Today’s modern treatments of high blood pressure focus mainly on treating the symptoms, but there are other alternative methods such as diet and nutrition which focus on treating the underlying cause of this disease. If caught in its early stages, there are some forms of high blood pressure that can be completely reversed without the use of pharmaceuticals if a strict diet is adhered to on a daily basis. Anyone, whether healthy or ailing will benefit significantly from the dietary and nutritional guidelines listed below.
1) High Fiber – Low in Fat – This diet consists of plenty of oat bran, fresh fruits containing pectin such as apples, bananas and melons as well as vegetables such as peas, beets, cabbage, carrots, broccoli, prunes and spinach.
2) No Salt – high quantities of salt ingested into the body promotes the retention of fluids, thereby increasing blood pressure. If salt intake is reduced significantly, it can help alleviate or prevent the onset of hypertension. It is important to note that labels on food products must be read carefully as many foods contain salt. Look for the words “na” or “sodium” to indicate that salt is present. In addition, another variation called monosodium glutamate is also used in products such as canned vegetables and soups, soy sauce, softened water, diet sodas and even some ibuprofen medications.
3) No Sweets – White sugar has been shown to not only promote the body’s retention of sodium, but also causes an increase in adrenaline whereby creating blood vessel constriction.
4) Quit Smoking – It is no secret that smoking is not only dangerous, but deadly as well. It is not widely known that smoking increases a body’s blood pressure, making it an extreme risk factor for hypertension. In addition, it is also thought that smoked and aged meats and cheeses are also very bad for your health. Other foods that must be avoided include animal fats, gravies, broths, processed foods and yes, even CHOCOLATE.
5) Stalk Up on Celery – Research has it that celery stalks have beneficial effects on lowering high blood pressure if eaten (or juiced) on a regular basis. Its said that celery oil and celery seeds have been used for generations by folk healers and Chinese physicians in the treatment of high blood pressure.
6) Choose Oils Wisely – It is no secret that hydrogenated fat and margarine is extremely unhealthy, however there are some oils that contain beneficial properties. Olive oil, flaxseed oil and fish oil are just a few of these healing oils.
7) Red Meat Bad – although we love to partake in a delectable burger or a juicy steak, it is very important that these delicious treats be limited to a once a month regimen. Lean white meats and coldwater fish are excellent in fighting the battle of high blood pressure.
Say Yes to Garlic – Many studies have shown that garlic is extremely effective in lowering high blood pressure; however it is also highly beneficial in decreasing cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood. While garlic is a fantastic element, most people do not ingest enough on a daily basis in order to experience its benefits, so an odorless capsule is highly recommended. In addition, onions also contain some of these extraordinary properties as well.
9) Become a Vegan – Recent research studies show that people who live a strict vegetarian lifestyle have significantly lower blood pressure than those who partake in meat in their diet. Many people experiencing hypertension can decrease this disease by implementing more vegetables and less meat into their daily diet. Furthermore, adopting a vegan diet is the most effective, rapid, safe and permanent way to eradicate high blood pressure.
10) Try the Dash Diet – This diet is a formulated plan specifically designed for those with high blood pressure and is highly recommended as the first course of treatment by physicians. The medical community recognizes that high blood pressure is not only dangerous to the body but can affect the functionality of other life giving organs as well. It is for this reason that the Dash Diet is endorsed by such organizations as The American Heart Association, The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the U.S. Guidelines for the Treatment of High Blood pressure.
