High blood pressure or hypertension occurs when the pressure of blood against the walls of our arteries is too high. It is a serious condition that can lead to several health problems, such as heart attacks, stroke, and kidney disease.
Medications can help to control blood pressure, but there are also natural ways to lower it. Here are 30 natural ways to reduce pressure without medicines:.
1. Maintain a healthy weight
Being overweight or obese can increase your blood pressure, so it’s important to maintain a healthy weight or lose weight if necessary. A healthy body mass index (BMI) is between 18.5 and 24.9.
2. Exercise regularly
Regular physical activity can help to lower blood pressure. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming, most days of the week.
3. Reduce salt intake
Excessive salt intake can increase blood pressure. Limit your salt intake to less than 6 grams per day, which is about one teaspoon.
4. Eat a healthy diet
A healthy diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can help to lower blood pressure. Avoid processed and fried foods, and limit your intake of red meat and sugar.
5. Limit alcohol consumption
Excessive alcohol consumption can increase blood pressure. If you drink alcohol, limit it to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.
6. Quit smoking
Smoking can increase blood pressure and damage your blood vessels. If you smoke, quit as soon as possible.
7. Manage stress
Stress can increase blood pressure. Try relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga to manage stress.
8. Get enough sleep
Lack of sleep can increase blood pressure. Aim for at least 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night.
9. Drink green tea
Green tea contains antioxidants and other compounds that can help to lower blood pressure.
10. Consume garlic
Garlic can lower blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels. Add garlic to your diet or take a garlic supplement.
11. Try beetroot juice
Beetroot juice can lower blood pressure due to its high nitrate content. Drink one glass of beetroot juice per day.
12. Drink hibiscus tea
Hibiscus tea can lower blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels. Drink one cup of hibiscus tea per day.
13. Try cocoa
Cocoa contains flavanols that can lower blood pressure. Choose dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa.
14. Take omega-3 supplements
Omega-3 supplements can lower blood pressure by reducing inflammation in the blood vessels. Take an omega-3 supplement or eat fatty fish such as salmon or mackerel.
15. Drink pomegranate juice
Pomegranate juice can lower blood pressure by improving blood flow and reducing inflammation. Drink one glass of pomegranate juice per day.
16. Eat potassium-rich foods
Potassium can help to lower blood pressure by counteracting the effects of sodium. Eat potassium-rich foods such as bananas, avocados, and sweet potatoes.
17. Consume magnesium-rich foods
Magnesium can help to lower blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels. Eat magnesium-rich foods such as spinach, almonds, and black beans.
18. Try acupuncture
Acupuncture can help to lower blood pressure by reducing stress and improving blood flow.
19. Take a hot bath
A hot bath can help to lower blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels. Soak in a hot bath for at least 15 minutes.
20. Practice deep breathing
Deep breathing can help to lower blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels. Take slow, deep breaths for at least 5 minutes.
21. Massage therapy
Massage therapy can help to lower blood pressure by reducing stress and improving blood flow.
22. Drink coconut water
Coconut water can help to lower blood pressure by improving blood circulation and reducing inflammation. Drink one glass of coconut water per day.
23. Practice mindfulness
Mindfulness can help to lower blood pressure by reducing stress. Practice mindfulness techniques such as meditation or yoga.
24. Take a daily walk
A daily walk can help to lower blood pressure by improving blood flow and reducing stress. Aim for at least 30 minutes of walking per day.
25. Use essential oils
Essential oils such as lavender and bergamot can help to lower blood pressure by reducing stress. Use an essential oil diffuser or apply the oil directly to your skin.
26. Try biofeedback
Biofeedback can help to lower blood pressure by teaching you to control your breathing and relaxation response.
27. Eat flaxseed
Flaxseed can help to lower blood pressure by reducing inflammation and improving blood flow. Add flaxseed to your diet or take a flaxseed supplement.
28. Take a break
Taking a break from work or other activities can help to lower blood pressure by reducing stress. Take a few minutes every hour to rest and relax.
29. Laugh
Laughter can help to lower blood pressure by reducing stress and improving blood flow. Watch a funny movie or spend time with friends who make you laugh.
30. Spend time with pets
Spend time with pets can help to lower blood pressure by reducing stress and improving mood. Pet your dog or cat, or volunteer at a local animal shelter.