Blood Pressure
Most of us know that high blood pressure gone unchecked can lead to life threatening medical conditions such as stroke and heart attack. Prolonged pressure on the blood vessels and arteries affects so much more in the body and can also cause serious health problems including:
Angina
Kidney damage
Memory loss
Vision loss
Fluid in the lungs
Peripheral artery disease
Erectile dysfunction
Risk Factors
Your risk for many blood pressure related medical issues increases with other risk factors including: Age, Gender (male), High cholesterol, Smoking, Diabetes, Overweight or obesity, Heredity (including race), Physical inactivity
It’s important to:
Eat a healthy diet and reduce salt intake
Get regular exercise
Maintain a healthy weight
Effectively manage stress
Avoid smoking
Comply with medication prescriptions
Limit alcohol use
Use hot tubs safely
Natural Supplements
Garlic-Active substances in garlic known as “garlic sulphides” and “allicin” may be effective in helping to reduce blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels. It also mitigates the effects of an angiotensin I enzyme as it elevates blood pressure and smoothly contracts muscles. Garlic further has the ability to break down fibrinolytic activity in the blood and can actually reduce the level of cholesterol and platelet aggregation. In addition, garlic stimulates the production of hydrogen sulphide and nitric oxide that works to relax blood vessels as well.
Celery Seed-Important compounds known as 3-n-butylphthalide that give celery its smell and flavor has been known to lower blood pressure according to university studies. Supplements containing celery extract may be beneficial to individuals with hypertension.
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