Hypertension is a chronic condition in which your blood pressure is elevated (>140/90) on two separate readings separated by two weeks. Most cases of hypertension are due to lifestyle choices. Here are some simple things you can do to help lower your blood pressure so that you can avoid the diagnosis of hypertension. These tips can also help in lowering your blood pressure enough to the point which your doctor can safely discontinue certain medications!
Cut out the salt. Most of us have no idea how much salt is actually in our diets. When I ask my patients about what they eat, they usually claim they don’t eat much salt at all. However, what people aren’t aware of is the salt in seasonings, preservatives and the surplus of salt incorporated in restaurant food.
Quit smoking. Smoking tobacco absorbs nicotine in your bloodstream. Nicotine causes constriction of your blood vessels, which elevates your blood pressure. This terrible habit will also increase your chance of cancer, heart disease and causes a bad smell that usually follows you around wherever you go.
Move, move, move. Regular daily exercise can lower your blood pressure. Brisk walking or running 30 minutes per day, 3-5 days per week is not only good for your heart, but can also lower your stress level…and your dog will appreciate you spending some one-on-one time with him or her.
Eat less. Cutting down on your calories will not only help you save money at the grocery store, but it will also help with losing some of those unwanted pounds. A modest amount of weight loss can make a huge difference on your blood pressure.
Incorporating these simple lifestyle changes will not only help lower your blood pressure and cut down the cost of your medications, they will also allow you to set an example for your family and children so that they can practice leading a healthy and happy lifestyle.
