World Hypertension Day, 7 May, is a day designated and initiated by the World Hypertension League, an umbrella organisation of 85 national hypertension societies and leagues. The day was initiated to increase the awareness of hypertension. The theme of this year’s World Hypertension Day is “Measure your blood pressure accurately, control it, live longer.”
Hypertension, also called high blood pressure, is the increase of arterial blood pressure in the body. The normal blood pressure measurement is less than or equal to 120/80 in persons under 50 or 140/90 in persons over 50 years of age.
Symptoms of persistent high blood pressure
headaches
insomnia, heart problems
kidney problems, difficulty in breathing, noise in the ears
cloudy sight, frequent haemorrhages in the nose and eyes.
Nevertheless, high blood pressure may exist without symptoms. This is the reason it has been given the name, “the silent killer”.
Causes of hypertension
Hypertension could have physical or psychological causes.
Physical causes are, in general, due to the presence of atherosclerosis or arteriosclerosis or kidney problems (infection) as well as the obstruction of an artery.
Other associated causes are: Heredity, obesity, the intake of too much salt (since sodium causes a retention of liquids), smoking, drinking wine, coffee or tea in excess and use of contraceptives.
Causes with psychological origins are accompanied by current anguish, nervousness and emotional imbalances. Stress or tension causes the veins to contract, becoming smaller. This provokes an increase in pressure (this is the reason why we become pale when we are scared). People with a high stress level should make a change in their way of life, eliminate worries and nervousness, change their nutrition and exercise daily.
Suggested treatment
Eliminate salt from your meals and the use of carbohydrates and other salts as well.
It is convenient to increase the intake of potassium, calcium and vitamin D since this will cause the body to dissolve the sodium content in the body.
The intake of vitamins C, A and E, as well as exercising daily are important.
Garlic is very beneficial, either naturally or in odourless capsules.
Lecithin is also an essential element that dissolves blood clots in the veins, emulsifies fats and cholesterol, and then takes these fats to the liver for transformation.
Necessary caution
High blood pressure is a silent killer, since its presence does not produce unpleasant symptoms in the beginning. Nevertheless when the pressure increases and is constant, it starts to damage organs like the heart by making it work excessively.
The following is daily suggested for adult use:
Garlic and lecithin
Improves circulation, strengthens capillary walls, prevents and dissolves blood clots.
Omega 3
Contains polyunsaturated fatty acids, EPAa, GLA.
Omega 6,9
Improves circulation, prevents and dissolves blood clots.
- Vitamins E, A and selenium
Antioxidant, anti-coagulant, dilates blood vessels, improves circulation, strengthens capillary wall, prevents and dissolves blood clots.
- Aloe vera gel or nectar
Anti- inflammatory, cell regenerator, energiser, nutritive.
- Vitamin C
Powerful antioxidant. Strengthens immune system.
- Ginseng
Helps to prevent nervousness or stress.
- Multi-minerals (Available as Nature-Min)
Do not consume salt or sodium. Needed for proper composition and function of the body.
Helpful elements: Co-enzyme Q-10, carnitine, Omega 3,6,9.
These vitamins and minerals are also to be taken daily with meals:
Vitamins: A,C,D and E.
Minerals: Calcium, Magnesium, Selenium, Zinc and Germanium.
References:
Guide to Natural Remedies for Health and Well-Being – Enrique Garza Gutierrez
About the Author
Mrs. Chima Ejimofor is the Lead Partner of Infinite Health Consult, and is available for the purchase of these nutritional supplements, health talks and wellness seminar. She is based in Lagos, Nigeria. Telephone/WhatsApp: 07033179632, email: infinitehealthconsult@gmail.com
