High Blood Pressure: In today’s time, high blood pressure i.e. hypertension is not called a silent killer for no reason. The biggest reason for this is that most people do not feel any symptoms until BP does not increase significantly.
Many people suddenly find out during checkup that their BP is high and the doctor starts medicine. From here a fear arises, now will this medicine continue for the whole life?
There is a lot of confusion among people regarding this question. Experts believe that the answer is not the same for every patient. In some cases, medication is necessary for a long time, but many people control BP to such an extent through proper lifestyle and natural methods that the need for medication can be reduced or even stopped under doctor’s supervision. The good thing is that blood pressure neither increases nor decreases suddenly. This is the result of the systems running inside the body. If we understand the reasons for increase in BP and correct them in the right direction, then it is no longer necessary to depend completely on medicine.
Why does BP increase? (Causes of High Blood Pressure)
1. Increase in stress hormones
Due to continuous stress, the stress hormone called cortisol increases in the body. Due to this the body goes into fight or flight mode and the heart starts pumping faster. As a result the blood pressure goes up.
2. Tightness of blood vessels
Due to poor diet, smoking, stress and less activity, the veins become hard and narrow. When more pressure has to be applied for blood to flow, BP increases.
3. Salt and water imbalance
Consuming too much sodium causes the body to retain water. Due to this, blood volume increases and blood pressure becomes high.
4. Poor sleep and breathing problems
Problems like lack of sleep, snoring or sleep apnea can also keep BP continuously high. Therefore always sleep well.
Effective ways to reduce BP. Effective Ways to Lower Blood Pressure
1. Deep breathing daily
Deep breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which relaxes the body. Heart beat is normal. Veins open, BP slowly starts coming down. Sitting quietly and breathing deeply for 5-10 minutes a day can be very effective.
2. Habit of walking after eating
Light walk for 10-15 minutes after meal. Improves blood circulation, keeps both sugar and BP under control. Prevents weight gain. This small habit shows a big impact in the long run.
3. Diet rich in potassium
Potassium balances sodium in the body and reduces nerve tension. Potassium Rich Foods Coconut water, banana, orange, spinach and green vegetables. Their regular consumption helps in controlling BP.
4. Improve sleep timing
Less or poor sleep is a major reason for increasing BP. The habit of sleeping and waking up at the same time every day. 7-8 hours of deep sleep, distance from mobile and screens before sleeping. These habits help in reducing BP naturally.
5. Reduce salt and processed foods
Excess salt, packaged and junk food accumulates water in the body, increases pressure on the veins, increases BP. Simple, homemade and fresh food is considered safest for BP.
So do I have to take BP medicine for the rest of my life?
Experts clearly say that stopping the medicine without doctor’s advice can be dangerous. But, if BP remains under control for a long time. Lifestyle should improve, weight, sleep and stress should be balanced. So the doctor can reduce the dosage of the medicine or make changes as per need.
High blood pressure is not a sudden disease, but a lifestyle related problem. Medication may be necessary, but it is completely possible to control BP naturally by adopting the right habits. Understanding body signals, reducing stress and adopting healthy routine is the strongest key to BP control.