Natural Help for Hypertension

Dietary sourcs

• Start making changes in your diet. Increase your consumption of fruits and vegetables. Select whole grain breads, and experiment with grains like quinoa, whole wheat couscous, barley and millet. Legumes such as black beans, chickpeas, lentils, peas and pinto beans make great soups with a variety of vegetables. Go for the low fat meats, skinless chicken breasts and fish extremely nutritious and rich in omega 3 fatty acids. Low-fat cottage cheese and yogurt are rich in calcium, magnesium and potassium. Select raw nuts and baked chips for munching snacks.
  
  

Sodium potassium and high blood pressure

• Limit your sodium (salt) in your diet; and you can do this by ignoring your salt shaker and avoiding foods that are high in sodium. Smoked meats, pickles, sauerkraut, ham and processed foods are high in sodium. Read all labels on cans for sodium content. Potassium is essential for blood pressure regulating; and most fruits, vegetables and legumes have a high potassium content.
  
  

Exercise and lifestyle

• Put on your walking shoes and get out there for a walk and enjoy nature. If you like exercising at home buy an exercise video, free weights and exercise ball for variety in your exercise program. Join a gym for an extensive choice of equipment and aerobic classes. Meditation is great for stress reduction, and yoga and pilates are good for flexibility and body conditioning. If you need to shed pounds, start on a weight losing program today. Do not start smoking or begin a program to quit.
  
  

RESPeRATE device

• The RESPeRATE device is relatively new in the treatment of high blood pressure. It uses a computerized electronic device to guide breathing. The RESPeRATE has three parts: a computerized unit, a chest sensor and earphones. A personalized melody is created by your breathing pattern. You strap the sensor to your chest, then take deep, slow breaths. Your blood vessels will begin to dilate and relax, and your blood will flow more freely, resulting in lower blood pressure. The RESPeRATE is the only device of this kind accepted by the health care system in Canada.