William Penn Life, 2012 (47. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2012-03-01 / 3. szám
Our Health Corner will raise your blood pressure. So, if you drink alcohol, limit yourself to no more than two drinks a day for men and one drink a day for women. *Reduce stress. Stress can make blood pressure go up and can be a main contributor toward a diagnosis of hypertension. Take some quiet time on a regular—if not daily—basis. Listen to music or take a bubble bath. Other things, like dietary supplements may also help to prevent high blood pressure. Important elements to keep in your dieat include: *Potassium. Eating foods high in potassium can help some people from developing hypertension. A diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and fresh fish will probably give you all you need, with no need for supplements. *Calcium. Studies have shown that populations with low calcium intake have higher incidences of high blood pressure. However, it has not been proven if taking a calcium supplement will prevent hypertension. Nevertheless, it is important to get at least the recommended amount of calcium— 1,000 milligrams per day for an adult and 1,200 for children and pregnant women—from the foods you eat. A diet that includes low-fat milk, cheese and yogurt should give you what you need. *Magnesium. A diet low in magnesium will cause some people to have high blood pressure, but physicians do not want their patients taking magnesium supplements to prevent an elevated blood pressure. The amount you get in eating leafy green vegetables, whole grains, nuts, peas and beans is usually enough. *Garlic. There has been some research showing garlic does have some affect on lowering blood pressure. Garlic has also been shown to lower cholesterol and prevent some cancers. More studies on the effects of garlic are to be released soon. Always check with your doctor before starting any exercise program, or taking any supplements. There could be an interaction with your prescription medications. So, eat that leafy green salad with your low-fat veggie pizza on a whole wheat crust and enjoy a nice glass of wine. Then, stop and get a frozen yogurt while on your after dinner walk. End the day with a warm bubble bath and watch your high blood pressure melt away. Till next month.... B-e Healthy! B-e Happy! stay Fit! rJüíilifJ Units To learn more about hypertension (high blood pressure), how to prevent it and it possible effects on your overall health, log onto: 3 http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/high-blood-pressure/DSOO 100 (Information on high blood pressure, including symptoms, causes, complications, treatments, and lifestyle and home remedies) O http://www.ash-us.org/documents/BloodPressureHealthEnglish.pdf (A pamphlet entitled “Blood Pressure and Your Health’’ published by the American Society of Hypertension, Inc.) William Penn Life 0 March 2012 0 11 T
