High blood pressure, or hypertension, is what medical experts like to call “a silent killer.” The reason for this is because it may never show any symptoms, quietly damaging the body for years. Failure to address the problem can lead to poor quality of life, disability, or even heart disease, heart failure, or stroke.
When you get an annual checkup, the nurse takes your blood pressure. There is a top number and a bottom number, with the top number referring to systolic pressure and the bottom number referring to diastolic pressure. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg), with a normal reading being 120/80 mmHg. Health experts note that blood pressure is considered high if the reading measures 130 to 139 mmHg/80 to 89 mmHg.
High blood pressure increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and even cognitive decline, kidney failure, and aneurysms. Because 28% of Americans have high blood pressure and don’t know it, make sure to schedule annual checkups to stay on top of it. Although medication can lower blood pressure, it can cause adverse side effects. Fortunately, there are many ways to naturally lower blood pressure. Continue reading to learn about them.
Breathe Deeply
If you want to help lower your blood pressure, consider practicing a deep breathing exercise every morning and night. Inhale deeply and exhale fully, which works to kickstart your parasympathetic nervous system, which lowers cortisol levels to help you relax. All it takes is five minutes of your time. If you don’t like sitting down to breathe, consider other meditative practices, such as guided meditation, yoga, or tai chi, to help you relax. Studies suggest that high stress levels elevate renin, a kidney enzyme that raises blood pressure, so check your stress at the door.
Consider CoQ10
It’s hard to visit the supplement section of a store these days and not see coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). A review of studies found that CoQ10 was able to reduce blood pressure by up to 17 mmHg over 10 mmHg. CoQ10 acts as an antioxidant that helps dilate blood vessels. Make sure to ask your healthcare professional for supplement guidelines.
Add Nitrates To Your Smoothie
Don’t rush out to the supplement store for this because a good old-fashioned grocery run will do the trick. Nitrate is a compound that exists in many leafy greens and beets. The body synthesizes nitrate as vasodilator nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels and ultimately helps lower blood pressure. One study from 2015 found that people who drank a juice rich in dietary nitrates or a placebo for a one-month period. Those who drank the nitrate juice reduced blood pressure each day and at the end of the study.
Go For Some Power Walks
Research continues to show that cardiovascular exercise is one of the best ways to prevent hypertension and promote a healthy heart. Vigorous cardio workouts that last 30 minutes on most days of the week can aid your blood pressure-lowering efforts. One study found that hypertensive patients who took walks at a brisk pace were able to lower their blood pressure by 8 mmHg over 6 mmHg.
Hold The Salt
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends 2,300 milligrams (mg) of sodium per day or less. Unfortunately, the average American adult consumes more than 3,400 mg per day. In fact, men between ages 31 and 50 tend to consume 4,500 mg of sodium on average, which is nearly double the recommended daily amount. Too much sodium in the body can interfere with its ability to regulate essential nutrients. One study found that people who had more sodium in their urine had higher blood pressure. If you cut down on salty processed foods, such as pizza, deli meats, and frozen meals, you can reduce sodium levels and help lower blood pressure.
Step Away From The Desk
A sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of myriad health conditions and general soreness. If you put in more than 40 hours per week at a desk, you increase your risk of hypertension by 15%, according to a recent study. Working overtime also makes it harder to fit exercise and healthy eating into your daily routine. Consider investing in a standing desk so that you can go from a seated to standing position at will. If you must sit, consider investing in an exercise ball to bounce on while you work. That can help strengthen your core and work your glutes.
