We all need to take charge of your own health. If you have high blood pressure, taking steps to get it under control before pregnancy is ideal.
Blood pressure readings are not difficult to understand:
• The higher (systolic) number represents the pressure while the heart contracts to pump blood to the body.
• The lower (diastolic) number represents the pressure when the heart relaxes between beats.
The systolic pressure is always stated first and the diastolic pressure second. For example: 118/76 (118 over 76); systolic = 118, diastolic = 76.
Blood pressure below 120 over 80 mmHg (millimeters of mercury) is considered optimal for adults. A systolic pressure of 120 to 139 mmHg or a diastolic pressure of 80 to 89 mmHg is considered "pre hypertension" and needs to be watched carefully. A blood pressure reading of 140 over 90 or higher is considered elevated (high).
Lowering Blood Pressure Naturally
A few people do need blood pressure medicine, but many people can avoid taking medication and treat (and prevent) high blood pressure naturally.
Nutritional Deficiency
Most Americans’ daily diet leaves much to be desired, and it doesn’t come anywhere close to keeping us healthy and functioning at our optimal levels. When it comes to heart health, you could have several different deficiencies. Supplements such as potassium, magnesium, CoQ10, omega-3 fatty acids, amino acids L-arginine and taurine, and vitamins C and E are proven to be effective in reducing blood pressure.
According to the National Institutes of Health, the most effective diet for lowering blood pressure is called the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet. It emphasizes fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products; included whole grains, poultry, fish and nuts; and was reduced in fats, red meat, sweets, and sugar-containing beverages. It is rich in potassium, magnesium, calcium, and fiber and was reduced in total fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol; it also was slightly increased in protein. Reduce fat intake, such as meats, lard, bacon, hydrogenated oils. Fats found in fish are good, but you should be decreasing your Omega-6 fats and increasing your omega-3 fats.
Magnesium, folic acid and potassium can work to lower your high blood pressure. In fact, you should make sure you are getting 1,000 mg/day. Magnesium can be found in nuts, kale, leafy greens, legumes and whole cereal grains.
Eat more fruits and vegetables -- preferably fresh and organic. Fruits and vegetables have numerous compounds that can dilate blood vessels, including flavenoids. Want some good news? Cocoa has important flavonoids.
You probably haven’t considered Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), but you need it. It’s a compound found naturally in the energy-producing center of the cell known as the mitochondria. Several clinical studies suggest that CoQ10 may lower blood pressure (4). Research shows that CoQ10 supplements may improve heart health and blood sugar and help manage high cholesterol and high blood pressure in individuals with diabetes. Coenzyme Q10 is available as a supplement in several forms, including soft gel capsules, oral spray, hardshell capsules, and tablets
The good news is that you can take control of your health and play an important role in lowering your blood pressure. What are you waiting for?
