High blood pressure affects over 100 million American adults, increase the risk of heart disease and stroke – the leading causes of death in the United States. In fact, it sometimes seems that statistics regarding elevated blood pressure are so alarming that the mere act of reading about them may raise it!
Moving on, in a recent study examining the relationship between high blood pressure and life expectancy, researchers discovered the full extent to which elevated blood pressure threatens longevity (the number of “lost” years may shock you!)
But, it is modifiable – meaning that much can be done to manage it and, more importantly, dramatically lower the risk.
High blood pressure claims up to one thousand lives per day!!
Researchers say that excessive systolic blood pressure causes or contributes to a wide range of potentially deadly diseases, including coronary artery disease, aortic valve stenosis, cerebral vascular diseases, kidney failure and dementia.
Note: The systolic (top) reading in blood pressure measurements involves the amount of pressure exerted on arterial walls by the heartbeat, while the diastolic (bottom) number measures the pressure between beats.
Optimal blood pressure is typically defined as 120/80 mmHg or lower – but many integrative physicians suggest striving for even lower levels (115/75 mmHg). In fact, a 2017 study showed a 25 percent reduction in risk of cardiovascular events when systolic blood pressure was targeted below 120 mmHg.
Muthiah Vaduganathan, MD, MPH, an instructor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, is blunt about the deadly effects of uncontrolled high blood pressure. “High blood pressure has been implicated as one of the reasons for stalled progress in reducing heart disease-related deaths in the United States,” notes Dr. Vaduganathan.
Hypertension can cut lifespan by up to five years
In one study published in Hypertension, researchers found that people with blood pressure above 140/90 mmHg had a decrease in life expectancy of five years -when compared to people with optimal blood pressure.
The American Heart Association’s annual 2019 meeting suggested that a 50-year-old person with systolic pressure under 120 mmHg can expect to live almost three years longer than a 50-year-old with elevated systolic blood pressure.
By age 65, the same drop prolongs life expectancy by a year.
To reach their conclusions on hypertension and life expectancy, researchers used data from the Framingham Heart Study, which followed participants for over a quarter of a century.
ALERT about hypertension: The sooner you can control it, the better you’re…
The “catch,” or complication, of blood pressure management is that older people with preexisting vascular diseases or circulatory deficits may require higher systolic pressure (above 140 mmHg) to ensure adequate circulation throughout the body.
Hypertension can damage arterial linings, which then require even higher pressure and – in a vicious cycle – inflict more arterial damage. For this reason, it is important to begin managing blood pressure earlier in adulthood.
Researchers have concluded that controlling blood pressure should begin at around age 40. Naturally, when it comes to managing (lowering) high blood pressure, it is important to work with a qualified healthcare provider, who appreciates the value of good nutrition and lifestyle changes.
While a variety of anti-hypertensive medications exist, many of these can cause side effects- such as fatigue, weakness, difficulty breathing and even increased cancer risk. Yet natural remedies can help you lower your blood pressure, thereby reducing the need for toxic medications.
Just keep in mind, you should never eliminate or reduce prescribed medications without first talking to your doctor.
Take Action: Manage your blood pressure naturally with good nutrients
One of the essential mineral magnesium, which regulates blood pressure by helping blood vessel relax, is of vital importance in preventing hypertension.
The National Institutes of Health recommends 420 mg a day for men 50 and over, while women in that age group should get 320 mg a day. Good dietary sources include dark leafy greens, wild-caught salmon, pumpkin seeds, Almond and Brazilian nuts.
salmon oil is one of the best omega-3 fatty acids promotes the relaxation of arteries and reduces arterial inflammation. Integrative healthcare providers typically recommend between 1,000 mg and 2,000 mg of high-quality fish oil a day.
Garlic to lower blood pressure.
Garlic contains allicin, which increases the body’s production of beneficial nitric oxide. This, in turn, promotes dilation of blood vessels. For maximum benefit, garlic may be taken with lemon juice.
One clinical study demonstrated that 20 grams of garlic and a tablespoon of lemon juice a day lowered blood pressure and significantly cut total cholesterol.
Supplements that may help lower blood pressure include, basil, cinnamon, green tea, beet juice and celery seed.
Lifestyle changes
Stopping smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, getting regular exercise and eating a healthy, organic diet can all help to lower elevated blood pressure. Avoiding refined sugars, artificial sweeteners, excessive caffeine and processed foods is also a wise move.
Recommended Supplements;
- CARDIO SUPREME-X1000
Product link: https://lookingvibrant.com/collections/shop/products/cardio-supreme-x1000
- NORWEGIAN SALMON OIL (2-MONTH SUPPLY. RAW EXTRA VIRGIN)
PRODUCT LINK: https://lookingvibrant.com/collections/shop/products/extra-virgin-100-norwegian-salmon-oil
- ZERO CRYSTAL-CoQ10
PRODUCT LINK: https://lookingvibrant.com/collections/shop/products/coq10-zc50-zero-crystal-the-smallest-capsule
Team-
Looking Vibrant