BLOOD PRESSURE

This refers to the pressure contained in the blood as it passes through the blood vessels like arteries. We all have blood inside our bodies, and this blood moves through various blood vessels such as arteries, veins and capillaries.

Blood is the major fluid in our body- it contains plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. It is responsible for the transport of nutrients and oxygen around the body. The heart pumps blood and keeps it moving inside these blood vessels, and this blood passing through the vessels has pressure.

The normal blood pressure for adults is usually 120/80 mmHg. Blood pressure can also go higher than normal, up to 140/90mmHg or higher, and this is what we call high blood pressure/ hypertension. This state is very dangerous and usually leads to restlessness, inactivity and difficulty of heart to pump blood.

The pressure can get higher than normal because of the following reasons;

1.) Obesity – which involves being overweight and carrying extra fats in your body. Some may get deposited in blood vessels hence blocking the blood pathways from doing their work well.

2.) Excess salt consumption - this can raise our blood pressure due to the sodium component in the salt which raises blood pressure.

3.) Smoking , drinking and consumption of caffeinated drinks.

4.) Too much fatty foods and junk contain a lot of fat that contain bad cholesterol. - Trans Fats in food increases packaged foods’ shelf life and stability. However, they also raise your bad (LDL) cholesterol levels and lower your good (HDL) cholesterol levels, which can increase the risk of high blood pressure, by prompting blockages in arteries, hence much more double pressure is needed for blood to flow. Furthermore, the pressure may break/ burst the vessels and this can lead to immediate stroke and death.

So, how do we maintain our Blood Pressure to acceptable healthy levels?

We must remember to keep fit by exercising, avoid excessive junk food, hydrate, eat well, get enough sunshine and rest and embrace healthy living.

Consider healthy salt alternatives like Himalayan salt can be used instead of the normal one.

For good healthy fats and oils for your body, you can use flax seeds, chia seeds, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and fruits like avocado.

Health is your Everyday; Health is You and You are Health!