11 Ways To Cure High Blood Pressure Without Drugs
Need to know 11 ways to cure high blood pressure without drugs? High blood pressure (hypertension) is a serious heart disease that often occurs with no symptoms. Once you find out you have it, you want to get it under control as quickly and safely as possible.
- Quit smoking. Nicotine causes blood vessel constriction and increased heart rate, both of which can increase your blood pressure.
- Learn everything you can about high blood pressure. Knowing all there is to know, and any triggers can prevent many risks down the road.
- Monitor your blood pressure regularly. Knowing your blood pressure will help your overall success and will let you know if you are having a hypertensive episode. Monitor your blood pressure around the same time every day.
- Know your BMI. Your BMI (body mass index) will tell you if you are an appropriate weight for your height. Knowing your BMI is important, as obesity can worsen high blood pressure.
- Exercise regularly. Follow a regular exercise regimen of moderate-intensity cardiovascular exercise to keep your weight under control, help cure high blood pressure and to prevent other future heart disease.
- Eat a healthy diet. The American Heart Association recommends a diet high in fruits, vegetables and whole-grain fiber.
- Cut down on your salt intake. Salt (sodium) can increase your blood pressure, which is a big no-no for those who already suffer from hypertension. Limit your intake to 2,300 mg per day or 1,500 mg per day if you are African-American or elderly.
- Keep your stress to a minimum. Having a lot of stress in your life on a frequent basis can worsen many health conditions, including high blood pressure. Consider taking up meditation or do some abdominal breathing on a regular basis. Yoga is a great way to tone your body while doing some relaxation at the same time.
- Limit your alcohol intake. Alcohol can also raise your blood pressure. Have no more than one drink a day for women or two for men. An example of one drink would be one can of beer (12 ounces) or one glass of wine (5 ounces).
- Avoid hot tubs and saunas. Hot tubs and saunas can cause widening of the blood vessels (vasodilatation), which may not be tolerated well by those with high blood pressure. Ask your doctor if your condition is bad enough to warrant avoiding hot tubs. Do not mix hot tubs and alcohol either.
- Make sure your diet has enough potassium. Potassium can help cure high blood pressure, as it can decrease the effect sodium has on your body. Aim for 4,700 mg of potassium per day.
References:
American Heart Association
FamilyDoctor
Posted on: Apr. 06, 2010







