Finding natural ways to lower blood pressure
One in four adults in the United States will be affected by high blood pressure. Those who are in this sector of the population will be happy to know that there is no need to run to the medicine cabinet yet. There are several natural ways to lower blood pressure. Those natural blood pressure lowering changes are usually very minor.
The most obvious way to lower blood pressure is by adjusting one's diet and increasing physical activity. One adjustment that may not be as well-known is to add potassium-rich foods to the diet. Another way to lower blood pressure is to reduce exposure to second hand smoke. Even if someone is exposed to second hand smoke for a very short time, the chemicals found in smoke have been shown to cause blood vessels to be dysfunctional. People who do some simple breathing exercises might see their numbers lowered in no time.
Changing diet and exercise is a good start to any blood pressure lowering program. Just 30 minutes of brisk walking a few times a week will make a difference. Lowering salt intake and adding potassium-rich foods will help a person increase their overall health and lower blood pressure. A few of the potassium-rich foods available are bananas, peas, and sweet potatoes. Fish, particularly salmon, is a great source of potassium.
Following a meditative breathing practice can help reduce stress. Some examples of ways to add breathing into your daily routine are to take up a Tai Chi, Qi Gong, or Yoga class.Inhaling from the diaphragm and exhaling slowly can counteract the increased heart rate and higher blood pressure from environmental stresses. A particular enzyme that is produced by the kidneys called Renin promotes higher levels of stress hormones.
So, consider taking these few, simple steps to counteract elevated blood pressure before popping pills. Doctors seem to be more open to natural methods now, but they may still try to start a person on a pharmaceutical regimen first. People who wish to try natural methods should be sure to let the family doctor know. A nutritionist can help people with high blood pressure control their diet and exercise.
