Learn More on Healthy Blood Pressure

In reading the blood pressure there are two numbers to be considered-the systolic blood pressure and the diastolic blood pressure. The systolic blood pressure is the higher number which represents the contact of the heart and the pushing of the blood through the arteries. The diastolic blood pressure is the lower number which represents the pressure measured when the heart starts to expand and how the blood is drawn into the chambers.

Normally, a blood pressure of 120/80 is considered a healthy blood pressure for a person less than 40 years old. Thus, a change in the numbers would mean a change in either the diet or the lifestyle to prevent complications brought about by the increase of the blood pressure.

Diet change
Once diagnosed with high blood pressure or hypertension, a change in the diet is very important. There is then a need to decrease your sodium intake because this can increase your blood pressure. More sodium intake means that there is accumulation of excess water in the body tissues or in the circulatory system which cause in the increase of the BP which could mean increase in the workload of the heart. In order to remove the excess of fluid throughout the body, the heart has to work harder.
It is necessary to avoid canned foods, fast foods, chips; junk foods, processed foods and caffeine for these are rich in sodium. Now is the time for you to cut these foods to lower your blood pressure. An increased blood pressure means an increase in heartbeat.
Also, reduce the use of salt while cooking. As an alternative, use herbs and spices as alternatives because are the healthier options.
It is essential to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables daily. Use olive, krill or fish oil if you want to fry them. Avoid ground and red meats and instead go with eating lean meats like skin less chicken. Eat more fish as this is rich in omega 3 fatty acids which are good for the body.

Remember that a sensible diet is what our body requires. This is a great asset to a happier, longer and healthier life.

Lifestyle change
These changes would include cutting alcoholic beverages, cigarettes and prohibited drugs and reduction of stress, pressure and anxiety. In the latter case, a regular exercise or physical activity needs to be done.
Drinking alcoholic beverages, smoking and using prohibited drugs are dangerous to health and are risk factors for high blood pressure. These vices cause damage to the blood vessels, increase blood clotting and clogging of arteries, increase blood pressure and heart rate and reduce the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart and the brain. Hence, it is necessary that these vices should be stopped. Remember you cannot do it overnight. It needs your high level of determination to do it.

To avoid stress, pressure and anxiety, physical exercise or activity is necessary. Devote at least thirty minutes of physical exercise daily for at least three times in a week. You can start with walking or strolling, then go with jogging, biking, swimming, other aerobic exercises or participation in other sports activities.

Yoga, meditation and deep breathing can make you relax and forget all worries. Go with these natural methods instead of taking anti-hypertensive drugs for these are sure ways to control hypertension.