by Karen Chaffee

Created on: November 27, 2009

High blood pressure and high blood sugar are two of today's most prevalent diseases. High blood pressure, sometimes known as the silent disease, since it can be present with no symptoms, is one of the leading causes of stroke and heart disease. When extremely high, though, it can cause pounding headaches or heartbeat, and sometimes presents a pulsating sensation of one's vision. Ideal blood pressure numbers are right around 110/70.

High blood sugar, considered full blown diabetes if fasting blood sugar levels are at or above 126, can also increase chances of heart attack and stroke, or up one's odds of kidney disease or blindness. Other consequences of untreated high blood sugar are damage to kidneys and the liver, and a diabetic runs a high risk of nerve damage and poor circulation which can cause one to eventually need such drastic measures as foot or leg amputations.

It is common for a single individual to suffer both conditions. While these diseases can be treated with medication, there are self-help methods for suffers of high blood pressure and high blood sugar that may allow them to take less medication or even, eventually, none at all to control these diseases. If a patient is "borderline" for either or both diseases, these same measures may work to keep them from having to take medication in the first place. The following steps tend to address either issue or both, with some slight adjustments noted by an asterisk.

-Self-help Methods For Sufferers of High Blood Pressure and High Blood Sugar - Lifestyle Changes

1. Dietary Changes

This important first self-help method can make a crucial difference in either disease. Go through your pantry, your cupboards, your fridge, or anywhere else that you keep food, and throw out saturated fats (those fats which turn solid at room temperature), or anything that contains them. Replace them with virgin olive oil, or safflower oil. Keep margarine labeled as "heart-healthy" in the fridge instead of butter or other margarine. Buy Pam or another non-stick spray. Indulge in an ounce of dark chocolate each day, emphasis on dark.

Toss high-fat dairy products, as well, and salty or high-fat meats, especially red meats. Replace them with low-fat or no-fat dairy products, or rice milk and soy milk products, cheeses, and yogurts, low-fat sour cream, and low-fat dressings for dips and salads. If you enjoy meat, stock up on skinless chicken or turkey breast, tuna, salmon, and sardines. If you occasionally crave red meat, go for

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