How To Lower High Blood Pressure
In the UK alone, 16 million adults suffer from high blood pressure. As such, high blood pressure is the biggest risk factor for someone having a stroke or heart attack. This figure is all the more surprising, and all the more worrying, when you consider that it is estimated 63% of adults in the UK do not know what their blood pressure actually is.
High blood pressure can be attributed to three main factors. One of which is the condition being hereditary. Statistically speaking, if you have a family member who suffers from high blood pressure, you are more likely to develop the condition yourself. You may also have high blood pressure because of chronic conditions such as kidney problems or diabetes.
While the previously mentioned factors are largely out of your control, someone might suffer from high blood pressure due to lifestyle choices. These can include poor dietary practices and a generally unhealthy lifestyle.
Regardless of the cause, treating and lowering blood pressure remains consistent regardless of attributing factor. Treating blood pressure is one of the most vital forms of personal care. At Hands on Care, we are heavily relied on to supply premium quality premium personal care in Telford and surrounding areas. So, we thought it would be necessary to detail ways to treat and combat high blood pressure.
Cut Back On Sugar
Noam Chomsky once said that sugar is one of the most lethal substances known to man. While the potential long term effects of over excessive sugar consumption is largely still up for debate, one thing is for certain; sugar consumption has a direct effect on your blood pressure.
Consuming a lot of sugar usually leads to weight gain which, as we will touch on more later, has a knock on effect on your blood pressure. Salts can also have a negative impact on your blood pressure but most scientists are in agreement; sugar is largely the biggest culprit as far as high blood pressure is concerned.
Stop Smoking
Over the last few years, there have been many scientific papers published regarding the benefits of quitting smoking. As a well regarded supplier of personal care in Shrewsbury, Telford and other areas; it is no surprise that we happen to agree with their findings.
The chemicals in tobacco and cigarettes can damage your blood vessels causing inflammation which then leads to high blood pressure. It is pretty safe to say, if you happen to smoke and have high blood pressure, you will want to stop doing so as soon as possible.
Lose Weight
As previously alluded to, being overweight can have a direct correlation to high blood pressure. Losing between 5 to 10 pounds will start to lower your blood pressure, or so studies have suggested.
Many of the same studies have also highlighted that weight loss diets can reduce blood by an average 3.2mm Hg diastolic. So, not only can losing weight make you feel better, it can have many other positive health benefits such as lowering your blood pressure.
Try To Reduce Stress
Reducing your stress levels can have many mental health benefits. Encouraging more relaxation is one of the simplest and most effective forms of mental health personal care.
However, you can also see some other physical health benefits. One of which is of course lowering your blood pressure.
Exercise More
Many of the aforementioned ways to lower your blood pressure are largely quality of life changes. Many of them can be mitigated by performing more exercise as this will help to relieve stress and help you lose weight . In one of our most recent blogs, we detailed ways to exercise more this spring. So if you are struggling for inspiration, why not check out our blog.
For more great health care tips and just more information from your friendly care services provider, be sure to stay up to date with our latest news.