World Hypertension Day 2023: Can you fight hypertension with Ayurveda? Find out

World Hypertension Day 2023: High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a global health issue that affects millions of people. It is a silent killer that often goes unnoticed until it causes serious health problems such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. With World Hypertension Day being observed today, there is no better time to explore natural remedies to combat this condition.

According to Dr Jyothi Viswambharan, Ayurveda Expert, NirogStreet, Ayurveda, an ancient system of medicine originating in India, offers a holistic approach that focuses on restoring balance and harmony to the body through diet, lifestyle, herbal remedies, and other therapies.

"Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine that originated in India over 5000 years ago. It is based on the principle that health is a balance between the body, mind, and spirit, and that disease is caused by an imbalance in these elements. Ayurvedic treatment focuses on restoring balance and harmony to the body through a combination of diet, lifestyle, herbal remedies, and other therapies," Viswambharan said.

According to Ayurveda, hypertension is caused by an imbalance in the Pitta dosha, which is responsible for regulating metabolism and digestion. When Pitta becomes imbalanced, it can lead to an increase in blood pressure. Ayurvedic treatment for hypertension focuses on reducing Pitta and restoring balance to the body.

Diet plays a crucial role in managing hypertension in Ayurveda.

The following are some dietary guidelines to help keep your blood pressure under control:

Eat a diet that is rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Avoid processed foods, fried foods, and foods that are high in salt.

Include herbs and spices in your diet that are known to reduce blood pressure, such as garlic, ginger, turmeric, and cumin.

Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.

Avoid caffeine and alcohol, as they can raise blood pressure.

Eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day, rather than large meals.

In addition to diet, Ayurveda recommends a number of lifestyle changes that can help manage hypertension. The following are some tips to help reduce stress and promote relaxation:

Practice yoga and meditation regularly. These practices can help reduce stress and promote relaxation, which can lower blood pressure.

Get plenty of rest and try to maintain a regular sleep schedule.

Avoid overexerting yourself and take breaks throughout the day to rest and recharge.

Practice pranayama, or deep breathing exercises, to help calm the mind and reduce stress.

Get regular exercise, such as brisk walking or swimming, to help keep your heart healthy and your blood pressure under control.

Herbal remedies are an important part of Ayurvedic treatment for hypertension. The following are some herbs that are commonly used to help manage high blood pressure:

Ashwagandha: This herb is known for its ability to reduce stress and anxiety, which can help lower blood pressure.

Arjuna: This herb is a natural diuretic, which means it helps to eliminate excess fluid from the body and reduce blood pressure.

Brahmi: This herb is known for its ability to improve blood circulation and reduce inflammation, which can help lower blood pressure.

Guggul: This herb is a natural cholesterol-lowering agent, which can help lower blood pressure.

Tulsi: This herb is known for its ability to reduce stress and anxiety, which can help lower blood pressure.

World Hypertension Day serves as a reminder of the critical importance of keeping our blood pressure in check. Luckily, Ayurveda offers a natural and effective solution for managing hypertension through simple dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, and herbal remedies. By reducing stress and restoring balance in the body, Ayurveda empowers us to take charge of our health and live a life free from the burden of hypertension. With the guidance of a skilled Ayurvedic practitioner and the support of modern medicine, we can achieve optimal blood pressure and embark on a journey towards better health.