Without Drugs, Here Are The Alternatives To Manage High Blood Pressure – Newstrends
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Without Drugs, Here Are The Alternatives To Manage High Blood Pressure

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3 years ago

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Mr Rasheed Abubakar has been diagnosed with high blood pressure for years yet, he uses no medication to manage it. Despite being over 60 years, his active life has got him too preoccupied to visit the hospital on a regular basis for drugs to manage the condition.

Although he could be considered as one of the very few lucky ones, skipping drugs to manage high blood pressure has sent many to their early grave as well as made others have some other medical conditions.

High blood pressure is considered to be 140/90mmHg or higher (or 150/90mmHg or higher if the individual is over the age of 80). Ideal blood pressure is usually considered to be between 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg.

A Family Medicine & Geriatrics expert based in Pennsylvania, Dr Melinda Ratini has said that there are lifestyle changes that individuals can engage in to lower their blood pressure.

In a publication published by WebMD and reviewed by Dr Ratini advise, “If you have high blood pressure, there’s plenty you can do every day to control it. Eating healthier, exercising more, and tweaking other day-to-day habits can help keep your readings in check. That might keep you from needing medication to keep your numbers where they should be.”

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She suggested 12 non-medicinal options for managing high blood pressure thus;

Healthy diet

The expert is of the view that blood pressure can be reduced through the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet. This is by eating lots of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy as well as foods that don’t have much fat or cholesterol. DASH diet includes lean meats, poultry, fish, and nuts and should be high in protein and fiber. Avoid sugary drinks, red meats, and sweets, she advised.

Lose extra weight

Shedding a few extra pounds can lower the blood pressure. Too much bulk around the waist can affect BP. For women, a waist of more than 35 inches is high. For men, it’s more than 40 inches.

Exercise

Exercise can help lower both blood pressure and weight. She suggested, ” Aim to get at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week. Look for aerobic workouts that make your lungs and heart work a little harder. Try things like brisk walking, biking, swimming, or dancing. Even chores like raking leaves or washing windows count.”

Sleep

Getting enough sleep is an important way to keep the heart and blood vessels healthy. Many people need at least 7 hours of high-quality sleep each night.

Sodium reduction

Too much sodium can raise the blood pressure. Aim for no more than 1,500 milligrams a day. Asides salt sprinkled in foods, sodium can also hide in packaged foods, sandwiches, pizza and other items.

Increase potassium

Blood pressure is likely to be higher if individuals don’t get enough of this nutrient. Foods high in potassium include; banana, Spinach, beans, tomatoes, oranges, yogurt, and sweet potatoes. She warned people with medical issues like kidney disease or who take certain medicines may have to be careful with potassium.

Manage Stress

Find ways to cope with stress, like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing. Each person should take time to relax and do things they enjoy, whether it’s listening to music, gardening, or spending time with friends.

Limit alcohol

Drinking too much of alcohol can raise blood pressure. People who are on medication for their blood pressure, alcohol may affect how well it works. Women should try to have no more than one drink a day. For men, it’s two.

Stop Smoking

Shisha smoking

It raises blood pressure and makes a heart attack or stroke more likely. Smoking hurt the linings of the blood vessels and it makes some medicines less effective.

Be mindful of Caffeine

Those who regularly drink coffee, soda, and other drinks with caffeine, it may not affect their BP much. But those who rarely have it, caffeine can cause a short spike in their blood pressure when they drink it.

Regular blood pressure check

Check BP regularly to ensure it doesn’t get too high. High blood pressure often doesn’t have symptoms. So measuring the BP is the best way to tell if diet, exercise, and other lifestyle changes are working.

Keep other conditions in check

When the overall health is well managed, it will help keep blood pressure in check. Ensure other health issues such as diabetes, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, and thyroid disorders are under control.

Daily Trust

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NAFDAC destroys N5bn fake, expired products in Aba

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3 days ago

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December 19, 2024

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NAFDAC destroys N5bn fake, expired products in Aba

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has shut down 150 shops at Eziukwu Market in Abia over fake and expired products Worth N5 billion.

The agency disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday on X.

NAFDAC said the shops were shut during a two-day operation on December 16 and 17, while products valued at N5billion were destroyed at the market.

The director of the South-East zone, Martins Iluyomade, expressed dismay at the continued illegal activities despite a previous undertaking signed by market leaders in December 2023 to expose counterfeiters.

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According to the statement, Mr Iluyomade described the market as a hub for counterfeit and substandard products.

“Our team uncovered a large-scale production and distribution of fake and expired goods, including beverages, carbonated drinks, wines, spirits, and vegetable oils.

“Revalidated food items such as milk, yoghurt, noodles among others were also destroyed,” the statement said.

It reaffirmed NAFDAC zero tolerance for such practices and emphasised its unwavering commitment to safeguarding public health while working toward a permanent solution to the problem of counterfeiting in the market

 

NAFDAC destroys N5bn fake, expired products in Aba

(NAN)

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Eating fish regularly minimises risk of incurable hearing condition – Study

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1 week ago

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December 14, 2024

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Eating fish regularly minimises risk of incurable hearing condition – Study

Tinnitus is the sound of ringing in the ears. It may also be described as roaring, buzzing, hissing, or clicking inside the head. The sounds may come and go. Or they may be ongoing. The sounds range in severity from a mild distraction to a disabling condition and may manifest with buzzing, hissing, or clicking inside the head.

The sound may happen in one or both ears and may have different tones. A team from Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston studied 73,000 individuals to understand how common this disorder is, which affects millions  with a constant ringing in their ears.

Over a span of 30 years, those who consumed more than two servings of fish weekly had nearly 25 percent lower odds of getting tinnitus compared to those who seldom or never ate fish. Even eating just one serving a week resulted in a 13 percent reduced risk.

Certain types of fish, like tuna, light-fleshed varieties such as cod or halibut, and shellfish, were linked to a reduced risk, while darker fish like salmon and swordfish seemed to increase the risk.

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Interestingly, fish oil supplements, known for their benefits to heart, brain, and joint health, were also connected to a higher risk of tinnitus. It’s estimated that tinnitus is diagnosed in almost 1 in 6 persons.

While age-related hearing loss, ear injuries, and circulation issues are known to contribute to tinnitus, the exact cause remains unclear. Previous studies have suggested that dietary factors, such as high levels of calcium, iron, and fat, might heighten the risk. However, this new research is the first to analyse data over such a lengthy period.

Past findings have also shown that seafood can lower the risk of hearing loss, with one study suggesting that increased fish consumption might reduce hearing issues by up to 20 percent. Scientists believe that the omega-3 fatty acids in fish could protect inner ear cells or reduce inflammation caused by loud sounds, chemicals, or infections.

The Boston team’s investigation, based on a database of US nurses, aims to shed light on the connection between fish consumption and tinnitus, potentially aiding future patients. The authors of the study expressed hope that identifying factors that can be changed might help in preventing tinnitus and guiding targeted treatments.

Eating fish regularly minimises risk of incurable hearing condition – Study

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Nigerian doctor claims increased s3xual activity lowers cancer risk for women

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2 weeks ago

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December 11, 2024

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Dr. Rasheed Abassi

Nigerian doctor claims increased s3xual activity lowers cancer risk for women

Dr. Rasheed Abassi, a Nigerian medical practitioner, has sparked widespread debate following comments on TVC’s programme Your View, where he recommended increased sexual activity for women as a way to reduce the risk of breast cancer.

The doctor also advised men to consider polygamy, citing its potential health benefits, including a lower risk of prostate cancer.

“Women need to have more sex to reduce breast cancer risk. When a woman reaches orgasm, she releases oxytocin, which lowers her chances of developing cancer,” Dr. Abassi stated during the interview.

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Addressing men’s health, Dr. Abassi claimed that polygamy could improve longevity and reduce prostate issues. “Men with two to three wives live longer than men with one wife. If your son is not getting rid of his DHT (dihydrotestosterone), he is likely to develop an enlarged prostate,” he said.

He also linked the absence of regular erections to potential cardiac problems. “Any man not waking with a full erection already has cardiac issues. My oldest patient is 92 years old and has a four-year-old daughter — and that’s DNA-proven,” he revealed.

When asked about the risks of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) associated with increased sexual activity, Dr. Abassi emphasised the importance of safe practices. “The condom is not 100% protective, but we still advise it. Awareness is key,” he said.

He also noted that some men cite the cost of contraceptives as a challenge, comparing it to the financial costs of engaging in sexual activities.

 

Nigerian doctor claims increased s3xual activity lowers cancer risk for women

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