Hypertension is a serious health issue that can have grave consequences, such as heart disease, strokes, kidney problems, and even death. If you have hypertension that is resistant to treatment, it can be difficult to lower your blood pressure.
There’s good news from a study that shows how lifestyle changes can improve your health and quality of life. Explore the latest research on how to lower blood pressure with diet and exercise.
Treatment-resistant hypertension definition
The term “treatment resistant hypertension” is used to describe blood pressure levels that remain consistently above 140/90mmHg despite a multi-modal treatment plan.
Around 5% of global population suffers from resistant hypertension, while 20%-30% of adults are affected by this potentially fatal condition.
It’s common for resistant hypertension to have an underlying medical condition, like kidney disease or thyroid problems. Those with resistant hypertension are also 50% more likely than others to experience cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks, strokes and death.
To protect your health, it’s important to tackle this stubborn form.
New research on naturally lowering blood pressure
Exercise and diet have been proven to be effective in treating high blood pressure for many years. A new study called Treating Resistance Hypertension Using Lifestyle Modification to Promote Health (TRIUMPH) was the first one to examine the effect of lifestyle habits on people with treatment-resistant high blood pressure. The results were very encouraging.
Researchers have found that behavioral modifications, such as regular aerobic exercise and adherence to the DASH Diet and weight loss, significantly lower blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health.
The DASH Diet is in line with the recommendations of the American Heart Association, focusing on fresh fruits and vegetables, low-fat milk, and limiting salt.
TRIUMPH participants saw an average drop of 12 points in systolic pressure. They also experienced improvements in key heart markers, including lower LDL cholesterol.
These findings demonstrate the potential benefits of lifestyle changes in combating resistant high blood pressure.
Natural remedies for high blood tension
It’s important to commit yourself to these changes for the long term if you want them maximized. It may be intimidating at first but remember that it is never too late to start your journey.
The researchers behind TRIUMPH recommend setting realistic, achievable goals in addition to a DASH diet. Begin by trying to lose 5-10% of your weight, and increase your daily physical activity to 1,000 steps or more.
You can achieve lasting progress in improving your health by focusing on these achievable goals.
The DASH Diet played a key role in the TRIUMPH Study’s success. Let’s find out what it entails, and how you can easily implement it into your daily life.
DASH diet tips for treating high blood pressure
The DASH diet doesn’t restrict you, but it is a balanced approach to nutrition, which emphasizes whole, nutrient rich foods. These are the key components.
Fruits and vegetables
The DASH Diet promotes eating plenty of fruits and veggies. These plant-based food sources provide vitamins, minerals and antioxidants as well as dietary fiber.
Include a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables in your meals, snacks and desserts. Make them the focal point of your plate.
Whole grains rich in nutrients
The DASH Diet also includes a large amount of whole grains. These grains are rich in fiber and vitamins, minerals, as well as beneficial plant compounds.
You can choose from:
- Brown rice
- Quinoa
- Oats
- Whole wheat products
- Lean proteins
The DASH diet includes lean sources of protein, such as:
- Seafood
- Skinless turkey and chicken
- Pork tenderloin
- Extra-lean Red Meat (twice a week)
Instead of frying, choose healthier cooking methods such as grilling, baking or broiling.
Low-fat dairy products
Dairy products provide calcium and many other nutrients. Reduce saturated fat consumption by choosing low-fat and fat-free products, like:
- Skim milk
- Low-fat yogurt
- Reduced-fat cheeses
- Healthy fats
The DASH diet focuses on replacing unhealthy saturated and Trans fats with healthier unsaturated fats.
Choose monounsaturated oils, such as olive oil, instead of frying foods.
- Olive oil
- Avocados
- Nuts
Limited sodium intake
The DASH Diet emphasizes reducing your sodium intake, since excessive sodium is linked to high blood tension.
Instead of salt, use natural herbs, spices and other flavorings in your food to improve the taste.
Beware of packaged and processed foods that often contain high sodium levels.
Moderate sugar
The DASH diet plan does not eliminate sweets or sugars completely, but it emphasizes moderation.
Enjoy small portions of your favourite desserts or choose natural sweeteners like fresh fruit. Check food labels and make informed decisions by limiting excess sugar.
The DASH Diet is based on mindful eating and a balanced diet. Remember that sustainable habits and gradual changes are the key to success.
Consult your registered dietitian or healthcare provider to customize the DASH Diet according to your needs and preferences.
Exercise and diet can help you lower your blood pressure naturally
The TRIUMPH Study provides a ray hope in the fight against treatment-resistant high blood pressure. It shows the potential for healthy lifestyles to transform lives.
Consult your doctor to find out how you can benefit from the DASH diet and increased physical activity if you have resistant hypertension.
References:
https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/facts.htm
https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2018/17_0362.htm
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6010458/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4408700/#:~:text=extensive%20medical%20therapy.-,Resistant%20hypertension%20is%20defined%20as%20blood%20pressure%20that%20remains%20above,to%20suffer%20end%2Dorgan%20damage.
https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ijhy/2011/236239/
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/treatment-of-resistant-hypertension#:~:text=Mar%2003%2C%202023.-,INTRODUCTION
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4671446/
https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.121.055329
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5609092/#:~:text=Current%20evidence%20from%20a%20systematic,140%2D160%20million%20people%20globally.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11136953/
https://heart.bmj.com/content/105/2/98
https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/hypertensionaha.108.189141
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482514/#:~:text=What%20does%20this%20diet%20include,minimally%20processed%20and%20fresh%20food.
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/education/dash-eating-plan
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6723869/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6770596/
Alternative Medicine Magazine published the article Lowering blood pressure naturally: Diet can control resistant hypertension.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is alternative medicine important
Alternative medicine is very popular, as they are often less expensive and more beneficial than traditional treatments. Unfortunately, many patients have died as a result of side effects like allergic reactions. There are also alternatives that may be more effective.
If you don’t understand enough about alternative medications, it can make your choice difficult. Vitamin supplements, for instance, aren’t controlled like pharmaceuticals. This makes it easy to take too many vitamins. Worse, alternative remedies may contain toxic chemicals.
What does it mean to use complementary medicine?
Complementary Medicine can be described as any treatment that is complementary to mainstream medicine. It covers therapies such as acupuncture.
Complementary medications are not to be used as an alternative to conventional medicine. These complementary medicines are also known as “alternative”, “integrative”, or “integrative” medicine. They combine Western scientific methods and other proven therapies to heal people.
Who uses alternative medicine and why?
Alternative medicine can be used for many reasons.
- They are keen to avoid surgery and harmful drugs.
- They believe natural remedies are more effective.
- They prefer noninvasive treatments.
- They are looking to spend less.
- They feel safer using natural products.
- They desire greater control over their healthcare decisions.
- They are willing to take responsibility and be responsible for their own health.
- They want to live in a healthier environment.
- They desire less stress in their life.
- They want greater freedom in choosing their doctors and their healthcare plans.
- They want their children to have a better education.
- They want healthy food and good nutrition for their family.
- They are looking for safe and effective medication.
Complementary and Alternative Healthcare – Does it have Evidence-Based Basis?
Although the evidence base for alternative and complementary medicine is still in flux, there are many reasons people choose them. They might have tried conventional therapies but were unsuccessful, or they might want to try alternative treatments because they feel it offers more benefits than the conventional ones. They might also consider alternative and complementary medicines to improve their health. Patients should always check if any complementary and alternative medicines they use are supported by scientific research. Ask your pharmacist or doctor if you have any doubts about whether the treatment is working. It can save you both time and money.
Statistics
- The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
- An assessment of conventional treatments found that 41.3% concluded positive or possibly positive effects, 20% concluded no effect, 8.1% concluded net harmful effects, and 21.3% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING AND TENSION-TYPE HEADACHE – PubMed
- The Effect of Foot Reflexology on Hospital Anxiety and Depression in Female Older Adults: a Randomized Controlled Trial – PubMed
nccih.nih.gov
cam.cancer.gov
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- PubMed: The rise and rise in complementary and alternative medicine: A sociological perspective
- PubMed: Holistic medicine – PubMed
How To
What should I look for when looking for a qualified holistic doctor
How do you find a holistic doctor?
Specialists are the best doctors. Holistic medicine is what we are referring too. This means that doctors must learn how to treat their patients holistically. A holistic doctor should have a deep understanding of holistic health.
Doctors should not only be knowledgeable about holistic health but also have an understanding of alternative and complementary therapies (CAM), such acupuncture and chiropractic care as well as yoga and massage therapy.
Holistic health practitioners should also be able to diagnose your condition and explain the different treatments available to make an informed decision about your treatment options.
You should also ask if the doctor has certifications from professional organizations like the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork or the American Holistic Medical Association. The NBOHMCA provides certification in many areas, including naturopathic medicine, acupuncture, homeopathy, clinical nutrition, herbalism, and aromatherapy.
You can search our directory for holistic practitioners in your local area. If there isn’t one, you may be capable of searching online for a holistic practitioner near you.
Ask your local hospital or doctor to verify if they offer holistic care.
You can also visit your local library for books and resources on holistic health.
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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.
——————————————————————————————————————————————
By: Dick Benson
Title: Lowering Blood Pressure Naturally: Diet Can Control Resistant Hypertension
Sourced From: alternativemedicine.com/conditions/hypertension/diet-can-control-high-blood-pressure/
Published Date: Thu, 29 Jun 2023 21:42:30 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is alternative medicine important
Alternative medicine is very popular, as they are often less expensive and more beneficial than traditional treatments. Unfortunately, many patients have died as a result of side effects like allergic reactions. There are also alternatives that may be more effective.
If you don’t understand enough about alternative medications, it can make your choice difficult. Vitamin supplements, for instance, aren’t controlled like pharmaceuticals. This makes it easy to take too many vitamins. Worse, alternative remedies may contain toxic chemicals.
What does it mean to use complementary medicine?
Complementary Medicine can be described as any treatment that is complementary to mainstream medicine. It covers therapies such as acupuncture.
Complementary medications are not to be used as an alternative to conventional medicine. These complementary medicines are also known as “alternative”, “integrative”, or “integrative” medicine. They combine Western scientific methods and other proven therapies to heal people.
Who uses alternative medicine and why?
Alternative medicine can be used for many reasons.
- They are keen to avoid surgery and harmful drugs.
- They believe natural remedies are more effective.
- They prefer noninvasive treatments.
- They are looking to spend less.
- They feel safer using natural products.
- They desire greater control over their healthcare decisions.
- They are willing to take responsibility and be responsible for their own health.
- They want to live in a healthier environment.
- They desire less stress in their life.
- They want greater freedom in choosing their doctors and their healthcare plans.
- They want their children to have a better education.
- They want healthy food and good nutrition for their family.
- They are looking for safe and effective medication.
Complementary and Alternative Healthcare – Does it have Evidence-Based Basis?
Although the evidence base for alternative and complementary medicine is still in flux, there are many reasons people choose them. They might have tried conventional therapies but were unsuccessful, or they might want to try alternative treatments because they feel it offers more benefits than the conventional ones. They might also consider alternative and complementary medicines to improve their health. Patients should always check if any complementary and alternative medicines they use are supported by scientific research. Ask your pharmacist or doctor if you have any doubts about whether the treatment is working. It can save you both time and money.
Statistics
- The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
- An assessment of conventional treatments found that 41.3% concluded positive or possibly positive effects, 20% concluded no effect, 8.1% concluded net harmful effects, and 21.3% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING AND TENSION-TYPE HEADACHE – PubMed
- The Effect of Foot Reflexology on Hospital Anxiety and Depression in Female Older Adults: a Randomized Controlled Trial – PubMed
nccih.nih.gov
cam.cancer.gov
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- PubMed: The rise and rise in complementary and alternative medicine: A sociological perspective
- PubMed: Holistic medicine – PubMed
How To
What should I look for when looking for a qualified holistic doctor
How do you find a holistic doctor?
Specialists are the best doctors. Holistic medicine is what we are referring too. This means that doctors must learn how to treat their patients holistically. A holistic doctor should have a deep understanding of holistic health.
Doctors should not only be knowledgeable about holistic health but also have an understanding of alternative and complementary therapies (CAM), such acupuncture and chiropractic care as well as yoga and massage therapy.
Holistic health practitioners should also be able to diagnose your condition and explain the different treatments available to make an informed decision about your treatment options.
You should also ask if the doctor has certifications from professional organizations like the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork or the American Holistic Medical Association. The NBOHMCA provides certification in many areas, including naturopathic medicine, acupuncture, homeopathy, clinical nutrition, herbalism, and aromatherapy.
You can search our directory for holistic practitioners in your local area. If there isn’t one, you may be capable of searching online for a holistic practitioner near you.
Ask your local hospital or doctor to verify if they offer holistic care.
You can also visit your local library for books and resources on holistic health.
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