The modern world has witnessed advanced development in the field of medical sciences, offering treatment for several diseases that have terrified older generations, causing the deaths of thousands of people. However, it also caused lifestyle changes, resulting in some diseases that have spread to every nook and corner of the world. Hypertension is one such disease.
These days, more and more people are getting afflicted with this health condition; however, they go undetected due to a lack of visible symptoms. Until a physician prescribes a check, most of the patients are unaware of the disease, which may further exacerbate the conditions. With abnormal levels of hypertension, the body is prone to the disruption of various physiological systems that stabilize and balance the body. However, there are ways to manage it. As it is a lifestyle disease, altering the lifestyle by incorporating yoga and a yogic diet can significantly reduce or even reverse the condition.
What exactly is Hypertension?
The state of accelerated blood flow causing increased pressure in the walls of the arteries is called hypertension. This is generally called high blood pressure, or simply blood pressure, or BP. The heart pumps blood into the arteries, producing pressure on them, which is known as systolic blood pressure. Whereas, when the heart rests and causes a decrease in the force of the flow, it is diastolic blood pressure. A person becomes a hypertension patient when the systolic or diastolic blood pressure levels consistently cross the normal range of 120 or 80 mm Hg.
What causes Hypertension and how to reduce it?
Hypertension arises due to an improper lifestyle. Consumption of unhealthy food items and a lack of physical activity, along with stress, is the magical recipe for hypertension. Obesity, smoking, and alcohol can significantly increase the risk of disease.
Nevertheless, one can always prevent the disease or at least manage it with a modified lifestyle, such as following a proper diet, engaging in practices like yoga, and avoiding stress.
Yoga and Hypertension
Yoga addresses the problem of hypertension by solving the underlying issues. Yoga brings the practitioner into a state of harmony where an individual’s thoughts are aligned with their deeds. This brings balance and stability, which prevents the outer noise from disturbing the inner peace. With mindful breathing and awareness, yoga helps to destress and prepares the individual with the tools to face stressful situations.
Yoga also prescribes mitahara, which is the practice of eating limited food with complete attention. Mitahara emphasizes the importance of having food, devoid of distractions. By enjoying each morsel of food, one is completely engaged in the activity, resulting in enhanced satisfaction and reducing the tendency to overeat.
A healthy diet for hypertension:
Add more fruits and vegetables to the diet.
Eat foods with a lower sodium content. Herbs and other spices can be added for flavor enhancement.
Drink plenty of water.
Try to reduce the consumption of deep-fried food items.
Avoid foods with trans fats.
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