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Alternative Health for High Blood Pressure

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, occurs when your blood pressure is higher than normal for an extended period of time. More than 73 million American adults have high blood pressure, according to the American Heart Association. Roughly 90 percent of people with normal blood pressure at age 55 will develop high blood pressure as they get older. While high blood pressure is a serious condition, you can implement lifestyle changes and alternative health treatment options to help lower blood pressure.

  1. Lifestyle Changes

    • Smoking remains one of the most significant risk factors for developing heart disease. Tobacco smoke contains more than 4,800 chemicals, according to the Mayo Clinic. The damage these chemicals cause can make you more vulnerable to narrowing of the arteries. This can lead to coronary heart disease, hypertension and stroke.

      Eating a diet called the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan may help keep your heart and blood vessels healthy. Following the DASH diet means eating foods that are lower in fat, cholesterol and salt. The diet is comprised of lean meats, poultry, fish, vegetables, fruits, whole grains and low-fat dairy products that can help safeguard your heart.

    Supplements

    • Some evidence points to the supplement CoQ10 as an aid to reduce blood pressure. According to the Journal of Hypertension, during 12 clinical trials of coenzyme Q 10 for hypertension, the conclusion was that there was a potential for significant blood pressure reduction. "We conclude that coenzyme Q10 has the potential in hypertensive patients to lower systolic blood pressure by up to 17 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure by up to 10 mm Hg without significant side effects," the report's authors state. Dosage should be up to 1,200 milligrams taken in divided doses by mouth daily.

      Increased intake of flaxseed or fish oil can help lower blood pressure. Fish oil appears to be more effective than flaxseed in several studies. The anti-inflammatory effects of essential fatty acids may produce cardiac protection and blood pressure reduction. Dosage for fish oil is 5 grams a day until reduction has occurred, then decrease to 2-3 grams. Dosage for flaxseed oil is similar with a goal of 2 grams a day.

    Trancendental Meditation

    • More than 600 studies have been completed on the effects of transcendental meditation. In 2007, the National Institutes of Health conducted a study that found evidence that transcendental meditation program is effective and warrants recommendation to patients with elevated blood pressure. The technique is uncomplicated and easily learned. It is a meditation technique that is taught through a course of instruction by a certified T.M. teacher (see Resources).

    Helpful Tips

    • Take a "time out" when you can. Whether it is through reading, yoga, meditation or guided imagery, as Nike says, just do it!

      This information is not intended to provide specific medical advice. Individuals are urged to consult with qualified health care providers for diagnosis and treatment.

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