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Lower blood pressure naturally

High blood pressure is a chronic health condition that one in seven adults suffer from and it is associated with an increase in heart disease, stroke and kidney failure. It is known as the silent killer because it often comes with no noticeable symptoms and people can live with it for years before they succumb to it.

Risk factors for high blood pressure include high alcohol consumptions, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, high sodium intake, inactivity, stress, and certain medication. 

Before you decide to take synthetic medication to deal with high blood pressure you can try the following lifestyle factors.

Increase your fibre and mineral intake by eating 5 servings of vegetables per day in the form of soup, salads, stir-fries and steamed vegetables. You should also consume unrefined grains, nuts, seeds, low-sugar fruit and legumes.

Taking CoQ10, magnesium, Vitamin C and omega 3 fish oil supplements has been shown to lower blood pressure levels.

Reduce your consumption of coffee and alcohol, and if you do want a drink alcohol stick to organic red wine which contains healthy antioxidants.

Find time to practice relaxation, slow deep breathing and laughing out loud. This will relax blood vessels and lower stress hormones which naturally reduces blood pressure.

Drink green tea and eat some dark chocolate each day. Flavanoids in both of these have been shown to inhibit a certain enzyme that is associated with high blood pressure.

Watermelon contains an amino acid closely related to L-arginine, which is known to lower blood pressure. You can take a watermelon extract supplement instead of consuming a large amount of watermelon per day to get the same effect.

It is important to reduce your table salt intake and your consumption of high sodium processed foods. Try to use natural sea salt or Himalayan salt which contains many different minerals, including potassium.

Blueberries contain a strong antioxidant compound called anthocyanin which protects the body from high blood pressure. One or two servings of blueberries per week can reduce your risk of hypertension by as much as 10%.

Exercise plays an important part in reducing blood pressure so try to add cycling, walking, swimming and other forms of aerobic activity into your weekly routine.

Sources

http://www.bodyandsoul.com.au/health/health+advice/how+to+lower+blood+pressure,13637
http://www.bodyandsoul.com.au/weight+loss/diet+az/eat+your+way+to+low+blood+pressure,23781
http://www.bodyandsoul.com.au/health/natural+health/naturopaths+view+high+blood+pressure,9219