower blood pressure. However, if you are diabetic or hypoglycemic, you still need to watch your blood sugar.

Animal fats, red meat and internal organs

Traditionally, qigong/chi kung practitioners were predominantly vegetarians, consuming very little, if any meat. If you are not willing to change completely over to a vegetarian diet, at least reduce your consumption of meat: limit yourself to white meat and fish. Eliminate animal fats, red meat and processed meat, such as sandwich meat, from your diet.

Other things you can do:

Replace saturated fats with unsaturated fats, such as extra virgin olive oil. Increase your fiber, as found in whole grains, fresh fruit and vegetables. To avoid overcooking and destroying essential nutrients, steam or lightly stir fry your vegetables, and eat plenty of leafy green salads.

One particular vegetable to note in the fight against hypertension is celery. Traditional Chinese medicine have included mung beans, honey, water chestnuts, turnip and Chinese celery as a dietary treatment for hypertension. Also, studies have found consuming four stalks of celery a day will lower blood pressure significantly.

Another food supplement that helps lower blood pressure is the essential omega-3 fatty acids. Two of them are found in fish oils, particularly in salmon, sardines, tuna, halibut, mackerel, cod liver and lake trout. A third fatty acid is found in flaxseed, soy products, canola oil and nuts.

Your diet should also include foods high in magnesium, as found in soy products, legumes, seeds, nuts, whole grains, fruits and vegetables, such as bananas, avocados and dried apricots.

People suffering from hypertension are also lacking in calcium. However, you don’t have to consume dairy products to get your calcium. In fact, milk is not necessarily your best source of calcium because it is low in magnesium, a mineral required for your body to absorb calcium. If you take dairy products, consume only low-fat dairy foods.

Foods rich in calcium include soya milk, leafy greens such as collard greens, baked beans and canned salmon.

Finally, other foods not mentioned but also helpful in the fight against high blood pressure include reishi mushrooms, Chinese white fungi, shitake mushrooms and blueberries.

Any treatment for hypertension must include a healthy diet, and throughout history, qigong/chi kung has always been practiced in line with a diet of herbs and foods that promote health and wellness.

Look forward to my next article on the fourth qigong/ci kung practice for hypertension ? herbs and related supplements.

Originally posted 2009-11-03 09:48:26. Republished by Old Post Promoter

Related posts:

1. Using Qigong Breathing Exercises to Relieve Hypertension, an Enlarged Prostate and Arrhythmias
2. What You Should Eat If You Have Hypertension
3. Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) Diet – 5 Food Tips That Will Normalize Your Blood Pressure