Tips for managing hypertension at home

Commonly referred to as high blood pressure, hypertension is a condition wherein the blood moving in the arteries does so with greater force than necessary. This increased force of blood can cause long-term damage to the arteries and a range of other problems.

Normal blood pressure in a person is known to be around 120/80 mm Hg. This number is higher in those who have hypertension. High blood pressure occurs due to a number of reasons, such as age, poor lifestyle choices, family history, etc. Hypertension does not occur overnight. Individuals develop it over a long period of time without any visible signs or symptoms at first. It often goes undetected. Once you are diagnosed, you can try to get your blood pressure back on track with the help of a doctor. There is no fixed cure for hypertension, but there are several medical treatments that can help you manage it better.

However, along with medications, it is also important to ensure that you are putting your best foot forward at home, and having a healthy lifestyle. To this end, here are a few lifestyle tips that will help you keep hypertension in check:

Dietary tips

When it comes to managing hypertension at home, one of the most important things to do is make changes to your diet. Here are a few herbs that you can add to your diet to control the condition:

• Basil
  Basil makes for a great addition to a wide variety of foods. But, that’s not all that it has to offer. Studies have shown that it also helps lower blood pressure. Basil contains an element known as eugenol, which may keep the blood vessels from tightening, thereby causing the pressure to drop. To ensure that you are getting the right amount of basil in your diet, just add a few leaves to your meal and enjoy!
• Cinnamon
  Another herb that acts as the perfect seasoning for many meals, cinnamon comes with a wide variety of health benefits. One of these benefits is that it helps lower blood pressure. Studies have shown that a long-term use of cinnamon helps control the onset of and prolonged hypertension. You can add it to your diet by sprinkling some of it on your breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
• Cardamom
  Research has shown that cardamom has great benefits for those suffering from high blood pressure. Patients of hypertension can see significant reductions in their pressure readings after consuming cardamom for longer periods. You can add a pinch of this spice to your meals for maximum deliciousness and health benefits.
• Garlic
  Garlic is known all over the world for its pungent deliciousness. This spice comes with a plethora of health benefits that are so often overlooked. It is extremely useful in treating hypertension. Certain studies have shown that garlic has the ability to help the body increase the production of nitric oxide, which helps the blood vessels to relax, leading to a reduction in blood pressure. You can add garlic to your meals or even consume it in the form of a supplement.

Other lifestyle tips
Individuals with hypertension should also make changes to other spheres of their lives. Here are a few lifestyle tips that can further help combat hypertension:

• Exercise regularly
  One of the best ways to tackle hypertension is to get out and get moving. Individuals who suffer from hypertension need to exercise regularly. Walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, and many other activities are great ways to be physically active.
• Avoid excess sodium
  Another way to treat hypertension at home is to reduce the amount of sodium that you are consuming. High levels of sodium can increase blood pressure in the body. So, ensuring that your sodium consumption is limited will help you control the condition.
• Watch your weight

Being overweight puts you at a risk of hypertension. So it is important to ensure that your weight is managed properly. Obesity is one of the leading causes of multiple health complications, such as heart diseases, cholesterol, and even diabetes. All of these could lead to secondary hypertension.