High blood pressure, if not controlled effectively, can have a negative impact on the quality of life of patients. Here are six ways to keep your blood pressure under control:
Eat right
- A diet with excessive sodium (salt) may cause a person to retain fluid and lead to higher BP.
- Foods high in potassium include bananas, plain baked potatoes, avocados, and cooked white beans should instead be consumed.
Set alcohol limits and eliminate tobacco.
- Consuming a high amount of alcohol can damage the heart.
- Women should limit themselves to one drink a day and men to two drinks.
- Quitting your tobacco use can help too.
Reduce stress
- A stressful situation can also increase blood pressure for a short period of time.
- Meditation or walking can help you deal with stress.
Take medication as directed.
- Be sure to follow the directions provided for taking the medications to ensure you get the most benefit from them.
Stay active
- People who are more active tend to have lower heart rates.
- The heart does less work each time it contracts, reducing the pressure on the arteries.
- Adults should be active for at least 30 minutes each day.
Take a natural supplement.
- Some natural supplements, including Aged garlic extract, Fish oil, Hibiscus, Whey protein, etc., may also help lower BP.
References:
- Stress and High Blood Pressure: What’s the Connection?” Mayo Clinic, 18 Mar. 2021, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/in-depth/stress-and high-blood-pressure/art-20044190.
- Robinson, Lawrence. “Blood Pressure and Your Brain – HelpGuide.org.” Https://Www.helpguide.org, Mar. 2020, www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-living/blood-pressure-and-your-brain.htm.