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 system
when the heart is at rest. The ratio between the two readings tells a lot
about how your heart is functioning.
So what is "normal" blood pressure? If you’re a peak
performance athlete about 18 years of age, normal may be
115/75. But as we get older, a
higher reading such as 140/90 is acceptable. However, once it rises above
that, you’re probably registering too much pressure on the system.
The cause of high blood pressure varies with different individuals. The
orthodox medical profession usually blames "essential" hypertension on
stress from work, relationships, children, debts and parents–you name it.
However, these states of stress can be prevented.
A Preventive Lifestyle
One of the best antidotes to stress |
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drawing or painting might be helpful. Also consider taking
other positive steps to eliminate stress, such as simplifying
your life. Once diagnosed with high blood pressure, the first
thing you have to do is slow yourself down. Faithfully take a day off every week. Switch from
coffee to herbal teas such as camomile and peppermint. If you have a big
caffeine dependency, try weaning yourself with green tea.
There are other appropriate herbal teas. One of the finest and best
tasting is linden blossom (lime flower or Tilia americana et spp.). It can
be used regularly to maintain the smooth inner lining of the blood
vessels. The French have found the flowers and keel of this plant help
prevent the aggregation of platelets. Linden blossom is often combined
with hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) in treating hypertension. The gentle,
calming effect of both these herbs teaches the body how to relax.
Herbal relaxants are also appropriate in cases of essential
hypertension. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is widely used by
professional herbalists, usually as a tincture (one teaspoon or five ml
three times daily). Herbalists often combine this plant with cramp bark (Viburnum
opulus). This remedy is active in relaxing smooth muscle (the tense
muscles around the arteries are unconsciously clenched). Use one teaspoon
(five ml) of the tincture three times daily.
It would be wrong to think that any herb alone might lower blood pressure.
Some plants will even raise it. If you have high blood pressure, you
should avoid broom (Carothamnus scoparius) and licorice (Glycirrhiza
glabra). The latter can pop up in a number of herbal teas being marketed
as beverages. Check the ingredients.
While herbs can help treat high blood pressure, it makes sense to prevent
high blood pressure in the first place. Exercise, eat healthy foods, take
time out-and enjoy it. Make peace with yourself. Now sit back, have a cup
of linden tea and listen to your arteries purr.
Heart-Healthy Food Choices
The foods you eat play an important role in how your body deals with both
high blood pressure and stress. One of the main reasons for high blood
pressure is the consumption of too much saturated fat from animal sources
and trans-fatty acids from artificially hardened vegetable fats such as
shortening and margarine, as well as refined vegetable oils. Sweet foods,
overly salted foods and insufficient fibre also contribute to high blood
pressure.
Fresh, raw vegetables and fruits should prevail in a diet to control high
blood pressure. Soy beans, potatoes and nuts are highly superior to animal
meat as a protein source. Potassium lowers blood pressure by reducing
blood-vessel constriction and helps alleviate stress by supporting the
adrenal glands. Potassium-rich foods include apples, asparagus, avocados,
cabbage, corn, tomatoes, bananas, oranges, grapefruit, prunes and raisins.
High blood pressure has been linked to calcium and magnesium deficiency.
Green, leafy vegetables are rich in calcium; almonds and cashews are
excellent sources of magnesium. Nuts and seeds should also be eaten daily
as a source of essential fatty acids, which produce hormone-like
substances called prostaglandins that expand the veins and arteries. Foods
rich in B vitamins, such as whole grains, green vegetables and eggs, help
build resistance to stress.
There have been several reputable studies lately that indicate that a
little wine or beer is good for the cardiovascular system. The
Mediterranean diet is very healthy for the heart. Mediterranean cuisine
embraces wine, olives and garlic, avoids fatty meats and is endlessly
inventive with fresh green salads interspersed with bitter leaves of
chicory and endive, along with sweet fruits such as oranges. Garlic is
hypertensive, or lowers blood pressure. If you value your social life, you
might want to take odourless garlic supplements available from health food
stores. On the other hand, if you start feeding your friends pesto, they
won't even notice!
Visit www.ALISTROL.com for more information and try this natural, safe
supplement to provide high blood pressure relief quickly while gaining
health benefits as well.
Summary: We’re taught to ignore pain (including hypertension headaches),
to appear strong and in control at all times and to take life’s
rough-and-tumble punishments with a stiff upper lip. This state, called
"hypertension," is easy to ignore until it’s too late and an aneurysm,
stroke or infarction occurs. |
