Blood pressure is the pressure the blood makes in the circulatory system and is closely related to the force and rate of the heartbeat and the diameter and elasticity of the artery walls. Hypertension occurs when the blood creates excess pressure on the artery walls. If left untreated, this can lead to numerous health issues or even heart attack, stroke or kidney failure.
When the heart pumps blood at normal rate, the blood pressure is within safe range. However, if the heart pumps more blood, the blood pressure increases proportionally. The measurements are different for every age and both genders, but the one that exceeds 140/90 is alarming and means that you suffer from hypertension.
This condition can be genetic or caused by other factors such as alcoholism, lack of physical activity, stress, obesity, high salt intake, taking birth control pills regularly, using pain relievers for a longer period, and kidney diseases. It is often treated with over-the-counter medications but there are many natural remedies which can be very helpful in normalizing your blood pressure. These are some of them:
Lemons
Lemons are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants which are very potent in the reduction of the negative effects that free radicals make. They also help soften the blood vessels which is very important for the reduction of high blood pressure. The only thing you need to do is drink lemon water every way. Besides lowering the blood pressure it also keeps the body well hydrated.
Watermelon seeds
Watermelon seeds have vasodilatory properties which mean that they can widen the blood vessels thus lowering the blood pressure. You can use them by crushing them in powder and adding them in a cup of your favorite drink.
Garlic
Eating garlic increases the production of hydrogen sulfide and nitric oxide which relax the blood vessels and normalize the blood pressure. You can add garlic in your meals or, if you can bear the taste, eat two cloves on an empty stomach in the morning.
Bananas
The potassium in bananas reduces the negative effects that sodium creates. Eating fresh bananas every day is an excellent choice for people suffering from hypertension.
Coconut water
It is very important for people who suffer from hypertension to drink at least 8 glasses of water every day. However, you can always use a tastier alternative such as coconut water which is rich in Vitamin C, potassium and magnesium. This vitamin and minerals are all powerful when it comes to fighting high blood pressure.
Celery
This vegetable is rich in Butylphthalide (3-N-butylphthalide), a compound which is excellent in the reduction of high blood pressure as it relaxes the blood vessels and encourages normal blood flow. Celery also has anti-stress properties which can prevent hypertension from happening in the first place. To get the most of it, eat at least one stalk of celery every day.
source and courtesy: dailyhealthgen.com