Hypertension And Naturopathy: Do’s And Don’ts

Blood pressure, or hypertension, is a product of today's fast-paced environment and overwhelming physical and emotional condition. It is a silent illness that strikes without warning, earning it the moniker "silent killer." If it is not detected and treated early enough, it may lead to heart attacks, strokes, eye issues, and kidney disease. Earlier, Onlymyhealth had initiated a campaign called 'Focus of the Month', in which we will be pointing out distinct categories each month. This month' s focus is 'Healthy Living' and in this article, we will talk about one of the most common chronic medical conditions, hypertension or high blood pressure.  

According to many researches, there is data in which more than 11,000 patients were hospitalised with COVID-19 in around 8 countries. It was shown that most patients had pre existing comorbidities, out of which it included hypertension (42%) and diabetes (23%). Hypertension was also associated with higher rates of mortality. Patients suffering from baseline hypertension were at a higher risk of death as compared to people without baseline hypertension. We spoke to Dr. Babina NM, Chief Medical Officer, Jindal Naturecure Institute, to know about the dos and don'ts of hypertension.

Dos and don'ts for Hypertension 

In our country, hypertension is one of the most common risk factor that is a major counterpart of high mortality rate. If there is an increase in stress in the environment, there will surely be a spike in high blood pressure levels in the total Indian population. This further results in an increase in people taking hypertension medications. To control hypertension, it is extremely important to adapt healthier habits in a stressful situation such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Focus on avoiding sedentary lifestyle habits as well.

There are some activities that can help in balancing the blood pressure levels in a healthy way, such as consuming more fruits and vegetables, restricting smoking, less alcohol consumption, daily exercise, practicing yoga, meditation and reducing stress. According to Dr. Babina, here are some important dos and don'ts that you should follow for hypertension or high blood pressure: 

1. Take a healthy diet 

Consuming a nutritious diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables, low in sodium and low intake of processed and packaged foods is an important lifestyle moderation. Daily consumption of natural ingredients and herbs including garlic, ginger, cinnamon, basil and flax seeds can also help your body in managing the blood pressure levels. 

Also read: Reasons Why People Develop High Blood Pressure. Know Prevention and Treatment of Hypertension

2. Don't indulge into sedentary habits 

A sedentary lifestyle is one of the major risk factors of hypertension. Do not indulgie in unhealthy eating habits such as having foods that contain high cholesterol and fat. You should also avoid smoking, high alcohol intake, too much salt consumption and taking stress. This will not only raise your blood pressure levels but also impact your overall health negatively. In addition, if not treated correctly, hypertension can result in several life-threatening health conditions.

3. Practice yoga

Naturopathy is known for its body healing benefits, whereas yoga helps in maintaining it. There are different yoga poses such as Shavasan, Chittashuddhi and Yoganidra that can help in lowering blood pressure levels. Poses such as yoganidra or Chittashuddhi play the role of tranquilisers that help in attaining physical, mental and emotional peace. Lastly, Shavasan improves blood circulation, opens up the blood vessels and enhances the health of endocrine glands and the nervous system. It  is also useful in eliminating collected toxins and metabolic wastes from your body.

4. Acupuncture 

Many hypertension patients benefit from the effects of accupuncture and it has helped many people. In fact, this alternative therapy can also reduce their risk of stroke and heart failure. As per a study published by the International Journal of Hypertension, acupuncture has the power to leave an antihypertensive impact as an adjunctive treatment. It not only reduces blood pressure, but can even protect the target organs of your body.

Also read: DASH Diet: Understand How Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension Can Help

A lot of patients who take the way of naturopathic and acupuncture treatments have been able to lower and, in some cases even fully stopped taking allopathic medicines for hypertension. Our bodies know self healing, but just need the right support for them.