Over 60 million Americans have high blood pressure or hypertension. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for a heart attack and stroke. What causes high blood pressure in one person may not be the root cause in another person. Some people develop it because they are severely overweight, suffer from weak or failing kidneys, hardening of the arteries, extreme stress, or even liver problems. Dietary and lifestyle changes can go a long way to lowering blood pressure.

Read the section on high cholesterol as well as there is important data on how carbohydrates can adversely affect your health.

• Quit smoking and drinking to excess.
• Monitor your caffeine intake.
• Work with a nutritionist to determine if your dietary choices or food allergies are impacting your health.
• Lose weight by eating a low carbohydrate diet and consuming more green vegetables
• Gradually begin an exercise program and stick to it, incorporating basic resistance or strength training with mild aerobics. Make exercise part of your life and increase the intensity gradually. If you have been sedentary for a few years you won’t snap back in a weekend, a few days, or even a few weeks. Give yourself at least 12 weeks on the program and you will be impressed with the change in your body.
• Practice deep breathing for relaxation.
• Consult your Alternative healthcare doctor to determine other health issues that may be the true cause of your high blood pressure and what additional protocols you can follow.