Food Can Control your Blood Pressure - Learn How?

The force of your blood going against the walls of your arteries is referred to as blood pressure. Although blood pressure typically rises and falls at different times throughout the day, a consistent elevation in blood pressure can contribute to heart disease and stroke risk. There are a number of ways to reduce blood pressure and it can frequently be controlled with food. Consuming foods that are high in potassium can decrease the effect of salt or sodium on an individual’s blood pressure. Getting adequate potassium is best obtained by eating fruits and vegetables, instead of taking potassium supplements. People considering increasing their potassium intake should check with their doctors to determine how much potassium is best suited for them.
Eating celery can help control blood pressure as well. Celery naturally lowers the blood pressure because it contains phthalide. This substance, which is partly responsible for giving celery its smell and taste helps improve blood flow by relaxing the smooth muscles of your cardiovascular system. Eating garlic can also relax your blood vessels and help lower your blood pressure. Again, people should talk to their doctors prior to taking garlic supplements or increasing their intake of garlic because it can interfere with a number of medications.

Consuming three servings of fish per week can also help lower blood pressure. Fatty fish such as salmon contains omega-3 fatty acids which is thought to play a role in decreasing hypertension. In addition, by substituting spices for salt in your diet can also help reduce blood pressure. Salt encourages fluid retention which can drive your blood pressure up. Herbs such as basil, parsley and oregano can also promote a healthy blood pressure.
When blood pressure is consistently high, people should not depend only on food to bring it down. In addition to eating a healthy diet, people should make lifestyle changes such as losing weight, quitting smoking and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption. In addition, those with consistent high blood pressure may need to take prescription medications to manage their hypertension.