Hypertension or high blood pressure is the leading cause of strokes and heart attacks. Various other ailments like aneurisms, kidney failure, cognitive decline, loss of vision, and heart failure have been linked to high blood pressure. High blood pressure is one of the most preventable conditions. Normal blood pressure is below 120/80, prehypertension level is between 120 and 139 by 80 to 89.  Blood pressure values of 140 and above by 90 and above are considered as hypertension. Before you head for treatment to control hypertension, it is prudent to make lifestyle changes and look for natural ways to lower blood pressure.

Here are five natural ways to lower your blood pressure.

Weight Loss

Diet control is important. This is because weight gain can cause an increase in blood pressure; losing just 10 pounds can help lower blood pressure. It can also make blood pressure treatment more effective. Uncontrolled diet and too much weight around the waist can be a factor for hypertension and should be controlled.
 

Exercise
 

Exercise helps avoid developing hypertension or helps lower it to safer levels. A daily regimen of a half-hour to an hour of exercise helps lower your blood pressure in just a few weeks. Slow breathing and meditative practices like yoga and tai chi in combination with exercise will also reduce hypertension the natural way. It is prudent to explore this natural way for good health even if you are on treatment for blood pressure.
 

Diet plays an important role in the control of hypertension and this is the best natural method. The recommended diet is one rich in whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and low-fat dairy products with a minimum amount of fats and cholesterol. Clinical trials have proven garlic supplements to bring substantial reduction in blood pressure and make treatment easy. Add naturally available garlic to your diet to see a change. Diets, which include Hawthorn, fish oil, dark chocolate, and folic acid, also help lower hypertension. Reduce coffee from your diet and include herbal teas to control blood pressure swings. Diet is a natural way to control hypertension and changes need to be made even if you are on a treatment using medications.
 

Sodium reduction drastically affects the blood pressure levels and helps lower hypertension. Besides the control of added salt in your food, care must also be taken about the salt content in readymade foods. Processed and packaged foods are especially high in salt content and can cause increases in blood pressure. Go natural!

Keep Alcohol Consumption to a Minimum

Small amounts of alcohol can reduce blood pressure, but more than moderate amounts have been known to cause hypertension. If you are not a drinker, do not start just to reduce hypertension as this can have detrimental effects, and the risks are higher than the benefits.

To put it all in a nutshell, avoid packaged foods, go for natural foods, exercise, and stay disciplined to enjoy a healthy and happy life.