Lowering Blood Pressure Naturally
We’ve all heard that lower blood pressure is better. And most people correctly associate high blood pressure with an increased risk for heart attack or stroke. But most people don’t realize that high blood pressure is also a major risk factor for kidney damage, Alzheimer’s disease, and congestive heart failure. Yes, there are medications that can lower blood pressure, but they can have serious side effects that can be quite troubling. It pays to know how to lower blood pressure naturally.
The obvious advice to lower your blood pressure numbers has to do with diet: eat more fruits and vegetables and lower your salt intake. Here are a few other things to keep in mind for naturally lower blood pressure:
•Reduce your weight. You don't have to lose a significant amount. Even losing as few as 10 pounds can help most people lower their blood pressure at least a little bit.
•Quit using tobacco products. Nicotine and other ingredients in cigarettes and other tobacco products raise blood pressure. They contribute significantly to heart disease and, specifically, hardening of the arteries.
•Relax. Chronic stress can cause many adverse health consequences including high blood pressure. Meditation, prayer, or learning to control distressing thoughts can reduce blood pressure fast. Therapeutic massage can also be a helpful tool in inducing relaxation and reducing blood pressure.
Blood pressure is measured systolic over diastolic. A desirable blood pressure reading is about 120 over 80, but most professionals agree that the lower the numbers are the better as long as a person doesn’t feel faint upon standing.