What are natural treatments for hypertension?

An overall healthier lifestyle can help control and reduce high blood pressure (hypertension).

A diet that is low in saturated fat and salt, and rich in complex carbohydrates (vegetables, whole grains, legumes and fruits) can help with overall cardiovascular health.

Increased physical activity or regular exercise, preferably a combination of aerobics and strength-straining, is an excellent complementary treatment for high blood pressure.

Many people who modify their diets and stick to a regular exercise program have been known to reduce their blood pressure, avoiding the need for medication in many cases.

One of the best natural remedies for hypertension is rose hip powder, says naturopathic doctor and licensed acupuncturist Pina LoGiudice.

With time, treatment and lifestyle changes, your blood pressure (BP) may decrease to a healthier level and improve your chronic hypertension. You may need to have regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to check your blood pressure and your condition. People with stage I hypertension are usually checked every two months. Those with stage II hypertension may need to be checked every month. If your BP gets very high, you will need help and treatment right away.

There are several things you can do naturally, by changing your lifestyle habits, to treat hypertension. This should always be performed under the supervision of your doctor. Often people require medications, in combination with lifestyle changes, to adequately control their high blood pressure. Some of the lifestyle habits you can incorporate to decrease blood pressure include improving your diet, increasing exercise and losing weight. In regards to diet, the DASH diet has been shown to be beneficial in lowering blood pressure. The DASH diet includes a diet high in fruits and veggies, up to 9 servings a day, and a low-sodium diet. Weight loss, especially in obese individuals, or those with a BMI >30, has significant benefits on blood pressure. Exercise, as well as limiting alcohol intake, has also been shown to help decrease blood pressure.

There are several alternative treatments for hypertension. Eating nutritious meals daily and getting a sufficient amount of rest will help with problems of fatigue. Oftentimes, even modest amounts of activity are still difficult for some people with hypertension. However, it is still important to get some form of physical activity in order to extend the quality of your life. Consult with your doctor about what kind of exercise is best for you. A small square of 70 percent dark chocolate daily may help lower systolic blood pressure, but eat less than an ounce as it is high in calories. Other forms of alternative treatment for hypertension include steering clear of stress, smoking, birth control pills, environments where the altitude is above 8,000 feet, and actions that lower your blood pressures, such as resting in a sauna or hot tub for five to ten minutes or taking hot baths and showers (but do not fluctuate between hot and cold water). Make sure to let your doctor know about any supplements you are taking, as some of them may interact with medications for high blood pressure or even raise blood pressure (such as ephedra and licorice root).

Blood pressure is a measurement of the pressure as the heart pumps and blood flows in the arteries. Cardiovascular exercise will help to strengthen the heart, slow down heart rate, and decrease pressure in the arteries. Additional tips include:

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Decrease salt intake
• Decrease fat intake
• Limit alcohol use
• Stop smoking
• Reduce stress

Watch as naturopathic doctor and licensed acupuncturist Dr. Peter Bongiorno suggests some natural treatments for hypertension.