Non-Drug Therapies for Hypertension: A Guide to Treating the Symptoms.
Hypertension is a chronic condition that can be life-threatening if it's not managed. In the United States, around one in three adults has high blood pressure. It can increase your risk of developing other health problems such as heart disease and stroke.
You may have been prescribed medication to help control your blood pressure. Or, you may have chosen an alternative therapy to treat the symptoms of hypertension rather than relying on drugs. Here are some tips to help you make a decision about which treatment is best for you.
What is hypertension?
Hypertension is defined as a chronic condition that can be life-threatening if it's not managed. It's characterized by normal blood pressure readings throughout the day, but an increased risk of developing other health problems such as heart disease and stroke.
At its most severe, hypertension can damage your kidneys and lead to kidney failure. It may also increase your risk of developing dementia or cognitive impairment.
Who should be concerned about their blood pressure?
High blood pressure is a disease that can be managed. That said, it's important to know the severity of your condition and whether or not you need medical treatment.
Doctors will generally prescribe medication to help with the symptoms if your blood pressure is higher than 140/90 mmHg. If you don't respond well to medication, your doctor may recommend an alternative therapy such as relaxation methods, weight loss, and exercise.
So who should be concerned about high blood pressure? Anyone with blood pressure in the range of 120-139/80-89 mmHg should consult their doctor for advice on how to manage it. If you're diagnosed with high blood pressure, it's important to stay in contact with your physician and follow their instructions for treatment. In some cases, lifestyle changes might be enough to control it. But talk to your doctor about what's best for you!
Non-drug therapies for hypertension
Hypertension is a lifestyle-related disease. Lifestyle changes can help you manage your blood pressure and decrease your risk of developing other health problems.
If you're open to this type of treatment, consider stopping smoking, getting more exercise, eating healthy foods, and maintaining a healthy weight.
It's also important to make sure you are limiting your intake of alcohol and caffeine if you are trying to control your hypertension.
Diet and exercise
Eating a healthy diet and getting enough exercise are two great ways to help control your blood pressure without relying on drugs.
Studies show that people who eat less sodium, more fruits and vegetables, fewer processed foods, and fewer calories can lower their blood pressure.
You may also want to consider the timing of when you eat. Eating slightly less in the evening can help reduce your blood permanent, which is effective for reducing your blood pressure over time.
Exercise is another way to combat hypertension without medications. Studies have shown that just 30 minutes of aerobic exercise three times a week can decrease systolic blood pressure by an average of 6 points.
Most importantly is that both lifestyle changes can go hand in hand. If you eat better one day, you might want to work out on another day to balance it out with something else good for your body.
Acupuncture for Hypertension
Acupuncture is an Eastern medicine technique that uses thin needles to stimulate specific points on your body. It can help with pain relief and reduce stress.
One of the most popular treatments for high blood pressure is acupuncture. Acventions are typically done by inserting small needles near the ear, on the wrist, or even in your feet. The needlepoint stimulates nerves that send signals to your brain telling it releases endorphins (hormones that make you feel good). One study found that people who had acupuncture for hypertension were able to lower their blood pressure by 5 mmHg more than those who only took medication.
If you're interested in finding out more about acupuncture as a treatment option, talk to your doctor or visit a local acupuncturist.
Getting enough sleep
Getting enough sleep is an important factor to consider when you're trying to manage your blood pressure. Lack of sleep can trigger a rise in blood pressure.
If you have a tight schedule and feel like you don't have enough time to get adequate sleep, consider going to bed earlier. Or, if possible, take a nap during the day.
Conclusion
Hypertension is a serious medical condition that can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and other serious health problems.
If you think you may have hypertension, the best way to find out for sure is to go to your doctor. If they diagnose you with hypertension, they need to find the root cause of the condition and work with you on treatment options.
If your doctor says you don't have hypertension, or if they don't know what's causing your high blood pressure, it's important to be proactive about your health.
Sticking to a healthy diet and starting an exercise routine can help lower your blood pressure naturally. You should also make sure you're getting enough sleep every night. And if none of that helps, ask your doctor about non-drug therapies like acupuncture or other holistic approaches.