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One of the most common diseases of the modern age is blood pressure or hypertension. The direct causes of this silent killer disease are social pressures and the fast paced lifestyles that are prevalent today. Blood pressure is measured by the highest pressure reached during each heartbeat (systolic pressure) and the lowest pressure reached during each heartbeat (diastolic pressure). Normal blood pressure in health young adults is around 120/80. With age, this increases to even 160/90.

Some common causes and symptoms of high blood pressure

A faulty lifestyle and stress are the two main causes of high BP. Habits like excessive smoking, intake of alcohol beyond decent limits, caffeine in the form of tea and coffee, frequent intake of processed and fast foods can all give rise to high BP. Diseases like diabetes and even obesity which leads to a hardening of the arteries can lead to hypertension. People who have a high intake of salt or indulge frequently in high-fat diets with low fibre can become victims of this silent killer.

Some people may experience an unexplained pain in the back of their necks as soon as they wake up in the mornings but the pain gradually subsides. Others may experience symptoms like pain in the heart region, dizziness and palpitations, frequent urination, severe nervous tension, total fatigue and disinclination to do anything and even have breathing problems.

Suggested Home remedies

1. Try using garlic which is considered effective in reducing pressure. Garlic is said to control spasms in the small the arteries, help in slowing down the pulse rate, modify the heart rhythm, relieve dizziness and palpitations and acidity in the digestive system. One can take a few raw cloves if you can tolerate it, or take 2 or 3 capsules every day.
2. Watermelon, that juicy calorie-free wonder fruit that is available in summer is supposed to have magical properties to combat high BP. It is an extract of the seeds of the watermelon that helps to dilate the blood vessels especially when taken in large quantities after drying and roasting them.
3. Another valuable food that controls pressure is the common lemon. It is the vitamin P which is found in the juice and the peel that is said to strengthen the fragile capillaries.
4. The citric fruit, grapefruit is also rich in Vitamin P and tones up the arteries.
5. Amla, or gooseberry is very effective in treating BP. Have a tablespoon of amla juice mixed with honey first thing in the morning and see instan improvement.
6. Did you know that brown rice is low in fat, cholesterol and salt? It is also a rich source of calcium which helps to soothe the nerves and relieves common BP symptoms.
7. The common potato, when boiled is very valuable in treating high BP. Boiling them with the skin makes salt absorption minimal and are tasty enough to have during salt free dieting. BP is also lowered because of the magnesium content in the vegetable.
8. The herb parsley contains elements that help to maintain the capillaries and arteries in a healthy condition. You can make a health drink by just boiling parsley leaves in about a half glass of water for a few minutes and drinking this decoction several times during the day.
9. All vegetable juices, particularly carrot and spinach have been proved to be beneficial in treating high BP. It should be taken at least twice daily for maximum benefit.
10. Potassium that is found in abundance in almost all fruits and vegetables can lower BP.

To conclude, anyone diagnosed with high BP is advised to follow the magic formula of well balanced diet, adequate exercise and proper rest. Being a vegetarian is known to help BP patients. Avoid meat and eggs in particular as they are known to cause rise in BP. Increased consumption of fruits, less protein intake and a vegetarian diet can help to get rid of the toxins and lead to BP control. Salt intake should be kept to the barest minimum.

Most importantly, get rid of stress, do not overstrain yourself, keep free of worries and tension, sleep well, become calm in your attitude, be contented, and smile your way to good health!