How Can I Lower My Blood Pressure Naturally Over Time
Now that weve discussed why theres no fail-proof, safe, and fast way to lower blood pressure, remember, there are still many ways to lower your blood pressure over time. Here are some simple recommendations:
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Exercise most days of the week. Exercise is the most effective way to lower your blood pressure. Being physically active at least 30 minutes a day most days of the week goes a long way toward keeping or getting your blood pressure under control.
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Consume a low-sodium diet. Too much sodium causes blood pressure to rise. The AHA recommends keeping your daily sodium intake to less than 2 grams, but keeping it less than 1.5 grams is even better! The DASH diet provides a low-sodium eating plan for you to use as an example.
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Limit alcohol intake to no more than 1 to 2 drinks per day. Drinking more than average1 drink for women and 2 drinks for mencan cause your blood pressure to rise. Plus, alcohol can cause you to pack on the pounds, which can also lead to an increase in blood pressure.
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Make stress reduction a priority. Stressful situations can cause your blood pressure to go up temporarily. But if you continue to be stressed, your blood pressure can remain high. Find calming activities you can do every day to help you relieve stress. Coloring, walking outside, listening to relaxing music, and even taking a warm bath can help you keep you lower your stress levels.
May Relieve Symptoms Of Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common joint condition in the United States, causing painful and stiff joints .
In one study in 45 people with osteoarthritis in the knee, taking 100 mg of cats claw extract for 4 weeks resulted in reduced pain during physical activity. No side effects were reported.
However, there was no change in either pain at rest or knee swelling .
In an eight-week study, a supplement of cats claw and maca root a Peruvian medicinal plant reduced pain and stiffness in people with osteoarthritis. In addition, participants needed pain medication less frequently .
Another trial tested a daily mineral supplement alongside 100 mg of cats claw extract in people with osteoporosis. After 12 weeks, joint pain and function improved compared to those not taking the supplements .
However, after eight weeks, the benefits were not sustained.
It should also be noted that it can be difficult to determine the specific actions of cats claw in studies that test multiple supplements at once.
Scientists believe that cats claw may ease osteoarthritis symptoms due to its anti-inflammatory properties (
How Is Blood Pressure Measured
Blood pressure is measured using a machine called a blood pressure monitor.
A cuff is put over your arm. This cuff is attached to a machine which measures the pressure inside your arteries. When the machine is switched on the cuff tightens and then slowly loosens again. It is quick and painless. At the end, the machine will give a blood pressure reading.
Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury .
A blood pressure reading contains two numbers and will be written as a figure like 120/75
The first number is the pressure when your heart beats . The second number is when your heart relaxes .
During a blood pressure test, a blood pressure cuff is wrapped around your arm so a blood pressure monitor can measure your systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
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What Is High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure or hypertension is the silent killer that affects 80 million Americans. As many as 16 million Americans are unaware of the condition. Untreated hypertension can increase the risk of heart diseases or strokes. High blood pressure occurs due to the tightening of very small blood vessels called arterioles. As a result, the heart has to pump harder to overcome the resistance in the narrowed blood vessel bed. This leads to elevated pressure inside the vessels.
- High blood pressure or hypertension is when readings consistently range from 140 or higher for systolic or 90 or higher for diastolic.
- Blood pressure readings above 180/120 mmHg are dangerously high and require immediate medical attention.
High blood pressure is more likely to cause
- heart attack
Finding And Treating Underlying Causes And Making Lifestyle Changes Will Help
Many people have high blood pressure in older age, and sometimes its hard to control. That problem is called resistant hypertension blood pressure that stays above a set goal, such as 140/90 millimeters of mercury , despite taking three classes of blood pressure drugs at the highest tolerable doses. The condition is a major risk factor for stroke, heart disease, dementia, and more. What can you do to tame it?
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How Long Does It Take To Come Down
The length of time it takes to lower blood pressure will vary from person to person.
In addition, some methods for lowering blood pressure will work for some people, but not for others. A person should start seeing changes within a few days to weeks of making the necessary lifestyle and dietary changes.
High blood pressure rarely causes symptoms. People may only discover that they have high blood pressure during a routine visit to their doctor, or after developing complications, such as a heart attack or stroke.
Some symptoms that may be indirectly related to high blood pressure include:
- blood spots in the eyes
Exercise To Manage Blood Pressure
1. Break a Sweat
Regular exercise and activity is one of the best ways for long-term reductions in blood pressure because it promotes a stronger heart and improved blood flow.
You may notice your blood pressure or heart rate increasing during exercise, but it should decrease about two hours following exercise and remain steady for a number of hours.
Its recommended that you take a progressive approach to exercise, starting with light-to-moderate work until your body is capable of handing more. Going too hard out of the gate can be dangerous.
2. Reduce Your Weight
Losing as little as five pounds can have big-time benefits for blood pressure. The more weight youre carrying, the harder it is on your heart to move you around.
Using a combination of healthy eating and exercise is the best way to reduce weight, blood pressure, and contribute to a healthy heart.
3. Take a Deep Breath
Deep, slow breathing can be a quick way to reduce blood pressure, especially during periods of high stress and anxiety. This skill is definitely worth learning, as higher levels of stress hormones often lead to spikes in blood pressure. So, you can activate deep breathing when you feel your heart racing.
4. Take a Walk
Getting at least 30 minutes of exercise on most days of the week can lower blood pressure by 4 to 9 millimeters of mercury , the measurement for blood pressure.
5. Head Outdoors
6. Add Some Resistance Training
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How To Lower Blood Pressure Quickly
First and most importantly, if you think youre having a complication of high blood pressure such as a stroke, a heart attack, or something else, seek immediate medical attention. Dont try to solve problems like these on your ownyou need comprehensive care.
Otherwise, when you feel your blood pressure may be too high and you want to lower it quickly, Dr. Osborne suggests calming down. Stop what youre doing and sit. Take some deep breaths. If you find that doesnt help, then call your doctor. If its a continual problem, try exercising and altering your diet it can take a few weeks or up to a month to see the effects of that in your blood pressure, so keep plugging away for the best results.
Keep in mind that in some cases, blood pressure medication may be necessary if you cant lower high blood pressure through diet and lifestyle changes. Those drugs will be the quickest path to lower blood pressure levelsoften taking only minutes to even your blood pressure out. Finding the right medication might be the only way to control high blood pressure in some cases, like resistant hypertension. A rule of thumb is to start blood pressure medications and make lifestyle changes. As blood pressure improves with lifestyle modifications, medications can be weaned off.
Habits That Prevent Hypertension
Salt can be a cause of hypertension. So watch that your daily intake of salt does NOT exceed 2300 mg per day. It is also very good to walk or do some sport. Remember not to eat too many sausages, beers or cured cheese. These foods have high levels of amines that promote hypertension.
Among the foods that improve your blood pressure are watermelons, kiwis, bananas, blueberry juices and skim milk. Hibiscus tea, coconut water, tofu and soy will also be very helpful. Generally, a healthy and balanced diet is one that will help you prevent dangerous rises in pressure.
If you think this article might be useful for other people, do not hesitate to it. There are lives at stake that, simply by making this information known, you can save.
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Try These Medicinal Herbs
Herbal medicines have long been used in many cultures to treat a variety of ailments.
Some herbs have even been shown to possibly lower blood pressure. However, more research is needed to identify the doses and components in the herbs that are most useful.
Always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking herbal supplements. They may interfere with your prescription medications.
Heres a partial list of plants and herbs that are used by cultures throughout the world to lower blood pressure:
- black bean
- river lily
- Avoid daytime naps.
- Make your bedroom comfortable.
The 2010 national Sleep Heart Health Study found that regularly sleeping fewer than 7 hours a night and more than 9 hours a night was associated with an increased rate of high blood pressure.
Regularly sleeping fewer than 5 hours a night was linked to a significant risk of high blood pressure long term .
Eat Some Dark Chocolate
Yes, chocolate lovers: Dark chocolate has been shown to lower blood pressure.
But the dark chocolate should be 60 to 70 percent cacao. A review of studies on dark chocolate has found that eating one to two squares of dark chocolate per day may help lower the risk of heart disease by lowering blood pressure and inflammation.
The benefits are thought to come from the flavonoids present in chocolate with more cocoa solids. The flavonoids help dilate, or widen, your blood vessels .
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Follow A Healthy Diet
A healthy diet with a variety of nutritious foods, in line with the Australian Dietary Guidelines, will help keep blood pressure under control as well as your cholesterol and weight.
- Eat 5 serves of vegetables and 2 serves of fruit every day.
- Limit your fat intake to 20 to 35% of your total energy intake. Consume healthy unsaturated fats instead of saturated fats.
- Reduce your salt intake to fewer than 4 grams per day if you have high blood pressure. This is less than one teaspoon of salt. Salt contains sodium, which is linked to high blood pressure.
Preparing To Check Your Blood Pressure
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What Is Considered High Blood Pressure
Blood pressure changes naturally throughout the day. This depends on many factors, including whether you are sitting, standing, exercising or sleeping, and upon how much fluid is in your body.
High blood pressure is when a persons blood pressure is persistently higher than it should be: usually 140/90mmHg or higher. Your doctor will need to take several measurements at different times before they can diagnose high blood pressure.
The decision to treat high blood pressure doesnt just depend on your measurements it also depends on your other risk factors for heart disease and blood vessel disease.
The Australian guidelines for classifying blood pressure ranges are:
| Systolic |
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| 90 and over |
Quickly Lower Blood Pressure
Are you wondering how to quickly lower blood pressure?
High blood pressure, also called hypertension, a potentially deadly medical condition, can be lowered quickly without the use of medications. The consistent implementation of the following methods will lead to a more permanent reduction in blood pressure, and therefore to a longer life.
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Try Meditation Or Deep Breathing
While these two behaviors could also fall under stress reduction techniques, meditation and deep breathing deserve specific mention.
Both meditation and deep breathing may activate the parasympathetic nervous system. This system is engaged when the body relaxes, slowing the heart rate, and lowering blood pressure.
Theres quite a bit of research in this area, with studies showing that different styles of meditation appear to have benefits for lowering blood pressure .
Deep breathing techniques can also be quite effective.
In one study, participants were asked to either take six deep breaths over the course of 30 seconds or simply sit still for 30 seconds. Those who took breaths lowered their blood pressure more than those who just sat .
Try guided meditation or deep breathing. Heres a video to get you started.
Bottom line: Both meditation and deep breathing can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps slow your heart rate and lower blood pressure.
Consider Taking Vitamins And Supplements
Research shows that a few vitamins and minerals may be helpful in lowering blood pressure. But talk to your doctor before taking any. Make sure they know everything you take.
- Vitamin C: This has antioxidants that protect the linings of your blood vessels. Orange juice is a good source, as are fruits like kiwi and strawberries, and vegetables like broccoli, kale, tomatoes, and sweet red peppers. Adults should get 400 mg per day.
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Potassium: This helps your body get rid of sodium through your pee. Men should aim for 3,400 mg a day, and women around 2,600. Itâs found in fruits like bananas and prunes and vegetables like potatoes, tomatoes, and artichoke.
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Vitamin D: This helps make the enzyme renin, which is linked to blood pressure health. You can get vitamin D from fatty fish, like salmon or mackerel, or milk. You also can absorb vitamin D from sunlight or take it in a supplement.
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When To See A Doctor
A blood pressure reading is typically taken as a normal part of a doctors visit. Many people find out they have hypertension in this setting. If you have hypertension, your doctor will work with you to develop a treatment plan thats optimal for you.
There are also many types of blood pressure monitors available for purchase so you can take your blood pressure at home. If you choose to do this, bring your monitor to your next doctors appointment so they can show you how to properly use it to obtain accurate readings.
A single high blood pressure reading at home shouldnt be a cause for concern. Be sure to log the reading and continue taking your blood pressure on your normal schedule. If you continue to receive high readings, make an appointment with your doctor.
Lifestyle Changes To Lower Blood Pressure
1. Limit Your Alcohol Intake
Studies show that alcohol consumption can greatly influence your blood pressurefor better or worse. When drinking, try to limit your intake to no more than two drinks per day if youre male and no more than one daily for females, while going without when you can.
Although light-to-moderate drinking may lower your blood pressure and general risk of heart disease, there is no reason to start drinking if you currently do not.
Drinking too much alcohol can raise your blood pressure to unhealthy levels.
2. Quit Smoking
Smoking offers a host of health problems, the biggest being an increased cancer risk. But it can also lead to acute increases in blood pressure immediately following a cigarette, likely due to oxygen constriction.
Furthermore, lung cancer can create problems to your entire cardiovascular system and massively increase the risk of heart attack.
3. Get Adequate Sleep
Sleep is strongly associated with blood pressure, and if youre not getting enough deep, restful sleep you could be at increased risk for hypertension.
This could be, in part, because a lack of sleep leads to increased stress, cravings for junk food, weight gain, and lower activity levels.
4. Manage Stress
Experiencing chronic stress can boost blood pressure and diminish heart health by keeping your heart pumping at a rapid pace. This can be heightened by stresss ability to stimulate fat storage, trouble sleeping, uncontrolled eating, smoking, and drinking.
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