25/06/2022
45% of adults in the Philippines have been diagnosed with High Blood Pressure, and although it is important to discuss a plan of action with your Primary Care Physician, there are many ways to help manage your blood pressure through basic lifestyle changes.
❤️ Check out these 5 easy ways to start lowering your blood pressure:
1. 🏃🏻 Exercise Regularly - Getting at least 7,000 steps daily is associated with improved cardiovascular health. If you work at your desk all day, try to get up and move every 30-60 minutes. This will help you get more steps, get the blood moving, and serve your heart and mind well.
2. 🍎 Eat a Healthy Diet - Eating a diet that is rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products and is frugal on saturated fat and cholesterol can help lower your blood pressure.
3. ⬇️ Reduce Sodium Intake - Even a small reduction in the sodium in your diet can improve your heart health and reduce blood pressure. In general, you should limit sodium to 2,300 mg a day or less. However, 1,500 mg a day or less is ideal for most adults.
4. ☕ Cut Back on Caffeine - Drinking too much coffee or too many energy drinks that contain caffeine isn’t recommended for those with high blood pressure. Caffeine is a form of adrenaline and can constrict the arteries and raises the heart rate, both of which increase blood pressure.
5. 🙂 Reduce Stress - Take some time to think about what causes you to feel stressed. Once you know what that is, consider how you can eliminate or reduce stress. If you can't eliminate all of your stressors, you can at least cope with them in a healthier way. Try to change your expectations for yourself. Focus on issues you can control and make plans to solve them. Avoid stress triggers. Make time to relax and to do activities you enjoy. Practice gratitude.