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19 Natural treatment for pulmonary hypertension

This is a term which is used for high blood pressure which is affecting the arteries in the lungs and the right side of the heart. When the pulmonary hypertension is in the early stages, then the signs and symptoms may not be noticeable for months or years. When this disease progress, then the symptoms can be some of the following: dizziness or fainting spells (syncope); fatigue; shortness of breath (dyspnea), initially while exercising and eventually while at rest; chest pressure or pain; bluish color to your lips and skin (cyanosis); swelling (edema) in your ankles, legs and eventually in your abdomen (ascites); racing pulse or heart palpitations.

Changes in the cells which line the pulmonary arteries is causing rise in the blood pressure. These changes are causing the walls of arteries to become thick and stiff and also extra tissue can form. Also the blood vessels can become tight and inflamed. These changes in the pulmonary arteries can block or reduce the blood flow through the blood vessels which is making harder for the blood to flow and this is raising the blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries.

If this condition is not treated, then it can lead to complications, such as bleeding; arrhythmia; blood clots; right – sided heart enlargement and heart failure (cor pulmonale). You need to talk with your doctor if you suffer from pulmonary hypertension before you start using some of the below mentioned home remedies. Here are some home remedies for pulmonary hypertension:

Yoga help in pulmonary hypertension

This is one of the best natural treatments for people who suffer from pulmonary hypertension because it can help them to stay healthy [1,2]. Also this natural technique can provide you relaxation and it will give you a relief from the stress.

pulmonary hypertension diet

Limit fluids

There are many people who suffer from pulmonary hypertension and who are placed on a 2 liter fluid restriction but you need to talk with your doctor about the best dosage of fluids which you should consume. You should keep on track of your weight because this can help you to have proper fluid consumption. If you have experienced weight gain over the course of a day, then you may be getting more fluids than you need. You need to avoid drinking too many fluids because this can help to prevent the fluid buildup.

Cut back on salt and sodium

Many doctors are recommending lowering your salt intake. We know that the salt is hidden in many canned foods, pickled foods or packaged foods. This is a reason why you need to choose fresh ingredient because they can limit the amount of sodium that you are consuming. You should always taste your food before you add salt to it. There are many people who add salt due to their habit but too much salt will make you problems in life. If you think that you will lose the flavor when you are not adding salt, then you should try with herbs like garlic and spices like cumin.

Magnesium

This home remedy can lower the blood pressure and helps your heart to work better. It can interact with many medications, as well as other supplement and herbs. This is a reason why you need to talk with your doctor if you want to take magnesium as your natural treatment for pulmonary hypertension. [3]

Stay away from stimulants

You should avoid caffeine and other stimulants, such as alcohol because this can help you to regulate your blood pressure. You should try tea and coffee substitutes, such as chicory if you want to have a hot beverage in the morning. The non – alcoholic cocktails and carbonated juices can replace your drink at the end of the day. When you will cut your stimulants, then it will help you to sleep better.

Iron

There was one study in 2009 in which was found that the pulmonary hypertension is aggravated when the body does not have enough iron [3]. You should add more foods rich in iron in your diet, such as dark, leafy greens; beans and red meat. If you include foods rich in Vitamin C, such as broccoli, tomatoes and bell peppers, then your body will absorb the iron better. Also you can add a few slices of mango or papaya or fresh citrus juices to your breakfast because they are rich in Vitamin C. [4]

Relieve nausea

There are many people who suffer from pulmonary hypertension and who have said that trying new treatments have made them nauseous. To avoid getting nausea, you need to eat smaller meals and cut back on foods with high fat. The plain, unsalted crackers and the dry toast can help you when you have nausea. You should avoid ginger and sodas in your diet. You should always make gradually dietary changes because they will not overwhelm your body.

Vitamin K

You need to keep the Vitamin K intake consistent. You should eat dark and leafy greens because they are rich in Vitamin K but also they are rich in iron. If you are not getting enough Vitamin K in your diet, then this can affect how well blood – thinning medications work.

This may seem strange, but in many studies are shown that when you are monitoring the Vitamin K intake, then this will satisfy your body need for iron. You should talk with your doctor about the recommended dosage of Vitamin K in your diet. There are many doctors who have said that you need to keep your intake of Vitamin K consistent from day to day, no matter if it is higher or lower dosage.

Garlic treat pulmonary hypertension

In one study were studied the effects of garlic on rats with pulmonary hypertension [6]. In this study was found that the allicin, compound in garlic, can help to widen blood vessels and to keep the blood pressure down. You should add raw or cooked garlic in your dishes to get this benefit. You should eat the garlic within an hour of chopping because otherwise you will not receive the benefit of allicin.

Do not smoke

The most important thing which you should do for your heart and lungs is to stop smoking. If you cannot quit smoking by yourself, then you should ask for medical help. Also if it is possible, then you should avoid the secondhand smoke.

Stay as active as possible

There are some cases when people who have pulmonary hypertension and who do even mildest forms of activity, can feel too tired. For other people, the moderate exercise such as walking can be beneficial, especially when they are doing with oxygen. You need to talk with your doctor about the specific exercise restrictions. Doctors are not recommending lifting heavy weights. Also your doctor can help you to plan an appropriate exercise program. [1,2]

Vitamin E and Vitamin C

These are antioxidants which can protect the heart and strengthen the immune system. If you take blood thinners, then you should not take Vitamin E.

Get a lot of rest

It is recommended taking a lot of rest because it can reduce the fatigue which might come from the pulmonary hypertension.

Avoid travelling or living at high altitudes

There are some studies in which are said that the high altitudes can worsen the symptoms of pulmonary hypertension [7]. If you live at an altitude of 2,348 meters (8,000 feet) or higher, then your doctor can recommend you to move on a lower altitude.

Follow a nutritious diet and stay at a healthy weight

You should eat a healthy diet of variety of fruits and vegetables, low – fat dairy products, lean meats and whole grains. You should avoid cholesterol, trans-fat and saturated fat. Also your doctor will tell you to limit the amount of salt in your diet. You should aim to have a healthy weight.

Avoid situations which can excessively lower your blood pressure

You should avoid taking hot baths or showers or sitting in a sauna or hot tub. These activities can lower your blood pressure and they can lead to fainting or even death.

Potassium

It can support the heart muscle contraction. You should talk with your doctor if you are taking some kind of diuretic.

Get support

If you are feeling worried or stressed due to your condition, then you should get support from your family and friends. Also you can join in a support group in which there are other people who suffer from pulmonary hypertension. [8]

Know your body

It is known fact that managing the pulmonary hypertension can help you how to feel and even it safe your life. This is a reason why you need to talk with your doctor about developing a diet which is tailored to your specific needs. There are many dietary restrictions for people who suffer from pulmonary hypertension but this does not mean that the quality of your meals needs to suffer. When you have a new diet without caffeine you may think that you will do not have energy but this can give you more energy than before.

References:

[1] Henry Ford Health System. Yoga exercise program tailored for pulmonary hypertension patients. Science Daily. 2014.

[2] Vecchia LAD, Bussotti M. Exercise training in pulmonary arterial hypertension. Journal of Thoracic Disease. 2018;10(1):508–21.

[3] Zhang X, Li Y, Del Gobbo LC, et al. Effects of magnesium supplementation on blood pressure: A meta-analysis of randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trials. Hypertension. 2016;68(2):324-33.

[4] Galiè N, Hoeper MM, Humbert M, et al. Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary hypertension: The Task Force for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Pulmonary Hypertension of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and the European Respiratory Society (ERS), endorsed by the International Society of Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT). European Heart Journal. 2009;30(20):2493-537.

[5] Ruiter G, Lankhorst S, Boonstra A, et al. Iron deficiency is common in idiopathic pulmonary hypertension. European Respiratory Journal. 2010;37(6):1386-91.

[6] EurekAlert! Ingredient in garlic protects against severe chronic pulmonary hypertension in rats. 2005. Retrieved from www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2005-04/foas-iig032005.php

[7] Mirrakhimov AE, Strohl KP. High-altitude pulmonary hypertension: an update on disease pathogenesis and management. The Open Cardiovascular Medicine Journal. 2016;10:19–27.

[8] Reblin M, Uchino BN. Social and emotional support and its implication for health. Current Opinion in Psychiatry. 2008;21(2):201–5.

Neem Mayur
Neem Mayur
Mayur Neem, a certified dietician having more than 5 years of experience in the field of diet practice. He is working as a diet expert and offering services to body builders, sports persons, celebrities, etc. He is lover of natural remedies and loves to spend most of his free time in his organic farm and offers expert advice on organic farming to local farmers. He is available through [email protected]

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