If your blood pressure is high, then one of your priorities should be lowering it. After all, high blood pressure can lead to even more health problems, such as a stroke and a heart attack – two potentially deadly medical emergencies. You might wonder, how exactly do you go about lowering the number? To ensure your health is not affected by hypertension, here are seven effective methods for lowering your blood pressure.
1: Monitor Blood Pressure
Once your doctor informs you of high blood pressure, you must make plans to monitor it from then on. You need to know when it’s high, what may be causing it, and if your efforts to reduce it are working. With hypertension management, you can keep track of your blood pressure, making it easier to reduce the number.
2: Consume Less Caffeine
You might rely on that morning cup of coffee, but caffeine can harm your blood pressure. Don’t worry – you do not need to completely cut the stuff, but a decrease may be in order if you tend to drink multiple caffeinated beverages throughout the day.
3: Lose Weight
Another contributor to high blood pressure is being overweight or obese. If your weight is on the heavier side, then, consider making some lifestyle changes to lose excess fat. Walking more, drinking plenty of water, and cutting portion sizes are a great start.
4: Stop Smoking
Everybody knows that smoking is absolutely terrible for your health, and that includes how much it harms your blood pressure. It’s not easy to stop, but it’s more than worth it. If you are struggling, talk to your doctor about ways to help you quit for good. There’s plenty of options out there!
5: Exercise More
Exercise truly is one of life’s best medicines. By exercising regularly, not only will you shed pounds and increase your energy – you will also reduce your blood pressure. Try to exercise at least three times a week for a minimum of 30 minutes.
6: Reduce Stress
Your stress levels have a direct impact on your blood pressure. If you have lots of stress in your life, whether that’s because of a busy job or a tumultuous home life, you could be seriously impacting your health. Find ways to make your life a little more stress-free by cutting out your stressors and making time to relax. Even 15 minutes alone with an exciting read each morning can be enough to cut down your stress levels.
7: Stay Hydrated
Did you know that dehydration can affect your blood pressure? That means by staying hydrated, you can lower your blood pressure, especially if you didn’t drink enough water before. You don’t need to glug a gallon a day – around two liters of water are enough for the average adult. Get a liter water bottle to make this goal easier. With these seven effective methods, you can reduce your high blood pressure for the benefit of your overall health.
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The owners of Cinnamon Hollow and many of its authors are not doctors and this is in no way intended to be used as medical advice. We cannot be held responsible for your results. As with any product, service or supplement, use at your own risk. Always do your own research and consult with your personal physician before using.
Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.
