The silent killer HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

Did you know that high blood pressure, hypertension is also called the silent killer\ there are many persons who will have high blood pressure and because it generally causes little or no symptom it is left untreated. When these persons are exposed to sudden stress, high blood pressure could claim their precious lives in an instant. 

One year a friend of mine was having difficulty replacing his stolen driver’s license and the frequent trips between the police station and the tax office caused dizzy spells and nose bleed. He was rushed to the Cornwall Regional Hospital where he was later diagnosed with the silent killer, “High Blood Pressure”. 

In the past, more men than women had high blood pressure. Today as more and more women have found it necessary to take on the financial challenges of surviving, the ratio has changed and now far more women than men are hypertensive. 

High blood pressure is the number one cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease has been the number one killer in the United States of America and the western world for more than 50 years. Each year 1.5 million persons in the USA develop cardiovascular diseases while one-third of these persons die from this disease.

It must be mentioned that prior to the 1940s very few people suffered from hypertension. So why is this great increase in the rate of hypertension? The difference is in the way that man eats since the 1940s.

Since then man consumes more refined foods, such as flour sugar, oils and homogenized milk. The truth is that since the 1940s man has been eating his way to the grave. Instead of being his medicine man’s food is now his poison. It is important to note that since the last few years when studies revealed that the greatest contributor to hypertension is the way that man eats, there has been a 50 percent reduction in the rate of hypertension.

Just imagine!! Even after a 50 percent decrease, it is still the number one killer and still accounts for 50 percent of all deaths in the USA.

The main CAUSES OF HYPERTENSION

*Stress

*Chlorinated Water

*Overweight

*High salt intake

* Smoking

*Foods high in cholesterol

*Caffeine

* Lack of green vegetables in the diet

*Refined foods such as chocolate, pastries, white flour and homogenized milk 

High blood pressure can also be secondary to other illnesses such as: kidney failure, hormonal imbalances, nerve disorders, arteriosclerosis, atherosclerosis and diabetes.

High blood pressure causes the heart to work harder. This can lead to kidney failure, heart attack, stroke, hardening of the arteries and death.

High blood pressure generally causes no symptom and therefore it is referred to as the silent killer. It is important for us to listen to our bodies. Some symptoms of high blood pressure are: dizziness, headache, sweating, rapid pulse, shortness of breath, ringing in the ears, insomnia and vision problems.

It is known that whenever someone is hypertensive the heart is forced to pump blood with greater pressure in order to supply the organs and cells of the body with nutrients. 

Throughout the ages it was generally believed that persons with high blood pressure should not eat calalloo. We advise that a small amount be eaten daily to prevent high blood pressure, low blood count and anaemia.

High blood pressure has been successfully treated and cured with the use of herbs. This process requires a multifaceted approach. First the arteries must be cleansed along with the liver, the kidney and the blood. Each organ must be cleansed and strengthened to perform their original function. There is no point in cleansing the organs and then clogging them again, emphasis must also be placed on improving the daily diet while detoxing regularly. Stress also influences hypertension and there are herbal remedies that will strengthen the nervous system and help the body to cope with day to day stressful experiences.

If you notice any of the symptoms of High Blood Pressure we recommend that you speak with your professional health care provider.

Always remember that healthy living is a life style

Maureen Minto is the chief naturopathic consultant at the Healthy Living Herbal Clinic and president of the Caribbean Natural Remedies Association. Contact: 4200173, 9401197 email healthylivingjamaica@gmail.com or maureenminto@healthylivingherbalclinic.com

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