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Home Remedy for High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a condition common in many Americans. Though most people may have no symptoms associated with the condition, if no steps are taken to control it, high blood pressure can lead to grave problems such as stroke or heart attack. While some people will need medication to control their blood pressure level, simple lifestyle changes can go a long way in lowering it as well.

  1. Diet

    • Diet plays a major part in regulating blood pressure. A diet rich with vegetables, fruit, low-fat dairy and grains is better for controlling blood pressure than one filled with fat. Also, limiting the amount of salt you eat will greatly affect your blood pressure level. According to the Mayo Clinic, you should try to limit your sodium to 1,500 mg per day. While monitoring the amount of salt you put on your food is one way to limit sodium, avoiding processed foods such as canned soup can also dramatically lower your daily sodium intake. Also, drinking alcohol can raise your blood pressure. It is healthy to drink in moderation, but excessive alcohol intake can raise blood pressure levels.

    Exercise

    • Controlling your weight is another good way to manage your blood pressure. According to the Mayo Clinic, even a loss of five pounds can significantly lower your blood pressure levels. A good way to lose weight and control blood pressure is exercise. Even 30 minutes of daily physical activity can help keep levels in check. If you have hypertension, you should also quit smoking. Since tobacco can lead to hardening of the arteries, smoking is dangerous if your blood pressure is already high.

    Stress Management

    • Learning how to relax is another very important step in controlling your blood pressure levels. Stress can cause blood pressure to spike, so learning coping techniques such as deep relaxation can significantly help. Good ways to relax are yoga and deep breathing. These techniques can be learned in classes, then practiced at home. It is also important to get a good night's rest. Lack of sleep can trigger more stress, which then can trigger high blood pressure.

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