6 ways to keep your blood pressure down
Controlling blood pressure is key to preventing major health complications
Whilst we know that not all brain haemorrhages are preventable, some are and STROKE UK has highlighted hypertension (high blood pressure) as the leading cause of lifestyle related brain haemorrhages.
Therefore controlling blood pressure through a healthy lifestyle is key to preventing health complications, including brain haemorrhages.
But how?
Here are 6 ways to help keep your blood pressure down.
Diet
Focus on eating a well balanced diet with plenty of whole foods, vegetables and fruit. Also, focus on reducing your salt intake by:
checking food labels and looking for low-sodium options
avoiding eating processed foods
not adding salt to your food.
For more information, check out our Health Series and the Nutrition Episode with Nutritionist Nicole Goode.
Smoking
Smoking increases blood pressure, so by stopping smoking you may be able to manage your blood pressure better.
Alcohol
Drinking too much alcohol may raise blood pressure whilst also reducing the effectiveness of any blood pressure medications. Limit your intake or try to abstain completely.
Lack of exercise
Regular exercise can help to lower blood pressure and also keep weight down which can further support to manage blood pressure. Being overweight and specifically carrying too much weight around the waist, can increase the risk of high blood pressure. Check out our Health Series and the movement episode with yoga teacher Allie, to start to bring some gentle exercise into your day.
Sleep
Poor sleep quality and lack of sleep can contribute to high blood pressure. To read more about how to get better sleep, click here.
Stress
Too much stress (also known as chronic stress) can be a major contributor to high blood pressure. Therefore, managing your stress can be a great place to start to help manage your blood pressure and as such help to prevent brain haemorrhages. Click here to read more about managing stress.
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However, we know that these measures may not help everyone. If you are worried about your blood pressure and struggling to manage it, make sure you speak to your Dr at your earliest convenience.