Under pressure… we’re all feeling the strain at the moment but high blood pressure is on the up. ESP’s Wellbeing columnist Karen Devine suggests some of the ways you can look to ease things off.
High blood pressure rates are increasing across the globe, in 2000 nearly one billion adults of the world population had high blood pressure (hypertension) and that number is rising.
It can place extra strain on our blood vessels, organs such as the heart and if persistent it can increase the risk of strokes, heart failure, heart disease, vascular dementia and more. Reducing your blood pressure, even by a small amount, can help lower the risk of these further health conditions.
There are factors that may contribute to an increased risk of high blood pressure which include:
Being overweight and /or excess insulin levels.
Are over the age of 65 (yet it is not uncommon in younger years now)
Excess salt in the diet
Lower intake of fruits and vegetables – rich in antioxidants/fibre
Oxidative stress
Excess of alcohol/coffee or other caffeine rich drinks
Lack of Exercise
Excessive or long- term stress
Smoking
Oxidative stress and lack of antioxidants in the diet
Poor sleep patterns
Low thyroid status
Low levels of iodine
Have a relative with high BP… and more
Hypertensive drugs are effective and have been life savers for many, however, we must remember that the symptom of high blood pressure is always a signal from the body, almost a ‘cry for help’ that it needs our attention.
A healthier lifestyle and diet may contribute to healthy blood pressure (and overall health). Some of the non-nutritional approaches are:
Sleeping 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep, if sleep is an issue then this may need to be addressed and importantly get to bed before midnight
Where possible be physically active each day and try to have 2-3 hours per week of focused exercise such as strength/resistance training
Learn how to practice deep breathing (lots of information on the internet), which can lower stress. You can practice this several times a day
At this time of turbulence, it can be difficult to find the joy/fun/laughter in life but laughing can lower stress hormones and increase our immunity
Mindfulness, meditation, prayer – whatever works for you, engage in this daily
NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT INCLUDES:
Reduction in alcohol, excess animal products, sugar, refined carbohydrates, caffeine, salt etc, whilst increasing ‘whole foods’ in your diet
Increase your antioxidant intake from fruits and veggies
Enjoy healthy fats from seeds, nuts, avocados, oily fish, a little olive oil (all rich in omega 3,6 & 9 fatty acids)
Eat adequate (not excessive) protein to stabilise blood sugar levels
Good hydration
Eat moderate sized meals and avoid snacking if you can which helps to minimise insulin levels allowing 4-5 hours before your next meal. If you have low blood sugar levels, you may need the healthy snacks initially
Some foods that deserve a special mention include, walnuts, almonds, avocado, berries, mushrooms, tomato, red peppers, flax seeds, sweet potato, wild salmon and more which may contribute to lowering BP.
TARGETED SUPPLEMENTS MAY INCLUDE:
CO Q10
Magnesium
Iodine
B6
Taurine
Glutathione
Vitamin C, D & E
Essential fatty acids
Whilst there are many studies on the effects of various nutrients to help with high BP, adding targeted nutrients in supplemental form should be personalised and ideally not in isolation but in combination with others where they work more effectively. Also, note there can be drug/nutrient interactions so always check first.
N.B – Do not ignore high blood pressure, speak with your GP/practice nurse for medical advice.
[i] Burt VL et al. Prevalence of hypertension in the US adult population. Results from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1988-1991. Hypertension. 1995 Mar; 25(3):305-13. View Abstract
For more nutrition and wellbeing advice, head to Karen’s website www.karendevine.co.uk
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