Lower Blood Pressure With These 6 Methods
By Brandi Goodman
May's High Blood Pressure Education Month encourages people everywhere to get their hypertension under control. One out of every three adults in the U.S. has hypertension, yet half of those people do not manage their symptoms. With these six methods for lowering blood pressure, everyone has the knowledge necessary to prevent their blood pressure from rising to dangerous levels.
Stop Consuming Sodium
Though it's difficult to completely cut sodium out of your diet, it is possible to minimize your intake significantly. You should stop consuming so much sodium if you want to lower your blood pressure and keep your heart healthy. Sodium makes it difficult for the kidneys to operate efficiently and causes blood pressure to rise.
Get More Exercise
Exercise helps to keep blood pressure in check. Do more of it if you want to remain healthy and well. Just 30-minutes per day is the recommended amount if you want it to be effective for reducing cholesterol, stress, blood pressure, and risk for disease.
Reduce Stress Levels
Any time you feel stressed, your blood pressure rises. Avoid this by reducing your stress levels and learning how to cope. This could mean writing your thoughts down in a journal, going for a walk to clear your mind, spending more time with friends, or simply putting on some feel-good music.
Avoid Alcohol
Alcohol can raise your pressure as well. Avoid drinking it, at least often, if you want to keep your numbers low. Three drinks at one time can cause blood pressure to rise. Repeated drinking can cause it to remain high even when you're no longer drinking. Stick with a drink or two on rare occasions to ensure this doesn't happen.
Stop Smoking
Smoking causes damage to many areas of your body. Like alcohol, it should also be avoided. If you already smoke, you don't have to continue living with the effects. Stop today and you already lower your chances for developing worse damage. Your blood pressure will start to come down to a normal level over time.
Manage Weight
Weight is also a major consideration when it comes to blood pressure. Excessive weight can make it harder for the heart to work. Manage your weight by eating a sensible diet and getting more exercise and help yourself in more ways than one.
Use High Blood Pressure Education Month as a chance to learn all you can about how to prevent it. With some tried-and-true methods for lowering your blood pressure, you can lead a healthier life and boost your well-being.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Mt. Pleasant, S.C.