Did you know that almost one in two adults in the United States have high blood pressure? High blood pressure (also known as hypertension) is associated with various health issues such as heart failure, strokes, kidney disease, and even dementia. For this reason, controlling your blood pressure is essential, especially as you grow older. In this article, we cover several different strategies you can adopt to lower and control your blood pressure.
Diet
The most important step you can take to lower your blood pressure is to adjust your diet to reduce the consumption of salty and processed foods. You should also increase the number of fruits and vegetables in your diet at the same time. Excessive consumption of salt leads to increased levels of salt in the blood. This excess salt draws in more water and leads to an increased volume of blood in your blood vessels which is the main cause of high blood pressure.
Rather than eating salty foods, you can instead prioritize healthier and fresher alternatives. For instance, rather than sitting down to lunch with a hamburger, you may consider a grilled chicken cutlet instead and a side of salad. If you’re a fan of numbers and take note of your nutritional intake, you can also try and avoid consuming more than 2.4g of sodium (or 6g of sodium chloride) per day.
Some studies have also shown that the consumption of potassium may also reduce your blood pressure. This is because the more potassium you consume, the more sodium you release through your bodily excretions. Discuss with your medical professional about the levels of potassium you should be consuming in your diet.
Moderate Your Smoking and Drinking
We know it can be extremely challenging to give up smoking and drinking alcohol. Especially since as we grow older, hanging out with our friends becomes more and more important and you may find yourself in situations where you are more likely to partake in a little puff or drink. However, what you can do is try and moderate just how much you are smoking and drinking. Every little thing you can do can play a part to reduce your blood pressure and promote a healthier lifestyle.
Exercise
Engaging in regular exercise like cardio activities can do much to improve your heart health. Consistency is key here, and exercises like walking, jogging, and swimming may do more to improve your blood pressure than strength exercises.
Healthy Living at Hidden Meadows On The Ridge
At Hidden Meadows On The Ridge By Discovery Senior Living, we are aware that many of our residents deal with health problems such as high blood pressure. To promote a healthier lifestyle, our exclusive senior living programs are focused on the improvement of the health and wellness of our residents. For instance, our Dimensions Health and Fitness program is designed to allow our residents to enjoy and take advantage of top-notch amenities like senior-equipped fitness centers and physical classes and activities. Our Sensations dining experience also makes eating healthy that much easier thanks to our nutritionally balanced and delicious, chef-prepared meals.
Find out more about Hidden Meadows On The Ridge, and why we’re amongst the best places nationally for personal or memory care. Contact us here to find out more!
