Lime with honey, nature’s remedy to reduce pregnancy induced blood pressure

Epidemiological studies have also shown that increased fruit consumption is associated with decreased adult blood pressure. Incorporating citrus fruits into the daily diet could improve blood pressure.

Several reports have demonstrated a relationship between lemon juice and blood pressure. Among Turkish patients with hypertension using alternative therapies, 40 40 per cent drank lemon juice to ameliorate their higher blood pressure.

In addition, a significant negative correlation was observed between lemon consumption and systolic blood pressure (SBP) in healthy Japanese women.

Moreover, researchers in a recent study published in the International Journal of Science and Research also confirmed the antihypertensive effects of lemon juice with honey on the level of blood pressure among mothers with Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension (PIH).

They claimed that lemon juice with honey ingestion was effective in reducing the blood pressure of mothers with Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension (PIH), but there was a significant association of age with diastolic blood pressure.

“PIH cannot be cured by lemon juice with honey ingestion, but it can be controlled effectively by administering lemon juice with honey with medication,” they added.

The study had utilised a quantitative approach to assess the effectiveness of lemon juice with honey on blood pressure levels among mothers with PIH, comparing pre-treatment blood pressure levels in experimental and control groups.

They suggested that the use of lemon juice with honey could be integrated into lifestyle modifications for managing PIH, alongside dietary changes and regular blood pressure monitoring.

Professor Chris Aimakhu, a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, in a reaction, said that lemon contains substances that have antioxidant properties that could help in the control of blood pressure.

He added that it has not been proven as a treatment for PIH even though different researchers had suggested that its intake can affect and reduce blood pressure.

According to Professor Aimakhu, “We don’t generally prescribe our patients to do that because we know that high blood pressure is a problem in pregnancy, and those who need to have medication should have medications.”

Hypertension is the most common worldwide medical problem encountered in pregnancy, and it remains a significant cause of ill health and death for mothers and unborn babies.

According to global health results, overall 3 – 10% of the world are estimated to have pregnancy-induced hypertension, among which Black women are at risk of dying from pre-eclampsia 3 times more than white women. It is common in developing countries.

Hypertension can be managed by antihypertensive drugs and non-drug treatment. The non-drug treatment includes lifestyle modification as well as alternative therapy like exercises, diet, reducing weight, stress management, physical activity, moderation of alcohol consumption and lemon juice as home remedies.

Lemon juice has commonly been used by hypertensive patients to lower blood pressure (BP) acutely when blood pressure is raised or as an alternative/complementary therapy for the expectation of chronic improvement.

It is suggested to help keep the blood vessels flexible and soft. By removing the rigidity from the blood vessels, the blood pressure levels will come down. All it takes is the juice from one lemon added to a glass of water.

Taking a spoon or two a day of pure, natural honey can help to improve the health of the cardiovascular system and prevent heart disease. Researchers reported that compounds in honey help to prevent bad cholesterol, reduce blood pressure, and help blood flow better.

Studies have shown that the beneficial effect of raw honey on the cardiovascular system helps protect against stroke, heart attacks, and blood clots.

Lemon juice and honey are widely available and inexpensive ingredients. This advantage makes the intervention accessible to a larger population, particularly in resource-limited settings. By promoting such cost-effective dietary changes, healthcare systems can potentially reduce the financial burden associated with managing hypertension in pregnant women.

By informing mothers about the positive effects of lemon juice with honey on blood pressure, healthcare providers can empower them to take an active role in managing their health during pregnancy. This can lead to better health outcomes and increased patient satisfaction.

However, given the severity of PIH and the necessity of immediate treatment in situations of severe hypertension, the usage of lemon juice with honey should be chosen carefully.

According to some research, lemon juice can help lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, especially when paired with other drugs like exercise or garlic. Walking on a daily basis has been shown to lower blood pressure in people. In one trial, honey was included in a mixture with other substances that demonstrated potential.

 Honey, in a study, was part of a mixture with other ingredients that showed the ability to lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

While the exact mechanism is still being investigated, lemon juice’s citric acid and other compounds may help relax blood vessels and potentially lower cholesterol, which can contribute to reduced blood pressure.

For most people, drinking lemon and honey water on an empty stomach can be safe and beneficial for weight loss and blood pressure regulation. However, individuals with acid reflux, diabetes, or who are on blood pressure medication should consult their doctor before making it a daily habit.

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