Blood pressure is the force at which blood pumps from the heart into the walls of the arteries. A normal blood pressure reading of a healthy adult individual is less than 120/80 mm Hg. If it goes beyond 130/80 mm Hg or more is considered high and you should seek immediate medical help. When blood pressure goes unchecked, it can lead to problems like diabetes, stroke, heart disease, kidney failure and even death! A number of experts say that by following healthy lifestyle habits, medication, and Ayurvedic herbs, we can manage the disease easily.
People who have high blood pressure (Hypertension) should cut off caffeinated drinks and alcohol, eat less salt, fat and calories. Increase the intake of vegetables, fruits, and lean protein in the diet to maintain healthy levels. Experts suggest adopting a blood pressure-friendly diet will keep your blood pressure within a healthy range. There are certain drinks that may reduce high blood pressure and other cardiovascular conditions.
How to Control High Blood Pressure
Here are a few important drinks that will help manage your blood pressure well.
- Banana shake
People with hypertension or high blood pressure are often advised to take foods and fluids that are high in potassium. It will help your kidneys remove extra sodium from your body through urine and also eases pressure on your blood vessels. Bananas are extremely rich in potassium and low in sodium. They are a good source of fiber and antioxidants that keeps the heart-healthy and blood pressure in control.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
ACV removes excess sodium and toxins from the body. Add a teaspoon of honey and five to 10 drops of apple cider vinegar to a cup of hot water and drink it early morning on an empty stomach. This drink helps reduce cholesterol, maintains vasodilation, and helps to regulate blood pressure.
3. Drumstick (Moringa) leaves
Moringa leaves are rich in many vitamins and minerals including protein, vitamin B6, vitamin C, riboflavin, and iron. Drink Moringa (drumstick) leaf juice with honey is a great treatment for hypertension. Taking moringa with other drugs (blood pressure drugs) may significantly drop your blood pressure levels. Consult your doctor before including these drinks in your daily diet.
ALSO READ: 10 Powerful Health Benefits of Moringa or Drumstick
4. Lemon water
Starting the day with a glass of lemon water can do miracles to your overall health and wellness. Lemon water contains vitamin C, which acts as an antioxidant, removing free-radicals from the body.
A glassful of lemon water every morning can help regulate blood pressure levels.
5. Pomegranate juice
Pomegranate contains a large source of vitamins that maintain healthy and effective blood circulation. It is rich in potassium and other heart-healthy nutrients. Pomegranate juice is a natural ACE inhibitor; it works like the medications doctors prescribe to treat high blood pressure. In some studies, drinking pomegranate juice improved systolic blood pressure.
6. Beetroot Juice
Beets are rich in nitrates, a compound that helps relax blood vessels and facilitates increased blood flow.
Drinking one to two cups of beet juice each day can help control blood pressure in just a few hours.
7. Fenugreek or Methi water
Fenugreek water has high fiber content, which helps in controlling your blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol.
Soak fenugreek seeds overnight and drink the fenugreek water every morning on an empty stomach may help your blood pressure in control.
8. Cucumber juice
Cucumber is a good source of potassium and is a diuretic. A diuretic is any substance that promotes increased production of urine. Diuretics help reduce sodium and also maintain fluid balance in the body, which is essential to maintain stable blood pressure levels.
Peel and cut the cucumbers. Put them in a food processor or blender to make a smooth paste. Place a strainer on a container and strain cucumber juice.
9. Low or non-fat milk
Milk is high in phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and vitamin D that promotes healthy blood pressure. Consume low-fat dairy over full-fat may also help lower blood pressure. This is because high-fat dairy contains a significant amount of palmitic acid which can block signals that relax blood vessels, thereby keeping blood pressure elevated.
You can take two to three servings of low-fat milk products per day. In case you are lactose intolerant, unsweetened almond milk that’s been fortified with calcium is a good low-fat milk substitute, to help lower blood pressure.
10. Green Vegetable juice
Green juice improves blood flow and strengthens the heart muscles. Green vegetables include spinach, cabbage, cucumber, celery stick, Amla (Indian Gooseberry), coriander, and mint leaves.
Chop 1 green apple, 2 cucumbers, 4 celery sticks or zucchini, a large bunch of parsley or coriander, 1 lemon, and 1 inch of ginger in a juicer. Blend well, Strain and enjoy the drink.
The best way to manage high blood pressure is through a combination of the right medications, a healthy diet, regular physical exercise, and engaging in healthy lifestyle habits. Make sure you consult your doctor before adding these drinks to your daily diet as taking medications and drinking these drinks simultaneously may significantly drop your blood pressure levels.
Disclaimer: Content on this site is for reference purposes and is not intended to substitute for advice given by a physician, pharmacist, or other licensed healthcare professional. You should not use this information as self-diagnosis or for treating a health problem or disease. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you suspect that you have a medical problem. We use Affiliate links as this is our means to survive. Please take professional guidance or a doctor’s advice before taking these medicines as every individual is different and circumstances are different for all. We by no means will be held responsible for any bad effects that can come out of using these medicines.
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