Lifestyle disorder is an umbrella term given to all the diseases which arise due to unhealthy lifestyles. The most common Lifestyle diseases include Hypertension, Diabetes, Arthritis, Obesity & Insomnia which affect our daily life immensely. These conditions also interfere with the natural comfort of well-being. Hypertension is often referred to as high blood pressure by the layman. Hypertension is a condition when, blood flows through the blood vessels with a force greater than normal, more than 120/80 mmHg.
Hypertension without specific symptoms in its mild and moderate stages is not considered a disease in Ayurveda. It appears to be an early stage of pathogenesis and a risk factor for the development of diseases affecting the heart, brain, kidneys and eyes, etc. High blood pressure is classified as either primary (essential) hypertension which has no specific cause, or secondary hypertension which is due to certain medical conditions and medications. 80% of the hypertension cases are primary hypertension and primarily lifestyle factors contribute to this condition.
Causes of High Blood Pressure
The causes of essential hypertension are unknown but many genetic and environmental factors and risk factors for the development of this condition are:
- High intake of salty and spicy food
- Alcohol and tobacco consumption
- Psychological stress
- Low calcium and potassium intake
- Heredity
- Physical inactivity
Do’s and Dont’s of Controlling Hypertension with Ayurveda
Ayurveda works not only to treat diseases and associated conditions but also to prevent their recurrence. Controlling hypertension with Ayurveda includes making suitable and sustainable dietary and lifestyle changes. Here are Dos and Don’ts and preventive measures that help in controlling high blood pressure:
Do’s –
- Regular blood pressure check-ups
- Limit table salt intake. 1 teaspoon/day/per person is the recommended intake. Choose low-salt and reduced-salt foods as part of a healthy eating pattern. Switch to rock salt or Saindhava salt for cooking.
- Follow a DASH Diet – DASH stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. The DASH diet is a healthy-eating plan designed to help prevent or treat high blood pressure, or hypertension. This diet is low in sodium, cholesterol, saturated and total fat, and has been shown to lower high blood pressure.
- Weight reduction: Reduction in body weight lowers systolic BP. A gradual and healthy weight loss of even 3-5 kg can reduce systolic BP by 6–10 mmHg.
- Smoking cessation may not directly reduce BP but significantly reduces overall cardiovascular risk. The risk of a heart attack and stroke is higher in people who smoke than in nonsmokers.
- A healthy work-life balance is also essential to maintain mental well-being.
Dont’s –
- Excessive intake of salt with habits such as sprinkling over salad, curd, etc.
- Excessive use of Butter, Ghee, Chillies (Red-Green), Pickles, Mustard oil, Sour fruits, Curd, Tea, Coffee, etc.
- Intake of animal fat, processed/oily food items.
- Alcohol consumption and smoking.
- The practice of day sleeping and staying up late at night
Ayurveda Treatment for Hypertension
Essential or secondary hypertension has natural, plant-based solutions in Ayurveda in the form of medications and Panchakarma in addition to lifestyle modifications. Any Ayurveda medication is to be strictly taken under the supervision of a Registered Ayurvedic Physician, avoid self-medication for regulating your blood pressure.
