Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a condition that affects countless individuals, often remaining undetected until it’s too late. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the root causes of hypertension and how naturopathy in Mississauga can be effective for those seeking a holistic approach to health.
Understanding Blood Pressure and Hypertension
Measuring blood pressure is a way for your healthcare provider to gauge how well your heart is working to pump blood through the blood vessels and to the rest of your body. It is measured using an inflatable blood pressure cuff which goes around your arm to get a reading.
Your doctor uses two numbers to assess your blood pressure. The top number is the systolic pressure and the bottom number is the diastolic pressure. Generally speaking, if your heart is working optimally, you can expect to get a systolic value between 90-120 and a diastolic value between 60-80. When the heart is not working as well as it should and is having to use more effort to pump blood effectively to the rest of the body, a consistent elevation in blood pressure is seen, a condition termed hypertension.
The Causes of Hypertension
There are a multitude of factors that are responsible for this condition, such as chronic elevated levels of stress, certain medical conditions like kidney disease or thyroid problems, and unhealthy lifestyle habits like poor diet and lack of exercise.
Stress also plays a tremendous role in blood pressure. When we get stressed, our bodies release hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. During short periods of stress, these hormones are helpful because they increase our heart rate and narrow our blood vessels. However, during chronic states of stress, these hormones stay elevated and can lead to long-term increases in blood pressure.
Risks Associated With Chronic High Blood Pressure
Over time, high blood pressure can damage the kidneys. The kidneys play an important role in filtering waste from the blood into urine. In chronically elevated states of stress, the blood vessels and arteries in our kidneys start getting damaged which over time causes the kidneys to stop working as efficiently as they should which further worsens blood pressure.
Why You Should Care About Hypertension
Hypertension is often referred to as “the silent killer” because you can usually go without exhibiting any symptoms until it progresses to a severe degree. Over time, untreated hypertension can cause damage to important organs in the body. In addition to having a disastrous effect on kidney health, high blood pressure can also damage the arteries, the brain, and the eyes.
Over time, this damage can put you at a higher risk of serious health problems such as stroke, heart attacks and kidney disease.
Symptoms to Watch Out For
Symptoms from hypertension can usually present themselves as headaches, nosebleeds, dizziness, flushing of the skin, and random periods of increased heart rate.
Exploring Naturopathy As A Cure For Hypertension
Naturopathy presents an effective and accessible treatment method for hypertension.
Naturopathic doctors are trained to assess you for hypertension and work alongside any blood pressure medications you may already be taking. Your naturopathic doctor will conduct a thorough health intake and physical on your first visit so that they get a better understanding of your lifestyle and create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and concerns. Naturopathic medicine takes a holistic approach to health by taking a root-cause approach to make lasting life changes rather than just managing symptoms.
By addressing the specific underlying factors contributing to hypertension and supporting the body’s natural recovery process, naturopathic medicine helps to promote long-term health and well-being.
Lifestyle and Dietary Changes
Your naturopathic doctor may recommend dietary changes such as adjusting your sodium intake, following a heart-healthy diet like the Mediterranean diet and implementing lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, stress reduction techniques and improved sleep. They may also recommend incorporating herbal supplements like hawthorn, garlic, coq10, and hibiscus into your treatment.
The Timeline for Hypertension Reversal
The time it takes to reverse hypertension depends greatly on the severity of the condition, the individual’s overall health, whether or not other organs have been affected, and how committed the individual is to following their treatment protocols and making changes to their lifestyle.
In some cases, just making dietary adjustments can lower blood pressure significantly. At other times, a full overhaul of the client’s lifestyle may be required. Ultimately it varies from person to person!
The Best Natural Remedy for Hypertension
There is no one ‘best’ natural remedy for hypertension; however, as a first-line treatment, naturopathic doctors may recommend changes to your diet and lifestyle. In addition to that, they may recommend incorporating certain supplements or herbs into your diet.
- Diet and Lifestyle: Following a diet rich in lean proteins, leafy greens, and high-fibre foods, as well as engaging in regular physical activity and practicing stress reduction techniques all help lower blood pressure and reduce stress hormones.
- Herbal Remedies: Certain herbs like hawthorn, hibiscus, olive leaf extract, and garlic have been studied for the potential to lower blood pressure. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider before taking any herbal supplements as these may not be suitable for everyone, and can interact with other medications you may be taking.
- Supplements: Supplements that may be recommended include coq10, magnesium l-arginine, and fish oils. Once again, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before taking supplements as they can interact with medications and may not be suitable for everyone.
- Acupuncture: Acupuncture is a fantastic adjunct tool for addressing symptoms and side effects one might experience with hypertension, such as acid reflux/GERD, anxiety, and headaches
Your Health Journey Starts Here
Naturopathy addresses high blood pressure by focusing on the individual as a whole, identifying underlying causes, and implementing personalized treatment plans, making it an ideal treatment for hypertension.
For those seeking natural and holistic pathways to better health, Art of Mobility in Mississauga strives to provide targeted care, administered by an experienced team. With the guidance and expertise of our naturopathic practitioners, you can navigate hypertension treatment with confidence, making informed choices that lead to a healthier, more balanced life. Contact us today and take the first step towards a heart-healthy future.
