In the era of this smart world, many of us have forgotten to take care of our health. With our hectic schedules, we try our best to complete our pending tasks and give the majority of time to our work but we forget to make some time for a healthy living. In the end, this negligence is gonna provide us with no benefit. We all have heard of how health is our wealth. It is not just a line for articles and blogs, rather one needs to understand its deep meaning and think of their health as a priority.
With rapid increase in the lifestyle of this fast-moving modern world, the readings on our health indicators are also swiftly rising. Similarly, one of the health conditions commonly found not only among adults but also now among teenagers is Blood Pressure.
Blood pressure is not just a number on a health device rather it’s an essential indicator of our health. Both its types i.e. Hypertension and Hypotension are quite dangerous as they can silently damage the organs of our body with time, leading to serious health concerns like Heart problems i.e. Coronary Artery Disease.
A very common question arises with that: what is blood pressure and what’s its normal range? Basically, Blood Pressure is noted as the pressure of blood flowing in the arteries. It shows two readings. The top reading is known as systolic pressure and the bottom reading is known as diastolic pressure.
Therefore in adults, the normal blood pressure level ranges from 120/80 mm Hg. If two or more readings decrease to 90/60 mm Hg then it is considered as low blood pressure. And, if the reading reaches to or above 140/90 mm Hg then it is considered as high blood pressure.
Here are the symptoms of Hypertension and Hypotension:
Symptoms of High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
Well, it has been seen that patients with high BP do not show any major signs of it, even if the readings touched an alarming level. But here are a few high blood pressure symptoms that one can notice to recognize the rise in BP levels:
- Headaches
- Breathlessness
- Irregular heartbeat
- Sweating
- Chest pain
- Bleeding from nose
Symptoms of Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)
When the levels of Blood Pressure drops, the body automatically shows a sign of it, such as:
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Pale skin
- Nausea
- Blurred Vision
- Lack of concentration
Causes of Fluctuation in High Blood Pressure
The risk factors that mainly contribute to Hypertension are:
- Increase of age
- Poor diet
- Overweight
- Family history
- Consumption of alcohol
Causes of Fluctuation in Low Blood Pressure
The risk factors that mainly contribute to Hypotension are:
- Body position
- Stress
- Breathing rhythm
- Poor diet
Medications for Blood Pressure Patients
To overcome the problem of abnormal levels of blood pressure, the most reliable treatment that offers an all-natural holistic approach is Ayurvedic treatment for Blood Pressure at Dr. Sharda Ayurveda.
The best way to treat or prevent any health condition is by looking after what goes inside your body i.e. one’s daily diet. With a few corrections in nutritional adjustments in addition to healthy habits, one can increase the numbers of their age for this lifetime.
How Ayurveda can Reduce High Blood Pressure?
Everyone wonders how Ayurveda can manage our blood pressure levels? No doubt there are a number of Western medicines available in the market to treat blood pressure, but those lab-formulated medicines will just suppress the symptoms for a short span of time and will leave with chronic side effects as a return gift.
Nowadays, it ranks in the list of one of the common health problems. This might not seem dangerous but high blood pressure alone is enough to cause various heart diseases.
‘Raktagata Vata’, is another name for high blood pressure in Ayurveda. As per Ayurvedic knowledge, it is a result of an imbalanced Vata dosha that can also affect other Doshas of the body with time. To protect the body from such complications,
Ayurveda provides a guaranteed treatment that only includes a healthy way of living. So, on a wider picture, Ayurveda is not in support of chemically formulated medicines rather it promotes a healthy lifestyle to prevent or manage any of your health conditions. With which one does not need to stay dependent on medicines for their good health. So, here are some Tips for Patients with High Blood Pressure
Adopt Natural Ways to Reduce High Blood Pressure
The majority of individuals are still unaware of the fact that initial signs of High Blood Pressure can be managed with Ayurvedic Nuskhe (Ayurvedic formulas). Every time a symptom is noticed, it is not required to pop a pill as the body is itself a natural healer. Ayurveda supports its healing power. Some of the simple Ayurvedic home remedies for high blood pressure are shared below.
Diet and Nutrition for Patients with High BP
The correct diet for hypertension patients is the DASH diet. This means a Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension.
What to Eat in High Blood Pressure?
- The DASH diet helps create a heart-healthy eating style for hypertension patients for life. This diet includes food items such as Citrus fruits, as they are rich in Vitamin C which aids in reducing the risk of elevated blood pressure.
- Pumpkin seeds and Sweet Potatoes are good sources of Magnesium, which helps in managing the sodium levels in our body, thus, reducing the BP.
- Bananas are said to be very beneficial for such patients as they are rich in Potassium and Fiber.
- Eating more Fiber has been linked to a lower risk of heart and circulatory diseases. So, whole grains such as Brown Rice, Wholemeal Bread and Oats are suggested.
What to Avoid in High Blood Pressure?
- Hypertension patients need to keep in mind that certain food items need to be strictly avoided.
- Individuals need to keep a check on their salt intake. Therefore, excess salty food items must be avoided.
- Sugary and fatty foods do not have a direct link to Blood Pressure, but they can lead to weight gain which is a contributing factor to hypertension.
- Excess Intake of Alcohol can damage the liver and lead to weight gain, thus, a rise in BP.
- Overconsumption of caffeine can affect the blood pressure in our body.
Natural Herbs Help to Control High BP (Hypertension)
Herbal medicines such as Ashwagandha, Tulsi, Brahmi, Cinnamon, Parsley, Garlic, Honey, Arjuna, Triphala, Jatamansi, Ajwain, and Amla have proven to be very effective in regulating normal blood pressure in the body. One can rely on these herbs with the consultation of their expert doctors.
Basil
Basil is a flavorful herb, used as a medicine in Ayurveda. In case of hypertension, it is recommended because:
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- It is full of vitamins and other nutrients that help reduce blood pressure.
- By allowing the muscles and blood vessels to relax, the magnesium in it improves the blood flow.
- It acts as a calcium channel blocker. This means it stops the calcium from traveling to muscular artery cells and gives time for blood vessels to relax. By this means, it is known to help individuals manage hypertension.
To add basil to the diet - you can make basil tea, chew raw basil, or add it to a variety of meals.
Brahmi
Why brahmi for lowering blood pressure? Here are a few points on Brahmi qualities:
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Brahmi assists in reducing anxiety and stress, which are the common triggers of hypertension.
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It relaxes heart muscles and improves blood circulation. Therefore, we can say that it manages overall heart health.
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(only after the consultation of an expert): If Brahmi is mixed with other herbs, it can lower blood pressure.
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Cinnamon (Dalchini)
People have used cinnamon for centuries to heal heart conditions. High blood pressure is one of them.
Well it's not fully understood how Dalchini (Cinnamon) helps reduce blood pressure. However, research suggests that it can help dilate and relax the blood vessels.
In one study, it was noticed that cinnamon can reduce systolic and diastolic reading by an average of 6.2 mm Hg and 3.9 mm Hg respectively.
You can add cinnamon to your diet in different ways.
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Sprinkle on oatmeal
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Stir it into stews
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Use the stick to add flavor to coffee.
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Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is a herb that has been used by Ayurveda for years. Regarding hypertension, it is mostly recommended as it calms the mind. Stress is said to be a major cause of an increase in the levels of Blood pressure. But Ashwagandha’s calming effects can help people to cope with stress and anxiety effectively.
Parsley
Parsley is liked by a majority of individuals. It contains compounds like Vitamin C and carotenoids. These are popularly known for productively reducing blood pressure.
The presence of nitrate in parsley thins the blood and improves its flow, keeping it easier for the blood vessels to work.
To incorporate parsley into the diet:
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one can garnish it on soups, home cooked meals, or pasta.
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Also, it can be chopped and added to salads or homemade breads.
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These herbs are supposed to have anti-hypertensive and calming properties that will soothe our minds. This will help reduce stress, the main contributor to increased blood pressure.
Garlic
The medicinal properties present in garlic can help curb blood pressure levels. The raw cloves taken every day can help you to find relief from the symptoms.
Honey
The walls of the blood vessels are relaxed with the daily consumption of honey water. The water should be warm and mixed with 2 teaspoons of honey.
Arjuna
The accumulation of plaque is reduced in the blood vessels by the intake of Arjuna. The powdered form can be used to get relief from hypertension. But make sure it is consumed empty stomach.
Triphala
As it possesses anti-inflammatory properties it provides a range of benefits to the body. It reduces the strain on the blood vessels and controls the high blood pressure levels.
Jatamanasi
Enriched with various antioxidants, it saves the arteries from damage and regular consumption can manage blood pressure levels.
Ajwain
It keeps the check on high blood pressure levels. Having a pinch of raw ajwain after meals can be beneficial to you as it aids in the activity of stress hormones, reducing the stress and eventually managing blood pressure levels.
Amla
The compounds present in amla reduce the high blood pressure and widen the blood vessels. It can be used in the form of juice or can be eaten raw.
Yoga Asanas for High BP
Yoga or meditation is not just for refreshing the mind. Its effect on our body is a very vast concept. One can find their inner self by meditating with full concentration.
In the same way Yoga asanas to manage High Blood Pressure such as Balasana, Sukhasana, Shavasana, and Bhujangasana can refresh our mind and help our body with proper regulation of blood pressure and healthy circulatory system.
Lifestyle Modifications for High BP
Some healthy lifestyle changes can improve blood pressure. Here’s a to-do list if you notice an increase in blood pressure:
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- Try adapting to a healthy, low-salt diet
- Lose those extra pounds by staying physically active
- Eat more vegetables and fruits
- Quit alcohol and smoke
- Avoid foods high in saturated and trans fat
- Allow the body to relax - take a good night's sleep
- Find a way that suits you to manage stress
- Keep a regular check on your blood pressure
- Do not hesitate to ask for support if required
- Try adapting to a healthy, low-salt diet
How does Ayurveda help to Control Low Blood Pressure?
After understanding the concept of hypertension and how Ayurveda provides support in managing proper regulation of Blood Pressure, It’s time to know more about hypotension management So, here are some Tips for Patients with Low Blood Pressure.
Diet and Nutrition to Control Low Blood Pressure
Like other cute ailments, low blood pressure can be managed through the right diet. Here’s what hypotension patients can add or remove from their plate for a healthy heart and an increase in blood pressureBelow is a glimpse of the food items that can be beneficial and the one’s need to be avoided.
What to eat in Low BP?
- Coffee promotes an instant spike in blood pressure. So, it can prove to be an ideal superfood to boost the level of BP.
- A limited usage of Pink Salt or Rock Salt can do wonders for you.
- Nutrients such as Folate, Iron, and Potassium are found in abundant amounts in nuts. This helps in raising blood pressure.
- A group of Green Leafy Vegetables such as Kale, Lettuce, Spinach, and Cauliflower are a great source of Iron. Thus, improving blood pressure.
What to avoid in Low BP?
- Dehydration can be a cause of low blood pressure. So intake of alcohol should be avoided as it dehydrates the body.
- Large portions of meals containing excessive carbs can further decline the level of BP in the body.
Natural Herbs for Low Blood Pressure
Herbal plants with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties might be beneficial for the health of hypotension patients. Herbs with such properties include Tulsi Leaves, Black pepper, Turmeric, Honey, Lemon, and Garlic.
Tulsi leaves
This homegrown herb is very beneficial for those suffering from low blood pressure. It makes it an easy remedy to treat the condition at home. Tulsi is full of various minerals such as potassium and magnesium. These are known to keep your blood pressure under control. Basically, it works wonders by regulating a good and healthy flow of blood. Its compound 'Eugenol' balances the stress hormone in the body and also reduces inflammation. Thus, making it a healthy option for low blood pressure patients.
Black pepper
We all are aware of Black pepper. It can be easily found in many Indian kitchens. It is known for its pungent flavor. However, what is unknown about black pepper is - it can help those suffering from hypotension symptoms. It promotes healthy absorption of nutrients and also improves blood circulation.
Turmeric
A common yellow-colored spice, Turmeric, is used in Indian dishes. Its ingredient Curcumin can positively affect our heart health. Although turmeric cannot be consumed as a direct treatment for low blood pressure, its overall benefits can indirectly manage it. This mainly contributes to stabilizing the blood pressure levels. This is done by enhancing the function of the lining of the blood vessels. It ensures a smoother blood flow.
Lemon
Lemons can be quite helpful in managing low blood pressure. They are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C and improve the elasticity of blood vessels. Thus, enhancing blood flow. Drinking lemon juice mixed with a pinch of salt and sugar can surely help you.
Honey
Honey helps maintain blood pressure since it also helps with proper heart and kidney functioning. If you are thinking of a way to add honey to your diet, just simply:
Mix 1-2 tablespoons of honey in lukewarm water with lemon juice. This method has various benefits so you can enjoy this drink guilt-free.
Garlic
It is important to understand that improving circulation and ensuring that the blood vessels remain healthy and flexible will only maintain a stable blood pressure in the body.
These benefits can be rooted in Garlic. Garlic's ability to enhance blood flow and prevent clots can contribute to better blood circulation. This might indirectly support blood pressure regulation.
Before adding any new remedy or diet to your daily routine, try consulting an expert. As each individual has a different body type, it is necessary to know if certain tips suit you or not.
Conclusion
The motive of the above blog was to provide a detailed description of both types of blood pressure. So, the awareness of such acute illness must come to the attention of the majority of people and everyone must look after their health for a better well-being.
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