Your blood pressure depends on how much force your heart sends around your body. The higher the force pumping blood around your body, the higher your blood pressure. For example, if you are overweight, your heart uses more force than normal because the resistance in your body is greater. When talking about blood pressure, there are two values: systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure. Systolic blood pressure: measures the pressure in the blood vessels when the heart contracts and pumps blood out into the body Diastolic blood pressure: measures the pressure in the blood vessels when the heart relaxes between two beats The optimal blood pressure is 120/80. You can measure your blood pressure yourself using a sphygmomanometer or you can have your blood pressure measured by your doctor. If you suffer from high blood pressure, it is important to do something active about it. High blood pressure can have serious consequences for your health. 10 herbs that can help to lower your blood pressure are:

Basil, parsley, celery, Chinese cat’s claw, Bacopia monnieri, Garlic, Thyme, Cinnamon, Ginger, and Cardamon.

Here you can learn how to lower your blood pressure naturally through healthy eating and exercise, among other things.

1. Eat less salt

Salt has a bad effect on your blood pressure. Salt builds up in the blood and draws fluid into the veins. It is this process that causes your blood pressure to rise. You can save salt both by avoiding oversalting your food and by reducing your intake of, for example, meat spreads, liquorice and fast food. These foods contain a high amount of salt.

2. Avoid being overweight

If you weigh too much, the hormones in your body are affected, which can result in higher blood pressure. That's why it's important to keep your weight down to a healthy, normal level - or as close to it as possible! For every kilo you lose, your blood pressure drops by 1 mm Hg. So losing just 5 kg can make a difference to your health.

3. Drink less alcohol

High alcohol intake can lead to high blood pressure. You can drink a glass of wine once in a while with a clear conscience, but it's important not to exceed the recommended amount of alcohol per week set by the Health Authority. This means 7 drinks for a woman and 14 drinks for a man.

4. Stop smoking

High blood pressure is made worse by smoking. This is due to the nicotine in tobacco, which is used in cigarettes. Nicotine releases the hormone adrenaline. The hormone causes the blood vessels to contract and makes the heart beat faster, which will eventually result in an increase in blood pressure.

5. Exercise

All forms of exercise help to lower blood pressure. Exercise that gets your heart rate up causes your blood vessels to dilate, thereby lowering your blood pressure. Sedentary work can have a negative impact on blood pressure, so it's especially important to exercise if you work in an office or similar.

6. Avoid stress

Stress can quickly cause blood pressure to rise. People with prolonged stress, in particular, can feel the effects on their bodies. Therefore, it is important to avoid stress or overly stressful situations if you have high blood pressure. Make sure you have time to relax, turn off your head and process all the impressions you get in a day. For example, you can go for a walk and enjoy the countryside so that you get some exercise at the same time.

7. Eat a healthy and varied diet

A healthy and varied diet should include protein in the form of meat, vegetables and fruit. It is recommended that you eat fish at least twice a week, as it contains healthy fatty acids. The Heart Association has made a number of recommendations for diets and foods that are good for your heart. A healthy diet will prevent obesity and consequently high blood pressure.