Most of us have an awareness that dietary changes are a way of lowering blood pressure naturally. But we often struggle to know exactly what it is we should be doing, given that eating a 'healthy' diet is such a broad term. Here then are 5 simple steps that you can take to improve your diet for lowering blood pressure naturally.
Reduce Saturated Fat
Saturated fats end up in your arteries as deposits. this causes a narrowing which in turn causes an increase in blood pressure. Choose fish, skinless chicken and vegetarian protein such as tofu over red meat and other high fat meat, and grill, bake or steam instead of frying.
Eat More Vegetables
Perhaps the most important recommendation to make about diet is to increase plant foods in your diet. A mostly vegetarian diet typically contains less refined carbohydrates and saturated fat, and more complex carbohydrates, potassium, fiber, essential fatty acids, magnesium, calcium, and vitamin C. All these things have a favorable influence on blood pressure.
Cut Back On Salt
Salt is necessary for the human body to function normally, but with a modern diet of processed, manufactured and prepackaged foods, we tend to get too much of it. Research suggests that too much salt can cause physiological changes in the kidneys which in turn lead to high blood pressure.
Experiment with spices like chili, curry, and pepper and herbs such as coriander, lemon grass and basil in order to gradually cut back on salt. Also avoid excessive amounts of processed food which is typically high in salt.
Consume Less Alcohol
In some people drinking more than two drinks or one ounce of pure alcohol per day raises blood pressure and therefore should be restricted. On top of that alcoholic drinks are high in calories, and many people with high blood pressure are also overweight, so if you're trying to lose weight, cut back on alcohol.
Consume Less Calories
You are at greater risk of high blood pressure if you carry too much weight around your waist. So, cut back on the calories and shed some pounds. Shop for low-fat, no added sugar alternatives and cut back on portion size. A large glass of water before a meal is good for your health and fills you up so that you'll eat less. Combine lean protein with complex carbohydrate to feel satisfied longer and don't eat after 6pm. Serve yourself up a smaller portion on a smaller plate, and wait to digest before you decide to go for seconds.
Follow the above guidelines and you will be well on your way to lowering blood pressure naturally.
I live by these guidelines and despite a family history of hypertension and a mother and sister on anti-hypertensive medication, my blood pressure is spot-on. My mother and sister are starting to make some of these changes and my sister has already been able to reduce her medication.
DASH, recipes and other diet info here: Lowering Blood Pressure Naturally The Report that profoundly altered our lives here:NEWLOWERINGBLOODPRESSURENATURALLY.INFO
Posted under blood pressure
This post was written by Hanna B Prestson on April 22, 2010
