High blood pressure is a common medical condition. Depending on the level of your blood pressure, you may need to take medication to get it under control. Once high blood pressure (HBP) is under control with medication, you can try using lifestyle techniques to lower your blood pressure and reduce your need for the medication. Using techniques like changes to your diet and lifestyle, in combination with medication, will help you manage your condition and stay healthy. [1] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
Steps
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Don't add excess salt to your foods. Avoid adding more than a pinch of salt to your food when you cook it, and don't add salt once you are getting ready to eat. The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of sodium is less than 2,300 mg (2.3 g), or about 1 teaspoon of table salt. [2] X Trustworthy Source US Food and Drug Administration U.S. government agency responsible for promoting public health Go to source But, you will get more than enough through the prepared foods that you eat and the small amounts you add to your food. [3] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public Go to source
- A high-sodium diet draws water into your bloodstream, which can increase the volume of blood and cause high blood pressure. [4] X Trustworthy Source US Food and Drug Administration U.S. government agency responsible for promoting public health Go to source
- Keep in mind that sea salt and kosher salt have around the same amount of sodium as table salt, so it doesn’t make them “healthier.” [5] X Research source
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Avoid eating processed foods. Processed foods are typically loaded with salt and other additives, such as the preservative sodium benzoate. [6] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source The amount of sodium that’s in frozen and packaged foods can become a problem when eaten frequently, so prepare your own food whenever you can to control how much sodium is added. [7] X Trustworthy Source National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Research and education center within the National Institutes of Health Go to source
- Sodium causes your body to retain water, which can increase your blood pressure. The amount of sodium in prepared foods should be listed on the nutrition facts label. [8] X Trustworthy Source US Food and Drug Administration U.S. government agency responsible for promoting public health Go to source
- Read labels and buy low-salt, reduced-sodium, or no-salt-added foods. [9] X Trustworthy Source National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Research and education center within the National Institutes of Health Go to source
- Prepared, canned, and bottled foods typically have a lot of salt in them. This includes pickles, pizza, bread, cold cuts and cured meats, soups, burritos, tacos, savory snacks (chips, crackers, popcorn), poultry, cheese, pasta mixed dishes, burgers, egg dishes and omelets. [10] X Trustworthy Source US Food and Drug Administration U.S. government agency responsible for promoting public health Go to source
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Track your sodium levels. On average, Americans consume more than 3,400 mg (3.4 g) of sodium per day, which is linked to elevated blood pressure and an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. [11] X Trustworthy Source US Food and Drug Administration U.S. government agency responsible for promoting public health Go to source The American Heart Association recommends no more than 1,500 mg (1.5 g) of sodium per day for adults with high blood pressure. [12] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source To reduce sodium in your diet, track your daily intake and avoid as much sodium as possible. [13] X Trustworthy Source National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Research and education center within the National Institutes of Health Go to source
- To track how much sodium you have eaten, keep a food journal or use a tracking app. There are a variety of fitness and health apps that will allow you to track your sodium intake throughout the day. [14] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
- A low-sodium food consists of 140 mg of sodium or less per serving. A reduced-sodium diet will have at least 25% less sodium than the regular product. [15] X Trustworthy Source US Food and Drug Administration U.S. government agency responsible for promoting public health Go to source A high-sodium food is anything over 400 mg or more per serving. [16] X Trustworthy Source University of California San Francisco Health Center Research hospital associated with UCSF, a leading medical university, providing innovative patient care and public health resources Go to source
- Keep in mind that sea salt and kosher salt have the same amount of sodium as table salt. [17] X Trustworthy Source American Heart Association Leading nonprofit that funds medical research and public education Go to source
- Studies show that salt substitutes contain potassium chloride, which may not be safe for at-risk populations. [18] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Instead, look for “sodium-free” or “reduced-sodium” versions of foods, and add flavor with lemon juice, vinegar, fresh herbs, and salt-free seasoning blends. [19] X Trustworthy Source National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Research and education center within the National Institutes of Health Go to source
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Eat a moderate, lean diet. When trying to lower your blood pressure, it's important to focus on moderation and follow the DASH eating plan . Try to eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and limit fatty meats, full-fat dairy, sweets, and sodium. [20] X Trustworthy Source National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Research and education center within the National Institutes of Health Go to source
- Some studies show that following a plant-based diet may lower hypertension. [21] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Try to have at least one meal a day that doesn't include meat. For example, you could have a salad for lunch of leafy greens and raw vegetables and seeds, such as carrots, cucumbers, celery, and sunflower seeds.
- When you do eat meat and fish, make sure it is a lean type, such as chicken or salmon without the skin. When you eat or drink dairy products, make sure you are picking low-fat options. [22] X Trustworthy Source National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Research and education center within the National Institutes of Health Go to source
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Avoid foods that are high in sugar and fat. This means you should limit fatty meats, full-fat dairy, sugar sweetened beverages, and sweets. [23] X Trustworthy Source National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Research and education center within the National Institutes of Health Go to source While these foods may be delicious, they provide little nutritional value, and you can find fat-free and sugar-free versions of the same foods at most grocery stores. [24] X Trustworthy Source Health.gov Online collection of health and fitness standards set by the U.S. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Go to source
- Instead of red meat, get protein from healthier options like fish, poultry, or legumes. [25] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public Go to source
- If you have sugar cravings, eat fruits that lower your blood pressure naturally, like kiwi, strawberries, blueberries, or bananas. [26] X Research source
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Increase your fiber intake. Studies show that a high-fiber diet can lower systolic and blood pressure. [27] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Most root vegetables and leafy greens are high in fiber, as well as fruits, nuts, and whole-grain products. [28] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
- Some of the best foods you can eat to increase your fiber include pears, peaches, apples, bananas, carrots, beets, broccoli, lentils, kidney beans, spinach, oatmeal, quinoa, shredded wheat cereal, and brown rice. [29] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source
- According to the USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, adults should eat at least 2 servings of fruit and at least 3 servings of vegetables per day. [30] X Research source Choose a variety of fruits, vegetables, and grains to make healthy food choices.
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Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Most Americans are not meeting the recommended levels for fish and omega-3 fatty acids. [31] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Some studies show that consuming about 3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids per day may reduce your blood pressure. [32] X Trustworthy Source Journals of the American Heart Association Open Access, peer-reviewed journals focusing on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, as well as related scientific research. Go to source To promote overall heart health, the American Heart Association recommends consuming two, 3.5 oz servings of fish per week. [33] X Research source
- Fish is high in protein, and the levels of omega-3 fatty acids are highest in oily fish, including salmon, herring, trout, sardines, canned mackerel, and canned light tuna. [34] X Research source
- The American Heart Association recommends eating 5.5 oz (160 g) of lean protein a day, which includes fish. [35] X Trustworthy Source American Heart Association Leading nonprofit that funds medical research and public education Go to source
- You can also take fish oil tablets regularly to get more omega-3 fatty acids. However, do research on the specific fish oil tablet you take—some can have unpleasant side effects like bad breath, nausea, and upset stomach. [36] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source Studies show that most fish oil supplements contain little to no mercury. [37] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
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Increase your intake of dietary potassium. Increasing potassium intake can help lower your blood pressure, while consuming too much sodium can raise your blood pressure. [38] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source Aim for 2,600 mg of potassium per day if you’re a woman and 3,400 mg of potassium per day if you’re a man. [39] X Trustworthy Source American Heart Association Leading nonprofit that funds medical research and public education Go to source You may need more potassium if you are active, and less if you are elderly or sick. Some foods that are naturally high in potassium include: [40] X Research source
- Oranges
- Prunes
- Bananas
- Dried apricots
- Tomatoes
- Potatoes
- Acorn squash
- Broccoli
- Lentils
- Kidney beans
- Soybeans
- Nuts
- Milk and yogurt
- Meats, poultry, and fish
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Talk to your doctor about adding supplements to your diet. Check with your doctor before taking any dietary supplements to treat any health condition. [41] X Research source Studies show that some dietary supplements may lower high blood pressure, but none have significant advantages over antihypertensive medication. [42] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
- The top supplements that may assist in lowering blood pressure are coenzyme Q10, omega-3, fish oil, garlic, curcumin (from turmeric), ginger, cayenne, olive oil, nuts, black cohosh, hawthorn, magnesium and chromium. [43]
X
Expert Source
Ritu Thakur, MA
Natural Health Care Professional Expert Interview. 25 July 2019. Ask your doctor if these are safe for you to take. - You can also try using fenugreek seeds, basil, and flaxseeds to help improve your blood pressure. [44]
X
Expert Source
Ritu Thakur, MA
Natural Health Care Professional Expert Interview. 25 July 2019. - Vitamin B12, B6, and folic acid can lower homocysteine levels in the blood. [45] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public Go to source Some studies show that lowering homocysteine levels may help treat drug-resistant hypertension. [46] X Research source
- The top supplements that may assist in lowering blood pressure are coenzyme Q10, omega-3, fish oil, garlic, curcumin (from turmeric), ginger, cayenne, olive oil, nuts, black cohosh, hawthorn, magnesium and chromium. [43]
X
Expert Source
Ritu Thakur, MA
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Stop smoking . Stimulants in cigarette smoke, like nicotine, increase your blood pressure. [47] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source When you stop smoking, you lower your blood pressure and heart rate almost immediately, plus reduce your chances of getting other diseases like lung cancer. [48] X Research source
- If you are having a hard time quitting smoking, talk to your doctor about how they can help you. They may be able to prescribe you medication that will help you quit and steer you towards programs that will help as well. [49] X Trustworthy Source Health.gov Online collection of health and fitness standards set by the U.S. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Go to source
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Consume less caffeine. If you have severe high blood pressure, you should avoid drinking too much coffee, soda pop, or other caffeinated beverages. According to research, people with severe hypertension who drink 2 or more cups of coffee per day can double their risk of dying from cardiovascular disease. [50] X Trustworthy Source American Heart Association Leading nonprofit that funds medical research and public education Go to source This doesn’t apply to people with lower blood pressure levels or those who drink green tea, however. [51] X Trustworthy Source Journals of the American Heart Association Open Access, peer-reviewed journals focusing on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, as well as related scientific research. Go to source
- If a person already has hypertension, caffeine complicates the problem further because it is a nervous system stimulant. It increases your metabolic rate, which raises blood pressure. [52] X Research source
- If you drink more than 400 mg of caffeine per day (about 4-5 cups of coffee), you may need to cut back to avoid unpleasant symptoms, like headaches, anxiety, and nervousness. [53] X Trustworthy Source US Food and Drug Administration U.S. government agency responsible for promoting public health Go to source
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Lose weight . Carrying around extra weight puts extra strain on your heart and this can increase your blood pressure. [54] X Trustworthy Source American Heart Association Leading nonprofit that funds medical research and public education Go to source By losing extra weight, through diet and exercise changes, your heart won't have to beat as hard and you'll lower your blood pressure. [55] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
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Avoid recreational use of drugs and alcohol. Excessive use of drugs and alcohol can damage many organs in the body, including the liver and the kidneys. [56] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source Research shows that substance abuse may contribute to high blood pressure. [57] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
- Many drugs are stimulants. These cause the heart to beat faster and the blood pressure to go up. By cutting out drugs and alcohol, you'll succeed in reducing your blood pressure. [58] X Research source
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Monitor your blood pressure and talk with your doctor. A medical professional can check your blood pressure by using a sphygmomanometer and a stethoscope , or you can check it yourself using an automatic blood pressure monitoring device. [59] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source If you have concerns about your blood pressure, talk to your doctor to determine what treatment options may work best for you. [60] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source Blood pressure is usually divided into categories, which include: [61] X Trustworthy Source American Heart Association Leading nonprofit that funds medical research and public education Go to source
- Normal blood pressure: less than 120 (systolic) and less than 80 (diastolic)
- Elevated blood pressure: between 120-129 (systolic) and less than 80 (diastolic)
- Stage 1 hypertension: between 130-139 (systolic) or higher than 90 (diastolic)
- Stage 2 hypertension: higher than 140 (systolic) or higher than 90 (diastolic)
- Hypertensive crisis: higher than 180 (systolic) and/or higher than 120 (diastolic)
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Reduce chronic stress . Minimize daily stressors, if possible, such as not getting enough sleep, arguing with others, or worrying about school and work deadlines. [62] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source When you’re under chronic stress, you increase your blood pressure and raise your risk of heart disease. [63] X Trustworthy Source University of Rochester Medical Center Leading academic medical center in the U.S. focused on clinical care and research Go to source
- This may happen because your adrenal gland releases the stress hormone cortisol. [64] X Research source
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Take a relaxing bath to reduce your blood pressure. Taking a soaking hot bath or stepping into a sauna for 15-20 minutes may lower your blood pressure. [65] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public Go to source This is because the high temperature of the water causes your blood vessels to dilate and the water pressure increases the volume of blood your heart pumps. [66] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public Go to source
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Meditate to calm yourself and reduce your blood pressure. Take time every day to calm yourself, as this can reduce your overall stress. [67] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Relaxing and controlling your breathing can lower your blood pressure and heart rate. [68] X Research source
- When you are meditating, you can focus on breathing deeply and slowly. Try to practice at least 10-20 minutes a day. [69] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public Go to source
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Take a walk or do some other type of exercise every day. Exercise at least 150 minutes a week, and walk at a moderate speed of about 3.0 mph (4.8 km/h). [70] X Research source Walking for 30-45 minutes, 5-6 days a week, can lower your blood pressure up to 10 points. [71] X Research source
- Can't walk outside? Use a treadmill inside. The advantage is that you can walk even as it rains or snows outside. You can even walk in your pajamas without the neighbors seeing you!
- Taking a long walk will take the edge off a stressful day long before bedtime. Make time for decompressing each and every day.
How Do You Lower Blood Pressure?
List of Foods to Eat and Avoid and Sample Exercise Routine
Expert Q&A
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QuestionWhat herbs lower blood pressure?Ritu Thakur is a healthcare consultant in Delhi, India, with over 10 years of experience in Ayurveda, Naturopathy, Yoga, and Holistic Care. She received her Bachelor Degree in Medicine (BAMS) in 2009 from BU University, Bhopal followed by her Master's in Health Care in 2011 from Apollo Institute of Health Care Management, Hyderabad.There are many herbs that help lower blood pressure. The main herbs are cinnamon, garlic, ginger, basil, flax seeds, fenugreek seed, and hawthorn.
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QuestionAre there any herbs or supplements I can use to lower my blood pressure?Ritu Thakur is a healthcare consultant in Delhi, India, with over 10 years of experience in Ayurveda, Naturopathy, Yoga, and Holistic Care. She received her Bachelor Degree in Medicine (BAMS) in 2009 from BU University, Bhopal followed by her Master's in Health Care in 2011 from Apollo Institute of Health Care Management, Hyderabad.You can try using things like basil, cinnamon, garlic, or ginger for blood pressure. Other herbs that may work include flaxseeds, fenugreek, and hawthorn.
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QuestionWill a sauna or steam bath make blood pressure worse?Jurdy Dugdale is a Registered Nurse in Florida. She received her Nursing License from the Florida Board of Nursing in 1989.It could cause blood pressure to drop suddenly if the person is not drinking sufficient water.
Tips
Warnings
- If your blood pressure is higher than 180 (systolic) and/or higher than 120 (diastolic), it is a hypertensive crisis and requires medical attention. Do not wait for your blood pressure to come down on its own, and call 911 immediately! [72] X Trustworthy Source American Heart Association Leading nonprofit that funds medical research and public education Go to sourceThanks
- The consequences of untreated or unchecked hypertension include increased risks of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, kidney disease or failure, vision loss, sexual dysfunction, heart disease, and atherosclerosis. [73] X Trustworthy Source American Heart Association Leading nonprofit that funds medical research and public education Go to sourceThanks
References
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/high-blood-pressure/prevention/
- ↑ https://www.fda.gov/food/nutrition-education-resources-materials/sodium-your-diet
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/salt-and-your-health
- ↑ https://www.fda.gov/food/nutrition-education-resources-materials/sodium-your-diet
- ↑ https://acl.gov/sites/default/files/nutrition/SaltAndSodium2023.pdf
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9003278/
- ↑ https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/news/2023/halt-salt-5-ways-cut-down-sodium-and-improve-your-heart-health
- ↑ https://www.fda.gov/food/nutrition-education-resources-materials/sodium-your-diet
- ↑ https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/news/2023/halt-salt-5-ways-cut-down-sodium-and-improve-your-heart-health
- ↑ https://www.fda.gov/food/nutrition-education-resources-materials/sodium-your-diet
- ↑ https://www.fda.gov/food/nutrition-education-resources-materials/sodium-your-diet
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2016/15_0545.htm
- ↑ https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/news/2023/halt-salt-5-ways-cut-down-sodium-and-improve-your-heart-health
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10459655/
- ↑ https://www.fda.gov/food/nutrition-education-resources-materials/sodium-your-diet
- ↑ https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/guidelines-for-a-low-sodium-diet
- ↑ https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/the-facts-about-high-blood-pressure/common-high-blood-pressure-myths
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1124926/
- ↑ https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/news/2023/halt-salt-5-ways-cut-down-sodium-and-improve-your-heart-health
- ↑ https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/education/dash-eating-plan
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2949991/
- ↑ https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/education/dash-eating-plan
- ↑ https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/education/dash-eating-plan
- ↑ https://health.gov/myhealthfinder/health-conditions/heart-health/lower-sodium-foods-shopping-list
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/salt-and-your-health
- ↑ https://www.ncoa.org/article/10-foods-that-help-lower-blood-pressure-naturally
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9027105/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559033/
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000193.htm
- ↑ https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/sites/default/files/2019-05/Using%20Food%20Guide.pdf
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3992162/
- ↑ https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/full/10.1161/JAHA.121.025071
- ↑ https://aglab.ars.usda.gov/fuel-your-curiosity/animal-health/eat-fish-which-fish-that-fish-go-fish
- ↑ https://doh.wa.gov/community-and-environment/food/fish/health-benefits
- ↑ https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/suggested-servings-from-each-food-group
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/fish-oil
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14632570/
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/salt/sodium-potassium-health/
- ↑ https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/changes-you-can-make-to-manage-high-blood-pressure/how-potassium-can-help-control-high-blood-pressure
- ↑ https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Potassium-HealthProfessional/
- ↑ https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/WYNTK-Consumer/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8108971/
- ↑ Ritu Thakur, MA. Natural Health Care Professional. Expert Interview. 25 July 2019.
- ↑ Ritu Thakur, MA. Natural Health Care Professional. Expert Interview. 25 July 2019.
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/In_brief_B_vitamins_and_homocysteine
- ↑ https://umaine.edu/news/blog/2022/02/01/researchers-cite-lowering-homocysteine-with-vitamin-supplements-as-an-important-approach-to-treating-drug-resistant-hypertension/
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/high-blood-pressure/risk-factors/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/risk_factors.htm
- ↑ https://smokefree.gov/quit-smoking/why-you-should-quit/benefits-of-quitting
- ↑ https://health.gov/myhealthfinder/health-conditions/diabetes/quit-smoking
- ↑ https://www.heart.org/en/news/2022/12/21/people-with-very-high-blood-pressure-may-want-to-go-easy-on-the-coffee
- ↑ https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/JAHA.122.026477
- ↑ https://uhs.princeton.edu/health-resources/caffeine
- ↑ https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/spilling-beans-how-much-caffeine-too-much
- ↑ https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/changes-you-can-make-to-manage-high-blood-pressure/managing-weight-to-control-high-blood-pressure
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15107009/
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/alcohol-and-other-substance-use.html
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11416624/
- ↑ https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/How-drugs-affect-your-body
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/measuring-blood-pressure/
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/high-blood-pressure/about/
- ↑ https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/understanding-blood-pressure-readings
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3626280/
- ↑ https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentTypeID=1&ContentID=2171
- ↑ https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/the-role-of-cortisol-in-the-body
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/hot-baths-and-saunas-beneficial-for-your-heart
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/hot-baths-and-saunas-beneficial-for-your-heart
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3303565/
- ↑ https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/breathing-to-reduce-stress
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/relaxation-techniques-breath-control-helps-quell-errant-stress-response
- ↑ https://howdyhealth.tamu.edu/how-brisk-is-a-brisk-walk/
- ↑ https://oregon.providence.org/forms-and-information/a/ask-an-expert-lowering-blood-pressure-without-pills/
- ↑ https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/understanding-blood-pressure-readings/hypertensive-crisis-when-you-should-call-911-for-high-blood-pressure
- ↑ https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/health-threats-from-high-blood-pressure
About This Article
To lower high blood pressure without using medication, try making simple dietary changes. Try to reduce your salt intake, as excess salt can cause fluid retention which raises your blood pressure. To reduce your salt intake, don’t add more than a pinch of salt to your meals and avoid processed foods. Overall, try to eat a lean, plant-based diet and focus on moderation. Include plenty of fruits and vegetables, alongside some lean meats and low-fat dairy products. Increasing your fiber intake and eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like salmon and herring can also help reduce your blood pressure. For more information from our Medical co-author, like how losing weight can lower your blood pressure, read on!
Reader Success Stories
- "Hi there! It is good to read articles of this type, when many have high BP and don't know it. I'm 84 and for my age I maintain considerably good health, having no arthritis, diabetes or heart problems. I take small medications for my high blood pressure, which becomes a real problem when I try to eat outside the home. I cook daily to avoid such high BP problems. The suggestions here are well taken and very useful. Thanks." ..." more