Blood pressure is the force exerted by blood on the arterial walls as it flows through the arteries. High blood pressure or hypertension is the persistently elevated pressure of blood within the arteries.
High blood pressure for a prolonged period can lead to heart damage, brain damage, kidney failure, blindness and stroke.
Therefore, it is important to control hypertension through healthy lifestyle tips and natural remedies which actually work and don’t have any side effects in the long run.
Rise in blood pressure might be a result of various factors, but the most dominant factor is unhealthy lifestyle. Too much dependence on alcohol, smoking, sedentary lifestyle with lack of physical activities, stress and a diet rich in salt are all responsible for hypertension.
Symptoms of High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure usually has no obvious symptoms and most of the times the patient doesn’t even realize that he is suffering from it. Therefore, it is often known as “the silent killer.” Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Frequent Severe headache
- Dizziness and fatigue
- Chest pain
- Vision problems
- Flushing of the face
- Frequent nosebleeds
- Thumping in the chest
- Difficulty breathing
- Irregular heartbeat
Home Remedies for Treating Hypertension
Although there are several prescription drugs and medicines that can help in controlling blood pressure, it is best to reduce blood pressure naturally through healthy lifestyle changes and home remedies using natural ingredients that don’t pose any threat to the health in the long run.
Basil
The
benefits of basil for skin and hair need no new emphasis. Basil holds a very important place in ayurvedic medicine and has immense medicinal value.
It also functions as one of the most effective remedies for high blood pressure by lowering both systolic and diastolic readings. It is a rich source of antioxidants that help in soothing the inflammation caused to arterial linings.
Certain chemical compounds present in basil also control the level of endothelins – proteins that constrict blood vessels. Chew a few leaves of basil on a daily basis or add it to your soups and salads.
Garlic
Garlic is not just a kitchen spice; it has been used for ages to treat various diseases. The
health benefits of garlic are numerous, and it also functions as a potent cure for high blood pressure.
The compound allicin present in garlic promotes the production of nitric oxide that helps in relaxing and dilating the blood vessels thereby facilitating the free flow of blood. Chew a few cloves of raw garlic daily or add it to your foods for delicious flavor.
You can also derive its benefits from garlic oil supplements if the pungent flavor it too strong for you to handle.
Celery
This crunchy vegetable is one of the best natural remedies for blood pressure. The phytochemical 3-N-butylphthalide present in celery helps in relaxing the muscles of the heart that aids easy flow of the blood.
It functions as a natural diuretic that flushes excess fluids from the body and helps in lowering blood pressure. It also lowers the level of stress hormone and relaxes the constricted blood vessels.
Chew on a celery stalk as a healthy snack, add it to salads or enjoy it in the form of vegetable juices to control hypertension in a natural way.
Coconut Water
The
uses of coconut oil and coconut water for health are well known. Coconut water helps in improving immunity and kidney functions and relieving digestive disorders.
It also works to reduce blood pressure naturally. It is a rich source of vitamin C and minerals such as potassium, sodium and calcium that helps in reducing systolic blood pressure.
The potassium present in coconut water balances the level of sodium present in blood and helps in proper functioning of the body. Coconut water also improves the circulation of blood throughout the body.
Honey
Honey is nature’s answer to all diseases. The benefits of honey for health and skin are numerous, and it also functions as an effective natural remedy for hypertension.
The carbohydrate oligosaccharide present in honey works as a potent antioxidant and relaxes the constricted blood vessels that aids easy flow of blood trough them.
It also soothes the inflammation of blood vessel linings. Consume 2 teaspoons of honey first thing in the morning or mix 1 teaspoon of honey with basil juice and have it in empty stomach for best results.
Fenugreek
This common kitchen spice is loaded with minerals, vitamins, and phytonutrients. The uses of fenugreek for health need no new emphasis, and it acts as one of the most potent natural remedies for hypertension.
Being a rich source of potassium and fibers, it helps in balancing the level of sodium in the body that is an important controlling factor for hypertension. Regular intake of fenugreek also helps in lowering blood sugar.
Ground a handful of fenugreek seeds in a grinder and store in an airtight container. Consume 2 teaspoons of this powder with water in the morning on an empty stomach to maintain blood pressure at a healthy level.
Cinnamon
This flavorful spice is yet another powerful natural remedy for controlling high blood pressure. Cinnamon works effectively in reducing systolic blood pressure in diabetic patients.
Hypertension is a common problem among Type 2 Diabetes patients. High level of glucose in the blood damages the arteries and blood vessels which in turn results in plaque buildup and reduces the diameter of the blood vessel.
This leads to increased blood pressure. Administering cinnamon has been shown to reduce blood pressure effectively.
Dark Chocolate
Here is yet another reason to enjoy the taste of this sinfully delicious food. By now almost all of us are aware of the health benefits of dark chocolate.
Cocoa present in dark chocolate is loaded with flavones that help in lowering high blood pressure. Chocolate promotes the release of nitric oxide in the body that helps in relaxing and dilating the blood vessels thereby lowering blood pressure.
Now, enjoy the delicious taste of chocolate without any guilt and keep blood pressure under control.
Try out these effective home remedies using all-natural ingredients and be in control of your blood pressure without the use of prescription drugs.
