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Guide

Hello Anonymous,

Welcome to EmpowHER and thank you for coming to us for suggestions on how to manage hypertension without medication.

First, let's look at the two types of hypertension and you can identify which type you have.

For most adults, there's no identifiable cause of high blood pressure. This type of high blood pressure, called primary (essential) hypertension, tends to develop gradually over many years.

Some people have high blood pressure caused by an underlying condition. This type of high blood pressure, called secondary hypertension, tends to appear suddenly and cause higher blood pressure than does primary hypertension. Various conditions and medications can lead to secondary hypertension, including:

Obstructive sleep apnea
Kidney problems
Adrenal gland tumors
Thyroid problems
Certain defects in blood vessels you're born with (congenital)
Certain medications, such as birth control pills, cold remedies, decongestants, over-the-counter pain relievers and some prescription drugs
Illegal drugs, such as cocaine and amphetamines
Alcohol abuse or chronic alcohol use

Next, let's look at the risk factors.

The risk of high blood pressure increases as you age. High blood pressure is particularly common among blacks, often developing at an earlier age than it does in whites.
Hypertension tends to run in families. Smoking is a risk factor.

You mention that 70% of your diet includes raw. Is this fruits and vegetables?
But, what is your sodium and fat intake? Too much sodium in your diet can cause your body to retain fluid, which increases blood pressure.

Are you consuming a diet with enough potassium? Potassium helps balance the amount of sodium in your cells. If you don't get enough potassium in your diet or retain enough potassium, you may accumulate too much sodium in your blood.

Having more than two drinks a day for men and more than one drink a day for women may affect your blood pressure.High levels of stress can lead to a temporary increase in blood pressure.

in addition to daily physical exercise,try the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, poultry, fish and low-fat dairy foods. Get plenty of potassium, which can help prevent and control high blood pressure. Eat less saturated fat and trans fat.

Decrease the salt in your diet to 1,500 milligrams a day. Limit alcohol intake to one drink, which equals 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor, daily. Manage and reduce your stress levels as much as possible. If you smoke, quit.

Hope this helps,
Maryann

November 25, 2015 - 9:32am

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