High Blood Pressure Reduction Measures
High blood pressure is a major health problem that affects many
people - a lot of which don't even realize that they have it.
Often, people are told that changes in their diet and exercise
habits are enough to control blood pressure, without the use of
medication. This is especially helpful for people with mild to
moderate blood pressure levels.
Reducing your sodium intake is one of the most important factors
in reducing your blood pressure level. Those affected with high
blood pressure often claim that reducing their sodium intake
reduces their blood pressure as well. It is important to learn
which foods are high in sodium and limit your intake or avoid
them all together.
Eating more fruits and vegetabls and even some grains increases
your intake of important vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Studies
suggest that people with a diet high in these foods and low in
fats can reduce blood pressure in a small, but significant way.
Adding exercise to this change in diet can improve the blood
pressure reduction. It helps to prevent and to control
hypertension, and it is said that people who are active in
exercise have lower death rates than their sedentary
counterparts, even when they have the same blood pressure. An
added bonus is that studies suggest that exercise not only
reduces the risk for cardiovascular and other diseases, but can
help prevent obesity, which is another high blood pressure risk
factor.
Exercise is said to be the foundation for successful behavioral
change programs. Exercise has been shown to make people feel
positive about themselves and helps to reduce stress, a factor
that not only raises blood pressure, but makes you feel less
inclined to stick to the positive plans you've set in motion.
Eating well and exercising are the cornerstone to reducing your
blood pressure level. However, they are not the only factors to
a successful blood pressure reduction. Limiting your alcohol and
caffeine intake can make an extreme difference. You should
strive to drink these things only in moderation, or not at all.
If you smoke, quitting can also make a profound difference.
These are not things to be taken lightly. You may find that you
cannot simply give these things up. In fact, in order to
completely rid yourself of these behaviors can take months, even
a year or more in some instances!
Reducing stress is another highly important factor in reducing
your blood pressure. This is a lifelong task, but can prove to
be one of the most important things you can do for your health.
If you find that you have stress that seems out of control,
taking a stress management workshop may be in your future.
Though it is said that diet and exercise can reduce the need for
blood pressure medication, it is important to discuss any and
all lifestyle changes with your doctor, who can instruct you in
any reduction of your current medication dosages.