Try Some Changes to Lower Blood Pressure
By Tom Herrin
Anytime a person has high blood pressure, it should be cause for concern. If it is left untreated, it can have serious consequences for health. In some cases, there may be some kind of problem that makes taking medication unavoidable, but many times, a few small changes in habits or lifestyle can be all it takes to have a positive impact on blood pressure. Even though this may be easier said than done, it is possible to do things that are virtually unnoticed yet add up to huge differences. Those little-by-little changes may be all it takes to make a life-saving difference.
Add Regular Activity
For many people, the thought of exercise can sound painful. They may have avoided it for so long that they have developed a phobia about it. Much of this is more in the mind than the body. For those who have been inactive, even adding the smallest amount of exercise can go a long way. Making the commitment to walk as little as 10 minutes per day regularly may be all that is needed. When this is a change in the normal behavior, it may rev up the metabolism and improve circulation. This may well lower blood pressure.
Reduce Sodium Intake
Many people have a low tolerance for things with very much sodium such as salt. If they eat fast foods often, there may be an easy fix. It is possible to order fries without salt; even though they will still have a little on them anyway, this can help. Making a point to avoid adding salt to anything may be another thing. The biggest problem may be simply weaning off of the taste of food that is heavily salted. The result can be really good, and it may not take very long to see a noticeable difference.
Be Committed
No matter what we choose to do to improve our health, we must make a decision and follow through with it. We must remember that our health is important to a lot of other people other than just us. Our family would like to enjoy our company, and lowering our blood pressure may be a way to see that it happens for a longer period of time. I have found that salt can really drive my blood pressure up if I am not careful. On the other hand, I have discovered that once I make a point to cut salt, I can see the difference in a day or two. I also keep a blood pressure monitor around so I can check mine often. It seems to be a simple solution.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Longmont, Colo.