Hypertension is a dangerous, chronic health condition that can lead to life-threatening cardiovascular disease, strokes and even kidney failure. It’s called a ‘silent killer’ as the symptoms of hypertension are often so subtle a person won’t know they have it unless they are tested. Shockingly, SA has one of the highest rates of hypertension worldwide, with an estimated 6.3 million of us diagnosed as currently living with the condition – that’s one in three South African adults, suffering from high blood pressure right now. Increasing the severity of the situation is the fact that many more people remain undiagnosed, hence it can be assumed that the true number may be significantly higher. Getting tested for high blood pressure is vital. Readings are usually taken by your doctor or a medical sister over a period of time to ascertain if your levels are consistently high before a diagnosis is made. It is important that patients adhere to their medication. However, there are also a number of natural alternatives which can be useful in the maintenance of healthy blood pressure levels. Recent research has shown that there may be a link between hypertension and persistent low-level inflammation in the body. This kind of inflammation is also present in people suffering from cancers, diabetes, heart and auto immune diseases, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, and from chronic inflammation disorders such as arthritis. It is therefore recommended that we manage inflammatory based conditions by making lifestyle changes. “Buchu is a fantastic supplement which may be used to prevent inflammation or manage existing chronic inflammation without yielding harmful side effects.” says Karin McCann of Cape Kingdom Nutraceuticals. Buchu is the common name for the indigenous flowering plants of the genus Agathosma, which is part of SA’s unique Cape Floral Kingdom. Introduced to European settlers by the Khoi San people in the 1700s, Buchu has been commonly used as an effective herbal remedy for numerous inflammatory based ailments for hundreds of years. Recent scientific research conducted by Professor Patrick Bouic from Synexa Life Sciences, the independent research company contracted by Cape Kingdom Nutraceuticals for research on their buchu extracts, has revealed the secret of this health-giving plant – it has particularly potent anti-inflammatory properties. These findings go a long way to substantiate the claims of highly effective use of buchu by ancient tribes over hundreds of years. Today, buchu supplements are available in many different formats including capsules, topical gel, cream, herbal waters as well as teas. Interestingly, in addition to acting as a natural anti-inflammatory, Buchu has also been scientifically proven as a plant extract which lowers blood pressure. Another way to minimise low-level inflammation is to pay attention to one’s diet. There are a wide range of foods that, if eaten regularly can help to reduce inflammation, these include: Fruits and vegetables, especially berries; crucifers, such as cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower and aliums such as garlic, onions, leeks and chives, as well as leafy greens, beetroot and pineapple Cold-pressed, virgin oils such as olive, avocado, seed and nut oils High fibre foods such as legumes and whole grains Spices such as turmeric, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger; and herbs such as rosemary, sage and thyme. Foods that trigger and aggravate inflammatory conditions in the body include: Fast, processed and convenience foods Low fibre carbohydrate foods such white breads, baked goods and white rice High sugar foods, including processed foods made with corn syrup Foods containing trans-fats, also known as hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils or fats. Keeping inflammation at bay is one of the measures one can put in place to lower your risk of high blood pressure. Unfortunately, some people are genetically predisposed to hypertension and need to particularly take care not to trigger their existing predisposition to the condition. It is recommended to gain insight into your family’s health history in order to identify whether you are more at risk than the norm. Cape Kingdom Nutraceuticals’ range of refreshing BuchuLife herbal Water is infused with the essential oil from the Buchu leaf and packed with the plant’s naturally occurring antioxidants, bioflavonoids and vitamins. BuchuLife herbal Water is not just an innovative alternative to hydration, but an easy way to boost the anti-inflammatory lifestyle that supports good health and longevity. “As South Africans focus more on health and wellness, and we grapple with the prevalence of hypertension in our country, the interest in finding natural approaches to maintaining healthy blood pressure continues to grow,” concludes McCann. Source
