Natural alternatives for high blood pressure medication

Hypertension can be effectively treated by various alternative therapies!

Hypertension or high blood pressure is a chronic condition in which the arterial blood pressure is elevated (normal blood pressure is 120/80 mm Hg). People suffering from hypertension are at an increased risk of other health complications like congestive heart failure and kidney disease. Although antihypertensive medications are available to treat high blood pressure, they are usually associated with many side-effects. Hence, hypertensive individuals prefer natural alternatives instead of conventional medications as they are not only effective but are comparatively safe. Some of the widely used alternative measures for lowering high blood pressure are

Dietary changes

Diet plays a key role in controlling the blood pressure levels in the body and maintaining a healthy life. The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet includes eating foods with potential antihypertensive activity like fresh fruits and vegetables (amla juice, beetroot garlic and radish), whole grains, milk, etc and lowering the intake of salt and processed foods. Also higher intake of foods rich in potassium like banana, coconut water, lentils (dals) and sweet potato helps in lowering blood pressure. Read about 10 fruits and vegetables that are good for people with hypertension

Exercise

Being physically activenot only increases your energy levels and helps in weight management, but also boosts your immunity and improves your overall health. Hence it is recommended that people suffering from hypertension and those belonging to high risk category should exercise on a regular basis. You can start with a simple stretching exercise or brisk walking, running or jogging and include some aerobic exercises. Regular physical activity of 30 to 60 minutes lowers your blood pressure level by 4 9 mm Hg. Read about top 8 reasons to start exercising today

Natural herbs

There are many natural herbs including fruits and vegetables with potent antihypertensive activity being widely available in India. The commonly used natural remedies with antihypertensive property include garlic, custard apple, celery, ajwain, carrot, flaxseeds (alsi), tomato, drumsticks, basil (tulsi), pomegranate, sesame (til), cocoa bean, wheat bran, black plum and ginger. The natural herbs used for treatment of hypertension include rauwolfia (sarpagandha), ginseng and karpurvali. Read about herbal remedies for hypertension

Stress management

Stress is one of the key factors responsible for hypertension. Research studies have shown a significant reduction in blood pressure levels in individuals practicing stress management techniques. The various relaxation techniques used to relieve stress and lower high blood pressure are controlled breathing, yoga, reiki, acupuncture and meditation. Individuals who practiced these healing techniques regularly for two months showed a significant reduction in their blood pressure levels and stress hormones in the body.

Probiotics

Probiotics, which contain good bacteria, were known to promote a healthy digestive system in addition to improving immunity. But research studies have shown that these 'helpful bacteria' exert antihypertensive potential by improving lipid profile, function of the enzyme renin (responsible for normal blood pressure) and insulin resistance in the body. This alternative approach to lower blood pressure not only shows effective results but is also comparatively safe (with milder side-effects).

Image Source: Getty Images

You may also like to read:

• 10 diet tips for hypertension
• Want to lower your blood pressure? Be happy!
• Can people with hypertension eat nuts?

For more articles on natural remedies and hypertension, visit our hypertensionandnatural remediessection. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest updates! For daily free health tips, sign up for our newsletter. And for health-related queries, visit our Questions and Answers section.

References:

1. Huang WY, Davidge ST, Wu J. Bioactive natural constituents from food sources-potential use in hypertension prevention and treatment. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2013;53(6):615-30. doi:10.1080/10408398.2010.550071. Review. PubMed PMID: 23627503.
2. Tabassum, N., & Ahmad, F. (2011). Role of natural herbs in the treatment of hypertension. Pharmacognosy reviews, 5(9), 30.
3. Lye, H. S., Kuan, C. Y., Ewe, J. A., Fung, W. Y., & Liong, M. T. (2009). The improvement of hypertension by probiotics: effects on cholesterol, diabetes, renin, and phytoestrogens. International journal of molecular sciences, 10(9), 3755-3775.
4. Nahas, R. (2008). Complementary and alternative medicine approaches to blood pressure reduction An evidence-based review. Canadian Family Physician, 54(11), 1529-1533.