If your blood pressure readings have been anything other than 120/80 it can be troubling and something to keep an eye on especially if it proceeds over time.
Blood pressure defined
Blood pressure is the measure of pressure created by your heart beating, forcing the blood into your arteries and throughout your body. There are two numbers in the reading. The top number is known as systolic – it defines the maximum pressure inside your arteries as your heart beats. The bottom number known as diastolic is the amount of pressure inside the arteries between beats.
Normal vs. High Blood Pressure
Ideally, your reading should be 120/80 mm Hg. Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a measurement above 140/98 mm Hg for at least 2 consecutive readings within a close time period of weeks. The reason higher blood pressure can be a problem is that it puts more pressure on your entire cardiovascular system including your heart which must then work even harder to move the blood around your body. A continued reading at or above that level means you have hypertension.
How Did This Happen To Me?
Amazingly so far doctors have determined no exact cause of high blood pressure in the majority of patients. This is known as primary high blood pressure. Secondary hypertension can come from the use of birth control pills, excessive alcohol intake, or even renal or thyroid disease.
Other Factors That Can Come Into Play
- Level of physical activity (too sedentary of a lifestyle)
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Age
- Heredity
- High Salt Intake
- Smoking
- Drinking alcohol excessively
- Get your thyroid blood levels checked
What You Can Do If You Have High Blood Pressure
While there is no one magic bullet cure-all, there are several natural things that can help for you to try before resorting to pharmaceutical blood pressure medications which, while they may bring your numbers down to normal levels and be beneficial for your cardiovascular health have the high-risk potential for a wide range of very dangerous side effects which can affect your health physically and emotionally.
Natural Alternatives to Help Lower Blood Pressure
- Fish Oil
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Vitamin D
- Magnesium
- Antioxidants
- Potassium
- Garlic
- Turmeric
- Hawthorn
- Having a proper nutritional plan custom designed for you and your health needs
- Chiropractic manipulations have been known to help reduce blood pressure as well
If you know you have high blood pressure and would like to consider some alternatives outside of medication we would love the opportunity to work with you to get your health to where it should be so you can live the best life possible.
Chiropractor & Nutritionist in Fort Myers, FL.
Chiropractic care is a safe, alternative treatment when applied appropriately. Chiropractic treatments help in dealing with the symptoms of many conditions. Are you going to wait for your symptoms to be felt, or are you going to prevent them before they start?
Dr. Jason B. Kaster, a chiropractor, and nutritionist in Fort Myers can help you and your family achieve their optimal health.