How to Lower Your Blood Pressure

Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, happens when your blood pressure is higher than normal. This can result in serious conditions, such as heart disease. For this matter, 5-Minute Crafts is dishing out 6 tips to help you lower your blood pressure and even prevent it from rising.

1. Cut back on sugar.

Restricting the quantity of sugar you eat can help you lose weight and lower your blood pressure. Sugar can increase your chances of getting heart disease.

2. Eat some dark chocolate.

Studies show that dark chocolate and other cocoa-rich products are an interesting way to reduce blood pressure as they may help dilate blood vessels.

3. Reduce your sodium intake.

Large quantities of sodium can increase your blood pressure. Controling your intake will not only lower your blood pressure, but it will also prevent it from rising in the first place. Reduce the quantity of salt you use and stay away from salty nuts or meats rich in sodium, like ham, bacon, and even salmon.

4. Increase your potassium intake.

Potassium can help lower the effect salt has on your system and can ease the tension in your blood vessels. The best sources of potassium are fruits and vegetables, like bananas, oranges, grapefruit, cooked broccoli, cooked spinach, and pumpkin.

5. Drink some low-calorie cranberry juice.

Low-calorie cranberry juice is a good ally when it comes to treating cardiovascular disease. It can improve circulation and insulin resistance as well as prevent diabetes.

6. Exercise regularly.

Exercising for around 30 minutes most days a week can lower your blood pressure by about 5 to 8 mm Hg. Try to be as consistent as possible with your exercise or your blood pressure may rise again.