High blood pressure is one of the major causes of heart attack or stroke. Modern lifestyle and everyday stress takes its toll Office jobs, lack of exercise and bad eating habits contribute to the problem, even in young people. That’s why we bring you these 10 ways to help yourself to reduce this secret enemy.
Running
One-hour run once a week can help extend the life up to six years. Scientists believe that running has many beneficial effects, including improving oxygen uptake and lowering blood pressure. Physical activity leads to lower blood pressure by strengthening the heart, which can pump more blood with less effort, thereby reducing the pressure on the arteries. Brisk walking is effective, as well as running.
Yogurt
A cup of yogurt a day reduces the risk of high blood pressure by 30%. American scientists claim that calcium allows the blood vessels to expand and maintain the pressure in the normal range.
Bananas
Bananas are rich in potassium, an important mineral that controls the balance of fluids in the body and helps lower blood pressure.
Salt
Salt is the “trigger” that increases the intake of water into organism and therefore, increases the volume and pressure of blood in the arteries.
Weight Loss
Studies have shown that losing just a few pounds of body weight has a significant effect on blood pressure. The fact is that heart of a person that is even slightly overweight works under stress, leading to a high blood pressure.
Cigarettes
The nicotine in cigarettes stimulates the body to produce adrenaline, which makes the heart beat faster, thereby increasing blood pressure. The effort of the heart in this case is great. So quit or at least reduce cigarettes and you will reduce the risk of hypertension.
Working hours
Workers who have more than 50 working hours per week are more likely to develop high blood pressure than those who work less than 40 hours per week. Working overtime prevents a person to exercise and to eat healthy. Therefore, make sure you take the time to relax and to eat healthy foods.
Snoring
More than half of people who snore have a significantly higher pressure than would be expected for their age and health.
Caffeine
Caffeine increases blood pressure by tightening blood vessels and increasing the effects of stress. That’s why it should be avoided whenever possible.
Red beet
By eating or drinking it, beetroot reduces the risk of high blood pressure by 7%. Apart from beetroot, cabbage and spinach are very efficient.