Blood Pressure

Good health to you! Tina Foster, RHN Essential Remedies

High blood pressure? Also known as hypertension, having ongoing high blood pressure can damage your arteries by making them less elastic, this also decreases the blood flow and oxygen to your heart and leads to heart disease and stress on the body. Narrowed and stiff blood vessels can cause a myriad of issues related to the circulatory system including stroke, heart attack, elevated blood sugar, hypertensive retinopathy affecting eyesight, and kidney damage can also occur. Brain blood flow is vital not only to prevent stroke, but also involving headaches, confusion, and convulsions- all to be avoided. Hypertension is not something you want to leave be, so take action!

There are many excellent natural ways to do so.. 1. Lose extra pounds and watch your waistline. 2. Exercise regularly. Get that blood pumping, lower your risk, and benefit your health in other countless ways. 3. Eat a healthy and natural whole food diet, consisting of an abundance of plant foods, which naturally lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and contain ample potassium and other vital nutrients. 4. Cut added sugar and refined carbs, which harm your blood and body. 5. Avoid excess sodium and processed foods. Preparing more of your meals from scratch will limit excess salt and unwanted ingredients. Stick to sea salt or himalayan in minute amounts added to your plate. 6. Limit alcohol. 7. Stress reduction and management. Chronic stress contributes to high blood pressure, especially paired with poor habits. There so many helpful ways to cope better! So find what ways that work for the individual you. Some tidbits: *Change expectations *Don’t focus on things not in your control *Make time to relax and unwind. Meditation, reading, bathtime, your choice. *Daily activities you love and that bring your joy! *Practice gratitude *Hug your loved ones. *Soothing music. *Work less. 8. Supplements: Along with these effective lifestyle tools, you may require or choose natural supplements. Magnesium, vitamin D, B vitamins, potassium, and vitamin C are some essential basics. Consider any of the following: 1. CoEnzyme Q10- naturally occuring nutrient that aids conversion of food into energy. Antiaging and energizing. Commonly used for hypertension, preventing heart failure/attack. Vital for statin users. 2. L-arginine and L-citrulline- amino acids that convert to nitric oxide which quickly widens blood vessels, relaxes and opens arteries, promotes healthier blood vessels. 3. Beetroot- contains high levels of nitrates which convert to nitric oxide. Add powder or crystals to water, smoothies, etc. Also contains magnesium, potassium, and other nutrients. 4. Garlic- prevents angiostein production, enhances nitric oxide, antiinflammatory and antioxidant. 5. Fish oil- rich in omega-3 fatty acid which lowers blood pressure. 6. Ginger- acts as a natural calcium channel blocker and dilates blood vessels. Antinflammatory. 7. Berberine- traditionally used to decrease blood sugar and pressure. Increases nitric oxide as well. 8. Green tea- Drink up! Contains compounds called catechins that have a multitude of benefits including to relax smooth muscle of linings, leading to lower blood pressure. 9. Hibiscus tea- rich in anthocyanins and polyphenols for heart health.

Use a combination of these healthful and helpful tips that will be sure to benefit your health in many abounding ways!

Traditional Chinese Exercise for Health

All Classes in the Cowichan Valley *unless stated

Wild Goose Qigong (Chi Gong)

Gentle movement • Calms your mind • Heals internal organs • Develops fl exibility Mondays 9 -10 am Tuesdays 6 pm - 7 pm (combined Qigong and Chun Yuen) Wednesdays 10-11:15 am Fridays 10-11:15 am (Victoria)* Northern Shaolin Chun Yuen Quan

Dynamic movement • Improves posture • Increases energy • Strengthens bones

Tuesdays 6 pm - 7 pm (combined Qigong and Chun Yuen)*

Wednesdays 9 am - 10 am

250 748 4060 rivendellrhythm@shaw.ca

www.WildGooseQigongCentre.com