By Laura Marie Thompson
Hypertension is on the increase due to a rising incidence of obesity, diabetes, lack of exercise and consumption of a diet high in saturated fat and salt. Millions of people are diagnosed each year with the disorder which leads to heart disease, stroke, kidney damage amongst other disorders. Current prescription medications such as ACE inhibitors give range to side effects including dizziness, nausea and constipation. Worse still recent research on hypertension combination therapy showed that by using two high blood pressure remedies patients are at an increased risk of permanent kidney damage.
The best way to achieve ideal blood pressure is through natural treatments. There are many ways to do this but the best is by dietary means. The consumption of berries has been shown to be beneficial in many subjects. Blueberries and strawberries are two of the most potent and perhaps tasty high blood pressure remedies. They contain very few calories, a decent portion of fibre and more importantly blueberries contain antioxidants, while strawberries contain magnesium and potassium; these three components are all very effective at achieving health. Antioxidants are thought to counteract the development of hypertension through the inhibition of free radicals. Bananas are another useful fruit to eat on a daily basis as they help regulate potassium levels. The fruits can be added to cereals, deserts, salads or consumed alone as a snack.
Another natural product is glutathione which in the reduced state helps combat the dangerous free radicals. By eating foods such as asparagus, broccoli and garlic you can boost the formation of glutathione within the body and stay healthy.