8 Ways to Lower Blood Pressure

High blood pressure (hypertension) is a condition in which the force of the blood against the walls of arteries increases. This causes the heart to pump harder and puts extra stress on the kidneys. It also makes it difficult for the body to regulate its fluid levels.

Drink More Water.

Drinking plenty of water helps keep your blood pressure under control by flushing out excess sodium through urine. If you drink less than eight glasses per day, you should consider adding more water to your diet.

Eat Less Salt.

You can also try some other simple ways to lower your blood pressure naturally. One study found that people who ate foods rich in potassium had significantly lower blood pressure than those who didn’t eat such foods. Another study found that drinking at least two cups of coffee each day was associated with a lower risk of hypertension.

Medication

There are several different medications like the ACE inhibitor lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), a calcium channel blocker (Adalat xl, Nifedipine), and Beta-blockers(Tenormin, Angilol) available to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). These drugs work by relaxing blood vessels and lowering blood pressure. They can help prevent strokes and heart attacks. These drugs work differently, so talk with your doctor about what will work best for you.

Cut Back on Alcohol.

If you drink alcohol, cut back on how much you consume. A recent study found that moderate drinkers (those who drank up to one drink per day) were less likely to develop high blood pressure than non-drinkers. However, heavy drinkers (those who consumed more than three drinks per day) were more likely to develop high blood pressure.

Exercise Regularly.

Exercise regularly is good for your body and mind. It helps reduce stress levels and improves sleep quality. In addition, regular exercise reduces the risk of developing high blood pressure.

Reduce Stress.

Walk more. Walking is one of the easiest ways to lower your blood pressure. If you live in an area with lots of hills, consider walking up them instead of driving. You’ll burn calories while getting some fresh air.

Cut back on caffeine.

Some researchers suggest that caffeine raises your blood pressure by causing your adrenal glands to release adrenaline.

Eat More Fruits and Vegetables.

Eating more fruits and vegetables can help lower your blood pressure. They contain potassium, magnesium, fiber, antioxidants, and other nutrients that can help keep your blood vessels healthy.

This article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, or as a substitute for the medical advice of a physician.