How to lower blood pressure

[benben]

I have been diagnosed with high blood pressure. I am very lucky because it is not bad yet. We have caught it early. So what are some ways I can lower my blood pressure?

 

[Kyron]

If you are heavy, lose weight. The more you lose the better your chance of lowering your blood pressure. Manage stress. This sounds like a total sissy, but I took up meditating. There are a lot of resources online that will show you how. I use a sound machine that sounds like rain. I tell my wife to give me 30 minutes and if I've fallen asleep, wake me. I didn't know how much I would start to like doing this but I like it, A LOT! Lower your sodium intake. Sodas have a lot of sodium as well as a lot of sugar. If you can stop altogether that's wonderful. I did and I don't miss it now. I do have a cup of coffee in the mornings but that's it. Also decrease your caffeine intake. Caffeine will cause your blood pressure to go up. Good luck!

 

[benben]

I am only about 10 pounds over weight. I am starting to work out more. As for managing stress... help! I do not think meditating sounds sissy at all I just do not know how to do it. I am so stressed out. I like the idea of your sound machine. Where do you buy something like that at?

Oh and thank you for the wonderful post. If I can learn to manage this stress I know I would feel so much better!

 

[Kyron]

I've seen the sound machines in different online places. Just Google for "sound machines" and you should find a nice selection. There are also instructions on different places on how to meditate. It is very restful.

 

[McGregor]

Good advice. Apart from that, you should be more aware about what you eat. Take only healthy food stay away from junk food though it's cheap and tasty.

 

[syboken]

Do you try to limit your stress and your work load? I notice that tends to be the largest issue that most have when it comes to BP issues or heart ones.