Often when people are diagnosed with high blood pressure there is a reluctance to just start taking medication and many look to use natural blood pressure reducers. The problem is that generally they are just not aware of what may be available to them. Many hope for the “magic pill” type herbal or homeopathic remedy which unfortunately is just not there. There are however several other options, three of which are detailed below.
Sometimes a remedy is not something you take but instead is something you do. Exercise fits this bill. And exercise does work. A lack of exercise is a major contributory factor to high blood pressure. And the tragedy of it all is you don’t even have to do that much. All it needs is a bit of aerobic based exercise done three or four times a week for twenty to thirty minutes. Go for a brisk walk or do a bit of jogging. If that sounds too tiring what about twenty minutes in the pool, swimming though, not lazing around. Purchase an exercise bike, set it up in front of the tv and what more would you need?
Increase your potassium intake and reduce the salt you eat. Potassium has been scientifically and clinically proven to be a big player in regulating your blood pressure. Too much salt on the other hand tends to raise your pressure. So how would you go about making sure you eat more potassium? Increase your intake of fruit and veggies. It is really as simple as that. Sweet potato, melon, squash baked potatoes and avocado are some of the richest providers of potassium. Bananas are also very rich in potassium. Note, there are no french fries on that list. Reduce your salt by using salt substitutes.
Moderate alcohol intake. Bet that surprised you. Historically doctors have told those with high blood pressure to stop drinking alcohol. However nowadays the positive effects of a moderate intake of alcohol is recognized and studies have shown those who like to imbibe a couple of drinks each day are likely to live longer and have a lower risk of suffering heart disease than those who do not drink. Research has also shown that alcohol reduces the risk of suffering from a stroke. It increases the level of your good cholesterol, HDL, helps your arteries to dilate and by lowering the concentration of fibrinogen in the blood lowers the risk of clotting.
When attempting to lower your blood pressure it is important to track your progress. Ideally you would do this with your doctor but it is obviously impractical to visit him on a daily basis. Wrist blood pressure monitors have been proven to be accurate and reliable although for a really comprehensive analysis of your blood pressure a 24 hour blood pressure monitor might be better.
