Food & Beverages That Lower Blood Pressure

Blood pressure naturally goes up and down with normal physical activity. During stressful times, or exercise; blood pressure can rise. When you are relaxing or asleep blood pressure lowers. Obesity and genetics can play a role in determining the cause of high blood pressure. This condition should be monitored closely. There are certain foods that can help lower your blood pressure--as well as foods you should avoid.

Potassium

• Salt intake can cause your blood pressure to rise--potassium can lessen this effect. Drinks that are high in potassium include prune and carrot juice. Foods such as bananas, dates, dried apricots, kiwi, artichokes, baked beans, lima beans, kidney beans, potatoes, clams, cod, salmon and tuna are also high in potassium.

Fiber

• Eating plenty of fiber can prevent various forms of cardiovascular diseases, including high blood pressure. Foods that are high in fiber include: oatmeal, bran cereal, whole wheat bread and apples.

Vegetables

• The best vegetables to eat in order to lower your high blood pressure are tomatoes, garlic, parsley, celery, spinach, broccoli, green cabbage, raw carrots, raw beets and asparagus. These vegetables are healthy options due to their antioxidant power and diuretic activity. Any of these foods can be juiced with a kitchen juicer to make fresh vegetable juice for a drink that lowers blood pressure.

Avoid Sugar

• Common table sugar can elevate blood pressure. Sugar stimulates adrenalin in the body which results in vessel constriction and salt retention.

Avoid Salt

• High consumption of sodium results in high fluid volumes and the dysfunction of natural blood pressure regulating mechanisms. A diet rich in potassium and low in salt is very effective for lowering your blood pressure.