High blood pressure - home remedies, naturopathic approaches, therapies & healing methods - detailed guide

High blood pressure - home remedies, naturopathic approaches, therapies & healing methods - detailed guide

Heart rate and blood pressure quickly explained

High blood pressure (hypertension) is a common diagnosis for many people and is often seen in association with heart disease, diabetes, stroke and high cholesterol. According to the Center for Disease Control, about one in three adults has high blood pressure and only about half have it under control. Hypertension is often called the “silent killer” because it generally has no noticeable symptoms. It is a major risk factor for heart attack, stroke, heart failure, kidney failure, encephalopathy and aneurysm. Blood pressure is the measurement of the force of blood flow against artery walls both when the heart is contracting (systolic blood pressure) and when the heart is resting and refilling (diastolic blood pressure). (Source 1, Source 2)

Fortunately, the body is designed to control its own blood pressure based on the body's needs through a process called homeostasis. Several factors help regulate this process. Changes in the volume of blood pumped by the heart with each contraction (known as cardiac output) can be influenced by factors such as heart rate and stroke volume (the volume of blood pumped by the left ventricle per beat). Additionally, fluctuations in resistance in the blood vessels, determined by factors such as the width or narrowing of the blood vessels, the viscosity (thickness) of the blood, and changes in the length of the blood vessels (as seen in weight gain), can also affect blood pressure. ((link removed))

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is responsible for the homeostatic regulation of vital organ functions and is divided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) stimulates the release of chemicals such as norepinephrine and adrenaline, which act as vasoconstrictors and reduce the diameter of blood vessels by attaching to alpha and beta receptors in the heart and blood vessels to increase heart rate and blood pressure in fight or flight situations, transporting blood to vital organs. They also stimulate aldosterone secretion from the adrenal glands, resulting in renal fluid retention and increased blood volume. Specialized baroreceptors (pressure receptors) in the carotid arteries and aorta monitor pressure against them.

All of these regulatory systems can fail or become imbalanced by a number of factors, many of which can be altered through lifestyle and dietary changes. Primary or essential hypertension responds best to diet and lifestyle changes and accounts for 90% of cases. Essential hypertension is a disease associated with a combination of genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors. Triggers for high blood pressure include the standard diet, which is high in unhealthy fats, sugar, salt and processed foods; Obesity, sedentary lifestyle, alcoholism, stress/sympathetic nervous system dominance, excessive use of stimulants, hypothyroidism, smoking, hyperinsulinemia, medications such as hormones, steroids and NSAIDS; Nutrient imbalance (high sodium, low potassium and magnesium), food allergies and sodium sensitivity. Other factors may include oxidative stress, which causes inflammation of blood vessels leading to endothelial dysfunction and autoimmune activation. ((Link removed), (Link removed))

Effects of high blood pressure

Hypertension is usually asymptomatic, leading to its nickname as a “silent killer,” and can increase for years without detection unless the person tests for it regularly. Sometimes very high blood pressure can cause neurological symptoms such as blurred vision, headaches, dizziness, ringing in the ears and nosebleeds. Hypertension puts enormous strain on the heart, damages blood vessels in the brain and kidneys, and increases the risk of plaque rupture and blood clot formation. Sometimes the initial diagnosis of hypertension cannot be made until the damage has already been done and a stroke or heart attack has occurred. When a patient is observed by a doctor, the diagnosis of hypertension usually occurs when several random blood pressure readings are above 130/80. ((link removed))

The body is designed to control its own blood pressure based on the body's needs. Several factors help regulate this process. Changes in the amount of blood pumped out of the heart with each contraction (known as cardiac output) can be influenced by factors such as heart rate and stroke volume. Additionally, fluctuations in resistance in the blood vessels, determined by factors such as the width or narrowing of the blood vessels, the viscosity (thickness) of the blood, and changes in the length of the blood vessels (as seen in weight gain) can also affect blood pressure.

The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) stimulates the release of chemicals such as norepinephrine and adrenaline, which act as vasoconstrictors and reduce the diameter of blood vessels by attaching to alpha and beta receptors in the heart and blood vessels to increase heart rate and blood pressure in fight or flight situations, transporting blood to vital organs. They also stimulate aldosterone secretion from the adrenal glands, resulting in renal fluid retention and increased blood volume. Specialized baroreceptors (pressure receptors) in the carotid arteries and aorta monitor pressure against them and can decrease heart rate and cause vasodilation (dilation of blood vessels) by inhibiting the SNS to lower blood pressure when it is too high or increase heart rate when pressure is too low. ((link removed))

A second branch of the nervous system, known as the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), balances the SNS by causing vasodilation and a slowed heart rate via the vagus nerve. The kidneys also play an important role in blood pressure regulation by altering the amount of sodium and water retention via the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. When the kidneys sense a drop in blood pressure or are stimulated by the SNS, they secrete renin, which converts angiotensin into angiotensin I, which is further converted by the enzyme ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) into a potent vasoconstrictor known as angiotensin II. This chemical also stimulates aldosterone release from the adrenal glands and increases sodium and water retention to improve blood volume. The blood vessels themselves also have tools to regulate their constriction and expansion.

All of these regulatory systems can fail or become imbalanced by a number of factors, many of which can be altered through lifestyle and dietary changes. Primary or essential hypertension responds best to diet and lifestyle changes and accounts for 90% of cases. Essential hypertension is currently understood as a multifactorial disease resulting from the combined effect of many genetic, environmental and behavioral factors. High blood pressure is caused by standard American diets high in saturated fats, trans fats, sugar, salt and processed foods. Obesity, sedentary lifestyle, alcoholism, stress/sympathetic dominance, excessive use of stimulants, hypothyroidism, smoking, hyperinsulinemia, medications such as hormones, steroids and NSAIDS; Nutrient imbalance (high sodium, low potassium and magnesium), food allergies and sodium sensitivity. Other factors may include oxidative stress, which causes inflammation of blood vessels leading to endothelial dysfunction and autoimmune activation. ((Link removed), (Link removed), (Link removed))

Natural medicine for high blood pressure

Naturopathic approaches to treating high blood pressure focus on identifying the underlying cause and then using diet and lifestyle changes, stress management, herbal supplements, and occasionally pharmaceutical medications to help control it. Naturopathic physicians recognize the various individual characteristics of hypertension - sodium sensitivity, vasorelaxation, autonomic dysfunction, hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), and this guides therapeutic interventions. An herb or supplement may show promise in the literature, but this does not mean that it will generally work for everyone. This is where the naturopathic principles and the therapeutic knowledge of the alternative practitioner come into play.

Naturopaths may order tests for kidney function, hyperparathyroidism, thyroid function and inflammatory markers in the blood such as CRP, as well as other factors such as the activity ratio of aldosterone to renin and homocysteine, as they can indicate possible causes of high blood pressure. Urine tests can also be helpful. Patients' cardiovascular risk factors need to be studied in detail because these risk factors are generally associated with hypertension. Obesity, sleep apnea, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and systemic inflammation should be considered in this evaluation. ((link removed))

Some believe that high blood pressure is regularly misunderstood in various medical paradigms and that the current trend of treating high blood pressure as a disease rather than a symptom is the root of the problem. It is of the utmost importance that the true cause of high blood pressure is identified, if possible, so that true curative measures can be taken. However, while the cause is determined, pharmaceutical or natural management techniques can be used to maintain cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of further organ damage due to increased blood pressure. The most commonly used naturopathic therapies include dietary interventions, lifestyle changes and stress reduction, and the use of herbs and supplements. ((link removed))

Lower blood pressure with diet

Dietary changes are among the most fundamental interventions for almost all types of illnesses, and high blood pressure is no different. Specific nutritional systems such as the Mediterranean diet and the DASH diet are among the most fundamental strategies for treating elevated blood pressure and many of the diseases that cause it, such as insulin resistance, type II diabetes and obesity.

The Mediterranean diet focuses on the consumption of vegetables, fresh fruits, whole grains, fish and seafood, legumes, nuts, extra virgin olive oil and red wine, while red and processed meats are limited and dairy products are moderate. The Mediterranean diet is known to have a beneficial effect on high blood pressure. A number of large observational studies have shown significant negative associations with both systolic and diastolic blood pressure reductions. ((link removed))

The DASH diet is considered a balanced and easy-to-follow nutritional system to support a heart-healthy lifestyle. The DASH diet focuses on a whole food diet that is low in processed foods and includes an abundance of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat dairy products, fish, poultry, beans, nuts, and vegetable oils. The program limits foods high in saturated fat, including red meat, high-fat dairy products, and coconut and palm oil. In addition, desserts, lemonades and other foods with added sweeteners should be avoided. Compared to other popular dietary systems such as paleo diet, low-carb diet, low-fat diet, and others, the DASH diet had the greatest impact on blood pressure. ((Link removed), (Link removed))

Lower blood pressure through stress management

Because stress and sympathetic nervous system stimulation appear to play a role in high blood pressure, it is important to keep stress under control. High stress can lead to high blood pressure by stimulating the sympathetic nervous system, which then leads to a cascade of physiological effects that cause blood vessels to constrict. Stress can be effectively treated using non-pharmacological interventions such as acupuncture, meditation and biofeedback, which have been shown to reduce high blood pressure. Exercise is also useful in managing stress and plays a role in lowering blood pressure. A single training session produces an immediate reduction in blood pressure that lasts for at least 24 hours. Becoming more active overall can lower your systolic blood pressure by an average of 4 to 9 millimeters of mercury. ((Link removed), (Link removed), (Link removed))

Lower blood pressure with herbs & dietary supplements

A number of herbs and supplements can also be used to treat high blood pressure. Nutrients from various categories, including amino acids, vitamins, minerals and herbs, can be useful tools for keeping blood pressure in an optimal range. However, an important consideration is that the effects of different nutrients or herbs can be cumulative, and care must be taken not to keep blood pressure too low, especially when herbs and supplements are combined with antihypertensive medications.

L-arginine

L-Arginine is a commonly used supplement for cardiovascular disease. L-Arginine is an amino acid that is a precursor to nitric oxide (NO) production. Nitric oxide is important for relaxing blood vessels so blood can flow more easily and lowering blood pressure. Arginine supplementation has been shown to lower blood pressure as effectively as the DASH diet in hypertensive patients and to support healthy blood pressure in people who are not hypertensive. Doses of 10 g of arginine daily have been shown to reduce blood pressure by up to 6.8 mmHg. Furthermore, similar results were obtained regardless of whether the arginine came from supplement or dietary sources. ((link removed))Our recommendation: (link removed)

Taurine

Taurine is a sulfur-containing amino acid that is not used in protein synthesis, although it is found in high concentrations in the heart muscle itself. Taurine lowers blood pressure and heart rate, regulates abnormal heartbeat, heart failure symptoms, and acts as a diuretic to increase sodium and water excretion, improve insulin resistance, and improve the function of blood vessel walls. In a study of prehypertensive patients, it was found that taking 1.6 grams (1600mg) of taurine daily for 12 weeks resulted in a 7.2 mmHg drop in systolic blood pressure and a 4.7 mmHg drop in diastolic blood pressure. (Source 1, Source 2, (link removed))Our recommendation: (link removed)

Omega-3 fatty acids, fiber and CoQ10

In addition to amino acids, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber and CoQ10 are other nutrients that can also promote blood pressure. Research has shown that doses of 2 grams of omega-3 per day can significantly reduce blood pressure in just six weeks. Fiber, especially soluble fiber, can also be helpful. Studies have shown that increased fiber consumption may support blood pressure by improving insulin sensitivity, decreasing sympathetic nervous system stimulation, and acting as a diuretic to reduce fluid retention. CoQ10 is another nutrient that has shown significant benefit for people with high blood pressure, particularly essential hypertension. Compared to normotensive patients, essential hypertensive patients have a six times higher incidence of coenzyme Q10 deficiency. ((link removed))Our recommendation: (link removed)

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamins and minerals can also help the body maintain healthy blood pressure. In fact, clinical trials with just 250 mg of vitamin C twice daily for eight weeks have shown a 5-7 mmHg drop in systolic blood pressure and a 3-5 mmHg drop in diastolic hypertension. Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) may also be helpful, as low levels of B6 have been shown to be associated with the development of high blood pressure in humans. Regarding minerals, high dietary magnesium intake of at least 500-1000 mg daily reduces blood pressure in most of the reported epidemiological, observational and clinical studies. Magnesium also increases the effectiveness of all classes of antihypertensive drugs. (Source 1, Source 2, (link removed))Our recommendation: (link removed)

Lower blood pressure with medicinal plants

Hawthorn

In the botanical realm, there are a number of herbs that can be helpful in promoting healthy blood pressure and cardiovascular health. When it comes to herbs and the cardiovascular system, the herb hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha) among the top competitors. Hawthorn belongs to the Rosaceae family and consists of light green leaves, white flowers and bright red berries. Hawthorn extracts exert a wide range of cardiovascular benefits, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that support healthy lipid metabolism, increase vasodilation, and protect the lining of blood vessels. ((link removed))Our top recommendation: (link removed)

Garlic

(link removed) (Allium sativum) is another herb with significant blood pressure benefits. Garlic supplementation has been shown to significantly reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in several well-designed studies. Garlic's ability to regulate nitric oxide, reduce inflammation, and act as an ACE inhibitor has been recognized. (Source 1, (link removed))

See also our article about garlic: (link removed)

Indian snake root

Indian snake root(Rauwolfia serpentina), a common Auyrvedic herb, also has a strong influence on blood pressure. The first study of rauwolfia's antihypertensive effects was published in 1949, when a study showed that 40 out of 50 participants experienced a drop in blood pressure. Furthermore, the antihypertensive effect of the drug was noticeable in 91% of patients two weeks after drug discontinuation and in 75% of patients after four weeks of drug discontinuation. No serious side effects were noted. ((link removed))

Next Steps

The number of natural treatments available to support blood pressure management is plentiful. However, because the exact combination should be individualized to treat the cause of a particular person's blood pressure problems, this treatment plan is best determined by a naturopathic doctor. Diagnostic evaluations include physical exams, a thorough medical history, and diagnostic and laboratory tests to uncover the true cause of high blood pressure. Naturopaths are uniquely qualified to develop an appropriate plan to safely address the true cause of the problem. If you would like to find a naturopath near you, check out our (link removed). Over 30,000 alternative practitioners are listed in our directory. Throughout Germany, as well as in Austria and Switzerland.