Blood pressure is the force that moves blood through our circulatory system.
It is an important force because oxygen and nutrients would not be pushed around our circulatory system to nourish tissues and organs without blood pressure.
Blood pressure is also vital because it delivers white blood cells and antibodies for immunity, and hormones such as insulin.
If you successfully control your blood pressure with a healthy lifestyle, you could avoid, delay or reduce the need for medication.
In this post, we are sharing 5 ways on how to manage your blood pressure and live a good, normal and a healthy lifestyle.
1. Exercise Regularly
Engaging in physical activity for at least 30 minutes most days of the week can lower your blood pressure by about 5 to 8 mm Hg if you have high blood pressure. It’s important to be consistent because if you stop exercising, your blood pressure can rise again.
2. Maintain A Healthy Diet
Having a diet that is rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products and skimps on saturated fat and cholesterol can lower your blood pressure by up to 11 mm Hg if you have high blood pressure.
3. Cut back on Sodium Intake
Even a small reduction in the sodium in your diet can improve your heart health and reduce blood pressure by about 5 to 6 mm Hg if you have high blood pressure. That means less processed foods and minimal salt.
4. Reduce Caffeine Intake
Caffeine can raise blood pressure up to 10 mm Hg in people who rarely consume it so it’s best not to consume at all if it’s not necessary.
5. Watch Your Weight
Blood pressure often increases as weight increases. Being overweight also can cause disrupted breathing while you sleep (sleep apnea), which further raises your blood pressure so it is imperative that you lose weight and manage yourself properly.
