Natural Treatment For Hypertension

2007-08-17T18:45:00.000-07:00

Natural Treatment For Hypertension
by: Jason Rickard

Hypertension is a condition of increased blood pressure on blood vessels. It is considered as one of the most common lifestyle diseases and has affected around 50 million people in the United States. Hypertension, also called high blood pressure, is categorized into two types - essential hypertension and secondary hypertension - on the basis of the underlying causes for its occurrence. The reason for essential hypertension is not easily identifiable and treated, while secondary hypertension is the complication of any other existing chronic disease such as alcohol abuse, kidney failure, and hormonal imbalance. It is a highly risky disease, which essentially needs treatment, since it can lead to arteriosclerosis that results degenerative diseases, stroke, and cardiac arrest.

Now, natural treatment is preferred to reduce hypertension, as people are more aware of the possible side effects of conventional medication. Natural treatment methodology also has a unique advantage to cure the underlying causes, which the conventional medicines usually lack. Natural methods focus to cure the risk factors for hypertension such as cholesterol, hormonal imbalance, diabetes and obesity to restore the equilibrium and perfect functioning of the body.

Natural treatment primarily starts with life style modification since bad habits have contributed much to the cause of the disease. Balanced diet and diet modification is an essential part of natural treatment, which helps to reduce obesity, a major risk factor for hypertension. In addition to other nutrients, potassium, calcium and magnesium have to be additionally included in the diet since they play vital role in blood control. The increased tendency to partake in common salt must be avoided, to maintain the balance of electrolytes. A recommended mineral rich diet must include milk and milk products, fishes, oysters, nuts, green vegetables, and fruits such as bananas, potatoes, and molasses. Supplements of minerals and vitamins are to be used, if a proper diet is not feasible.

Natural treatment requires hypertension patients to implement certain lifestyle modifications. Exercise and relaxation therapies are an inevitable part of natural treatment. The excess calories have to be burnt off through regular exercises and it helps to induce oxygenation of blood. Relaxation therapies and meditation techniques such as yoga, breathing exercises, tai chi, biofeedback, and hypnotherapy help to avoid stress and other related psychiatric problems. Avoid alkaloid rich drinks such as coffee and fatty foods. Smoking has to be essentially quitted and dependency on alcohol has to be avoided.

Natural treatment also suggests certain herbal remedies such as Withania somnifera, Convolvulus pluricaulis, Passiflora, and Ginkgo biloba. Garlic is also recommended as a routine ingredient of diet since it has the power of being a blood thinner. However, be cautious when taking herbal supplements, only using according to the advice of a physician since herbal alkaloids may interfere the balance of the body functions.

Hypertension is a silent killer, which exhibit its symptoms only in advanced conditions. Hence, modify your lifestyle to practice good habits and a balanced diet and you can reduce the risk of hypertension naturally.

Healthy Weight Loss

2007-08-17T17:51:00.000-07:00

Healthy Weight Loss by: Scott Mogul

Healthy weight loss is a major topic of discussion and with good reason. During the past 20 years, the number of people classified as overweight or obese has more than tripled. These frightening statistics show how important it is that people are educated on healthy weight loss. The media is full of advertisements for crash diets and meal substitutes. However, experts say that the key to healthy weight loss is eating the right foods and taking regular exercise. Moreover, many suggest that crash diets can actually lead to weight gain in the long run. Healthy weight loss is about lifestyle changes. This means making a permanent change to the way you eat and exercise. Many people find rigid diet plans difficult to stick to leading to a yo-yo effect on their weight – constantly losing it and then putting it back on. Healthy weight loss needn’t be like this. The main principles of healthy weight loss are: * Eat a balanced diet: Ensure your diet includes all the major food groups and concentrate on eating fewer foods high in fat, sugar and salt. You should also increase your uptake of fruit, vegetables and healthy grains. By filling your plate up with lots of vegetables, you’ll find you still feel full but lose weight! * Exercise, exercise, exercise! This doesn’t have to mean running or joining a gym. Walking for thirty minutes 3 times a week will help make you fitter and can lead to healthy weight loss. Find something you enjoy and you’ll be more likely to stick to it. Swimming, cycling, horse-riding, walking and keep-fit classes are some examples of great weight loss exercises. * Drink more water! Many people mistake thirst for hunger, and increasing your uptake of water can help prevent this. Water is great as it helps flush out the toxins in your body and keeps your skin hydrated. Drinking 8 glasses of water a day can help towards achieving healthy weight loss. * Changing the way you think about food. Many people eat for the wrong reasons, and this is why they gain weight. When you eat, think about your reasons, are you really hungry? Many people find they reach for ‘comfort foods’ when they are stressed, tired or bored. By becoming more aware of these patterns you can help break the cycle, and instead of reaching for chocolate try going for a walk or something else to distract yourself. * Speak to a professional! If you feel you need to lose a large amount of weight or are unsure about the right plan for you, contact your doctor. Your weight is affected by more than just food, many health conditions can lead to a change in weight. Therefore, it is worth getting checked out and taking their advice on the best eating and exercise plan for you. * Be patient! Healthy weight loss is not achieved overnight and should be a gradual process. Stick with your new changes and you should notice a gradual but permanent change in the way you look and feel.

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Natural Treatment For Hypertension