Patients with high blood pressure may benefit from eating celery. Celery, among many natural cures for high blood pressure, has shown some evidence at lowering blood pressure.
High Blood Pressure or Hypertension
High blood pressure or hypertension is a common disorder affecting millions annually. Blood pressure is the pressure or force of the blood through the circulatory system. As the heart beats, it pushes blood through the body. High blood pressure monitors or high blood pressure cuffs measure the force (pressure) of blood and the pressure when the heart relaxes between beats. The top number, called the systolic number, reflects the pressure during a heart beat. The bottom number also called the diastolic number, is the pressure at rest.
High blood pressure has few, if any, symptoms. Some people may feel dizzy when they stand up quickly, or they may notice nose bleeds or broken blood vessels in their face or eye whites. Typically, however, hypertension has few symptoms, which makes it a silent and deadly disease. If left untreated, hypertension can damage the circulatory system and lead to strokes.
Doctors diagnose high blood pressure when readings consistently show pressure about 120/80. Many doctors recommend that patients take their blood pressure at home and report their readings, since some people only experience a rise in blood pressure in a doctor's office. This condition, called "white coat hypertension," disappears when patients take their blood pressure readings at home; readings taken in the relaxed home setting can be normal. Like white coat hypertension, some drugs, such as allergy medications, can cause temporary high blood pressure.
The typical treatment for high blood pressure is to prescribe drugs to lower blood pressure. High blood pressure medicine may include beta blockers, diuretics, and other drugs that act upon the various mechanisms affecting blood pressure.
It's not unusual for doctors to have to try several high blood pressure medications before finding the one that works best for the patient. There's no one best drug for hypertension. High blood pressure may be caused by multiple factors, and doctors must use their best guess and sometimes trial and error to find the right medication and dose to control high blood pressure. It's important to take high blood pressure medication consistently, and follow physician's recommendations.
Celery for High Blood Pressure
Celery provides vitamins, minerals, and fiber, but of special note to people with high blood pressure is that celery contains a great deal of potassium. Some researchers believe that natural sources of potassium, such as fruits and vegetables, can lower blood pressure. But celery contains a special ingredient: phthalide. Phthalide gives celery its strong odor and taste. It acts on the smooth vessel walls, helping them relax between contractions of the heart and thus lowering blood pressure. Celery also acts as a natural diuretic, encouraging the body to release excess water. How much celery to eat varies, but some effect may be noted by eating four or five stalks per day. The Sci Tech Blog provides more in depth information on why celery lowers blood pressure.
High Blood Pressure Diet
Dr. George Jacob at the Heart Info Center suggests that celery as well as other fresh fruits and vegetables added to the diet and reduced sodium consumption is beneficial. Celery, like other vegetables, is rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber - and potassium. Natural sources of potassium help the heart and is beneficial for patients with high blood pressure. A diet rich in fresh fruit, vegetables, whole grains, low fat dairy, fish and low fat meats such as chicken are very beneficial for everyone but especially for patients with high blood pressure. Never take potassium supplements; the strong dose in pills and supplements may be more than the body needs. Instead, increase potassium consumption by eliminating packaged foods and relying upon natural sources found in fresh fruits and vegetables.
Before making any dietary changes or trying natural remedies for high blood pressure, talk to your doctor. Remedies and advice in this article should not be substituted for medical advice. Patients should always follow their health care provider's instructions when it comes to high blood pressure and other diseases.
 |
