Preeti Rao, Founder and CEO, WELLNESSjiva | Updated: November 27, 2020 11:20 IST
High BP can be managed with a healthy diet.
Hypertension is one of the most common lifestyle diseases today, with every fifth person we meet suffering from it. A critical step in preventing and treating high blood pressure is making the right lifestyle choices. These lifestyle changes can help reduce your blood pressure along with the use of prescribed medications.
Many of us become excessively dependent on allopathic medicines, which can have side effects if taken in the long term. Instead, a holistic approach to wellness and comprehensive coaching can ensure you a better quality of life. A little attention towards what you eat can help you regulate your system beneficially.
Common causes or contributing factors of hyper tension or high blood pressure are obesity, genetic factors, excessive drinking, high salt intake, lack of exercise, stress, birth control pills, pain relievers, kidney disease and adrenal disease. Blood pressure generally is higher in the winter and lower in the summer. That's because low temperatures cause your blood vessels to become narrow, which increases blood pressure as more pressure is needed to force blood through your narrowed veins and arteries.
Lemon is one of the best remedies for hypertension.Image Credit: istock
2. Watermelon Seeds
Watermelon seeds contain a compound called cucurbocitrin, which helps widen the blood capillaries. At the same time, it also helps improve kidney functioning. This in turn reduces blood pressure levels and helps a lot with arthritis.
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Watermelon also helps improve kidney functioning.Image Credit: istock
3. Garlic
Both raw and cooked garlic help control high blood pressure and at the same time reduce cholesterol levels. Garlic helps relax blood vessels by stimulating the production of nitric oxide and hydrogen sulfide.
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Both raw and cooked garlic help control high blood pressure. Image Credit: istock
4. Banana
Banana is one fruit that people with high blood pressure can eat regularly to control it. Banana is a rich source of potassium, which lessens the effect of sodium. So, try to eat one or two bananas daily. Along with bananas, you can try dried apricots, raisins, currants, orange juice, spinach, zucchini, baked sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, and winter squash.
Banana is a rich source of potassium, which lessens the effect of sodium. Image Credit: istock
5. Celery
The high level of the phytochemical 3-N-butylphthalide present in celery greatly helps control high blood pressure. Phthalates help relax the muscles in and around the arterial walls, thereby creating more space and allowing the blood to flow in without difficulty. At the same time; it can help reduce the stress hormones that constrict blood vessels, which contributes to high blood pressure.
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Try to eat one stalk of celery along with a glass of water daily. If you prefer, you can munch on celery throughout the day.
The high level of the phytochemical 3-N-butylphthalide present in celery greatly helps control high blood pressure. Image Credit: istock
What you eat brings a huge difference to your body. Adopt a healthier lifestyle as opposed to going on diets or starving the body. Consult a health and wellness coach who can help you transform your life by facilitating changes in your lifestyle that will help in controlling hypertension. Lifestyle modifications are essential. Small lifestyle choices go a long way in maintaining long term good health.
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