Hypertension, or high blood pressure, does not seem like that major of a problem for your health. However, over time, high blood pressure can put dangerous stress on your heart. Because the heart has to pump harder to push your blood through narrowed vessels, it can become over-developed and stiff. Over time, your stiffened heart muscle may not be able to pump the blood you need throughout your body.
It can be difficult for doctors to diagnose hypertension since they do not measure your blood pressure every day. However, if you do develop hypertension, there are several things that you can do to help control the problem. Of course, there are many medications that can lower your blood pressure. Nevertheless, there are also helpful lifestyle changes that you can adapt to naturally.
First, your diet is a major contributor to hypertension. This is because your blood absorbs nutrients and minerals from your intestines, where you break down your food. Thus, if you eat a large amount of salt, this can lead to hypertension. Besides salt, other items that can increase your blood pressure include fats like saturated fat.
Next, you should to try to avoid items like alcohol and tobacco. Because some alcohol, like red wine, does have health benefits, you should only drink in moderation. Tobacco, on the other hand, should be completely cut out of your life. Tobacco can cause your blood vessels to harden, increasing your risk of hypertension.
Lastly, you should try to maintain a healthy weight. This puts less stress on your heart. Additionally, regular physical exercise can not only help you control your weight, but it can actually help reverse hypertension. Exercise is also helpful for lowering stress, which is another contributor to hypertension.
If you have been diagnosed with hypertension, you may need to take drastic steps to better your diet as well as begin an exercise regimen. For help in reaching your health goals, you should contact a Chicago personal trainer and nutritionist from B4 Health and Fitness today.
James Witherspoon
