How to Start Lowering Blood Pressure Today

Lowering blood pressure should be a priority for anyone who is suffering from hypertension. Though there are usually few physical symptoms and you may feel fine, high blood pressure will, over time, accumulate damage in the body that can eventually lead to a number of serious medical conditions, including: heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, and more. Instead of having to turn to expensive medications, there are a variety of things you can do on your own to start lowering blood pressure without pills.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Stop smoking. The nicotine, as well as other chemicals in cigarettes inflates your blood pressure for several hours after smoking. Over time, that will lead to a more permanent increase unless you stop smoking completely.

2. Lose weight if you are overweight. There is a very strong correlation between obesity and hypertension, and most people are able to begin lowering blood pressure right away as they begin losing weight. A greater weight loss tends to correspond with a similar drop in blood pressure, particularly in people who are very overweight.

3. Start exercising regularly. Regular cardiovascular exercise improves the strength and stamina of the heart muscle, lowering blood pressure because the heart does not have to work as hard to pump your blood throughout your body.

4. Adjust your diet. There are a number of foods that lower blood pressure naturally that can be easily incorporated into your diet, such as garlic and onions. You will also want to avoid processed foods as much as possible, as they tend to contain a number of things that are not heart healthy.

5. Reduce your sodium intake. Lowering blood pressure will be a difficult prospect at best if you do not keep your salt intake under control. Many people have a daily sodium consumption well over 4000 mg. For improved heart health, try to keep it under 1500 mg.

6. Drink more water. Many people don’t realize this, but lowering blood pressure in some cases is simply a matter of correcting a chronic dehydration in the body. Rather than choosing soda pop or coffee, try to drink 64 ounces of water per day.

7. Reduce your stress level. Finding ways to relax and let go of stress is one of the most difficult aspects of lowering blood pressure.

Tips & Warnings

• Regular monitoring is key. Purchase a home monitor that you can use to track your numbers.
• Natural methods are not as fast as taking a pill. If your blood pressure is critically high, you will need a prescription until you bring it under control.

[musicdeb]

on 7/17/2009 good practical advice
5*

[fen527]

on 6/11/2009 Great article! It's basically all about having a healthy lifestyle, which pretty much applies to any medical condition.