It is estimated that one-third of American adults suffer with high blood pressure. What is so tragic is that many aren’t aware that they have the problem. It’s called the silent killer for that very reason. If not detected, high blood pressure can lead to a number of serious health issues including heart attack, kidney issues, stoke, diabetes, vision loss, and metabolic syndrome, to name a few.

The number five highest selling prescription drug in the U.S. is Diovan. Diovan relaxes and widens the blood vessels allowing the blood to flow more readily.

The following was taken from: www.rxlist.com/diovan-side-effect-drug-center.htm.

The side effects of Diovan are: headache, dizziness, tiredness, flu symptoms, upper respiratory infection, cough, diarrhea, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, swelling, blurred vision, itching or skin rash, back and joint pain.

It’s the silent killer, what can one do to help prevent high blood pressure from becoming a health issue for you? There seven key steps that will increase the chances that you will not develop high blood pressure. They are as follows:

1. Keep your weight in the normal range.
2. Exercise
3. Healthy diet
4. Reduce sodium
5. Limit alcohol
6. Quit smoking
7. Cut back on caffeine
8. Reduce stress

Those of you that follow our blog know that I am going to talk diet. That’s a given! In addition to the DASH diet that is recommended by the American Heart Association, I have to add the importance of alkalizing. The acid/alkaline chart is available on this site under the education tab.

DASH is a flexible and balanced eating plan that helps create a heart-healthy eating style for life. It requires no special foods and instead provides daily and weekly nutritional goals. This plan recommends:

• Eating vegetables, fruits, and whole grains
• Including fat-free or low-fat dairy products, fish, poultry, beans, nuts, and vegetable oils
• Limiting foods that are high in saturated fat, such as fatty meats, full-fat dairy products, and tropical oils such as coconut, palm kernel, and palm oils
• Limiting sugar-sweetened beverages and sweets.

Based on these recommendations, the following table shows examples of daily and weekly servings that meet DASH eating plan targets for a 2,000-calorie-a-day diet.

Daily and Weekly DASH Eating Plan Goals for a 2,000-Calorie-a-Day Diet

*1,500 milligrams (mg) sodium lowers blood pressure even further than 2,300 mg sodium daily.

When following the DASH eating plan, it is important to choose foods that are:

• Low in saturated and trans fats
• Rich in potassium, calcium, magnesium, fiber, and protein
• Lower in sodium

The above information was taken from: www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/topics/dash

Exercise

We should all be physically active to improve overall health and fitness. Those who aren’t physically active are more prone to develop health issues. We aren’t talking strenuous exercise here, but brisk walking is beneficial when done regularly for a total of 30 minutes or longer at least 5 days a week. Lack of physical activity increases your risk for heart attack and stroke and can contribute to obesity. On the other hand, regular physical activity helps to reduce blood pressure, control weight and reduce stress.
These activities are especially beneficial when done regularly:

• Brisk walking, hiking or stair-climbing
• Jogging, running, bicycling, rowing or swimming
• Fitness classes at your appropriate level
• Activities such team sports, a dance class or fitness games

Reducing stress

Stress is a major issue in today’s world. Physical exercise helps with combating stress along with yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises. Take time each day, even if you have to go to the privacy of your bathroom!!! And decompress. Find that quiet place in your office, home, or garden and sit quietly, breathing deep breathes and focus on getting yourself centered. Yoga and stretching exercises are very beneficial, if you will allow yourself the time to do them, say three times a week. Are you worth it? You can’t be the loving, energetic, confident person with vibrant health that you were created to be if you do not nurture yourself. There is nothing selfish about taking care of you. Remember, high blood pressure is the silent killer. Don’t give it an opportunity to take away any part of you or your life.

Supplemental and Essential Oil Aids

There are a number of supplements and essential oils that are recognized for aiding with high blood pressure. As a preventative it is a good idea to incorporate a few into your daily diet. Most of the foods that we eat are lacking in many nutrients, unless you are eating organically grown fruits and veggies. If you already have high blood pressure and are taking a prescription, the use of several of these may make it possible to lower the dosage or completely eliminate it with your doctor’s approval.

Some of the most familiar supplements are:

Co Enzyme Q10
Cinnamon
Flax Seed Oil
Garlic
Grape Seed
L-Arginine
Lecithin
Magnesium
Omega-3
Potassium
Vitamin E
New Sun BP
New Sun Advanced BP
New Sun Ayurvedic BP

You can learn about each of the above supplements on this site. There is a vast amount of information available on-line, including studies that have been conducted documenting their benefits when dealing with high blood pressure. Always select supplements that are made with the highest quality ingredients, natural, free of fillers and binders. I like to say, “There wasn’t a Rx store in the garden” so why introduce synthetics into our bodies through our supplements?

Essential Oils Aids:

Basil
Cinnamon
Ginger
Lavender

To learn more about essential oils and the major role that they play in our emotional and physical health and the different ways to use them, check out our blog page on essential oils. There are many grades of Essential Oil. Make sure that what you purchase is certified free of contaminates, not blended with synthetic ingredients, that they are pure as found in nature.

New Sun’s mission is to educate and help people to better health and vitality with quality products. When choosing your supplements be sure that they are organic when possible, always free of pesticides, fungicides and other excipients.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.