Category — Blood Pressure
Overweight Or Not, Here Are 9 Tips To Lower Your Blood Pressure Now!
By Juliette Aiyana, L.Ac., Author of Chinese Medicine & Healthy Weight Management
You don’t always have to wait to quit your job or to lose weight before lowering your blood pressure. Use these natural techniques to re-gain your health and reduce stress.
1. Reduce Sodium Intake and Increase Potassium Intake.
Reduce or eliminate colas from your diet. Use low or no sodium soy sauce or other seasonings products. Avoid pre-packaged, pre-made foods such as boxed frozen and canned foods which are high in sodium (20% or more of you daily value). Avoiding these foods and drinks are also an important part of a weight loss diet. Increase high potassium foods such as unsalted tomato sauce, bananas, avocados, cantaloupe, apricots, raisins, beans, figs & winter squash. Talk to your health care provider about starting a potassium supplement.
Reduce or eliminate colas from your diet. Use low or no sodium soy sauce or other seasonings products. Avoid pre-packaged, pre-made foods such as boxed frozen and canned foods which are high in sodium (20% or more of you daily value). Avoiding these foods and drinks are also an important part of a weight loss diet. Increase high potassium foods such as unsalted tomato sauce, bananas, avocados, cantaloupe, apricots, raisins, beans, figs & winter squash. Talk to your health care provider about starting a potassium supplement.2. Exercise Daily.
Studies show that cardio vascular exercise reduces blood pressure and relieves stress. Sometimes due to health reasons or time constraints we cannot work out often or engage in a vigorous cardio-vascular program. That is okay. Start by walking for 5-15 minutes per day. Slowly increase your walking time and soon you may be able to go to the gym again. Also try hatha yoga, qi-gong or tai-chi.
Studies show that cardio vascular exercise reduces blood pressure and relieves stress. Sometimes due to health reasons or time constraints we cannot work out often or engage in a vigorous cardio-vascular program. That is okay. Start by walking for 5-15 minutes per day. Slowly increase your walking time and soon you may be able to go to the gym again. Also try hatha yoga, qi-gong or tai-chi.
3. Use Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs.
Scientific research studies show that acupuncture reduces blood pressure by reducing stress hormones and releasing good hormones called endorphins. Chinese herbs are often used in combination with acupuncture to balance the root cause of energy disharmony which may contribute to high blood pressure. Find an acupuncturist near you at www.tcmdirectory.com.
Scientific research studies show that acupuncture reduces blood pressure by reducing stress hormones and releasing good hormones called endorphins. Chinese herbs are often used in combination with acupuncture to balance the root cause of energy disharmony which may contribute to high blood pressure. Find an acupuncturist near you at www.tcmdirectory.com.
4. Take Breaks At Work.
To reduce your stress, walk out of the office for a few minutes, breathe deeply and let go.
To reduce your stress, walk out of the office for a few minutes, breathe deeply and let go.
5. Reduce Exposure to News Media.
Cut down on T.V. news shows, newspaper and magazine reading and internet news media. News sources such as T.V. news, news magazine shows, Court TV, Cops, Unsolved Mysteries and other crime shows as well as glossy news magazines thrive on inducing fear and anxiety which causes blood pressure to rise as stress levels rise.
Cut down on T.V. news shows, newspaper and magazine reading and internet news media. News sources such as T.V. news, news magazine shows, Court TV, Cops, Unsolved Mysteries and other crime shows as well as glossy news magazines thrive on inducing fear and anxiety which causes blood pressure to rise as stress levels rise.
6. Give Yourself Alone Time.
Even five minutes a day of quiet time can help. Try any of the following; meditate, walk, sit in a garden, breathe, go for a drive or bike ride.
Even five minutes a day of quiet time can help. Try any of the following; meditate, walk, sit in a garden, breathe, go for a drive or bike ride.
7. Engage in Low Stress Activities You Enjoy
Knitting, golfing, gardening, playing with pets, fishing, dance, sing, play an instrument, walk in the park or meet a friend for tea.
Knitting, golfing, gardening, playing with pets, fishing, dance, sing, play an instrument, walk in the park or meet a friend for tea.
July 2, 2009 No Comments
