Naturopathy Treatment for Blood Pressure

Blood Pressure, also known as hypertension, is a condition often linked to the fast-paced and stressful modern lifestyle. It is referred to as the silent killer because it typically doesn’t show symptoms, but if left unchecked, it can increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, vision problems, and kidney disease.

Naturopathy, a branch of alternative medicine, believes in addressing not just the disease but also its root causes. It emphasizes that medication alone is not the only solution and encourages calming the mind and body through practices like yoga and meditation.

Naturopathic treatments focus on a simple lifestyle and dietary changes to manage blood pressure within recommended limits.

Causes of Blood Pressure

One major trigger of hypertension is:

• Fast and stressful lifestyle
• Excessive consumption of Processed and Fast Food
• Smoking

The processed food are all high in calories and rich in sodium salt which leads to obesity and raises the cholesterol levels in the body and narrows the blood vessels thus putting extra pressure on the heart to pump blood.

Lifestyle Changes to Bring Blood Pressure to Normal Levels:

1. Stress Management: Stress is inversely related to blood pressure, as people tend to experience elevated blood pressure during stressful periods. Naturopathy focuses on stress management and relaxation techniques, including meditation, to help alleviate stress and its impact on the body.
2. Taking Fibre-Rich Diet: A well-regulated and monitored diet is a crucial aspect of naturopathic treatment. Dietary risk factors for high blood pressure include obesity, high sodium-to-potassium ratio, low fiber intake, and excessive consumption of sugar and saturated fats.
3. Reducing Salt and Sodium Intake: Reducing salt and sodium intake is essential, as excess salt leads to water retention and increased blood pressure. It’s important to be mindful of the sodium content in processed foods such as chips, cheese, sauces, soups, bread, and cakes. Even a small reduction in sodium intake can have a positive effect on blood pressure.
4. Reducing Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol consumption should be moderated, as it can raise blood pressure to unhealthy levels. Alcohol is also high in calories, contributing to obesity and elevated cholesterol levels.
5. Quit Tobacco: Quitting tobacco is strongly advised, as smoking not only raises blood pressure but also poses various health risks to cardiovascular health. It significantly increases the chances of heart attacks and strokes.
6. Taking Fruits and Vegetables: A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is encouraged, as they are high in potassium and fiber, both of which help lower blood pressure. Raw consumption of fruits and vegetables is associated with the lowest risk of high blood pressure.
7. Reduce the consumption of Processed Food: Reducing the intake of refined flour and high-glycemic foods like sugar can also lower blood pressure. These foods not only contribute to increased blood pressure but also raise cholesterol levels, body weight, and inflammation, all of which increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Individuals with high blood sugar, high triglycerides, low HDL (good) cholesterol, or overweight conditions can particularly benefit from this approach. Added sugars, desserts, soda, and maple syrup should be eliminated, and whole grains should replace refined grains with limited consumption.

In naturopathy, mud therapy and various eliminative processes are considered essential components of treatment. Patients with hypertension are advised to maintain a well-balanced diet, engage in regular exercise, and ensure sufficient rest.

By adopting these naturopathic approaches, individuals can effectively manage their blood pressure levels and reduce the risk of associated health complications.