How to Reduce High Blood Pressure (BP) Naturally

High blood pressure and the annual check-up myth. Having your blood pressure checked once a year or even once a month is like putting your head out the window every Christmas day to see what the weather's like for the whole year. It's pretty meaningless. You have to check it more regularly.

High blood pressure (also known as hypertension) is a problem for many. But it's a travesty that people are prescribed blood pressure meds (and needlessly worried) after having just one high reading. If your blood pressure is too high, you might not exhibit any symptoms; so it is wise to find out - but... The fact is, blood pressure (BP) readings can change minute to minute; tend to be markedly different in the mornings compared to the evenings; and are influenced by stress, digestion, temperature, and also the mysterious 'white coat syndrome' (more on that in a moment). Blood pressure: Skewing the results - Drinking coffee, smoking, and exercising half an hour before taking a reading can all skew the results (1) ; as can having a full bladder. Talk to your doctor about self-monitoring. You can use what's known as an 'ambulatory blood pressure device' that can take your BP every half-hour (except when you're sleeping, of course) throughout the day. Or at least get your doctor to take multiple readings every five minutes so you can get an average. One occasional reading will give you little real idea. Sure, you'd think your doctor would know this; but, believe me, that's not always the case. Do all the right things to reduce your blood pressure.

1. Stop Smoking. 2. Walk regularly and practice yoga. 3. Maintain a healthy weight. 4. Watch your diet by avoiding too many insulin-releasing carbohydrates and sugary snacks (2). 5. Cut down on salt. 6. Start cooking with garlic and olive oil (3) and drinking the occasional glass of red wine (4). Blood pressure and mind-medicine. 1. Imagine a time and place that was, for you, very relaxing. 2. Really begin to relax as you started to sense the air, the colours, and the sounds of a sunny afternoon spent in your garden, house etc. 3. Imagine a dream-like TV screen in your garden, or home, perhaps floating in the air - one you could view at leisure. 4. Watch yourself on that TV, looking very relaxed and calm, having your blood pressure taken by your doctor. Now observe the look of happy surprise on your doctor's face upon reading your blood pressure result.