High blood pressure is a serious thing. Also known as hypertension, high blood pressure is when your blood pressure is, over a series of tests, on average 140/90 mmHG or above. The first number is the pressure in your arteries when your heart contracts (systolic pressure) and the second number is the pressure in the arteries when your heart rests between beats (diastolic pressure). High blood pressure or (HBP) can be caused by an unhealthy lifestyle, e.g. being overweight, stress, eating too much salt, too much caffeine, too much alcohol, not enough exercise or healthy foods. Also, it can come with diabetes, and is common in people with African-Caribbean or Indian Subcontinent origins.
There are two different ways to tackle it. One being the use of one of a number of medicines possibly prescribed by your doctor, though this is usually only for people with dangerously high levels or those with other health risks on top. Here are some natural ways you can help to reduce your blood pressure.
Yoga
Stress is a major negative when it comes to BP. One great way of reducing stress is through yoga. A few hours of yoga a week is an ideal form of exercise and relaxation, as it is low impact and also works to relax your mind through meditative techniques. There are many yoga centres or individual tutors in every major town and city.
Exercise
Any form of exercise is great. You should aim to complete 30 minutes of physical activity, 5 times a week. This may seem like a lot to some, but when built into your daily routine and when you weigh up the inconvenience against the possible implications of HBP it is certainly worth it. Try walking to begin with or maybe swimming or cycling.
Bananas
Bananas are high in potassium, which is great for reducing your hypertension. As well as eating lots of bananas, a generally healthy diet, high in fruit and vegetables is not only good for your blood pressure but is good for your cardiovascular and mental health.
You can also give yourself an added advantage by utilising some of the best probiotics in your diet. Supplements such as Coenzyme Q10 100mg have many health benefits and can be taken every single day as a healthy top up to your diet.
So basically, less stress, more exercise and healthier eating should help you reduce or prevent your high blood pressure.
For more information on hypertension see the High Blood Pressure Foundation website.
