Guest Author - Moss Greene
How to lower blood pressure naturally without the use of medication is fairly simple. All it takes is some changes in lifestyle.
Maintaining your optimum body weight is important, but any healthy weight loss will help lower blood pressure. One study, for example, showed that people who lost only eight pounds were half as likely to have high blood pressure symptoms.
Regular exercise is also highly recommended to prevent or lower high blood pressure. Physical activity is good for both weight loss and stress management. Research has demonstrated that men who exercise regularly controll their blood pressure just as well as men who exercise and take hypertension medications. Thirty minutes a day of brisk walking, slow swimming or easy cycling is sufficient.
Eat a healthy diet high in fiber, fresh fruits and vegetables, low in saturated fats, trans fats and total fat. Processed foods high in added sugar should also be limited or, even better yet, eliminated.
Another wise thing to do is to reduce the amount of sodium in your diet to less than 1500 mgs. per day. Sodium (salt) increases fluid retention, a major contributor to hypertension. And salt is hidden in many foods. You’ll need to eliminate bacon, hot dogs and processed meats, as well as frozen dinners, pizza, canned soups, etc. Buy low or reduced sodium foods instead.
Make pure, clean water your drink of choice. Cut way down on coffee and all caffeine products, such as most teas and soft drinks. Caffeine tightens blood vessels and elevates stress levels. Alcohol should also only be used in moderation - no more than one drink a day. And, last but not least, chill out, slow down and relax. Yoga, tai chi and meditation have all been found to help lower blood pressure.
If you’re already on hypertension medication, you can usually decrease or even eliminate it by making lifestyle changes. Be sure, though, to check first with your physician.
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Note: The information contained on this website is not intended to take the place of medical advice. Any attempt to diagnose or treat a condition should come under the direction of a qualified practitioner.
