According to the World Health Organization, one in three adults has high blood pressure, a condition also called the “silent killer” because it usually has no symptoms. If not controlled over time, high blood pressure can affect not only your heart and blood vessels but also other organs, making them function not as well as they should.

According to Ayurveda, an imbalance of any of the three doshas can cause high blood pressure. However, Vata, responsible for movement in the body, is considered the primary factor in this condition.

Symptoms of hypertension

If you often have headaches in the morning when you wake up, especially in the back of the head, and stiffness in your neck or in your muscles, or if you experience palpitations in your heart and are in constant anxiety and fear, you are most likely suffering from hypertension. You might also experience problems with falling asleep, unexpected body heat, heaviness over the eyes, sleepiness and dizziness. If you have these symptoms, do not ignore them and immediately seek medical advice.

Dietary guideline

• Avoid fried, junk and processed food.
• Avoid acidic food
• Avoid smoking, excessive tea and coffee.
• Avoid foods that are heavy and difficult to digest.
• Eat light and fresh food like fruits and vegetables
• Consume dairy products such as fresh butter, buttermilk and ghee in small quantities.

Exercise

Regular exercise is also highly beneficial in controlling high blood pressure. Taking daily brisk walks for 30-45 minutes is very helpful. Regular practice of Yoga, meditation and Pranayama (breathing exercises) can help in keeping blood pressure level.

Natural recommendations

Ayurveda recommends ethical living for a healthy life.  You should get rid of anger, hatred, envy, lust and jealousy from your heart. These things sound simple but they also play an important role in keeping blood pressure normal.  Unexpressed anger or emotional stress cause irritation, frustration and anxiety, leading to elevated blood pressure.

Laughter is the best medicine for alleviating stress, which is the primary cause of hypertension. Find a reason to laugh by taking time out from your daily life for yourself, your family and friends. Clinical research has proved that laughing brings down the level of cortisol and adrenaline, the stress hormones.