Recently, I visited my doctor and they took my blood pressure. It measured a tad bit on the high side. Nothing to worry about that because it’s just one measurement, possibly an anomaly. It got me to thinking about what measures one can take to lower blood pressure. Used to be, your doctor would give you a list, but too often now they find it easier to write a prescription. So I researched some things that you might do to try to lower border-line blood pressure. Please be advised: I am not advising that you go against your doctor’s advice. These are just some things to think about to help you control your blood pressure naturally.
The Obvious:
- Quit Smoking
- Lose Weight
- Reduce your sodium intake – read your labels. Try to keep it under 2,500 mg / day
- Reduce your caffeine intake
- Increase Aerobic Exercise – go for power walks
The Not So Obvious:
- Insulin can play a role in blood pressure so reduce your intake of sugar and refined or processed foods
- Increase whole grains
- Avoid heavily processed or refined oils
- Consume potassium rich foods – sweet potatoes, nuts, beans, legumes, etc.
- Breathe deeply. Yes, breathe. Take 5 minutes every morning and every evening to breathe deeply.
Photo Courtesy isafmedia via Flickr
I love to cook. I’m also a health coach, a path I chose after going through a health crisis which taught me the importance of eating healthy meals. Now, I want to combine the two — health coaching and cooking — to help people learn to cook healthy meals. To plan healthy meals. And to eat healthy meals. For more, please visit Your Cooking Coach.
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