Blood pressure is defined as an amount of strength that pushes against the walls of arteries to get blood through the body. If this strength is too strong for too long, it will weaken arterial walls over time.
In America, 70 million people (or 1 of every 3) have high blood pressure. In Canada, it’s 1 in 6.
Hypertension increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, atherosclerosis, and kidney failure. Managing this condition is, therefore, critical not just for all-around health and feeling good, but to prevent life-threatening illness.
Medications increase the risk of cancer
According to studies, taking the most commonly prescribed medications – calcium channel blockers (Amlodipine, Verapamil, Diltiazem) – for an extended period puts you at risk of developing cancer 2 and a half times that of someone who doesn’t and the odds increase as you age.
Two types of hypertension
Hypertension can be genetic or acquired through a high-risk lifestyle. There are 2 types of hypertension essential (primary) and secondary. In the case of essential hypertension, there’s no possible cause and it gradually develops over many years. Secondary hypertension is usually connected with other conditions such as:
- Kidney problems
- Thyroid problems
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Adrenal gland tumors
- Certain congenital blood defects
The risk factors for high blood pressure include:
- Age
- Excessive use of alcohol or drugs of any kind
- Overweight
- Race – high blood pressure is more common in African Americans than white Americans
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Stress
- Tobacco use
- Chronic vitamin D and/or potassium deficiency over time
- Too much salt
- Other chronic conditions such as diabetes and kidney disease
- Medications for high blood pressure can kill you faster than hypertension itself, so what can you do?
There is a lot you can do!
How to manage high blood pressure
According to many studies, high intake of fruits and vegetables reduce the risk of heart disease with demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects due to the group of phytonutrients known as anthocyanins.
In order to manage high blood pressure:
Reduce your salt intake: Reduced salt intake can delay or prevent the incidence of antihypertensive therapy, can promote blood pressure reduction, and may represent a simple cost-saving mediator to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
Exercise: Exercise is a foundation therapy for the prevention, treatment, and control of hypertension.
Avoid foods that worsen hypertension, like alcohol, processed meats, ramen noodles, and anything with high sodium content.
Below is a recipe for hypertension tea that is delicious and will provide nutrients to reduce blood pressure.
Celery contains phthalides, phytonutrients that act to reduce constriction in artery walls, allowing increased blood flow.
Red dates contain high levels of potassium, a nutrient known to lessen the effects of sodium in the bloodstream, thereby reducing blood pressure.
2 – Ingredient Tea
Ingredients:
- 7 ounces of organic celery
- 2 ounces red dates
- 2 quarters water
Instructions:
- Wash and clean celery and red dates.
- Cut celery into small sections.
- Put all ingredients in a soup pot and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Strain the chunks from the liquid.
- Drink the tea as often as possible.
Source: 365aims
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