To treat high blood pressure, lifestyle changes are important and may be supplemented by medication.
Healthy eating
- Avoid processed foods, which have lost minerals and vitamins and may contain questionable additives, hydrogenated oils, etc.
- Eat organic food whenever possible to avoid ingesting pesticide.
- Avoid plastic. Dioxin, a by product of plastics manufacture, is highly toxic and can leech out of the plastic into the food or beverage. Especially, do not microwave in plastic.
- Always choose glass or ceramic containers, if you have a choice.
Proper Breathing
As odd as this might sound, most people do not breathe properly. Shallow chest-breathing actually increases stress levels, which drives up blood pressure. Abdominal breathing, using the lower lobes of the lung, allows maximum oxygenation and triggers the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing stress and normalizing blood pressure levels.
Exercise
A half hour of exercise of your choice on most days is recommended.
Medication
The major types of medication used to control high blood pressure include:
- Thiazide diuretics
- Beta blockers
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
- Angiotensin II receptor blockers
- Calcium channel blockers
Additional Medications, if goals have not been reached:
- Alpha blockers
- Alpha-beta blockers
- Central-acting agents
- Vasodilators
Aspirin may be added once blood pressure is normalized.
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