High Blood Pressure Treatments:
It’s Not Just About Drugs
So you, or a loved one, have just been diagnosed with
hypertension. You need to know how to treat high blood
pressure.
Many people seem baffled by this issue. They don’t know how
to lower their blood pressure to manageable levels once told they have
hypertension. Many folks also want to know if there’s an
alternative treatment instead of taking drugs or harsh medications. In
fact, high blood pressure treatment can be simple and easy. It involves
the same things one would do to prevent hypertension in the first place
– increased physical activity or exercise, healthy diet, and
stress relief. If you do, in fact, have pre-hypertension or stage one
high blood pressure, then doing the above things can be great
treatment. Never disregard your doctor’s advice, though
– if he or she recommends medication, take the prescription.
And ask if it’s OK to make the following changes to your
lifestyle or routine.
Sometimes
Change IS Good!
If you do have hypertension, there are basic things you can do to treat
high blood pressure. Exercise need not be a dirty word. You
don’t have to run or lift weights unless you want to. For
example, you can:
• Park your car on the far side of the lot from the doors of
the mall or the supermarket and walk the extra distance.
• Get off the elevator two or three floors from your stop and
take the stairs to your destination. Make sure to mix in a few upstairs
trips (smile!).
• Briskly walk your dog.
• Play with your kids (go to the park).
• Take up salsa dancing (dancing can also be a stress
reliever!).
Get at least twenty to thirty minutes of moderate exercise two to three
times per week. It’s a wonderful high blood pressure remedy.
Exercise will make your heart stronger and may actually work to lower
your blood pressure.
Improving your diet can also be a great high blood pressure treatment.
Stay away from excessive saturated fats, salt and sodium; and eat more
fruits, fresh vegetables and fiber. For anyone who wants to live
healthy, diet is an excellent alternative remedy and preventative for
hypertension and other ills.
Stress can exacerbate your blood pressure levels. It is no secret that
overscheduled, hard charging, high pressure lifestyles can sometimes
lead to hypertension and a host of other ills. Stress relief is a very
good high blood pressure remedy. Take a meditation class or enroll in a
yoga or Tai Chi class. Learn new dance steps with a friend or partner;
or take up a new hobby. Whatever you choose, you should choose some
activity that causes you to relax more. This will lower your blood
pressure and can help you lead a long, healthy life.
Of course, your doctor will probably prescribe some kind of medicine.
Medicine is the ultimate high blood pressure remedy – just
not the only alternative. Ask your doctor what, if any medications
might be right for you. Get regular checkups in any case to make sure
that your blood pressure levels are well controlled. You will never
know if you have high blood pressure – or even if your new
blood pressure treatment or alternative remedy is working - until you
get a checkup. So schedule an appointment with your doctor today.
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