It’s One of the Most Common Health Concerns in America
Written by Gayle
What’s the first thing that happens when you go to your doctor’s appointment? (Well, after that fun weight check…) Your blood pressure is checked. Have you ever wondered why?
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| photo from clipart best.com |
Your blood pressure is an indicator of many underlying health concerns. According to the Mayo Clinic website, high blood pressure can quietly damage your body many years before other symptoms develop. It can damage your arteries, your heart, your brain and your kidneys. It also can impair vision and sexual function. And these are just the slow damages that high blood pressure can cause. There are also high blood pressure emergencies–strokes, seizures, chest pain or heart attacks, memory loss, kidney failure and more.
Got your attention?
Fortunately, high blood pressure is something that can often be reduced and sometimes controlled by lifestyle choices. But it does take some knowledge and determination.
I spoke with our helpful Ventura supplement team members, and they told me that when people are aware of the foods that they eat as well as the fitness and lifestyle choices that they make, they are much more likely to be able to regulate their blood pressure. Here are some tips:
- Eat a healthy diet. Lassen’s is all about eating the best diet possible. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables, and whole grains. Cut back on animal products, and when you do have them, choose dairy and meats that are low in saturated fats and cholesterol. Reduce sodium in the diet and increase potassium. If you eat foods closer to nature (not processed) you’ll automatically lower your sodium intake.
- Exercise. Even a slight uptick in activity level can make a big difference. Move at least 30 minutes each day. Exercise is a great stress-reducer, too, which can help reduce high blood pressure.
- The first two suggestions can help with the third–lose a few pounds and watch your waistline. Even losing just ten pounds can lower blood pressure.
- Limit alcohol consumption. Binge drinking can cause a lot of problems, not the least of which is a spike in blood pressure. More than one drink can also cause blood pressure to rise.
- Stop smoking and avoid second hand smoke.
- Reduce caffeine intake. It, too, can cause a jump in blood pressure.
- Reduce stress. But you already knew that, right? Incorporate practices into your life that will help you cope with difficulties and stresses. Surround yourself with people and things that help you live your best life. Enjoy nature.
- Consider natural remedies. There are many herbs and other supplements that have been shown to help regulate blood pressure. Celery seed, fish peptides, hawthorn berry, garlic powder, apple pectin, and other vitamins and minerals can help. Many vitamin brands have blends of these ingredients that are simple and easy to take. Our friendly vitamin team can help you choose some helpful supplements.
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| Get out in nature! |
All too often we think that we can just “take a pill” and the problem will go away. But our health is the sum total of all that we eat and drink, what we do and how we take care of our bodies, as well as our stresses and our emotions.
So this May–National Blood Pressure Month–check your blood pressure, and always take care of your heath! Lassen’s is here to help, so come talk to one of our helpful Supplement Team Members about how to improve your health!
Love,
Lassen’s