Hypertension

a naturopathic prescription for the signs and symptoms of high blood pressure

• Hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure, a condition which can be life threatening if not properly controlled. It is one of the most common risk factors for heart attacks and strokes.
• It is called essential hypertension when there is no obvious exciting cause. Indeed it can remain symptomless - a silent killer.
• Healthy blood pressure has readings around 120/80. (Systolic/diastolic). Doctors start getting concerned when readings are consistently over 140/90. You might consider keeping a diary of your readings, and correlate what your lifestyle has been to affect your blood pressure. You might also consider purchasing your own blood pressure measurement equipment, if you are not able to frequently see your doctor.
• There are many different causes for hypertension that can be determined by your doctor. For example, you might be prescribed a diuretic to reduce excess fluid. If you are consulting a naturopath as well as a doctor, please be full and frank with what you are doing with each health professional. Certainly do not stop taking any medication without first telling the prescriber.
• There is no better reason to stop smoking. Here is a link to Quit Line. Evidence is conclusive.
• Food intake that has a lot of salt and too much alcohol is known to increase hypertension. A low salt, low alcohol intake is important in managing high blood pressure. Take away foods often have too much salt in them. If you have alcohol every day, then this might be a dangerous sign. Imbibe less, and have regular "alcohol free days".
• Look at the healthy eating checklist. An ideal anti-hypertensive diet means almost no red meat, nor snacks, nor sweets, nor fatty foods. But double your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables. Guavas are good!
• There is a strong correlation between hypertension and stress. Working too long hours, irritability, anxiety, arguing with partners, road rage, poor eating habits, self harm, the need for alcohol, tobacco or other drugs - are very real signs that you are not handling stress well. Have you explored some of the many stress management tools available? There are many books on the subject, and many techniques that you might discover work for you. For example: breathing exercises, yoga, tai chi, meditation, massage, counselling, prioritising tasks, climbing to the top of the nearest high hill to watch the sunset, or simply bashing a pillow when you get frustrated!
• If you are overweight then lose weight. Being overweight is a very real risk factor. See weight loss.
• Exercise. If you find yourself puffing after only a few minutes of mild exertion, you are most probably unfit. And you don't have to be overweight to be unfit. Fitness can be measured by how fast you recover from exertion. A properly designed program involving cardio-vascular exercise (to make you puff) will help you get fit. Then stick to the program!
• There quite a number of herbs that have anti-hypertensive action. See below. Please avoid licorice as it may neutralise any other medication you may be taking.
• Select a supplement from the following recommendations for your country (clicking the hyperlink refers you to a suitable supplier). Look for products with the following ingredients: fish oil, l-arginine, taurine, l-trytophan, calcium, potassium, co-enzyme Q10, dandelion, valerian, hawthorn, garlic, gingko, ginseng, yarrow, olive leaves.

If the hypertension persists, you need to make an appointment to consult a professional health practitioner.

Naturopaths consider WHY a person has hypertension and then treat accordingly.

David Wilson, Naturopath

See also Weight Loss.

Keep me informed about any news concerning hypertension.