Hypertension, or high blood pressure, affects almost 25 percent of adults in America, and is a major cause of stroke, heart and kidney disease, and glaucoma. Obesity, a diet high in saturated fats and salt, insufficient exercise, tobacco, alcohol, and emotional stresses all contribute to the development of hypertension. Often referred to as "the silent killer," hypertension usually presents no symptoms in its early stages but may appear as dizziness, fatigue, difficulty in breathing, or headaches. The drug therapies that are usually prescribed for the treatment of high blood pressure frequently have undesirable side effects, and some studies have shown that people who do not take antihypertensive drugs are healthier than those who take prescription medications to lower blood pressure. Most cases of hypertension can be controlled through diet, appropriate supplements and herbs, exercise, and stress management. People with high blood pressure should use the following suggestions under the guidance of a health practitioner. Chiropractic Care Nutrition and Supplements Herbal Remedies Homeopathic Remedies Essential Oils Chiropractic Care  coming soon BACK TO MENU Nutrition and Supplements Avoid saturated fats, excessive salt and alcohol, caffeine, tobacco, and sugar, all of which contribute to the development of hypertension. A vegetarian diet supplemented by fish and low in high-fat dairy products is often helpful. Eat plenty of garlic and onions, which have been shown to lower blood pressure, every day. Consuming foods rich in potassium, such as vegetables and fruits, helps normalize the sodium-potassium balance of the blood and prevents the fluid buildup that contributes to high blood pressure. These foods, along with whole grains and beans, are also rich in fiber, which helps prevent hypertension. Supplements that may help lower high blood pressure include: calcium and magnesium, specifically, 1,500 mg of calcium and 750 mg of magnesium: both nutrients have been shown to reduce high blood pressure coenzyme Q10, 60 mg daily: to improve heart function and lower blood pressure vitamin C plus bioflavonoids, 2-5 grams daily or to bowel tolerance: to strengthen the capillaries, which are weakened because of hypertension fish oils, two to four capsules daily: regulates Prostaglandins, which dilate the blood vessels so that blood can flow through them more easily BACK TO MENU Herbal Remedies Herbs act in the same way as prescription drugs in reducing high blood pressure, but without dangerous side effects. The following herbs have a long history of use as effective antihypertensives: hawthorne, 1 teaspoon of tincture, 1 cup of tea, or three capsules three to four times a day: improves circulation, strengthens the heart muscle, and helps normalize blood pressure garlic, one to two raw cloves or two capsules two to three times daily: helps lower blood pressure and also reduces "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and increases "good" cholesterol (HDL) linden blossom, 1/2 teaspoon of tincture or I cup of tea three to four times a day: for its relaxing effect on the arteries, particularly when nervous tension is a factor valerian, 1/2-1 teaspoon of tincture three times a day: a strong nervine that relaxes the arteries as well yarrow, 1/2 teaspoon of tincture, 1 cup of tea, or two capsules three times a day: to reduce fluid buildup that may be a contributing factor in hypertension BACK TO MENU Homeopathic Remedies It is essential to consult with a health practitioner for guidance in treating hypertension. The following homeopathic remedies are among those used: Aconite: for a strong or hard pulse accompanied by anxiety and restlessness Crataegus: acts as a cardiac restorative Nux vomica: for intermittent high blood pressure BACK TO MENU Essential Oils Methods for using essential oils to help treat hypertension include baths, massage, and vaporization. Use any of the following essential oils singly or in combination: lavender: antispasmodic, nervine, sedative, lowers blood pressure yarrow: antispasmodic, lowers blood pressure, promotes sweating ylang-ylang: nerve sedative, stimulates circulation, lowers blood pressure PAGE TOP Powered by ProfessionalPlanets.com™ Copyright 1999 © ProfessionalPlanets.com™ All rights reserved. Terms of Use