Stress, an unhealthy diet, lack of exercise - high blood pressure is a condition that can also affect young people, depending on their lifestyle. From an Ayurvedic perspective, a disbalance of the doshas can also lead to hypertension (high blood pressure). In this article, you can find out how to prevent this risk factor for your health and what you can do if you suffer from persistent high blood pressure.
Widespread and often unnoticed: high blood pressure can become a significant cardiovascular risk. High values can lead to symptoms such as restlessness, dizziness, sleep problems or emotional fluctuations, and subsequently to heart disease and circulatory disorders. We generally recommend that you seek medical advice for this condition - but you can counteract high blood pressure to a certain extent by making small adjustments to your lifestyle.
Measuring and determining blood pressure correctly
Blood pressure indicates the force with which blood is pumped through a vessel. Two values are measured: The first value is the systolic blood pressure. This determines the pressure when the heart beats, when the heart muscle contracts and pumps blood into the vessels. The second is diastolic blood pressure. This determines the pressure on the blood vessels when the heart muscle relaxes.
In adults, blood pressure should be around 120/80 mmHg (millimeters of mercury). If the systolic value is above 140 and/or the diastolic value is above 90, this is known as high blood pressure. People who are prone to high blood pressure should have their values checked regularly by themselves. If your values are normal or within the healthy range, it is sufficient to have them checked at regular intervals - e.g. at annual appointments with your GP.
Do you suffer from high blood pressure? Before you resort to medication, it is worth clarifying the causes. In the case of physical dysfunctions such as metabolic problems, hormonal imbalance, genetic disposition or autoimmune problems, you should definitely consult a doctor. However, you can regulate other common causes of high blood pressure yourself: Stress, poor eating habits, lack of exercise, obesity, alcohol and tobacco consumption can all lead to hypertension.
Prevent high blood pressure with European Ayurveda
From an Ayurvedic perspective, a dosha imbalance can also promote high blood pressure. People with a Pitta excess (which can be caused by too much alcohol, tobacco or spicy food, for example) are just as prone to high blood pressure as those with a Vata excess (which can be caused by stress or lack of sleep, for example). However, a Kapha imbalance caused by obesity or metabolic disorders can also result in high blood pressure.
Which constitution type are you? Click here for the Dosha test.
The following tips for healthy blood pressure are easy to implement in everyday life and are good for you and your body:
- Incorporate at least 15 minutes of exercise in the fresh air into your daily routine.
- Cook fresh and seasonal food as often as possible instead of buying ready meals.
- Reduce your meat and salt intake. Avoid red meat in particular and eat vegetables and pulses as often as possible.
- Avoid drinks that are too hot and spices that are too hot.
- Take time to relax. This could be a soothing yoga sequence, meditation, a walk in the woods or a gentle oil massage. You decide what is good for you.
- Drink herbal and detox teas regularly - e.g. hibiscus flowers, elderflower, rose petals or nettle. Which tea is best for you depends on the cause of your high blood pressure. If you have metabolic problems, you can also support the liver with bitter substances.
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