Natural Ways to Lower High Blood Pressure: Lifestyle Changes & Tips

Many people have high blood pressure, particularly as they grow older. While medication is an obvious solution, you actually can lower your blood pressure without it. Here are a few common sense ideas that will work to lower your blood pressure.

Instructions

• 1

  Reduce your salt intake. Table salt is a bad idea, as are high-sodium content processed foods and snacks. You can always use a salt substitute to get that salty flavor.

• 2

  Avoid caffeine. The caffeine stimulant increases your heart rate, as well as your blood pressure. You can find decaffeinated coffee, tea and soft drinks.

• 3

  Stop smoking. Cigarette smoke is a stimulant and can raise your blood pressure. There are also other unhealthy consequences of smoking, such as the tar and nicotine.

• 4

  Lose weight. Your heart has an easier time beating when you shed unwanted pounds.

• 5

  Beware of drugs and alcohol. These stimulants are bad for your blood pressure, because they allow your body to hold onto sodium.

• 6

  Handle your stress well and get plenty of rest and exercise. This allows your body to work correctly and keep your blood pressure in check.

• 7

  Practice slow, even breathing until it becomes a habit. Get plenty of sunlight in your day. You may be surprised at how much these two things help lower your blood pressure.