How to Use Natural Ways to Lower Blood Pressure

Although many prescription medications are recommended for hypertension, using natural ways to lower blood pressure can bring an additional measure of healing to those who have this condition. There are many reasons for choosing natural methods: avoiding the costs and side effects of prescription drugs; supplying your body with nutrients that can strengthen not only the cardiovascular system, but also other body systems; and needing fewer visits to the doctor, leaving you more time to enjoy life! Read on for ideas on using natural ways to lower blood pressure.

Things You'll Need

• Salt substitutes
• Exercise clothing and equipment
• recipe books

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Instructions

• 1

  Omit salt from your diet. Maintaining a salt-free diet is one of the primary natural ways to lower blood pressure. Discontinue use of table salt and look for hidden sources of salt in prepared foods. Avoid foods with the words "soda" or "sodium" in the ingredient list. Foods with preservatives, diet sodas, and many over-the-counter medications and vitamins often contain salt, so be sure to check labels carefully.

• 2

  Maintain a healthy weight. Extra weight puts a strain on the cardiovascular system and increases blood pressure. See your health care provider for advice on calorie reduction and exercise recommendations.

• 3

  Reduce stress. Stress can often be a cause of hypertension. Resisting the urge to overwork, getting enough sleep, and practicing deep breathing exercises are all natural ways to lower blood pressure through stress reduction.

• 4

  Add high-fiber foods to your diet. These would include whole grains, such as brown rice, whole wheat, and barley. Also consider adding supplemental fiber to your diet. Check with your doctor or pharmacist for suggestions.

• 5

  Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, such as apples, bananas, broccoli, cantaloupe, grapefruit, plums, raisins, squash, asparagus, kale, beets, carrots, garlic, onions, and sweet potatoes. Enriching your diet with power-packed nutrition can be one of the most enjoyable natural ways to lower blood pressure. Experiment with new foods and new recipes, and be sure to share the results with friends and family!