High blood pressure rarely has noticeable symptoms so it can be extremely difficult to spot, but if the condition is left untreated, a person can be at increased risk of serious problems like heart disease, stroke and kidney disease. Millions of people suffer form the condition and it’s estimated that around 12.5 million people in the UK. High blood pressure can cause blood clots to form in the arteries leading to the brain, blocking the flow of blood.
According to the American Heart Association, you can lower your blood pressure by eating a healthy diet.
Many foods and beverages can prevent a person form lowering their blood pressure. It’s well known that consuming too much salt in the diet will wreak havoc on blood pressure.
The Food and Drug Administration states that around 75 per cent of the sodium consumed a day comes from processed foods and salt added to foods at restaurants and other food service establishments.
In terms of beverages, however, what are the best drinks to consume and which ones should be avoided?
Kombucha is a fermented tea and has been consumed for thousands of years. Kombucha contains antioxidants is rich in beneficial probiotics and can help fight several diseases.
Proponents claim it helps prevent and manage serious health conditions including high blood pressure.
One of the most impressive and well-known benefits of hibiscus tea is that it may lower blood pressure.
Several studies have found that hibiscus tea may lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
Pomegranate juice also has the ability to lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol, decrease plaque in the arteries, and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Pomegranate juice also has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help protect the cardiovascular system.
Regularly drinking too much alcohol can raise your blood pressure over time
NHS
Small to moderate amounts of alcohol may lower blood pressure, but drinking too much alcohol can increase it.
Drinking too much may also increase the risk for many cancers.
According to the Mayo Clinic, having more than three drinks in one sitting can cause a temporary spike in blood pressure.
Repeated drinking can lead to long-term blood pressure problems.
Alcohol can also prevent any blood pressure medications a person may take from working effectively. In additions, alcohol is full of calories, must be metabolised by the lier, and can lead to weight gain.
If you’re overweight or obese, you’re more likely to have high blood pressure.
The NHS added: “Regularly drinking too much alcohol can raise your blood pressure over time. Staying within the recommended levels is the best way to reduce your risk of developing high blood pressure.”
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