PICTURE: PEXELS/BLOOD PRESSURE
Do you need to lower your blood pressure without relying too much on medication? Sometimes, minor adjustments can have a significant impact.
With these five simple tips from the below health experts, you can take charge of your blood pressure:
According to the Mayo Clinic, “If you have high blood pressure, you may wonder if you need to take medicine to treat it. However, lifestyle changes play a vital role in treating high blood pressure. Controlling blood pressure with a healthy lifestyle might prevent, delay or lessen the need for medicine.”
Exercise regularly
The clinic states that high blood pressure can be lowered by roughly 5 to 8 mm Hg with regular aerobic activity. To prevent blood pressure from increasing again, it’s critical to continue exercising.
Blood sugar and Cholesterol
Heart disease risk is increased by excessive blood sugar and “bad” non-HDL cholesterol levels. Try some of the same healthy behaviours that help lower blood pressure to help control blood sugar and cholesterol, the mentioned source further adds.
Sodium intake
Medical News Today claims that salt consumption is high worldwide. This is mostly because more prepared and processed foods are being consumed. Excessive use of salt has been connected in numerous studies to elevated blood pressure and cardiac events, such as stroke.
Stress levels
“Stress is a key driver of high blood pressure. When you’re chronically stressed, your body is in a constant fight-or-flight mode. On a physical level, that means a faster heart rate and constricted blood vessels,” according to the health news publication.
Potassium-rich foods
The above-mentioned health hub also states that an essential mineral that lowers blood vessel pressure and aids in the body’s removal of sodium is potassium.