Blood Pressure

     High blood pressure affects approximately 25% of adults in North America.  Of these, 75% have only mildly elevated blood pressure. Unfortunately, the first course of action is usually a blood pressure medication. These medications often have many side effects that can cause other issues such as;

• Cough.

• Diarrhea or constipation.

• Dizziness or lightheadedness.

• Erection problems.

• Feeling nervous.

• Feeling tired, weak, drowsy, or a lack of energy.

• Headache.

• Nausea.

     The reason why medication is so quickly prescribed is because blood pressure poses a serious risk for heart attack, stroke and severe kidney damage if left uncontrolled. The short time a medical doctor has to deal with patients lends to it being easier to prescribe a medication than to control it through natural means.

     There is so much more that can be done before medications are introduced. Research has shown that blood pressure responds quite well to natural lifestyle modifications. If someone is on medication already they can still reduce their blood pressure and/or their need for medications all together. If you are taking a medication already you may want to talk to your prescribing doctor before adding any of these modifications to your regimen and never reduce your dosage without consultation. I’ve personally witnessed many people come off their medications under the following changes. It’s never too late to change and it’s never too late to get healthier.

Proven methods to lower blood pressure naturally include:

1) Chiropractic adjustments.

2) Weight loss.

3) Endurance exercise, even a brisk walk for 45 minutes per day, 4 times per week can make a difference.

4) Limit alcohol intake to one drink per day.

5) Reduce intake of salt and heavily salt-processed foods.

6) Eat at least five fruit and vegetable servings per day.

7) Eat fish three or more times per week.

8) Natural supplements.