Anyone can have high blood pressure, it does not discriminate by age or sex. If you suffer from some chronic health issues like type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, kidney disease, and thyroid problems, you may be more likely to have high blood pressure. The chance of having high blood pressure increases as you get older. I often get a common question:
My blood pressure has gradually increased over the last few years, and I’d like to avoid medication if possible. Can you recommend natural remedies?
If your average blood pressure is greater than 120/80 but less than 140/90, that qualifies you for the diagnosis of “prehypertension,” a condition that affects tens of millions of Americans. According to a recent expert consensus called the JNC-7, people in this category definitely need some form of intervention; otherwise they have a significantly elevated risk for cardiovascular issues like heart attacks, congestive heart failure, strokes, or chronic kidney disease.
The two fundamental lifestyle interventions for normalizing blood pressure include weight loss, with a goal of getting the percentage of body fat below 20 percent, and a vigorous exercise program that includes at least three hours of aerobic activity and two hours of weight lifting or similar resistance exercises every week. Also, people with elevated blood pressure should restrict their consumption of salt, refined carbohydrates, and alcohol. They also should avoid smoking altogether, for many reasons.
In addition to avoiding unhealthy foods, you need to include certain essential nutrients in your diet. These must-haves include potassium (abundant in citrus fruits, melons, bananas, nuts, and figs) and magnesium (found in leafy green vegetables, seafood, whole grains, and nuts). Many people with elevated blood pressure also benefit from a magnesium supplement of 300 to 500 mg per day.
Another beneficial supplement, omega-3 fatty acids from cold-water fish, helps lower blood pressure. Excellent food sources include wild Pacific salmon and sardines both of which are low in mercury and other toxins. In addition to eating these fish, I recommend taking a supplement in liquid or capsules that provides at least 2 to 3 grams per day of a combination of EPA and DHA, the two most beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. Fish oil works even better when combined with garlic. You can either try eating two to three raw cloves a day, or take 1 to 3 grams of a freeze-dried garlic powder in capsule form.
According to several medical studies, olive oil also helps lower blood pressure. It contains polyphenols, compounds known to decrease inflammation and increase the production of nitric oxide, a gaseous molecule that relaxes blood vessel walls. Polyphenols give extra virgin olive oil its pungent flavor, which explains why it’s the most powerful at lowering blood pressure.
In addition, olive leaves contain oleuropein, a chemical that has been shown to lower blood pressure. Extracts of olive leaf are typically available in 500 mg capsules; I recommend three to four capsules per day. I also recommend two other supplements, L-arginine, an amino acid, and folic acid, a B-complex vitamin. Like olive oil, both of these nutrients relax blood vessels by increasing nitric oxide production. The dose of L-arginine is 2 grams twice daily; folic acid can be taken in a daily dose of 1,000 mcg.
The post Ask the Doctor: Lower Blood Pressure appeared first on Alternative Medicine Magazine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would people with cancer choose to use other methods?
Cancer patients face many difficulties as they try to cope with their illness. Many patients feel defeated and hopeless. Patients may experience pain, nausea, fatigue, lack of appetite, loss of strength, etc.
In addition, most conventional treatments are not effective against cancer cells. It is important that cancer patients look for alternative therapies, such a complementary medicine. A majority of cancer patients will use alternative medications at least once during treatment according to research.
Patients with cancer may choose to receive complementary medicine rather than chemotherapy. They believe that it is easier to manage side effects. They may also prefer it as it costs less.
The following are other reasons:
Some patients believe that natural remedies can be used to prevent a repeat.
Many people believe that natural remedies can improve the quality of life.
Others believe that natural remedies can reduce the risk of getting cancer again.
People who are worried about side effects of chemotherapy should consider natural remedies for first-line treatment.
What are the five domains of integrative medical care?
Integrative medicine encompasses five domains: mind-body; nutrition; social determinants; lifestyle and prevention. These five areas include all aspects health care including mental, spiritual, as well as environmental well-being.
Integrative medicine is a holistic approach to treating disease and overall health. It includes conventional medical treatments and complementary therapies such as acupuncture, yoga, meditation, massage therapy, herbal medicine, chiropractic care, nutritional counseling, and biofeedback.
Why is holistic medicine so much better?
Holistic health care treats the whole person instead of just specific symptoms. This means looking at how someone feels, what they eat, where they live, how much stress they are under etc…
Holistic medicine addresses all aspects of the patient’s life, and treats them as a whole. It may sound simple, but in practice, this approach is very difficult to achieve because most doctors focus solely on the physical side of patients.
Who uses holistic medicine
Holistic medicine is health care that treats the whole person as opposed to treating specific symptoms. It focuses on both the mental and physical aspects of well-being.
Holistic medicine includes acupuncture, massage therapy, chiropractic treatment, nutritional counseling, yoga, and other complementary therapies.
People who practice holistic medicine include people with cancer, heart issues, diabetes and arthritis.
What is an alternative name for medicine?
Alternative medicine can be described as any method of healing that is different from traditional medical practice. There are many types of alternative medicine. However, they all share the same premise: health care should be grounded in natural substances and practices, not chemical medicines.
Alternative medicine includes acupuncture.
Alternative practitioners often claim that they have better outcomes for patients, with fewer side effects and lower costs. These claims can’t be supported scientifically, as mainstream medical authorities have mostly ignored the evidence-based advantages of alternative medicine.
Who uses alternative medicine instead of traditional medicine?
Alternative medicine is used for many reasons.
- They want to avoid harmful drugs and surgery.
- They believe that natural remedies work better.
- They prefer non-invasive treatment.
- They want to spend less.
- Natural products make them feel safer.
- They want more control over their own healthcare decisions.
- They are willing to take responsibility and be responsible for their own health.
- They want a healthier environment around them.
- They want less stress in their lives.
- They want greater freedom in choosing their doctors and their healthcare plans.
- They want their children receive a better education.
- They want healthy food for themselves and their family.
- They want safe, effective medications.
Statistics
- According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
- In 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
webmd.com
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING FOR TENSION-TYPE HEADACHE–PubMed
- A Randomized controlled trial to determine the effect of foot reflexology on depression and anxiety in older women: PubMed
liebertpub.com
- Games for Health Journal – Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers
- The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine: Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials on Acupuncture to Treat Insomnia
cam.cancer.gov
How To
What Are The Advances And Shortcomings Of Holistic Medicine?
Holistic medicine is a form of holistic medicine that emphasizes the importance mind, body, spirit and environment in the healing process. It was first developed by Dr. Edward Bach (1886-1936), and his first book, The Doctor’s Book of Mind Cure in 1924. Simple techniques like meditation, visualization, hypnosis, and visualization were used by him. This treatment was beneficial for people who suffer from anxiety, depressions, stress, pain, insomnia, or other illnesses. This type of therapy also helps patients to cope with their problems, and improve their quality-of-life.
While holistic therapies remain popular today, little evidence supports their effectiveness. Some studies show that holistic treatments can reduce symptoms such as arthritis, asthma, diabetes and heart disease.
Advances and shortcomings of holistic medicine are:
- There is insufficient scientific evidence. The benefits of holistic therapies can only be evaluated in a small number of well-designed, randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Positive results are the norm in most observational studies.
- Low cost compared to conventional medicine. Alternative medicines may be more affordable than traditional medicines, especially if the patient eats a healthy diet.
- Patients do not feel pressured into following the prescribed protocol.
- Many doctors recommend complementary therapies without prescribing them.
- Many holistic treatments can be combined with traditional medicine. For example acupuncture is commonly combined with medication and surgery.
- People believe alternative treatments are better than traditional medicine.
- Alternative medicines are more natural than traditional drugs.
- Many patients use complementary treatments to complement their lifestyle changes. They want to be well but still enjoy their lives.
- Holistic treatment patients are often healthier.
- The popularity of holistic therapies is growing among seniors.
- Research on complementary treatments is still needed.
- Studies have shown that the majority of people would rather try alternative treatments than see a doctor.
- Doctors need to be able to see that not all patients are candidates for alternative treatments.
- Holistic treatments must be an integral part of culture and education.
- Holistic treatments might not be for everyone.
- It is important to learn how to educate patients about the different treatments so they can make informed choices.
- Holistic treatments aren’t only for hippies.
- Holistic treatments cannot cure certain diseases.
- Sometimes holistic treatments can prove dangerous.
- For certain conditions, holistic therapies are beneficial.
- Holistic therapies are highly effective.
- Holistic treatments are based in ancient knowledge.
- It is easy to learn holistic treatments.
- Holistic treatments can be hard to understand.
- Holistic treatments can be difficult to master.
- Holistic treatments can be expensive.
- Holistic treatments can be quite expensive.
- Holistic treatment is less costly than conventional medicine.
- Holistic therapies are more costly than traditional medicine.
****
Holistic Medicine – A Short History
Holistic medicine refers to a system that treats the whole person rather than just the symptoms. Holistic medicine includes all aspects of a person’s life, including their physical, emotional, psychological, spiritual, occupational and cultural influences. Prevention is better than treatment. It focuses on prevention and management of disease, such as diet, exercise, relaxation, stress management, and so forth.
The first holistic medical school was established at Bastyr University in Seattle in 1972. After Dr. Andrew Weil’s 1996 book, “Spontaneous Healing”, holistic medicine started to flourish. Dr. David Williams, and Dr. Michael Murray founded the American Holistic Medical Association in 1997. There are hundreds of holistic medicine schools all over the world, including Bastyr University in Columbia, Columbia College of Physicians & Surgeons and Maharishi Ayurveda Institute.
Holistic medicine was named by the World Health Organization as one of the five most important trends in healthcare. This trend integrates conventional care with complementary therapies like homeopathy, acupuncture or herbalism, massage, therapy, reiki, yoga and meditation. This integration is designed to deliver safe, effective, patient-centered healthcare while minimising side effects and costs.
Holistic medicine works due to the interconnectedness between our mind-body-spirit. Instability can result in illness if any of these parts is not in balance. Let’s take, for instance:
You become tense and out of balance when your mind is stressed or anxious. Cortisol, which is a hormone that promotes inflammation throughout the body, is what your body produces. You feel weak, tired, and sick as a result.
Anxiety and negative emotions can lead to anxiety, fear, grief, sadness, and other unpleasant feelings. These feelings create stress in your brain. Untreated, stress can cause your body to make adrenaline and cortisol. Adrenaline boosts heart rate, blood pressure and breathing rate. Cortisol has a negative impact on your immune system and digestive tract. Both hormones can cause fatigue, muscle tension and headaches, as well as anxiety, depression, anxiety, dizziness, insomnia, sleeplessness, headaches, dizziness and other health problems.
A depressed spirit can lead to a loss of faith and hope. You may also lack self-esteem and confidence. This can lead to poor eating habits, unhealthy relationship patterns, and low energy. You feel happy, joyful, peaceful, and optimistic when your spirit is healthy.
There are differences between alternative and traditional medicine.
Allopathic medicine relies on scientific methods. To diagnose patients, doctors use x-rays and MRIs as well as CAT scans and other technologies. They may also prescribe medications or surgery if necessary. Allopathic doctors believe they are able to diagnose and treat illness. Alternative medicine can be used for vitamins, minerals, diet and exercise. Alternative medicine is not defined in a standard way. People call it natural or integrative medicine. Others refer to them as traditional medicine, holistic medicine, and CAM.
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This blog is a source of general information and discussion on health and related topics. Information and materials on this blog, on the website, or in any of the connected materials are not intended to replace or used as a substitute for the advice of a medical professional, diagnosis, or treatment. This blog does not represent the application of any nursing, medical or other health professional advice or diagnosis. We are unable to diagnose health conditions, offer second opinions or provide specific treatment recommendations via this blog or on our website.
If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you’re experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.
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By: Andrew Ellis
Title: Ask the Doctor: Lower Blood Pressure
Sourced From: alternativemedicine.com/conditions/hypertension/ask-doctor-lower-blood-pressure/
Published Date: Mon, 07 Aug 2023 22:20:35 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would people with cancer choose to use other methods?
Cancer patients face many difficulties as they try to cope with their illness. Many patients feel defeated and hopeless. Patients may experience pain, nausea, fatigue, lack of appetite, loss of strength, etc.
In addition, most conventional treatments are not effective against cancer cells. It is important that cancer patients look for alternative therapies, such a complementary medicine. A majority of cancer patients will use alternative medications at least once during treatment according to research.
Patients with cancer may choose to receive complementary medicine rather than chemotherapy. They believe that it is easier to manage side effects. They may also prefer it as it costs less.
The following are other reasons:
Some patients believe that natural remedies can be used to prevent a repeat.
Many people believe that natural remedies can improve the quality of life.
Others believe that natural remedies can reduce the risk of getting cancer again.
People who are worried about side effects of chemotherapy should consider natural remedies for first-line treatment.
What are the five domains of integrative medical care?
Integrative medicine encompasses five domains: mind-body; nutrition; social determinants; lifestyle and prevention. These five areas include all aspects health care including mental, spiritual, as well as environmental well-being.
Integrative medicine is a holistic approach to treating disease and overall health. It includes conventional medical treatments and complementary therapies such as acupuncture, yoga, meditation, massage therapy, herbal medicine, chiropractic care, nutritional counseling, and biofeedback.
Why is holistic medicine so much better?
Holistic health care treats the whole person instead of just specific symptoms. This means looking at how someone feels, what they eat, where they live, how much stress they are under etc…
Holistic medicine addresses all aspects of the patient’s life, and treats them as a whole. It may sound simple, but in practice, this approach is very difficult to achieve because most doctors focus solely on the physical side of patients.
Who uses holistic medicine
Holistic medicine is health care that treats the whole person as opposed to treating specific symptoms. It focuses on both the mental and physical aspects of well-being.
Holistic medicine includes acupuncture, massage therapy, chiropractic treatment, nutritional counseling, yoga, and other complementary therapies.
People who practice holistic medicine include people with cancer, heart issues, diabetes and arthritis.
What is an alternative name for medicine?
Alternative medicine can be described as any method of healing that is different from traditional medical practice. There are many types of alternative medicine. However, they all share the same premise: health care should be grounded in natural substances and practices, not chemical medicines.
Alternative medicine includes acupuncture.
Alternative practitioners often claim that they have better outcomes for patients, with fewer side effects and lower costs. These claims can’t be supported scientifically, as mainstream medical authorities have mostly ignored the evidence-based advantages of alternative medicine.
Who uses alternative medicine instead of traditional medicine?
Alternative medicine is used for many reasons.
- They want to avoid harmful drugs and surgery.
- They believe that natural remedies work better.
- They prefer non-invasive treatment.
- They want to spend less.
- Natural products make them feel safer.
- They want more control over their own healthcare decisions.
- They are willing to take responsibility and be responsible for their own health.
- They want a healthier environment around them.
- They want less stress in their lives.
- They want greater freedom in choosing their doctors and their healthcare plans.
- They want their children receive a better education.
- They want healthy food for themselves and their family.
- They want safe, effective medications.
Statistics
- According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
- In 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
webmd.com
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING FOR TENSION-TYPE HEADACHE–PubMed
- A Randomized controlled trial to determine the effect of foot reflexology on depression and anxiety in older women: PubMed
liebertpub.com
- Games for Health Journal – Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers
- The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine: Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials on Acupuncture to Treat Insomnia
cam.cancer.gov
How To
What Are The Advances And Shortcomings Of Holistic Medicine?
Holistic medicine is a form of holistic medicine that emphasizes the importance mind, body, spirit and environment in the healing process. It was first developed by Dr. Edward Bach (1886-1936), and his first book, The Doctor’s Book of Mind Cure in 1924. Simple techniques like meditation, visualization, hypnosis, and visualization were used by him. This treatment was beneficial for people who suffer from anxiety, depressions, stress, pain, insomnia, or other illnesses. This type of therapy also helps patients to cope with their problems, and improve their quality-of-life.
While holistic therapies remain popular today, little evidence supports their effectiveness. Some studies show that holistic treatments can reduce symptoms such as arthritis, asthma, diabetes and heart disease.
Advances and shortcomings of holistic medicine are:
- There is insufficient scientific evidence. The benefits of holistic therapies can only be evaluated in a small number of well-designed, randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Positive results are the norm in most observational studies.
- Low cost compared to conventional medicine. Alternative medicines may be more affordable than traditional medicines, especially if the patient eats a healthy diet.
- Patients do not feel pressured into following the prescribed protocol.
- Many doctors recommend complementary therapies without prescribing them.
- Many holistic treatments can be combined with traditional medicine. For example acupuncture is commonly combined with medication and surgery.
- People believe alternative treatments are better than traditional medicine.
- Alternative medicines are more natural than traditional drugs.
- Many patients use complementary treatments to complement their lifestyle changes. They want to be well but still enjoy their lives.
- Holistic treatment patients are often healthier.
- The popularity of holistic therapies is growing among seniors.
- Research on complementary treatments is still needed.
- Studies have shown that the majority of people would rather try alternative treatments than see a doctor.
- Doctors need to be able to see that not all patients are candidates for alternative treatments.
- Holistic treatments must be an integral part of culture and education.
- Holistic treatments might not be for everyone.
- It is important to learn how to educate patients about the different treatments so they can make informed choices.
- Holistic treatments aren’t only for hippies.
- Holistic treatments cannot cure certain diseases.
- Sometimes holistic treatments can prove dangerous.
- For certain conditions, holistic therapies are beneficial.
- Holistic therapies are highly effective.
- Holistic treatments are based in ancient knowledge.
- It is easy to learn holistic treatments.
- Holistic treatments can be hard to understand.
- Holistic treatments can be difficult to master.
- Holistic treatments can be expensive.
- Holistic treatments can be quite expensive.
- Holistic treatment is less costly than conventional medicine.
- Holistic therapies are more costly than traditional medicine.
****
Holistic Medicine – A Short History
Holistic medicine refers to a system that treats the whole person rather than just the symptoms. Holistic medicine includes all aspects of a person’s life, including their physical, emotional, psychological, spiritual, occupational and cultural influences. Prevention is better than treatment. It focuses on prevention and management of disease, such as diet, exercise, relaxation, stress management, and so forth.
The first holistic medical school was established at Bastyr University in Seattle in 1972. After Dr. Andrew Weil’s 1996 book, “Spontaneous Healing”, holistic medicine started to flourish. Dr. David Williams, and Dr. Michael Murray founded the American Holistic Medical Association in 1997. There are hundreds of holistic medicine schools all over the world, including Bastyr University in Columbia, Columbia College of Physicians & Surgeons and Maharishi Ayurveda Institute.
Holistic medicine was named by the World Health Organization as one of the five most important trends in healthcare. This trend integrates conventional care with complementary therapies like homeopathy, acupuncture or herbalism, massage, therapy, reiki, yoga and meditation. This integration is designed to deliver safe, effective, patient-centered healthcare while minimising side effects and costs.
Holistic medicine works due to the interconnectedness between our mind-body-spirit. Instability can result in illness if any of these parts is not in balance. Let’s take, for instance:
You become tense and out of balance when your mind is stressed or anxious. Cortisol, which is a hormone that promotes inflammation throughout the body, is what your body produces. You feel weak, tired, and sick as a result.
Anxiety and negative emotions can lead to anxiety, fear, grief, sadness, and other unpleasant feelings. These feelings create stress in your brain. Untreated, stress can cause your body to make adrenaline and cortisol. Adrenaline boosts heart rate, blood pressure and breathing rate. Cortisol has a negative impact on your immune system and digestive tract. Both hormones can cause fatigue, muscle tension and headaches, as well as anxiety, depression, anxiety, dizziness, insomnia, sleeplessness, headaches, dizziness and other health problems.
A depressed spirit can lead to a loss of faith and hope. You may also lack self-esteem and confidence. This can lead to poor eating habits, unhealthy relationship patterns, and low energy. You feel happy, joyful, peaceful, and optimistic when your spirit is healthy.
There are differences between alternative and traditional medicine.
Allopathic medicine relies on scientific methods. To diagnose patients, doctors use x-rays and MRIs as well as CAT scans and other technologies. They may also prescribe medications or surgery if necessary. Allopathic doctors believe they are able to diagnose and treat illness. Alternative medicine can be used for vitamins, minerals, diet and exercise. Alternative medicine is not defined in a standard way. People call it natural or integrative medicine. Others refer to them as traditional medicine, holistic medicine, and CAM.
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