High blood pressure is common, which is often brought on by poor diet and physical risk factors. It can develop over years without symptoms and affects nearly everyone. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can increase the risk of more serious health conditions, such as stroke. Effective home remedies, including improving lifestyle, contribute to controlling high blood pressure and also help to avoid the dangerous health conditions. It is better to consult with your doctor as soon as high blood pressure is diagnosed.
Home Remedies for High Blood Pressure
Improve Lifestyle
It is necessary to keep a healthy weight. The heavier you are, the more pressure you are putting on your arteries. In general, statistics show that you lose a full two points off your blood pressure for every pound you lose, which may be enough to help you stop using regular blood pressure medication. Quit smoking, for it causes the blood vessels to constrict and the blood to clot, which increases the risk of strokes or damage to the arteries. Within two years of quitting smoking these risks will drop back to normal levels. Limit alcohol intake. Drinking more than an ounce of hard liquor, 12 ounces of beer or 6 ounces of wine a day can cause your blood pressure to rise.
Take Daily Care
It is easy to purchase a blood pressure monitor for your home. This will help you form the habit of checking your blood pressure at home. You will be able to keep track of how your blood pressure is acting so you can avoid having to pay for the doctor to run the same tests. You can also note when your pressure appears to be climbing so you can get medical attention if necessary. Stick to high blood pressure medicines. You may not notice your blood pressure symptoms, so it may not feel like you need to take your medication regularly. However, if you allow your high blood pressure to go untreated it can damage the heart, kidneys and other internal organs. Make a point of taking your medication regularly to help avoid these dangers.
Relax and Exercise Regularly
Learn to manage stress and rest. Many people who suffer from high blood pressure tend to be tense, easily angered or frustrated. Learning to manage these conditions with relaxation techniques or mediation can help you lower your adrenaline levels that will constrict the blood vessels, contributing to your high blood pressure. Exercise can help you lose weight and increase the electricity of the circulatory system. Making a point to increase the amount of activity in your life can help you get your blood pressure back to a healthy level. Any activities that help you sustain an elevated heart rate for 20 minutes or more can be used for these purposes. Skiing, biking, walking, jogging, climbing the stairs or simply walking can be helpful. If you suffer from hypertension you may need to avoid exercises like chin-ups, push-ups or weight lifting unless your doctor says this is safe.
Have Beneficial Foods
Eating a diet that is low in cholesterol, saturated fat and total fat, replacing these food options with fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy, lean proteins and whole grains is recommended to help manage blood pressure and is one major element in home remedies for high blood pressure. You can take some of the following foods to combat high blood pressure.
Food |
Benefit |
---|---|
Bread |
Whole grain breads can help you get more fiber that can help you maintain a healthy cardiovascular system. These also have high levels of B vitamins that make it easier for your arteries to stretch to accommodate your blood. |
Garlic |
Garlic helps to lower diastolic and systolic blood pressure in a similar fashion to aspirin. |
Onion |
Onion can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol. |
Banana |
Bananas are a prime source of potassium that is essential for managing the body’s sodium levels that can contribute to high blood pressure. |
Hawthorn |
Hawthornis known for its abilities to lower diastolic blood pressure. |
Broccoli |
Broccoli is high in fiber that helps to lower your blood pressure. |
Celery |
Celery contains 3-N-butylphthalide, an ingredient that helps to lower blood pressure by lowering the stress hormones that cause the blood vessels to constrict. |
Milk |
Milk is high in calcium which will help the body maintain a healthy heart rhythm. |
Green Tea |
Green tea has been found to lower the risk of stroke and lower blood pressure. |
Olive |
Olives help to regulate the heartbeat while lowering cholesterol to reduce the risk of a heart attack. |
Cinnamon |
Cinnamon is an antioxidant that is known for helping to manage blood pressure. |
Cayenne pepper |
Cayenne helps prevent blood platelets from clumping so the blood will flow more smoothly through the circulatory system. |
Flaxseed |
Flaxseed is high in omega-3 fatty acid that help to manage overall cardiovascular health. |
Valerian |
Valerian helps to relieve hypertension. |
Stevia extract |
The stevia extract can increase glucose tolerance, helping diabetic patients manage their blood pressure more effectively. |
Polyunsaturated Oil |
Polyunsaturated oils like mustard seed, canola or safflower oil instead of oils that are high in fat can help you lower your blood cholesterol. |