(NaturalNews) It seems that the medical establishment, along with the pharmaceutical industry, may have a new excuse to put a LOT more people on blood pressure medications. Of course, you can imagine the billions of profit dollars this could generate; so many pharmaceutical companies may be jumping for joy at this news.
What is the news? Well, new research is suggesting that people with consistently high blood pressure aren't the only ones that need to be on medications. The findings are showing that people with variable blood pressure readings may need to be on them as well, because of a substantial risk of stroke.
This could mean that millions more people would be prescribed various medications to regulate their blood pressure on an ongoing basis. The goal is that these deadly spikes, or blips, in blood pressure would be minimized. It also means that the pharmaceutical industry would see profits for their related drugs skyrocket, and patients would be on even more medications. As if America isn't already over medicated!
In fact, the research goes so far as to suggest that not only are individuals with intermittently spiking blood pressure at risk for stroke, but they also are actually at a higher risk of stroke than those with a diagnosed, persistent case of high blood pressure. This is the perfect reason to put people on blood pressure medications long term.
Never mind the fact that you can control blood pressure through lifestyle changes, exercise, table salt elimination, and sodium reduction. And never mind that there are actually several natural ways in which you can regulate your blood pressure. These natural ways are going to be largely ignored in favor of just assigning a medication to it - even in light of the fact that several high profile blood pressure medications cause side effects, cost a boatload of money every month, and tend to be something that is prescribed for life.
One family of drugs used is diuretics. Diuretics lower blood pressure by essentially making you urinate the excess salt out of your body. They can cause electrolyte imbalances and a host of unpleasant side effects, not to mention the fact that they make you have to run to the bathroom constantly.
Diuretics may also deplete your body's supply of the mineral potassium. This can result in leg cramps, fatigue, and weakness. Patients who are borderline diabetic and diabetic also can notice an increase in their blood sugar levels.
Instead of taking drugs, some of the ways you can naturally lower your blood pressure are easy, cheap (or free) and don't cause these types of side effects. One simple way to lower blood pressure naturally is to increase your intake of the minerals magnesium and potassium.
Bananas are a great source of potassium, and magnesium is found in the popular vegan grain quinoa. Quinoa has been shown to relax the blood vessels, which helps to lower blood pressure, and is also rich in amino acids and fiber.
Garlic is also excellent for helping to lower blood pressure naturally and actually has other health benefits as well. The active natural chemical in garlic that helps blood pressure is called allicin. Another food that is excellent for regulating blood pressure, which also happens to be virtually calorie-free, is celery. Because of celery's natural diuretic properties, it helps you rid your body of excess salt intake through urination.
Sources:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35834853/ns/health-heart_health/http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=2141#Diureticshttp://www.mothernature.com/library/bookshelf/books/21/131.cfmAbout the author
Danna Norek is the owner and primary contributor for several natural health blogs and websites, where she frequently shares her experiences and knowledge on herbal supplements, natural remedies, vitamins, and healthy lifestyle habits. You can find information on a 100% natural, chemical free deodorant here at
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