SYMPTOMS OF VERY HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE INCLUDE

• Severe headaches
• Nosebleeds
• Fatigue
• Confusion
• Vomiting
• Blurred vision
• Chest pains
• Difficulty breathing/breathlessness
• Irregular heartbeat
• Excessive sweating
• Blood in urine
• Pounding in your chest, neck, or ears
• Ringing in ears (Tinnitus)
• Insomnia

High blood pressure that is left untreated can turn into a dangerous condition that will result in serious health complications. If you experience any of these symptoms, see a doctor immediately. You might be showing signs of serious high blood pressure, or you may be suffering under another health condition that is just as severe. It is better to be safe than sorry.

Remember: Early stages of high blood pressure do not exhibit physical symptoms. To be on the safe side, go for your annual doctor’s appointment with a western physician of your choosing. Or test your blood pressure regularly at home.

View blood pressure guidelines here.

HOW TO PREVENT HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE NATURALLY

By living a healthy lifestyle, you will be able to keep your blood pressure in the healthy range. TCM specialists and western doctors alike will be able to give fantastic advice that you can implement in your lifestyle and keep hypertension at bay. It is highly recommended that patients start a conversation with their doctor and discuss what can be done to improve their blood pressure through their busy day.

Let’s start by debunking a common myth: “Stress causes high blood pressure.” This is false. Stress only temporarily causes your heart rate to increase and increase blood pressure. This is a natural biological reaction, not a chronic disease. Stress can, however, lead to bad lifestyle choices like drinking and smoking, which will, in turn, lead to high blood pressure.

To manage stress, engage in regular exercises. Adopt a balanced approach to work and family life. In addition, relax whenever possible to ease the tension whenever feelings of stress arise since stress may aggravate your blood pressure.

EAT A HEALTHY DIET

Healthy eating can protect you from high blood pressure and its complications. Start eating/preparing healthy meals full of nutrition with fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, potassium, and fiber.

The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) eating plan greatly helps people lower their blood pressure. Check it out here.

Word of advice: Singaporeans should start lowering their salt intake. Salt causes water retention, which will, in turn, raise blood pressure. A salty diet may lead to other health concerns such as kidney stones as well. Avoiding any greasy, fried, or fatty foods is also recommended.

KEEP YOURSELF AT A HEALTHY WEIGHT

You may be at risk of high blood pressure if you are overweight or obese. Learn more about your body mass index (BMI) and get tips on how to reach a healthy weight here. You can also talk with your TCM physician or preferred doctor about ways to reach a healthy weight.

BE PHYSICALLY ACTIVE

If you’re like most people, you know that physical activity is good for your health. But did you know that it’s also a great way to manage your weight? It will also lower your blood pressure.

Singapore’s Health Promotion Board recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week for adults, while children and adolescents should get 1 hour of physical activity every day. Do it with a friend or with fun music as accompaniment, it helps pass the time.

DO NOT SMOKE

Smoking not only gives you bad breath but also raises your blood pressure and puts you at a higher risk for heart attack and stroke. Visit your doctor for a consultation and they will be able to provide get tips and resources to help you kick the habit.

LIMIT HOW MUCH ALCOHOL YOU DRINK

If you’re a liquor lover, we have some good news and some bad news.

The bad news is that alcohol can raise your blood pressure, which puts you at risk for heart disease, heart attacks, and stroke. The good news is that you don’t have to quit drinking entirely. You just have to make sure you drink in moderation. Men should have no more than 2 alcoholic drinks per day, and women should have no more than 1 alcoholic drink per day.

GET ENOUGH SLEEP

Health over wealth. You should never miss sleep hours because getting enough rest is crucial to your health. Sleep helps your body: repair blood vessels, reduce blood pressure, regulate blood sugar, and balance hormones. Not getting enough sleep, on the other hand, is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke. If you are overlooking your sleep schedule, check out these tips below!

For a more restful sleep:

• Set an alarm. The key to getting enough sleep is consistency, so try to go to bed at the same time each night and wake up at the same time each morning—even during weekends.
• Exercise regularly. This can help you fall asleep faster and deepen your sleep.
• Turn off your TV, computer, tablet, or smartphone when you’re ready for bed. The light from these screens can stimulate your brain instead of helping it settle down for bed.

HOW TCM CAN HELP YOU ALLEVIATE HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE?

Chinese medicine has been used for thousands of years around the world, and TCM practitioners have seen a lot of success with their patients who are suffering from high blood pressure. Here are the following treatment plans you can expect to receive:

• Customized TCM diet plan – This is nutritional advice that will help you make better-informed choices on what you consume, which will inevitably lead to an improvement in your high blood pressure. TCM practitioners can also coach you on what foods to avoid.
• Herbal medicine – Several Chinese herbs have been proven to lower symptoms of hypertension, but the ratio of herbs is strictly on a case-by-case basis. Each patient and their high blood pressure levels are different, so TCM practitioners will need to find the perfect blend of herbal ingredients for the most optimal results.
• Acupuncture – This helps with stress and eases away any pain and discomfort the patient might be feeling. Thus, improving symptoms of high blood pressure.
• Exercise plan – Doctors may recommend light exercise. Traditional Chinese like Tai Chi or Qi Gong are renowned for their stress relief, much like Western yoga or meditation.

WHY CHOOSE BAO ZHONG TANG?

HOW CAN TCM HELP YOU WITH DIABETES?

Reliable studies have shown that TCM serves as an effective complementary/alternative medicine for diabetic patients. In addition, it is affordable and boasts of little to no side effects. This is why TCM is popular as complementary, alternative medicine for diabetes.

For example, in a study conducted in 2013, a controlled, double-blind trial was conducted with diabetic patients. Results showed that herbal pills led to a significant reduction in risk of hypoglycemia (low blood glucose/low blood sugar) and improvements in the body’s glycemic control after 48 weeks.

CITATIONS

Are you in your 40’s – 50’s, experiencing irregular periods, hot flashes, night ​sweats, drying skin, hair loss, or mood swings? You might be experiencing menopause.

HOT FLASHES

Hot flashes are the most common symptom of menopause. You will experience sudden warmth in your face, neck, and chest, with the occasional flushing and sweating, which might lead to chills if you are not careful. You might also experience increased heart rate, and feelings of anxiousness; do not panic, however, since hot flashes usually last for 5 minutes or less.

For most women, the effects are very mild so that it does not disrupt their daily lives. However, if you feel uncomfortable, are constantly stressed, or are experiencing the effects so intensely that you cannot live normally, do contact us and let us help alleviate the problematic symptoms of your hot flashes.

Note: Avoid spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, and smoking as these can trigger or worsen hot flashes. Stress and thick clothes/blankets can also cause hot flashes.

NIGHT SWEATS

Night sweats are basically hot flashes that occur at night. These can wake you from sleep and potentially cause long-term sleep deprivation if the patient’s body clock is unable to adjust.

IRREGULAR PERIODS

Menstruation irregularities vary among individuals. If your periods are inconsistent, it may be a sign of menopause, but don’t be surprised if they’re not. Remember, it only counts as menopause if your menstrual periods go missing for 12 consecutive months. You might just be really stressed or you might even be pregnant.

There are so many factors to consider, so we understand that it can get confusing at times. Thus, to be safe, if you skipped several months of menstrual periods. and you are unsure if you are transitioning into menopause, visit the doctor/gynecologist or consider a pregnancy test.

MOOD SWINGS

Moodiness during menopause is caused by imbalances in hormones produced by the ovaries. As your ovaries produce less of these hormones, your body and brain may experience multiple changes related to mood.

Emotional symptoms can be just as difficult to cope with compared to physical symptoms; For some women, the effects of menopause on mood are severe enough that they warrant a diagnosis of depression. Many women also experience anxiety about aging and stress about the future, which can also cause mood swings. Families who are not prepared to deal with mood swings, may not be able to deal with the situation well and cause further stress.

Tips to handle mood swings: Exercise, destress with favoured hobbies and foods, get enough sleep.

OTHER PHYSICAL CHANGES

• Weight gain
• Thinning hair and dry skin
• Loss of breast fullness
• Decrease in bone density

All of these are mostly due to age alongside menopause. You can prevent these by eating healthily, exercising, supplementing your diet, avoiding smoking and alcohol, etc.

Pro tip: Some women might not experience any of these menopausal symptoms, while others may experience at least one or all of them. The intensity of each symptom may also vary because every woman goes through menopause differently, so do not refer to other people’s experiences too much. Instead, visit us at Bao Zhong Tang, we will give advice and solutions that are specially catered to you and your personal struggles with menopause.