3 Natural Ways to Manage Your Blood Pressure
My family has a history of hypertension. My paternal and maternal grandmothers were both on blood pressure medication for the majority of their late adult lives, and my mother has struggled with her own blood pressure for as long as I can remember. However, she has also embraced an extremely healthy lifestyle, full of physical activity, a healthy diet, and natural supplementation. She hopes to never have to take prescription medication for her condition (or at least to stave it off for as long as possible). I know that due to genetics, I am at a higher risk of developing hypertension at some point, as well. So, clearly, I'm always open to new suggestions for natural ways to keep my blood pressure at a healthy level. Here are a few tips for doing so:
#1: Keep your weight in check.
The general rule of thumb is that blood pressure levels increase as one's weight increases. Therefore, it's important to maintain a healthy BMI (body mass index) through a combination of a healthy diet and a sufficient amount of exercise. Eat plenty of whole grains, lean proteins, and fresh fruits and vegetables, and save the rich, indulgent foods for special occasions. Furthermore, you should be aiming to get between 30 and 60 minutes of exercise most days during the week. Try walking, jogging, a yoga class, or get together with a few friends and explore some local hiking trails.
#2: Cut back on your sodium intake.
According to the Mayo Clinic's webpage, even a small reduction in your daily sodium intake can potentially lower your blood pressure numbers by two to eight mm Hg. It is recommended that you limit your sodium intake to no more than 2,300 milligrams per day. In order to do so, it's vital that you start checking food labels for sodium content, that you avoid over-salting your food, and that you stay away from processed foods such as potato chips, lunch meats, and frozen dinners.
#3: Look into chiropractic care.
Few people are aware of the beneficial effects that regular chiropractic adjustments can have on your blood pressure. It is estimated that chiropractic patients, through ongoing chiropractic care, can expect to see an average drop of 14 mm Hg in their systolic numbers (the top number), and 8 mm Hg in their diastolic numbers (the bottom number). Stop into The Joint for affordable adjustments and convenient walk-in hours!