What Can I Eat To Lower My Blood Pressure Immediately

How To Lower Blood Pressure Quickly And Naturally

When someone has high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, it means their blood is pumping with too much force against the artery walls. The condition can eventually lead to heart disease, stroke, or other cardiac conditions. High blood pressure is extremely common in the United States. More than 103 million people in the country have itand many dont even know theirs is too high, because it can be asymptomatic, says John Osborne, MD, director of cardiology at LowT Center/HerKare and a volunteer for the American Heart Association .

The reason many people dont know? There are often few or no symptoms associated with high blood pressure, says Sondra DePalma, a cardiac physician assistant at PinnacleHealth CardioVascular Institute with UPMC Pinnacle in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, which is why it is called the silent killer.

If youre wondering how to lower blood pressure, luckily, there are natural ways to do so with the proper diet and healthy lifestyle changes.

Lentils And Other Pulses

Lentils are a staple of many diets around the world, as they are an excellent source of vegetarian protein and fiber.

In 2014, researchers who studied the effects of a diet rich in pulses on rats reported of blood pressure and cholesterol. A total of 30 percent of the rats diet comprised pulses, including beans, peas, lentils, and chickpeas.

Lentils are very versatile. Many people use them as a vegetarian alternative to minced beef or to add bulk to salads, stews, and soups. A range of lentils is available for purchase online.

How Does Diet Play A Role In Managing High Blood Pressure

An unhealthy diet that’s high in sodium, saturated fat, and sugar may increase your risk of high blood pressure. These nutrients contribute to hypertension in a variety of ways. For example, saturated fat increases cholesterol levels, including “bad” LDL cholesterol, that can block your arteries and slow blood flow.

While it’s important to minimize these nutrients in your diet to decrease your risk of or manage your high blood pressure, it’s also important to eat more foods that lower blood pressure.

Foods that lower blood pressure contain specific nutrients that are scientifically proven to reduce blood pressure. These nutrients include:

• beta-carotene
• resveratrol
• vitamin C

While the words “blood pressure-lowering diet” may conjure images of unseasoned egg whites and limp steamed veggies, getting your blood pressure into a healthy range is more than just doableit can be downright delicious.

Here is a list of the 20 healthiest foods that lower blood pressure. And for a more structured eating plan, consider trying the DASH Diet or “The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension” Diet. This expert-approved, heart-healthy diet is one of the top-recommended diets to lower blood pressure.

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You Can Fight High Blood Pressure

While heart disease is still the No. 1 killer in the United States and around the world, death rates have decreased significantly. Earlier and better treatment of high blood pressure has played a key role in that decrease.

Written by American Heart Association editorial staff and reviewed by science and medicine advisers. See our editorial policies and staff.

The Dash Diet Helps To Lower High Blood Pressure

You can bring down your blood pressure naturally by following the principles of the DASH diet.

The DASH diet is the âDietary Approach to Stop Hypertensionâ and includes dietary guidelines if you have hypertension. The main principles of the diet to treat high BP is to eat more vegetables, fruits, and lean meat and cut down on sodium.

Foods to eat for hypertension on the DASH diet include:

• Complex carbohydrates such as green leafy veggies, whole-grain foods, and legumes.
• Healthy fats such as olive oil, nuts, oily fish, and flaxseeds are all recommended to lower blood pressure.
• Low-fat protein that contains essential micronutrients such as fish, eggs, beans, and lean meats.

One study on the benefits of the DASH diet to manage hypertension found that it has great potential to reduce complications associated with heart disease. For example, it is estimated that, if followed, these dietary guidelines could help prevent 400,000 cases of heart disease.

If you are interested in finding out more about what to eat to lower blood pressure fast, read the information about the cardiac diet for improved health.

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Foods That Lower Blood Pressure Quickly

Because diet can greatly affect blood pressure, many people wonder what they can eat to lower blood pressure fast. While there is not a single food that lowers blood pressure immediately, enjoying a healthy diet can help manage hypertensive condition.

Letâs look at what scientific research has revealed as to the best foods to eat to control hypertension.

Natural Remedies For High Blood Pressure

There are many natural ingredients that help to lower blood pressure fast.

Although taking a supplement might not instantly bring down your blood pressure, taking them regularly can help to relatively quickly treat hypertension naturally.

What are the best supplements that help lower blood pressure?

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Acupuncture To Help Reduce Blood Pressure Fast

One of the natural remedies for hypertension to reduce your dependence on medication is acupuncture.

Acupuncture therapy every second day for a month helped to lower dangerously high blood pressure. On average acupuncture lowered systolic blood pressure by 18 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by 7 mmHg.

Other trials have found that acupuncture is an effective natural remedy for mild hypertension.

Learn how acupuncture can also help to improve your mood and lower stress levels.

First Why Is Your Blood Pressure High

Its natural to experience short-term spikes in blood pressure, like during exercise or after a cup of coffee. But over time, if your heart consistently pumps out more blood than usual or your blood vessels become stiffer, your blood pressure can stay high, which may lead to hypertension. Many things can cause this to happen, including eating too much salt, being overweight, or even taking certain medications that can cause high blood pressure as a side effect.

You might know that a blood pressure reading has two numbers . The American Heart Association describes normal blood pressure as a first number of 120 or less and a second number of 80 or less.

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Coenzyme Q10 Supplements For Bringing Down High Blood Pressure

Taking coenzyme Q10 supplements could help you cure hypertension without medication.

The Journal of Human Hypertension reported on the results of a meta-analysis of 12 clinical trials on using CoQ10 to treat high blood pressure. Results of the trials showed that regularly taking CoQ10 supplements can lower systolic blood pressure by up to 17 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure by up to 10 mm Hg without significant side effects.

Olive Oil Helps Manage Hypertension In Men

Olive oil is one of the best foods to take to help lower blood pressure naturally and improve your cardio health.

One study found that people who regularly consumed olive oil in their diet had a lower risk of hypertension. Interestingly, scientists noted that olive oil helped treat hypertension in men, not in women. However, this may be because women, in general, suffer from high blood pressure less than men.

Other studies have shown that consuming olive oil daily can help treat high blood pressure in elderly people. Researchers also noted that olive oil consumption helped lower high cholesterol at the same time.

Learn more about the benefits to your heart from consuming olive oil every day.

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What Foods Raise Blood Pressure Immediately

Some food which should be avoided for high blood pressure can affect it faster than others. Those foods are important to identify, especially on days when your BP will be tested. Therefore, what foods raise blood pressure immediately?

Foods that raise blood pressure immediately are:

Foods high in tyramine

Cake

Donuts

Ill explain why each one of these foods produce an instant effect on blood pressure. The foods high in tyramine are exceptionally important if youre taking certain medications. If you havent heard of tyramine, its the first food on the list.

BP Tip: Lower BP by just breathing? A device is FDA approved and The American Heart Association gave it the thumbs up. It simply guides your breathing for you a few minutes a day which has been proven to lower BP in studies. You can check it out in the manufacturers website by .

Disclaimer: Some links in this article are affiliate links which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Never change or modify your diet without seeking advice from a physician.

Garlic Supplements For High Blood Pressure

You can use garlic as a natural medicine to treat hypertension and improve your cardiovascular health.

Regularly taking garlic as a supplement can help to turn prehypertensive conditions into safe conditions. For example, a meta-analysis of 20 trials found that garlic supplementation can lower systolic blood pressure by 9 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by 7 mmHg.

Other studies have found that taking garlic supplements on a long-term basis could have a significant effect on blood pressure. Over a 12-week period taking 2 aged garlic capsules daily helped lower systolic blood pressure by around 12 mmHg.

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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 .

What Can I Do If I Find Out My Blood Pressure Is Dangerously High

Normally, high blood pressure, sometimes called the silent killer, has few symptoms. But sometimes, a patient may be prompted to check their blood pressure because of troubling symptoms like headache, chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, and loss of balance. These may be signs of dangerously high blood pressure, also known as a hypertensive crisiswhen your first blood pressure number is greater than 180 or your second number is greater than 120.

In this scenario, do NOT try to lower your blood pressure on your own. A hypertensive crisis is an emergency situation that can end in death, so someone nearby should call 9-1-1 immediately. Emergency personnel will begin the process of lowering your blood pressure in the ambulance while on the way to the hospital. Even then, they will follow guidelines on how quickly they can safely lower your blood pressure and will monitor your blood pressure closely.

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Peanut Butter And Banana Smoothie

âWhat about a filling drink?â we can hear you asking. Well, weâve got a smoothie for you. Smoothies are a great way to add healthy nutrients into your diet. You can make them from nearly any fruit or vegetable, mixed with a bit of dairy or ice. This makes them high in nutrients, but lower in calories.

For our blood pressure-blasting smoothie, weâll take a classic combination â bananas and peanut butter. Peanuts and peanut butter can lower your blood pressure, but itâs worth noting that you should use a low fat or low sodium variety. Many peanut butters are loaded with sodium and trans fats, which can increase your blood pressure. A discerning eye here can save you a lot of grief. As for bananas, we mentioned how potassium helps combat hypertension. There arenât many foods out there with more potassium than bananas. Both have concerns, since bananas are high in sugar and peanut butter can be unhealthy. That said, in moderate amounts the benefits outweigh the negatives.

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Avoid Heavy Alcohol Drinking

Drinking too much alcohol has been associated with high blood pressure. Heavy drinking also contributes to stroke. The CDC recommends that men drink two or fewer drinks per day. Women are recommended to drink one or fewer alcoholic beverages per day.

Alcoholism is a disease that is difficult to treat on your own. If you find it difficult to control your drinking, many people have successfully limited or quit drinking through counseling and drug treatment. You can reach the national substance abuse hotline anytime at: 1-800-662-HELP .

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Cut Back On Sugar And Refined Carbohydrates

Many studies show that restricting sugar and refined carbohydrates can help you lose weight and lower your blood pressure.

Sugar, especially fructose, may increase your blood pressure more than salt, according to one 2014 review. In trials lasting at least 8 weeks, sugar increased blood pressure by 5.6 mm Hg diastolic and 6.9 mm Hg systolic .

A 2020 study that compared various popular diets found that for people who with more weight or obesity, low carb and low fat diets lowered their diastolic blood pressure by an average of about 5 mm Hg and their systolic blood pressure 3 mm Hg after 6 months .

Another benefit of a low carb, low sugar diet is that you feel fuller longer, because youre consuming more protein and fat.

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 .

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Berries Should Be In The Blood Pressure Diet

A high blood pressure diet should include plenty of servings of berries to help boost your cardiovascular health.

Berries such as blueberries, bilberries, black currants, and cranberries contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that have a positive effect on blood pressure.

Researchers have found that a diet rich in berries can help lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Consuming berries is also good to keep your heart healthy and lower your risk of developing chronic diseases.

Apple Cider Vinegar Drink

You may also want to try consuming a drink with apple cider vinegar to lower blood pressure.

A study published in the Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry in 2001 found that the acetic acid from apple cider vinegar would significantly lower renin activity and blood pressure, compared to controls not given acetic acid or vinegar.

The enzyme renin is known to increase blood pressure from stretching receptors in the vascular walls.

Another study from 2006 showed that the acetic acid from apple cider vinegar would regulate high blood pressure by reducing high cholesterola common risk factor in hypertension.

You can take up to three tablespoons twice daily of apple cider vinegar in a glass of filtered water for blood pressure reduction. The key with apple cider vinegar is to start with a low dose and work your way up.

That being said, I recommend two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a drink, along with 12 ounces of warm water, two tablespoons of lemon juice, a teaspoon of honey, and a quarter-teaspoon of cinnamon.

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Types Of Food That Can Help Lower Blood Pressure

Antioxidant-rich foods may have a small impact on blood pressure levels. Foods high in vitamin C, vitamin E, potassium, selenium or L-arginine are good options if youre looking to lower your blood pressure. Antioxidants protect your cells from damage and can reduce inflammation, which, in turn, can keep blood pressure in control.

1. Foods high in vitamin C

Foods high in vitamin C can protect against oxidative stress, which causes inflammation. Good options include:

• Peppers.

• Nuts/seeds like pistachios, almonds and flax seeds.
• Avocados.

Bananas are high in potassium, which helps your body get rid of sodium, says Zumpano. Eating foods high in sodium can increase your blood pressure.

4. Foods high in selenium

Selenium is an antioxidant that helps protect your body from oxidative stress. Choose these foods for selenium:

• Seafood like tuna, halibut and shrimp.
• Brazil nuts.
• Turkey.

5. Foods high in L-arginine

L-arginine helps make nitric oxide, a chemical that aids in relaxing muscle cells. Some research shows these foods can help lower blood pressure:

• Meat.
• Nuts/seeds like pumpkin seeds, walnuts and peanuts.
• Beans like chickpeas and soybeans.
• Dairy like milk, yogurt and cheese.

6. Foods high in calcium

Studies have shown that meeting the recommended dietary allowance for calcium of 1,000 milligrams and getting up to 1,500 milligrams per day can improve blood pressure. Foods rich in calcium include:

Foods High In Tyramine

Tyramine 1 is an amino acid that helps regulate blood pressure. It can trigger nerve cells to release norepinephrine, a hormone that increases the heart rate and blood pressure 2.

A large dietary intake of tyramine can cause the tyramine pressor response, defined as an increase in systolic blood pressure of 30 mm Hg or more. This is especially dangerous if youre taking Monoamine oxidase inhibitors.

Foods high in Tyramine can include:

• Aged Cheeses
• Sourdough bread

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