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Homeopathy For Blood Pressure
What is Blood Pressure?Basically, blood pressure refers to the pressure created when the heart pumps out blood, which is essential in order to ensure that the blood reaches all the different parts and tissues of the body properly.
The blood pressure of an individual is measured using an instrument known as sphygmomanometer, and the optimum blood pressure of a human is 120/80 (systolic and diastolic blood pressures). High or low fluctuations in the normal blood pressure can cause health problems, sometimes even life-threatening conditions.
High Blood Pressure, Low Blood Pressure and Blood Pressure Readings
High blood pressure affects millions of people worldwide today, and is currently among the most concerning health conditions. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a disorder wherein the blood pressure exceeds beyond normal limits. When the blood pressure of an individual is measured and is found to exceed beyond the 140/90 reading, the individual is said to suffer from high blood pressure.
Conversely, when an individual's blood pressure reading falls below 110/70, the person is said to suffer from hypotension or low blood pressure.Causes of Blood Pressure
Blood pressure fluctuations may arise due to different reasons. Usually, overconsumption of OTC drugs, corticosteroids and immunosuppressants, especially when continued for a prolonged period of time, can cause hypertension.
Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, inhibitors etc, may also cause an elevation in blood pressure and affect the kidneys as well. Use of tobacco and tobacco-containing products and consumption of alcohol, too, can raise blood pressure. It is also believed that alcohol-induced high blood pressure is more common in women, and intake of caffeine and caffeine containing products may also play a role in elevating blood pressure. In contrast, low blood pressure usually occurs in individuals who aren't fit and too weak and fragile. Pregnant women, too are prone to suffer from low blood pressure. Some other problems including endocrine disorders, heart problems like bradycardia, heart attack, heart failure, dehydration, fatigue, weakness and loss of blood may be linked to low blood pressure. Use of certain drugs like alpha blockers, diuretics, beta blockers etc, may also cause a drop in the blood pressure. Allergic reactions and infections in the body, lack of adequate essential nutrients and use of antidepressant medications for a long period of time is also known to cause low blood pressure in individuals.Symptoms and Signs of Blood Pressure
Most people suffering from high or low blood pressure do not recognize any signs or symptoms, and even if they do, they tend to ignore them.
Most commonly, people having hypertension may experience dizzy spells, headache and are more prone to nosebleeds.
On the other hand, individuals suffering from low blood pressure may experience fainting, fatigue, depression, dizziness, lack of concentration, nausea, thirst and blurred vision.Homeopathy for Blood Pressure
For patients suffering from high blood pressure, homeopathic treatments can be very beneficial, especially if the illness is not very old. Here we've listed some common homeopathic medications that can be used to combat high blood pressure and low blood pressure.
Homeopathic medications for high blood pressure:
Belladona: Belladona is known for its efficacy in treating high blood pressure, and shows remarkable improvement in individuals having an accelerated pulse rate, dilated pupils and flushed face.
Aconitum: Aconitum is a useful homeopathic remedy particularly for patients who suffer from high blood pressure which occurs suddenly, and when the patient is constantly faced by a fear of dying. Nux Vomica: Nux Vomica is effective in lowering down high blood pressure arising due to overeating.Lycopodium: Lycopodium, too, is a general, effective homeopathic remedy for patients suffering from high blood pressure.
Ignatia: High blood pressure arising due to emotional upset, anger, grief etc can be treated effectively using Ignatia.
Lachesis: Lachesis is a homeopathic remedy which is particularly effective in treating high blood pressure occurring during menopause.
Homeopathic Medications for Low Blood Pressure:
Conium: Conium is a homeopathic remedy that helps specifically older patients suffering from low blood pressure and whose body has become weak and the organs of the body don't function to the optimum level.
Digitalis: This is an effective homeopathic remedy for patients suffering from heart problems, irregular and very slow pulse, shortness of breath and fatigue.Calcarea phos: Calcarea phos is an effective homeopathic treatment for weak, tired and exhausted individuals.
Kalmia: Kalmia may prove to be a good homeopathic remedy for patients suffering from low blood pressure.
Prevention of Blood PressureEating natural foods and adopting a healthy lifestyle is the best and easiest way to manage blood pressure for both-patients suffering from hypertension or hypotension. Obesity and lack of physical activity are major culprits behind high blood pressure; which is why, losing weight and exercising regularly can help you manage blood pressure.
Reducing the sodium content and eating more natural, organic foods can be yet another effective way to manage blood pressure. Cutting down alcohol and nicotine consumption may also help patients lower their blood pressure levels naturally.Natural Remedies For High Blood Pressure
Herbs, supplements, a healthy eating pattern, and a few yoga exercises constitute the natural remedies for lowering high blood pressure.
Natural remedies are sometimes sufficient to prevent and control high blood pressure in people with family history of the condition or in people who have the risk factors. Here are some natural remedies for high blood pressure.Advertisement
Nutritional changes to lower high blood pressure1. DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet - Researches have shown that DASH diet can reduce the risk of developing as well as lowering an already elevated blood pressure. DASH diet plan emphasizes fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy foods and includes whole grains, poultry, fish and nuts too. This diet plan advises low intake of fats, red meats, sweets and sugared beverages.
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DASH diet is particularly effective if you are overweight or obese. A Medical University of South Carolina study found that obesity may raise blood pressure through oxidative stress and DASH diet is effective in decreasing blood pressure by enhancing antioxidant capacity in obese people with hypertension. The researchers also found that blood pressure did not change significantly in lean people with normal blood pressure.Advertisement
Another study from Australia suggested that the best diet to delay the onset of high blood pressure and high blood glucose related to age is one low in calories and saturated fats, and high in whole grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables.2. Reduce Salt/ Sodium Intake. Choose foods that are lower in salt and sodium content. The National Institute of Health recommends consumption of less that 2.4 g (2,400 mg) of sodium per day. It is equivalent to one teaspoon of table salt per day. Reducing sodium intake will work better if you increase consumption of potassium. Avoid processed foods, junk foods and fried foods.
3. Drink plenty of fluids daily. Drink water equivalent to 50 percent of your body weight in ounce. For example, if you weigh 140 pounds, drink 70 ounce of water every day.
4. Go easy on alcohol. Drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure. Limit your alcohol intake to one drink if you are a woman and two drinks if you are a man.
Supplements to lower high blood pressure
Some supplements may help decrease hypertension. Although supplements can be taken in the form of pills or capsules, its best you take them in your diet as foods. Always consult your doctor before adding any supplements to your blood pressure treatment.
Supplements that help control high blood pressure include:
Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) – ALA can be obtained from foods such as flaxseeds, walnuts, soybean, and dark green leafy vegetables.
Omega-3 fatty acids – Food sources for omega-3 fatty acids are salmon, sardines, cod (14 ounces of fish per week), cod liver oil (3 teaspoons per day), walnut, and tofu.
Co-enzyme Q10 – Food sources for co-enzyme Q10 are not well documented. However, it is available from foods such as fish, organ meats viz. Liver, kidney and heart, and whole grain germs.
Herbs and home remedies for lowering high blood pressure
Apart from herbs such as arjuna bark, olive leaf extract, and hawthorn, the following natural remedies also help lower high blood pressure.
1. Cocoa
Surprisingly, hot cocoa has been found to prevent and control high blood pressure. A study from Institute of Human Nutrition and Food Science, Christian Albrechts University, Germany, found that polyphenols in cocoa exhibit anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-atherogenic activity. But they also indicated that bio-availability of cocoa polyphenols from dietary intake is very low. [6] So if you plan to get these polyphenols from chocolate, take into account its high energy content.
Alternatively, if you go by a Harvard research, drinking 5 cups of cocoa every day can help you control high blood pressure. This is because flavanols in cocoa stimulate your body's production of nitric oxide that boosts blood flow to heart, brain and other organs.
2. Garlic
Garlic, best known for its anti-cholesterol properties, also helps lower high blood pressure if taken over time. The recommended dose is 1-2 capsules to be taken twice a day, if you can't take raw garlic cloves because of its pungent taste and smell. Garlic eases the spasm in the arteries, slows the pulse and modifies heart rhythm besides relieving the symptoms of dizziness, shortness of breath and flatulence. Consult your doctor before using garlic as blood pressure treatment.
3. Rauwolfia
Rauwolfia serpentina, also called Indian snakeroot or sarpagandha, contains alkaloids that are used to treat high blood pressure. Rauwolfia alkaloids work by controlling nerve impulses along certain nerve pathways. They act on the heart and blood vessels and thus lower high blood pressure.
Oral dosage for adults is 50-100 mg of Rauwolfia tablets per day. However, rauwolfia will not cure your high blood pressure but it does help control it. Pregnant women and breastfeeding women should avoid using rauwolfia to control their blood pressure.
4. Yoga and breathing exercises to control high blood pressure
Relaxation techniques such as yoga with breathing exercises can help you relax and reduce your stress levels and consequently lower high blood pressure. Consult your doctor before beginning on any yoga or breathing techniques.Shavasana (the corpse pose) and sukhasana (the easy pose) are two yogasanas that help control high blood pressure.
Shavasana:
Lie down face up on the yoga mat in a warm room.
Place your feet about 20 inches apart and loosen (relax) the ankles and toes so that they point outwards.
Place the hands palm up about 10 inches away from the body.
Ensure that your shoulder blades are pulled down and the small of your back is relaxed into the floor.
Completely relax the body so that eventually you'll forget its there.
Focus on your breath. Breathe normally. Notice the subtle movements of breathing.
Feel yourself in tune with the rhythms of the body. Detach yourself from your thoughts. Let go.
Come out of shavasana very slowly so as to keep base with the tranquil and relaxed feelings inside of you.
Sukhasana:
It is a classic seated posture that will help you relax.
Sit on the yoga mat, fold the legs in toward your body, crossing the shins and placing each foot beneath the opposite knee.
Leave a comfortable gap between the feet and the pelvis.
Place your hands in your lap palm up. You may also lay your hands on your knees palm down.
Firm your shoulders but don't overarch your lower back.
Sit in this position for as long as you are comfortable.
Breathe normally. Focus on your breathing till you relax.
Remember to alternate the cross of the legs.
Reach out to people. Nurture love and affection. Laugh as much as you can. Laughter is the best medicine. It is a good relaxation therapy. All these natural remedies can help you reduce stress and lower your high blood pressure.
What Is High Cholesterol? Symptoms, Causes And Treatment
A person with high cholesterol has an increased risk of fatty deposits building up in their blood vessels, potentially creating a blockage in an artery. "Sometimes, those deposits can break suddenly and form a clot that causes a heart attack or stroke," explains Dr. Heyn. "Thankfully, hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol) is considered a modifiable health condition," she adds, noting that effective treatments can include lifestyle modifications and, in some cases, medication.
Lifestyle Modifications"Those with high cholesterol should avoid foods high in saturated and trans fats, such as red meats, fried foods and commercially baked goods," notes Dr. Tadwalkar.
To further lower one's LDL cholesterol and maintain healthy LDL cholesterol, consider the following dietary lifestyle modifications.
Melina Jampolis, M.D., an internist, board-certified physician nutrition specialist and Forbes Health Advisory Board member, recommends trying the Portfolio Diet, which research shows may help improve overall cholesterol . Designed by University of Toronto nutrition expert David Jenkins, M.D., this primarily plant-based eating pattern prioritizes the consumption of nuts, plant sterols, viscous fiber and soy protein.
A 2023 review of studies in Nutrients suggests consuming most nuts (including total nuts and tree nuts, such as pistachios, walnuts, cashews, almonds and peanuts) can help lower total cholesterol . Dr. Jampolis recommends eating about 1 ounce of nuts daily to reap both their healthy cholesterol-supporting and antioxidant benefits.
Plant sterols are natural compounds that resemble cholesterol in their molecular structure and can help block its absorption in the body, notes Dr. Jampolis. She recommends that most people aim to consume about 2 grams daily. "You can get plant sterols in small doses from foods naturally, but to [consume] 2 grams per day, you have to eat fortified foods (like spreads, milk yogurt) or take [plant sterol] supplements," she says.
Viscous fiber, a type of soluble fiber found in plant-based foods, can also help reduce the body's cholesterol absorption. Fiber combines with water to form a gel that moves throughout the intestines and gathers cholesterol, sugar and bile salts, all of which are later excreted, preventing further cholesterol buildup.
Good sources of soluble fiber include fruits like apricots, apples, avocados and nectarines, vegetables like broccoli, carrots and okra, certain grains like oats and barley, and a variety of seeds. One should aim to consume 25 to 30 grams of soluble fiber from food per day.
Finally, soy protein can be found in foods and beverages like edamame, soy milk, tempeh, tofu and soy nuts, according to Dr. Jampolis. Soy protein can help promote cardiovascular health and assist in obesity prevention and control. A person should consume 25 grams of soy daily to reap these benefits.
"If you've been diagnosed with high cholesterol and/or have a family history [of the condition], consider consulting with a registered dietitian nutritionist who could help you with food choices and create an individualized plan," adds Dr. Heyn.
Taking Medication for High CholesterolA healthy lifestyle may not be the only course of treatment for lowering cholesterol. "Some individuals, no matter how much they improve their diet and overall lifestyle, [when there's] a family history of high cholesterol, medication is still needed," says Keri Gans, a registered dietitian nutritionist and Forbes Health Advisory Board member.
Health care providers typically recommend medications for cholesterol management based on an individual's full lipoprotein profile results and their general health risks. According to the CDC, medication may be needed to lower cholesterol:
Statins are the most common medications used to treat high cholesterol. They assist in lowering LDL cholesterol by both reducing how much cholesterol the liver makes and helping the liver remove cholesterol already present in the blood. Statins, which are generally considered highly effective and safe, are prescribed by a health care provider and should be used as directed under their guidance.
Other prescription medications used for managing cholesterol include (but aren't limited to):
Dr. Dinetz advises individuals to weigh the potential benefits and risks of taking medication for cholesterol management, particularly statins. Popular statin medications, such as Crestor and Lipitor, aren't typically recommended for people at least 75 years old because of their higher risk of experiencing a cardiovascular event and potential trouble tolerating side effects, according to the American College of Cardiology.
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