High Blood Pressure

Definition

High Blood Pressure: As blood circulates through the body, it presses against the walls of the arteries. The force of this action is called blood pressure. When the pressure is too high, the arterial walls become distorted, they may narrow or thicken, and an extra burden of stress is placed on the heart.

Symptoms

High blood pressure does not usually produce symptoms. If however, you experience any of the following:

• Nosebleeds
• Dizziness
• Unexplained sweating
• Visual disturbances
• Shortness of breath flushed cheeks
• Ringing in the ears
• Recurring headaches

Root Causes

• A diet that's high in fat, sugar, and/or salt
• Use of alcohol or caffeine and other stimulants smoking
• Obesity
• Inactivity
• Pregnancy or birth-control pills
• Underlying medical disorders
• Heavy-metal poisoning

Diet

The Western diet has a lot to do with hypertension. Following the suggestion here will make a real difference in your blood pressure and your overall wellness.

Food to Avoid

People with high blood pressure generally benefit from restricting their intake of salt. Salt contains sodium, which causes water retention and increased the pressure inside the arteries.

Recommended Remedies

A diet high in fiber is an excellent way to control or reverse high blood pressure. Your meals should be based on fresh, raw vegetables, soy products, and whole grains, like oats; beans; nuts; and seeds.