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Hypertension: A Top Health Concern

About 75 million American adults (32 percent) have high blood pressure—that’s 1 in every 3 adults!* What are you doing about it?

 

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    Hypertension: A Top Health Concern

    Hypertension: A Top Health Concern

    Hypertension (HTN), also known as high blood pressure, is one of the top health concerns in modern day society. Having high blood pressure puts you at risk for heart disease and stroke, which are leading causes of death in the United States. About 75 million American adults (32 percent) have high blood pressure—that’s 1 in every 3 adults!*

    There are many different causes of HTN, with the majority being lifestyle related. Yes, some of us have a stronger genetic predisposition than others; however, that does not mean that you can’t control, reverse or avoid it entirely.

    The primary cause of HTN is a hormone imbalance associated to what is called the renin- angiotensin-aldosterone-system (RAAS). This is a function of the kidneys that have a direct effect on the rest of the body. This system influences the constriction and dilation of the blood vessels, and regulates the amount of sodium and potassium levels in the blood. When this system is not functioning properly it can lead to high blood pressure. Even though some of us might have a genetic predisposition for HTN, it is our lifestyle choices that are the main cause. Additional risk factors pertaining to HTN are metabolic disease such as type 2 diabetes and obesity, smoking and excessive alcohol intake.

    One other aspect of HTN that you should be aware of is that salt (sodium) intake does not cause high blood pressure; it can make the situation worse, though. If you have HTN and are avoiding sodium to manage your blood pressure, you are only keeping the symptoms of HTN from getting out of control—you are not treating the root cause. When you have high blood pressure consuming salt is like throwing gasoline onto a fire, but its not the salt that’s the problem … it’s the fire. Put out the fire and the salt is no longer an issue.

    The best way to reverse HTN or at least prevent it from getting worse is to eat a healthier diet and get more regular activity. Some of the best dietary steps to help lower your blood pressure are to:

    • Reduce the amount of sugar and refined grains in your diet
    • Increase intake of potassium, magnesium and calcium-containing foods
    • Drink tea regularly (black, white and green)
    • Consume more spinach and beets (high in inorganic nitrates that help lower blood pressure)
    • Consume at least one pound of fatty cold-water fish per week (salmon and sardines)

    *https://www.cdc.gov/dhdsp/data_statistics/fact_sheets/fs_bloodpressure.htm

    See referenced disclosure (2) at https://blog-dev.americanportfolios.com/disclosures/ 

    Contributor

     

    Corporate Wellness Programs and Education Services 
    860.305.9080 
    I am a Registered Dietitian (RD) and certified personal trainer and have spent the last 18 years training myself to become well versed in a wide range of healthcare and wellness areas. The foundation of my practice is rooted in the lifestyles of our ancestors. Life before the electric light bulb (effects on sleep) chairs and cars (reduced physical movement) and unhealthy processed foods. I promote and teach about how to prepare and eat nutrient dense real food, get regular physical activity and quality restorative sleep. All in ways that work in conjunction with your current life situation and that can even save you money. By looking to our past and embracing the fundamentals of how humans used to live and combining it with modern-day technical advancements, we can address the vast majority of modern day health issues. By using these lifestyle fundamentals we can successfully treat up to 90% of our modern day illnesses and disease. A healthy blend of technical evolution and ancestral know-how.

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