High blood pressure: Five simple steps to follow to help lower your reading

High blood pressure is when the pressure of the blood in the body is too high.

It can be a serious condition, because if left untreated high blood pressure can cause health problems like heart attacks and strokes.

Problems can be avoided, however, by taking measures to maintain healthy blood pressure and lower it if it is too high.

Blood pressure UK offers the following five tips to reduce blood pressure levels.

Eat less salt

Too much salt raises blood pressure, so it’s important to eat as little as possible.

Most of the salt you eat is not what you add to food, but is hidden in prepared foods like bread, breakfast cereals and ready meals, so always check the salt content of these products before buying and opt for low-salt options.

At home, avoid adding salt to food when cooking or at the table.

Eat more fruit and vegetables

“Eating more fruit and vegetables helps to lower your blood pressure,” said the blood pressure expert.

UK adults are advised to eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables every day.

Keep to a healthy weight

If overweight, losing weight will help to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of health problems.

“The best way to lose weight is to choose more low-fat and low-calorie foods, and increase your physical activity,” said the blood pressure organisation.

Drink less alcohol

Drinking too much alcohol raises blood pressure over time, so it’s vital to stick to the recommended limit of 14 units per week.

“If you keep to the recommended alcohol limits, this should help keep your blood pressure down,” the blood pressure expert said.

Get more active

Being “moderately” active for 30 minutes five times a week can help keep the heart healthy and lower blood pressure.

“If you can’t find 30 minutes in your day, increasing your activity by even a small amount can help,” said the blood pressure organisation.

“Think about how you can be more active in your daily life. Any activity that leaves you feeling warm and slightly out of breath is ideal.”

https://ift.tt/2Azi6CC