Fight Hypertension

Most people know that high sodium contributes to high blood pressure (hypertension), but did you know that low potassium can also contribute to high pressure? Potassium blunts the effects of sodium and helps the body to normalize blood pressure.

"Scientists began studying the effects of potassium on high pressure as early as 1928. Now a major study of 300 nurses shows that potassium can lower your pressure even if it's in the normal range. Good sources of potassium are dried apricots, avocados, dried figs, acorn squash, baked potatoes, kidney beans, cantaloupe, citrus fruits, and bananas. You can also buy potassium supplements. If you're taking a diuretic, your body is getting rid of potassium along with fluid." Frank K. Wood says "When it comes to lowering blood pressure, potassium packs a powerful punch," in Natural Cures and Gentle Medicines That Work Better Than Dangerous Drugs or Risky Surgery.

"Low potassium is a major cause of cardiac arrhythmia; diuretics for the treatment of high pressure or congestive heart failure may interfere with potassium absorption and excretion. Although potassium supplementation is usually not necessary, individuals on diuretics or laxatives or who have excessive diarrhea may require extra potassium." Dr. Stephen T. Sinatra, MD, in A Cardiologist's Prescription for Optimum Health explains "Since potassium is necessary to the healthy functioning of nerves, cells, and membranes, it is an important electrolyte to monitor,"

In the New Encyclopedia of Vitamins, Minerals, Supplements and Herbs, Nicola Reavley also points out the important role of potassium in controlling high blood pressure: "Many population studies have found links between low potassium intakes and an increased risk of high pressure and death from stroke. Increasing the amount of potassium-rich foods in the diet can lead to a reduction in high blood pressure. The ratio of sodium to potassium in the diet appears to play an important role in the development of high blood pressure. The typical Western diet is low in potassium relative to sodium."

The best way to get more potassium in your diet is to eat more potassium-rich foods such as apples, apricots, bananas, broccoli, carrots, lima beans, oranges, potatoes, prunes, spinach, squash, and watermelon.

It is always better to avoid processed food that are rich in sodium while eating fruits and vegetables. It seems foods that contain high potassium is suppose to be vegetables and fruits. A large amount of sodium can be found in a can of soup. It is always advised to read food labels.

Blood pressure can be lowered naturally by eating more fruits and vegetables and less processed food. Increasing the intake of fiber and reducing the food based on fat and cholesterol will also lower your pressure.

People who have high pressure should follow a regular exercise routine. Alternatively you can start a simple exercise program in your home. You need not to hit gym. This will actually lower pressure.

Blue Heron Health News is a well known publishing company in the field of natural health. Their natural health publications include a detailed note to naturally lower blood pressure.

Because of the horrible side effects of conventional prescription medications for high blood pressure, many people are looking into alternatives to help control their hypertension. The dangerous risks associated with prescription medication have driven more people to look for natural remedies whether to complement their medications or provide other health effects to better their conditions.

If you want to control or cure your hypertension, the first important thing to understand is to consult your physician. Some of natural remedies will be approved by them, but the other remedies will not.

Make it sure to discuss the possible effects of the remedy with your doctor. Ask him why he rejected some remedies for you as well. Let him explain the dangers of some natural remedies if combined with your conventional medications. You'll be surprised that some natural supplements out there can actually be fatal with the wrong combination with prescription medications.

Another thing to bear in mind is to never ever fully replace your prescription medication with the natural alternative. These alternatives should be rather taken as a complement to your traditional drugs which has already consistent results with your high blood pressure. If you are taking medications for your hypertension, discontinuing it in favor of the remedy can have unpredictable results and can be dangerous.

The best advice when choosing the right natural remedies is to go with your doctor recommends. Always avoid herbal treatments which are approved by the FDA. Never confine yourself with natural herbal supplements. Natural remedies can be a type of organic diet, yoga and breathing exercises, or a detoxification therapy. It is also advisable to leave your unhealthy habits like smoking and alcohol consumption. These are natural remedies in themselves as well. Furthermore, these steps are the most natural moves you can make to control your hypertension.

Paul De Vizard has been writing articles online for nearly 4 years now. Not only does this author specialize in hypertension, diet, fitness and weight loss, you can also check out his latest website Home Gas Heaters which reviews and lists Information on all types of Equipment like the popular Ventless Gas Heaters.

Here are proven effective steps to control hypertension. These steps are basically related to your diet and exercise that are very helpful to lower high blood pressure.

The first thing that even doctors recommend is to cut specific foods out of your diet. These foods include: fried foods, salt, junk foods, sugar, and other refined foods. Furthermore, dairy products and caffeine-rich beverages should also be avoided.

Prefer fresh, raw foods in your diet like fruits and vegetables. These foods are especially helpful to lower blood pressure: garlic, onions, whole grains, various nuts and seeds, and all types of fruits except avocado. Complement this diet by drinking 8 glasses of water every day.

You also need a diet which is rich in potassium but low in sodium. Your diet should also include healthy fats like omega-3 for a healthy heart. Include cold water fishes and fish oil supplements.

In relation to supplements, your body requires additional vitamins and other important nutrients. Important nutrients that are vital for controlling hypertension are: Coenzyme Q10, Omega-3, Vitamins C and E, Calcium, Potassium, and Flaxseed. Consult your doctor on how much of these vitamins and supplements are required every day. Ask for excellent sources that your doctor can recommend.

With respect to exercises, hypertensive individuals cannot undertake strenuous workouts. Nevertheless, take measures to control your stress levels with meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises. Massages are also very good for your blood pressure while reducing stress. The good thing about these exercises is that these do not interfere with your current treatment.

In conclusion, there are proven steps to help lower blood pressure. Although your prescription medications are the main help to control your hypertension, these medicines are not your sole lifeline. You must make certain lifestyle changes especially to your diet and exercise plans. If you follow these steps above, consult your doctor first. Then, implement it consistently every day after the doctor's approval and you will surely win the war against hypertension.

Paul De Vizard has been writing articles online for nearly 4 years now. Not only does this author specialize in hypertension, diet, fitness and weight loss, you can also check out his latest website Gas Heaters for the Home which reviews and lists Information on all types of Equipment like the popular Qmark Heaters.