Arrest the silent killer (BP) naturally

Hypertension or high blood pressure is a serious health issue that could lead major complications like to heart attacks, strokes and kidney failure. Some of the reasons that lead to hypertension include, genetic factors, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, stress, sedentary lifestyle, kidney and adrenal diseases etc.
However, there are ways to curb this silent killer naturally. WTN gets you more on this.

Lemons: Lemons remove the stiffness of blood vessels- making them supple and flexible and reduces the pressure in them. This lowers the chances of blood failure. It is rich in vitamin C and helps neutralize harmful effects of free radicals.

Garlic: Garlic relaxes your blood vessels to relax by producing nitric oxide and hydrogen sulfide- a compound that increases blood flow, eliminates gas and reduces pressure on the heart. Consuming garlic cloves (2 nos) is more than enough for a single day. Also, a few drops of garlic juice mixed with 3-4 tsp of water are ideal for instant relief. Garlic supplements are easily available in the market as well.

Ginger with different combinations: Ginger juice or plain ginger can be consumed with honey (1/2 tsp) and cumin power or seeds twice a day. Similarly, ginger-cardamom tea is also known to give excellent results as both cinnamon and ginger are warm spices and boost free flow of blood.

Onions: These non-nutritive dietary onions are laden with antioxidant flavonol called quercetin. Eating it raw or cooked along with meals does the trick.

Fenugreek seeds: A tsp of boiled and strained fenugreek seeds (paste is optional) consumed every morning and evening is known to lower blood pressure effectively. It is high in potassium and rich in dietary fiber. The results can be obtained within 2-3 months. Two more spices known to have positive effect on high blood pressure include cardamom and cinnamon.

Banana: Banana is generally avoided for its high sugar levels but a banana a day can actually keep your BP at bay at least by 10 percent. It is rich in potassium which helps control the BP, clears the cholesterol and lessens the effect of sodium.

Honey: Honey soothes the blood vessels. It can be consumed with ginger juice or cumin seeds powder on empty stomach.

Celery: Celery is a diuretic. The phytochemical 3-N-butylphthalide in celery keeps the high blood pressure in check. The phthalides soothes the muscles around the arterial walls for smooth blood flow. Also, it reduces the stress hormones which largely contribute to high blood pressure.

Flaxseed: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, flaxseeds protect against cardiovascular ailments by reducing serum cholesterol, improving glucose tolerance and acting as an antioxidant. Pounded flaxseed can be added to meals, soups and smoothies without getting noticed.

Watermelon and its seeds: these seeds have cucurbocitrin that opens up the capillaries and improves kidney function. It is laden with an amino acid called, ‘citrulline’ which is converted to amino acid L-arginine by our bodies. Consuming dried-roasted grounded seeds along with water twice daily helps lower the blood pressure.

Coconut water: Coconut water not only hydrates your body but also processes nutritional values in it. It is laden with potassium and magnesium properties, which aid regular muscle function, including the heart. If possible, switch to coconut oil for cooking meals.

Avoid slat: Control your sodium intake (1,500 mg per day). Too much of it retains fluid. Make sure you do not have table salt within range and also avoid processed foods.

Hawthorn: Hawthorn herbs have been trusted by Chinese medical practitioners since ancient days. It has positive effects on cardiovascular health and prevents clot formation. It is available in the form of tea as well as pills. Some other herbs that are helpful include basil.

Cayenne pepper: These are excellent to cure mild hypertension. It prevents clot formation. Though slightly pungent, it can safely be added to fruits, soup and even vegetable salad.

Additional tips

Reduce weight: Experts claim that losing merely 5 kg of weight can bring down the blood pressure level. Also, extra fat around the waist, known as visceral fat, can be troublesome as surrounds various abdominal organs

Exercise to reduce stress: Ease your stress levels with rythematic breathing, meditation, yoga, power aerobics, brisk walks, cycling, dancing, swimming etc. choose your stress buster by spending time with family, kids, friends, pets or any sport you like.

Quit smoking and limit alcohol: The effect of cigarette lasts for several minutes even after it is over and increases the blood pressure. The impact is stronger for heavy smokers. Similarly, drinking alcohol in excess can actually affect the body drastically and reduce the effectiveness of blood pressure medications. However, drinking red wine with dinner is fine, but excessive drinking can be harmful.

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