Photo by: James Farmer, Japan

When you have high blood pressure, your heart works harder than normal pumping blood through the circulatory system.  The force of blood pushing against artery walls can cause arterial damage as well as issues with the heart and other organs in the body. This force can cause many problems associated with high blood pressure. Here are some recommendations below to help ease this pressure.

A combination of adequate potassium and low sodium may protect against high blood pressure. Kiwi, spinach, and daily intake of garlic are noted warriors for the body's system. Surprisingly, potatoes contain up to twice as much potassium as bananas; baked with their skin, they have as much fiber as 1/3 cup of oat bran.

Fiber is an essential part of this teamwork which also assists in weight loss. Another vegetable that provides a good source of fiber is brussels sprouts. There is more fiber in one serving than two slices of wholegrain bread.  A good amount of fiber along with exercise can target weight challenges. When considering deep breathing exercises as part of this regime, high blood pressure is also addressed. Not only does deep breathing help supply the body with more oxygen, but also assists with meditation.

When dealing with stress, meditation can help alleviate troubling symptoms. One of these symptoms may be high blood pressure. Setting time aside for meditation can help calm things down in the body's system. This may also be a good opportunity to take advantage of listening to soothing music, along with a massage treatment using Marjoram botanical oil. An area that may adjust the pressure can be located in the arch of the foot. Massaging with both thumbs at the center of its sole will do wonders! A key thing to observe, however, is what generally goes on inside the body may indeed be a reflection of what is on the outside. Meditating helps one to evaluate where attention is needed, focusing on troubled areas in both realms.

REDUCE: Sodium (salt), Alcohol, Fat (red meat, cream, cheese, butter), Processed Foods (canned, food preservatives etc).

INCREASE: Potassium: celery (contains phthalides, known to reduce blood pressure), bananas, apples, melons, cantaloupes, nectarines, tomatoes, beans, potatoes, avocados, clams, lima beans, dried fruits including figs, raisins & apricots. Magnesium: beans, black-eyed peas, oysters, avocados, sunflower seeds. Calcium: live culture yogurt, kale, broccoli, collard greens, carrot juice. High Fiber Fruits: apples, pears and oranges. Also add figs, prunes and plantains to the list.

LOSE WEIGHT: Include in healthy fruit and vegetable diet: 2-3 daily servings of yogurt. Another option is raw apple cider vinegar with honey and water (2 Tbsp. vinegar, 1 tsp honey, 1 or 2 oz of lukewarm water) to be taken prior to meals.  Substitute butter, cream, and cheese with extra virgin olive oil.  Daily exercise, preferably bouncing, will work wonders for the body and its overall health.  Mini trampolines work well with this form of exercise as bouncing greatly assists with lymphatic flow. Weight gain can be linked to a sluggish lymphatic system.

The lymphatic system does not have a pump like the heart for circulation. It relies on the body's movement, especially in the garbage picker upper department! Think of what would happen if your garbage on the side of the street would never be collected and disposed of. It would attract vermin, and welcome disease to populate the area. Keep this in mind when things build up inside of you especially if you fail to keep things moving. Make bouncing a part of your daily life for good health maintenance.

ESSENTIAL OILS: Lemon, Black Cumin, Ylang Ylang, Angelica Root, Melissa, Marjoram, Clary Sage, Yarrow, blends: Freedom Plus, Circle of life. (Ylang Ylang and Marjoram: Outstanding!)

 HERBS: Green Tea (may prevent), Parsley (lowers).