How do I lower my blood pressure?
A recent study showed that an artificial sweetener, called oligofructorse, has been shown to help people lose weight, as well as lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. [1] We are not suggesting that you start taking the sweetener though, if you are one that suffers from high cholesterol, blood pressure, or extra weight. There are lots of other ways to lower blood pressure. Follow some of these tips.
*Run, bike, lift weights, or swim!
*Incorporate lots of fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet.
*Decrease salt intake.
*Minimize alcohol intake.
*Make sure you get your cholesterol and blood pressure checked regularly. It is recommended that adults get their blood pressure checked at least once every two years, and if you have had high blood pressure in the past, it should be checked even more often than this.
*Vitamins are your friend! Potassium, magnesium, vitamin E supplements, as well as regularly taking a multi-vitamin will help ensure you are getting some of the basics that your body needs.
*Decrease caffeine. Too much of a good thing can increase hypertension and raise blood pressure.
*Smoking is off limits. Smoking poses numerous health risks, and high blood pressure is just one of the serious side effects of lighting up.
*Sleepy time is good for you. Going to bed at a regular time and getting enough sleep will help you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, as well as decrease your risk for high blood pressure.
*Herbs! There are several herbs out there that have been shown to cut hypertension risk, including coleus forskohlii, chamomile, motherwort, basil, marjoram, thyme, oregano, rosemary, sage, tarragon, and dillweed.
*Try not to stress: Relaxation techniques are good to help relieve tension and stress.
Some of these natural tips can help decrease your chance of developing high blood pressure, but many times medicine and prescriptions are needed. Consult your doctor to see if lifestyle changes will be the right remedy for you.
[1] Sweetener may lower blood pressure. WebMD.com. Accessed on the Web November 29, 2009. http://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/news/20091120/sweetener-may-lower-blood-pressure
[2] Get down: 68 natural ways to lower blood pressure. Bnet.com. Accessed on the Web November 29. 2009. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FKA/is_7_66/ai_n6080506/pg_2/?tag=content;col1
