Evaluation and Management of Pulmonary Hypertension in Noncardiac Surgery: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association | Circulation
How To Lower High Blood Pressure Naturally: Add These Simple Herbs To Your Healthy Diet For Quick Results
February 20, 2025 / 11:38 IST
High blood pressure, or hypertension has no obvious symptoms, yet it quietly damages the body over time. When the force of blood against the walls of your arteries is consistently too high, it puts extra strain on the heart and blood vessels. Left unchecked, this can lead to serious complications like heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, kidney disease, and even vision loss (Image: Canva) While modern medicine offers a range of treatments, many people often turn to time-tested herbal remedies to manage their blood pressure naturally. A cup of steaming ginger tea for a cold, garlic infused in warm oil for earaches, and the ever-present tulsi (holy basil) for coughs and immunity. These practices reflect a deep-rooted belief in the healing energy of nature (Image: Canva) Herbs, with their potent phytochemicals, have shown to promote heart health and calm the nervous system. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) supports the use of specific herbs in lowering blood pressure. Studies show that compounds like allicin in garlic, gingerol in ginger, and polyphenols in hibiscus flowers help improve circulation, relax blood vessels, and reduce hypertension (Image: Canva) Additionally, ayurveda also mentions the bark of the Arjuna tree, a revered heart tonic, while celery seeds are packed with potassium and phthalides, compounds known to ease arterial tension. These herbs offer a natural, complementary approach to blood pressure management without the side effects associated with pharmaceutical drugs. Here's how you can use these 5 powerful herbs into your daily routine (Image: Canva) Ginger: It is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Boil fresh ginger slices in water to make a soothing tea or add grated ginger to soups and smoothies (Image: Canva) Garlic: This herb contains allicin, which helps lower blood pressure and cholesterol. Crush a clove of raw garlic and swallow with water in the morning or use fresh garlic in your cooking (Image: Canva) Arjuna bark: This is a time-tested Ayurvedic heart tonic. Boil Arjuna bark powder in water, strain, and drink the decoction once a day (Image: Canva) Hibiscus: Hibiscus is rich in antioxidants, helps reduce blood pressure and support heart health. Steep dried hibiscus petals in hot water for 5-10 minutes and enjoy as a refreshing herbal tea (Image: Canva) Celery seeds: Contains phthalides, which help relax artery walls and improve blood flow. Sprinkle ground celery seeds over salads or stir into soups for a mild, earthy flavour (Image: Canva) Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don't treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis (Image: Canva)Namita S Kalla is a senior journalist who writes about different aspects of modern life that include lifestyle, health, fashion, beauty, and entertainment.
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A Simple Solution To High Blood Pressure
A group of international health experts is calling for new guidelines on treating high blood pressure. They want doctors to recommend potassium-enriched salt instead of regular salt. Their argument is based on strong evidence that too much sodium (found in regular salt) and too little potassium increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and early death.
The Problem with Regular Salt
Most people eat too much salt, which contains sodium. This is a major cause of high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. High blood pressure can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and other serious health problems. At the same time, most people do not get enough potassium in their diets. Potassium helps to lower blood pressure, but modern diets often lack it.
A simple solution is to replace some of the sodium in salt with potassium. Potassium-enriched salt tastes just like regular salt but is much healthier. Unlike other low-salt options, which can make food taste bland, potassium-enriched salt keeps food tasting the same.
Professor Alta Schutte, from The George Institute for Global Health and UNSW Sydney, pointed out that scientific studies have already proven the health benefits of potassium-enriched salt. However, it is not commonly used because current medical guidelines do not recommend it strongly enough.
Reviewing Global Guidelines
A team of researchers from the US, Australia, Japan, South Africa, and India examined 32 different guidelines on treating high blood pressure. These guidelines came from global, regional, and national health organizations. The researchers found that nearly all the guidelines advised people to reduce salt intake.
Many also recommended eating more potassium-rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables. However, only two guidelines—those from China and Europe—specifically suggested using potassium-enriched salt.
Dr. Tom Frieden, who leads a global health organization, explained why this is a problem. Over the past 30 years, the number of people with high blood pressure has doubled to 1.3 billion worldwide. High blood pressure is responsible for over 10 million deaths every year. A large portion of these deaths is caused by eating too much salt.
Switching to potassium-enriched salt could save millions of lives, yet most countries do not promote it. Dr. Frieden believes that potassium-enriched salt should be made widely available in grocery stores, restaurants, and homes. It should not be treated as a luxury product but as a standard option.
Addressing Concerns
One concern about potassium-enriched salt is that it may not be safe for people with severe kidney disease. People with kidney disease need to limit their potassium intake because their kidneys cannot remove excess potassium from their blood.
However, Professor Bruce Neal from The George Institute Australia assured that this is only a concern for a small group of people. Doctors already advise these patients to avoid too much salt, so they would not be using potassium-enriched salt anyway.
Studies on potassium-enriched salt have not found any serious health risks. These studies were done under medical supervision, where doctors ensured that patients with kidney disease did not use the salt. As long as health professionals oversee its use, potassium-enriched salt is safe for most people.
A Simple and Effective Change
The researchers strongly recommend adding potassium-enriched salt to treatment guidelines for high blood pressure. It is one of the few dietary changes that people are willing to stick with long-term because it does not change the taste of food.
Professor Schutte urged medical organizations to update their recommendations as soon as possible. If the world switched to potassium-enriched salt, millions of strokes and heart attacks could be prevented each year at little cost.
Understanding Sodium and Potassium Intake
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends limiting sodium intake to 2 grams per day, which is about 5 grams of salt. However, the average person eats about 10.8 grams of salt per day—more than double the recommended amount. WHO has classified sodium reduction as one of the most important ways to prevent chronic diseases.
At the same time, most people do not get enough potassium. The global average potassium intake is around 2.3 grams per day, while WHO recommends at least 3.5 grams. Some regions, such as India, China, and West Africa, have even lower potassium intake levels.
To address these issues, the researchers proposed clear recommendations for medical guidelines:
Reviewing the Findings
This study highlights a major gap in current medical guidelines. Despite strong scientific evidence, most health organizations have not actively promoted potassium-enriched salt as a solution for high blood pressure. This is a missed opportunity to prevent millions of deaths caused by strokes and heart disease.
The study also reinforces how difficult it is to change dietary habits. Most salt reduction strategies fail because people do not like the taste of low-sodium foods. However, potassium-enriched salt overcomes this problem because it tastes the same as regular salt. This makes it a practical and effective solution.
Another important takeaway is the need for better public awareness. Many people do not know about potassium-enriched salt, and even doctors may not recommend it because it is not in official guidelines. Making this salt more available and affordable could have a huge impact on global health.
In conclusion, potassium-enriched salt is a simple, low-cost way to reduce high blood pressure and prevent serious health problems. Governments and health organizations should take immediate action to include it in medical guidelines and make it accessible to everyone.
If you care about blood pressure, please read studies about unhealthy habits that could increase high blood pressure risk, and eating eggs in a healthy diet may reduce risks of diabetes, high blood pressure.
For more information about blood pressure, please see recent studies that early time-restricted eating could help improve blood pressure, and results showing 12 foods that lower blood pressure.
The research findings can be found in Hypertension.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
Your Blood Pressure Might Damage Your Kidneys
Medical experts explain why keeping your blood pressure in check could save your vital organs
Your kidneys work as your body's natural filtration system, cleaning your blood day and night. But this vital work depends heavily on one critical factor: your blood pressure. Medical experts warn that ignoring your blood pressure numbers could lead to serious kidney damage, often without any warning signs.
Understanding your body's silent workersDeep inside your body, your kidneys process about 150 quarts of blood every day. These fist-sized organs handle an incredibly complex job, filtering out waste while keeping essential nutrients your body needs. However, this delicate process relies on blood vessels that can be easily damaged by high blood pressure.
The pressure problemWhen blood pushes too hard against your artery walls, it creates extra stress on the tiny, delicate blood vessels in your kidneys. Think of these vessels like small pipes – too much pressure can cause damage over time. This damage might start small, but it can lead to serious problems if left unchecked.
Signs your kidneys might be strugglingMost people don't realize their kidneys are having problems until significant damage has occurred. Medical professionals point out several warning signs to watch for: swelling in your feet and ankles, changes in how often you need to use the bathroom, and unexplained fatigue. However, the most reliable way to protect your kidneys remains monitoring your blood pressure regularly.
The dangerous connectionResearch shows that people with high blood pressure face a much higher risk of developing kidney problems. Your kidneys need steady, controlled blood flow to do their job properly. When blood pressure stays high, it can damage the filtering units inside your kidneys, making it harder for them to clean your blood effectively.
How your kidneys fight backYour kidneys actually play a key role in controlling your blood pressure. They release hormones that help regulate it. But when damaged by high blood pressure, they might lose this ability, creating a vicious cycle where rising blood pressure causes more kidney damage, which in turn makes blood pressure harder to control.
The morning routine that mattersStarting your day by checking your blood pressure could make a significant difference in protecting your kidneys. Medical experts recommend keeping track of your numbers and noticing any patterns. This simple habit helps you spot potential problems early, when they're easier to address.
Your diet makes a differenceWhat you eat affects both your blood pressure and your kidney health. Medical professionals recommend focusing on foods that support healthy blood pressure. Fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and foods low in sodium can help protect your kidneys by keeping your blood pressure in check.
The exercise connectionRegular physical activity helps maintain healthy blood pressure levels, which in turn protects your kidneys. Even moderate exercise, like a daily walk, can make a significant difference. The key lies in finding activities you enjoy and making them part of your regular routine.
Understanding your numbersKnowing your target blood pressure numbers gives you a clear goal to work toward. Medical experts consider readings below 120/80 as healthy for most adults. However, your doctor might set different targets based on your individual health situation.
The sleep factorPoor sleep can raise your blood pressure, potentially affecting your kidney health. Creating good sleep habits helps protect both your blood pressure and your kidneys. This includes maintaining a regular sleep schedule and creating a relaxing bedtime routine.
Stress and your organsChronic stress can elevate your blood pressure, putting extra strain on your kidneys. Finding effective ways to manage stress through activities like meditation, yoga, or even simple deep breathing exercises can help protect your kidney health.
The medication conversationSome people need medication to control their blood pressure and protect their kidneys. Having an open discussion with your healthcare provider about medication options helps ensure you find the right treatment plan for your situation.
Building better habitsSmall changes in your daily routine can make a big difference in protecting your kidneys. Simple steps like limiting alcohol, quitting smoking, and watching your salt intake all help maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
The family connectionHigh blood pressure often runs in families, making it especially important to know your family health history. This knowledge helps you and your healthcare provider create a more effective plan to protect your kidneys.
Regular checkups matterScheduling regular medical checkups allows your healthcare provider to monitor both your blood pressure and kidney function. These visits help catch potential problems early, when they're most treatable.
The weight factorMaintaining a healthy weight helps control blood pressure and protects your kidneys. Even modest weight loss can lead to significant improvements in blood pressure readings.
Understanding risk factorsCertain factors increase your risk of developing high blood pressure and kidney problems. Age, race, family history, and existing health conditions all play a role. Understanding your personal risk factors helps you take appropriate preventive steps.
The long-term outlookTaking steps to control your blood pressure today can help preserve your kidney function for years to come. While it might require some lifestyle changes, the benefits far outweigh the effort required.
Moving forwardProtecting your kidneys starts with managing your blood pressure. By understanding this connection and taking action to maintain healthy blood pressure levels, you can help ensure these vital organs continue functioning properly for years to come.
Remember, small changes in your daily routine can lead to significant improvements in both your blood pressure and kidney health. Working with your healthcare provider to develop and follow a comprehensive plan gives you the best chance of maintaining healthy kidneys throughout your life.
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