Lower Blood Pressure with Potassium

It is found that eating potassium rich foods, such as bananas, baked potatoes, tomato paste, lima beans, yogurt, fish, citrus fruits, leafy green vegetables, and cantaloupe, can lower blood pressure levels by speeding up the body's sodium excretion. Potassium is also important because it is a mineral that helps the kidneys to function correctly. Depending on what medications you are taking, potassium supplements can also be used to lower blood pressure.

Oats for a Healthy Heart

Eating oats are good for a healthy heart. They are rich in dietary fiber, manganese, selenium, the antioxidant flavonoid, and magnesium. They are also rich in beta-glucan and have shown to be able to reduce the risk of heart attack and lower cholesterol levels. Eating oats on a regular basis can lower cholesterol levels by 6 to 10 percent and lower the risk of heart attack by up to 25 percent. Also adding whole grains, beans, soy, vegetables, and fruits to your diet can reduce the risk of heart attack by 40 to 60 percent.

Best Ways to Naturally Lower Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is a condition where blood pressure levels are above a normal range. An adult is considered to have high blood pressure if if their blood pressure is 140 mm Hg systolic pressure and/or 90 mm Hg diastolic pressure or higher. There are several ways of lowering blood pressure without using medication. The safest and most effective ways to lower blood pressure would include exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, reducing stress, and eating a diet that is low in salt and rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products.

There are certain vitamins and minerals that can help lower blood pressure. Vitamin C can help lower blood pressure in people that have mild or moderate hypertension. It is recommended for women to get 75 mg each day and men to get 90 mg each day. Vitamin C can be obtained through eating fruits, such as oranges, or taking supplements. Magnesium can also be taken in supplement form to relax muscles to help lower blood pressure. It is recommended to take 400 mg of magnesium.

Herbs can also be used to lower blood pressure. It is found that a red flowered species of hibiscus, called H. sabdariffa, is very effective in lowering blood pressure. A study in 2004 showed that people who drank 2 cups of hibiscus tea each day for 4 weeks lowered their diastolic blood pressure by 12 percent.

Why Fish Oil Is Healthy For You

Fish oil products are healthy because they contain the Omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA, which can lower blood pressure, prevent arrhythmias, reduce inflammation, grow new brain cells, improve memory, and improve brain function. There hasn’t been a daily value set but it is recommended to consume 1,000 mg of DHA and EPA combined per day.