I could really use some suggestions

[MyDogsLoveMe]

Okay group, this is not doggy related. I have hypertension (blood pressure is averaging right now at about 143/110) Was just put on medication. EKG was not to abnormal but there was a bit of abnormal waves. Going in next week for a stress test and in a few days for lab work.

Can you all give me some pointers on what I can do to lower it along with taking my medication. I do smoke but have only had 7 since Friday night so I am really working on that. I do need to lose some weight (am really restricted on what I can do since I have 4 rods in my lower back) I am doing some yoga and will continue to do that. I know that I need to reduce the salt intake which I have been the past few days and am changing what I eat (will eat more fruits and veggies) And of course with the stress with my daughter right now I can only imagine that it is contributing to it a great deal, so I am really trying to calm down a bit.

What are other foods that I can eat that will help reduce this. I imagine fatty foods are not good and dont really eat alot of that.

I could really use some input on foods, maybe some stress relieving techniques that will help and maybe if someone can direct me in the right direction to self meditation would be great also.

Thanks in advance

 

[oc_spirit]

I find a nice cup of caffeine-free tea is very relaxing to sip at after the day's work is done. Specifically herbal tea is relaxing although not green tea because that has caffeine in it

 

[bubbatd]

Stress can really bring it up !!! Try to relax and slow down. Mine went sky high once with anxiety attacks which scared the sh*t out of me..... I found deep, controlled breathing helped. Your weight might have something to do with it. It wasn't in my case though. Good luck !!!

 

[Gempress]

Kudos to the yoga! It's a great stress-reliever. My sis had to do it, because her stress was making her black out (the tension in her neck was actually pinching nerves/blood vessels to her brain), and it worked wonders.

 

[MyDogsLoveMe]

Grammy I am about 25 lbs overweight so I can imagine that it is a factor. Just scary, never had to deal with this but it does explain alot and I mean alot...dizzy, lightheaded, vertigo feeling, headaches, constant sweating, my chest feeling like Zeus is sitting on it (j/k gem though he is a BIG boy) sometimes my heart feeling like it is a day at the races. I also know the risks associated with women and heart disease-I probably wouldnt of gone in if I had not been checking it and it staying steady at around 143/100 and above. I will give the herbal tea a shot I do like hot tea with honey and lemon in it.

Thanks for the helpful insight. Knew i could count on chazzers for info.

 

[Gempress]

my chest feeling like Zeus is sitting on it (j/k gem though he is a BIG boy)

LOL! Shh, don't say that too loudly. Zeus already thinks he's suppossed to be a lap dog.

 

[avenlee]

Maybe try doing some recipe searches. I know there's alot of great recipes out there geared towards lower salt and such. I can't think of any off the top of my head, but I'm a Food Network junkie and have seen numerous shows focusing on low sodium diet dishes. I personally LOVE mixed fresh veggies skilletted in Extra Virgin Oil and a bit of garlic. And they may also serve as a nice comfort food to ease your mind and let you relax. I'd look into it.

Hope you get on track soon and get the mental/physical rest that you deserve! If I find a good recipe for you, I'll post it