Blood pressure will increase for a variety of reasons, including tension, stress, oedema, high viscosity of blood, blood vessel narrowing, arteriosclerosis, and kidney problems. Hypertension brought on by any of these reasons can often be successfully treated with homoeopathy, phytotherapy, exercise and modification of eating habits.

The diastolic, or tissue, pressure equals the resistance to the flow of blood in the tissues and the systolic pressure equals the diastolic pressure plus pulse pressure. Systolic pressure occurs as the heart cavities contract and force blood onwards, and diastolic pressure as the heart cavities expand and fill with blood.

Our circulatory system works like a central heating system. If the pressure is too high, a weak point in the pipes may expand and eventually burst.

Maintaining the correct blood pressure is very important and in order to avoid coronary disease, we should know what the important factors are:

1 the strength of the heart

2 the volume of blood sent out from the heart

3 resistance in the capillaries, especially those in the kidneys

4 the resilience of the artery walls

5 the tone of the vegetative nerve network

Once the cause has been diagnosed, the appropriate action can be taken.


Dietary advice

Remember the three ‘S’s’ – salt, sugar and stress – all should be avoided as much as possible. Make sure that you have an adequate intake of fibre in your diet. Fat should be watched carefully. All diets need to contain fat, but do make sure that they are of the right type, such as polyunsaturated or essential fats. Saturated fats have no dietary value and these are found in beef, pork, lamb, lard, hard margarine’s, dairy products, cakes, biscuits and pastries. Fish is an ideal food. You should also cut down on salt. Instead of sugar use honey. Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables, especially apples, garlic, onions, aubergines, beans and soya.


Rice diet

This dish can be of benefit in lowering the blood pressure levels and also the cholesterol levels.

Take some whole brown rice and place the rice in a casserole or Pyrex dish. Pour some boiling water or milk over the rice and place in a pre-heated hot oven. Cook for 10-15 minutes and switch off the oven. Keep the rice in the oven for 5 to 6 hours.

Cut up some vegetables such as parsley, chicory, celery and cress, and mix them through the rice with a little garlic salt. Heat it all up and the rice will then be ready to be eaten.


Remedies

Please remember that if you are taking any prescribed medication or have a medical problem,you should consult your own medical practitioner before starting any new course of treatment.

It is not appropriate to make specific recommendations via our website, please contact the clinic for an appointment or call our helpline.