Sleep quality may seem outside the wheelhouse of a cardiologist but in reality, without consistent and deep sleep of approximately 7-8 hours nightly, heart health and habits deteriorate. At the Kahn Center, sleep is a major topic of care.
Heart disease, sexual dysfunction, stroke, kidney failure, and aneurysms can all result from elevated blood pressure. And with 1 out of every 3 Americans suffering from this malady, its impact is huge.
Of course, there are many medications that can be prescribed for hypertension. But for a good number of people, elevated blood pressure is a lifestyle disease related to poor nutrition, sedentary lifestyle, stress, poor sleep, obesity, smoking and other factors that can be controlled or eliminated.
In other words, freedom from medication is an attainable goal for many.
The natural approaches that I recommend here work for all ages, aren’t expensive, and don’t carry the side effects common with prescription medication:
1. Aromatherapy (Essential Oils)
The use of essential oils has grown enormously in popularity, and many report a relaxing effect. In a study of spa workers, essential oil vapors reduced blood pressure and heart rate when used for an hour (but no longer). Oils to consider using: lavender, ylang ylang, clary sage, and frankincense.
2. Probiotics (Healthy Gut Microbes)
The role of our gut health, or microbiome, has dominated medical news over the last five years. And in several studies, probiotics were shown to alter blood pressure. I recommend taking a high quality broad-spectrum daily probiotic with over 10 million colony forming units and eating fermented foods, like sauerkraut and pickles.
3. Asparagus (and Other Greens)
You’re probably familiar with the famous odor of urine after eating asparagus. But did you also know that the hundreds of active chemicals called cladophylls in this popular vegetable also have positive effects on the heart? Eating asparagus can help lower blood pressure while also packing in lots of fiber, vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients.
4. Meditation
Meditation has been growing in popularity, and research shows that regular practice is associated with a drop in blood pressure. There are many different styles, so you can find one that works for you. Join in the movement.
5. Yoga
While meditation is certainly a part of this, the movement and sweating that come with yoga practice offer added health benefits. Best of all, this ancient practice is suitable for both the young and old, and studies suggest that yoga can help to lower blood pressure.
6. Flaxseed
Flaxseed is a rich source of alpha linolenic acid that can reduce inflammation, plus help lower blood pressure. I recommend adding two tablespoons of ground flax to your daily diet — you can work it in to everything from smoothies to yogurt and baked goods.
7. Beetroot
Beets are a rich source of nitrates and can help relax blood vessels, resulting in lower blood pressure. Whether cooked or juiced, the impact of beetroot juice on blood pressure is worth exploring.
8. Blueberries
This popular berry is another great source of nitric oxide and can help lower blood pressure. The additional benefits of blueberries on brain and bowel health make them a true superfood.
9. Sauna
Whether dry, steam or infrared, saunas have been shown to offer some heart benefits . In fact, one study found that in older adults, sauna therapy lowered blood pressure by over 10 mmHg — quite significant.
10. Sleep therapy
Poor sleep can result in inflammation, stiffer arteries and elevated blood pressure. Identifying and treating sleep apnea, avoiding stimulants before bed, applying sleep hygiene methods like dark and cold rooms, and limiting bright lights for at least 30 minutes before sleep can all assist in better sleep and lower blood pressure.
11. Aged Garlic
Believe it or night, there are at least a dozen high-quality research studies using aged garlic tablets as a potential therapy for blood pressure. These are in addtion to eating garlic and onions in the diet. I use a lot of aged garlic in my clinic practice for a variety of reasons.
Time-tested lifestyle factors — eating a diet rich in brightly colored fruits and vegetables, exercising, maintaining proper body weight and avoiding smoking — are the foundation of blood pressure control. Focus your effort on achieving a daily practice of these core habits.
As Thomas Sydenham, MD said 400 years ago, “man is as old as his arteries.” You now have eleven steps to help you remain young at heart and body.
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