According to some statistics, high blood pressure contributes to about 1,000 deaths each day in the United States. Unfortunately, you usually don't experience any identifiable symptoms when you have high blood pressure. As a result, you might not know you have high blood pressure until you visit your doctor or holistic practitioner. If you've been diagnosed with high blood pressure, it's important that you take steps to lower it as soon as possible. Here are four natural ways to reduce your blood pressure and improve your health.
Go for a Walk
If you have high blood pressure, you can reduce those numbers by getting out and walking at least once a day. This is particularly true if you lead a sedentary lifestyle, meaning you spend most of your day sitting down. Walking increases your heart rate, which gets more oxygen through your body. When heart gets the oxygen it needs, it doesn't have to work as hard to pump blood through your body. For maximum benefits, try walking at least 30 minutes a day.
Increase Your Potassium Levels
Your body needs plenty of potassium to keep your blood pressure at a healthy level. On average, you should be getting about 4700 milligrams of potassium each day. While you could take a potassium supplement, the best way to add potassium to your diet is through the foods you eat. Some potassium-rich foods include:
- Potatoes
- Bananas
- Kidney beans
- Cantaloupe
Reach for the Dark Chocolate
When you have high blood pressure, you can satisfy your sweet tooth and lower your blood pressure by reaching for the dark chocolate. Dark chocolate contains flavonoids, ingredients that can help reduce high blood pressure. Before you start snacking on dark chocolate though, make sure it contains between 50 - 70% pure cocoa.
Drink Your Flower Petals
If you have high blood pressure, you might want to add this flowery tea to your diet. Hibiscus tea has been found to reduce high blood pressure in those who drink at least one glass each day. Hibiscus tea can be found at most health food stores. If you're looking for a blend, be sure to choose one that has hibiscus as the main ingredient.
High blood pressure can be life-threatening. If you have high blood pressure, you need to get it under control as soon as possible. In addition to the treatment your holistic health practitioner will provide you with, use the tips provided above to lower your blood pressure naturally.
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