Eating Right with High Blood Pressure
Generally blood pressure falls and rises throughout the day. The heart works harder due to forcing blood through the arteries when blood pressure is increased. Consistent high blood pressure that goes uncontrolled for a long period of time causes damage to the arteries and can lead to stroke, heart disease and kidney disease. A healthy diet such as the Dash plan is known for its benefits for those who suffer with high blood pressure.
What is the Dash Diet?
The Dash diet, also known as the dietary approach to hypertension, is considered an excellent pattern of eating to treat or prevent high blood pressure. According to Aoife McCarthy, a cardiology dietitian at Cork University Hospital, “even if patients are on blood pressure medication, there is no harm in adapting to this diet.”
The Dash diet is high in potassium, magnesium, calcium and fiber. The diet includes fresh vegetables, fruits, low-fat dairy, wholegrains, poultry, fish, lean meats and nuts. This diet encourages you to remove sodium, sugared beverages, sweets, processed meat and red meat from your diet.
Table Salt and Substitutes to Lower Blood Pressure
Standard table salt is known for raising blood pressure. It is easy to pick up the salt shaker and add extra flavor to your food. Some people go overboard and will add salt to their food without tasting it first. Patients with high blood pressure are well aware that table salt increases blood pressure levels, which causes patients to seek alternatives. Potassium chloride is considered suitable to use in replacement of table salt. However, other types of salt such as pink Himalayan salt, kosher salt and sea salt are similar to table salt and are not recommended as substitutes.
Diet and Nutrition for Healthy Blood Pressure
Consuming a healthy diet, eating small serving sizes and drinking plenty of water on a daily basis provides a variety of vitamins, fiber, minerals, phytochemicals and bioactive compounds. According to the American Heart Association, there is no substitute for a well-balanced diet that is low in sodium, trans fat, saturated fat, dietary cholesterol and limits excess calories.
Natural Blood Pressure Supplements
Diet alone can make a huge difference and improve blood pressure levels. However, there are some patients who need to take medication in addition to following the Dash diet. Prescription medication often help maintain blood pressure levels, however most have side effects. This can be limiting to the patient and interfere with daily life. Patients should speak to their doctor regarding side effects and inquire about making changes to the medication.
Patients who are seeking natural supplements should try PD120. This blood pressure supplement helps maintain healthy blood pressure levels and is made with natural ingredients. PD120 has no negative side effects and also improves strength, libido, energy and motivation.
Speak to your doctor about your options and mention PD120. Bring a bottle along with you to your next doctor visit or show your doctor the website so they can determine if it will benefit your specific situation. Always get doctor’s approval before adding any medication or supplement to your daily regimen.
Lifestyle Changes for Healthy Blood Pressure Levels
While most of the initial focus is on your diet, your doctor will also recommend you make other lifestyle changes as well. Smoking is known for having a negative effect on the heart and quitting this unhealthy habit is essential to lowering blood pressure levels. Excessive drinking is also something you will want to address and limit. While an occasional glass of red wine is considered heart healthy, excessive amounts are dangerous.
Exercise to Manage Blood Pressure Levels
Keeping your body fit and toned is a task that you will want to maintain throughout your lifetime. Patients with high blood pressure are often told daily exercise most days of the week for 30 minutes per session is required. Aerobic exercise is essential to keeping your heart and body healthy.
There are a variety of exercises you can choose to do, such as walking, swimming, bicycling, yoga and tai chi. Consult with your doctor before beginning any exercise program. If your schedule is too full and you feel that you will not be able to adhere to the exercise requirements you can find inventive ways to add physical exercise to your daily routine.
During your daily routine you can add exercise by parking at the end of the parking lot so you have to walk a good distance to the entrance of the building. You can also sit down and stand up several times every time you get up from a sitting position. You can walk your dog a little further then usual. Try to add a bit more physical exercise to your day and soon it will add up. Some patients prefer to go to their local mall and walk from one end to the other and back again. This provides a great deal of exercise when done on a regular basis.
The Dash diet will help rid your kitchen of processed foods that are filled with sugar, salt, sodium and fat. You will replace these items with healthy alternatives and begin to feel energetic again. Following a healthy diet, exercising on a regular basis and drinking plenty of water is essential to maintaining healthy blood pressure levels.