High Blood Pressure?

An easy way to understand high blood pressure (HBP) is as follows: If your arteries are narrowing, the bottom figure goes up. If the arteries are becoming less elastic, the top figure goes up.  The ideal reading is around 120/80, where 120 is the systolic and 80 is the diastolic reading. According to Sciencedaily.com  the unsubstantiated but persistent clinical folklore that "100-+-your-age" is an acceptable systolic blood pressure level is inappropriate!

If you are not on HBP - or heart medication yet and don't have kidney problems, try supplementing 300 mg of magnesium a day. Cut back on sodium (table salt) and consider potassium chloride as a salt substitute - available as K-salt in most South African supermarkets. Newlife.com.my states that you need to eat 60 bananas to acquire sufficient potassium daily! There is now good evidence that HBP can be prevented in many people. Other keys to prevention are:

• Drinking ±600-800 ml filtered water the moment you wake up and at least 45 minutes before breakfast;
• Keeping your weight moderate;
• Exercising regularly;
• If you drink alcohol, having no more than two drinks a day;
• Stop smoking;
• Reduce stress in your life as much as possible;
• Untreated sleep apnoea can contribute to HBP. If you snore heavily or feel tired even after a full night sleep, ask for an evaluation. 

My family and I take potassium supplements regularly - my husband (60) still trains twice daily and also has a BP reading of less than 120/80. Some evidence suggests that a potassium deficiency may cause nocturnal leg cramps. I experienced this many years ago, but not any more!

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