Blood pressure is the force with which the blood moves through the human body. If this force is too strong for longer period, it will make the artery walls weaker which can be very dangerous to your health.
Statistics show that 70 million people in U.S. suffer from high blood pressure, meaning 1 in 3 adults. In Canada the number is 1 in 6 individuals.
High blood pressure is also known as hypertension poses a number of health risks, including the risk of stroke, heart attack, kidney failure and atherosclerosis. Therefore, prevention and early diagnosis is of vital importance.
Meds Increase Risk of Cancer
Studies have found that using certain prescription drugs, such as calcium channel blockers, for longer period increases the risk of developing cancer for 2 ½ times when compared to those who don`t take the same drugs. The risk increases with age.
Two Types of Hypertension
Hypertension can occur as a result of unhealthy lifestyle or due to hereditary factors. The two types of hypertension are primary and secondary. There is no certain cause for primary hypertension and gradually develops with age. Secondary hypertension is linked to:
-Age
-Excessive weight
-Too much alcohol or drugs of any kind
-Stress
-Smoking
-Obstructive sleep apnea
-Kidney disorders
-Adrenal gland tumors
-Thyroid disorders
-Race
-Excessive salt consumption
-Sedentary lifestyle
-Chronic vitamin D/potassium deficiency
-Congenital blood defects
How to Manage High Blood Pressure
Numerous studies have proved that regular consumption of fruits and vegetables can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. This is because fruits and vegetables are rich in phytonutrients known as anthocyanins.
Here is a list of 10 foods that effectively reduce blood pressure.
Lower your salt intake. A 2012 study concluded: “Dietary salt intake reduction can delay or prevent the incidence of antihypertensive therapy, can facilitate blood pressure reduction in hypertensive patients receiving medical therapy, and may represent a simple cost-saving mediator to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.”
The best alternatives for salt are nutritional yeast and turmeric.
Physical activity can`t be stressed enough.
A 2007 study confirmed that regular exercise is essential for prevention, control and treatment of high blood pressure.
Avoid foods that cause your blood pressure to rise.
Try to avoid alcohol, processed meat, ramen noodles and anything high in sodium.
Go with the flow.
The following recipe is extremely beneficial for people who struggle with high blood pressure. It is rich in phytonutrients which reduce constriction of artery walls, allowing normal blood flow.
Also, it is recommended that you consume red dates. They are rich in potassium which neutralizes the effects of sodium in the bloodstream, lowering the blood pressure.
Ingredients:
-2 ounces of red dates
-2 quarts of water
-7 ounces of organic celery
Instructions:
Wash and clean the red dates and celery. Cut celery into small sections. Place all the ingredients in a soup pot and simmer for 30 minutes. Strain the chunks from the liquid. Consume the resulting tea as much as possible.
Source: www.healthybodyandtips.org
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