Diet and your blood pressure

When blood flows through our blood it exerts pressure on the walls of the arteries through which it flows. This is called Blood pressure. Blood pressure rises when the arteries narrow or constrict, making the heart to beat more forcefully in order to pump blood through them.

High blood pressure or hypertension as it is called is usually symptomless in its early stages. So, many people do not even realize that they have a potentially life-threatning disease. If left unchecked it can damage the heart and blood vessels(arteries) and lead to a stroke, heart attack or other serious consequences.

Diet can play an important role in prevention and cure of high blood pressure. Just doing these simple things will help keep your blood pressure in check.

• Limit salt intake - By not adding salt to your food and by avoiding salty, pickled and processed food which come loaded with sodium.
• Do not be overweight - Just lose that excess weight and see your blood pressure return to normal. So guys, keep your weight down because even being slightly overweight contributes to hypertension.
• Reduce stress - Practice yoga, meditation or any other relaxation technique to reduce those stress levels as stress no doubt raises blood pressure temporarily. Or better still keep a pet.
• Limit fat intake - Cut down on butter and margarine, stem or broil food instead of frying, switch to low fat milk and choose lean portions of meat. This will not only keep your weight in check but also prevent high blood pressure.
• Reduce caffeine - as too much coffee raises blood pressure.
• Reduce alcohol - to a glass daily as excessive consumption raises the risk of hyper tension.
• Raise the levels of calcium in your diet - by eating greens, broccoli, figs and dairy products. Reduced levels of calcium are linked with hypertension.
• Get more garlic - as research shows that garlic may reduce blood pressure . Preferrably eaten fresh or lightly roasted.