Hypertension is a medical condition associated with long term increase of blood pressure. Lifestyle and behavioral modifications can help in prevention of hypertension. Many life style modifications like weight control, exercise, dietary changes, etc. are beneficial in prevention and control of hypertension. Following are the life style modifications that can be followed to prevent or control hypertension:
- Maintenance of healthy weight: Blood pressure increases with increase in body weight or obesity. Obesity also leads to disturbed breathing during sleep leading to hypertension. Reducing the weight can help in preventing and controlling hypertension.
- Adequate physical activity and fitness: Exercises will reduce blood pressure and keeps us healthy. Walking, cycling, jogging, dancing, swimming and strengthening exercises are beneficial.
- Reduce dietary salt: Dietary salts are rich in sodium and sodium intern increase blood pressure. Reduce dietary salt intake to control hypertension.
- Increase intake of Dietary Potassium: High potassium concentration in blood will reduce the blood pressure. Take potassium rich diets like bananas, spinach, mushroom, potatoes, peas, cucumber and broccoli.
- Reduce your stress: Prolonged stress contributes to hypertension. Reduce your stress by understanding causes of stress and managing it.
- Modifications to alcohol intake: Alcohol intake elevates the blood pressure. Limit the intake of alcohol.
- Stop smoking: Smoking leads to prolonged increase in blood pressure. Quit smoking to control hypertension.
- Consuming fruits and vegetables: Daily intake of fruits, vegetables, high fiber diet and low dairy fats will prevent hypertension.
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- Disclaimer: Don’t follow any suggestions in this article without consulting a qualified doctor
Sources: 1. 10 ways to control high blood pressure without medication. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/in-depth/high-blood-pressure/art-20046974?pg=2. 2. Lifestyle Modification as a Means to Prevent and Treat High Blood Pressure. http://jasn.asnjournals.org/content/14/suppl_2/S99.full.