Has your most recent trip to the doctor exposed your high blood pressure? If so, you are certainly not alone. So what exactly does it mean and should you be concerned? Many Australians suffer from high blood pressure and it is cause for concern. But although it sounds pretty intimidating, you can treat high blood pressure pretty easily. So don’t stress! Simply follow your doctor’s advice and make a few adjustments to your lifestyle. The results will speak for themselves. It is important to work closely with your doctor to improve your blood pressure – he or she will always have the best advice! And in the meantime, there are a few things you can do to improve all by yourself. Listed below are 6 easy home remedies for high blood pressure!

1. The Best Home Remedy Is Exercise!

We know this probably isn’t what you wanted to hear. Exercise is not exactly a quick fix and it is far from a good time! But stick with it, because exercise is your most powerful ally in the fight for health. If the word exercise has triggered thoughts of sprinting up hills on hot days, then you can breathe a sigh of relief. When we say exercise, we don’t mean anything too strenuous! For a lot of people, regular walks will suffice. Perhaps even a short jog around the block or up the road each morning. There’s no need to go crazy on the exercise – just try and get into the habit of being active. And as always, take your doctor’s advice!

2. Get A Home Blood Pressure Kit – Knowing Your Progress Is Important

Ok, so this one isn’t strictly a remedy, but it will help you nevertheless! Home blood pressure kits offer an accurate insight into what your blood pressure is doing. This means that you can identify and map any changes as they occur. Isn’t medical technology great! By having real-time updates on your blood pressure, you can see what works and what doesn’t. Even if you aren’t really sure what it all means, it is still helpful to get to know your body. And when it comes to getting to know your body, a home blood pressure kit is the way to go!

3. Try Potassium – It Can Help!

Some health professionals recommend increasing your potassium intake if you have high blood pressure. But what is potassium? You could be forgiven for thinking it’s a bad thing – it is, after all, an alkali metal. However, potassium is actually vital for your health. Many fruits, especially bananas, are high in potassium and its effects can balance the negative impact of sodium. But before you load up on potassium, make sure you speak with your doctor! Increasing your potassium intake is only a good idea if you are currently below the ideal level. So have a chat with your doctor and take it from there.

4. Sodium And Blood Pressure Do Not Mix Well

Our previous tip leads very nicely into this one: sodium is not good for your blood pressure. And by sodium, we mean salt. Salt is actually far more prevalent in our diets than you might realize. That might explain why your high blood pressure reading came as such a surprise! The truth is, sodium comes in everything. Finding food free of sodium altogether is pretty close to impossible. The best thing you can do is read the ingredients of what you are eating. Does it contain sodium? If so, how much? Asking these two simple questions can help you regulate how much sodium is present in your diet. After all, you can’t fight an enemy that you can’t see!

5. Drink Tea Instead Of Coffee – The Less Caffeine The Better

Coffee: it’s the little heart starter you need in the morning, but is it the start your heart needs? The answer, which might disappoint you, is no. Caffeine is one of the most common contributors to high blood pressure. And, even though it brings you that golden period of joy before work, it might have to go. But, to atone for bringing such devastating news, we have a solution! Tea is a great alternative to coffee. Depending on what type you choose, it can still deliver a slight caffeine kick. But overall, it has a much lesser effect on your blood pressure. And the best part is that you get to keep that important morning ritual! We couldn’t possibly deny ourselves that.

6. Use Lavender Oil Or Candles To Help You Relax – Stress Can Increase Blood Pressure

Managing high blood pressure doesn’t have to be all dieting and exercise. If you take care of your mind, your blood pressure will respond in kind! Scattering a few candles around the house, or putting some lavender oil in a diffuser might sound like a strange blood pressure remedy. And to an extent, it is. After all, lavender and candles will have no effect on your blood pressure directly. But they can help you relax. Stress and blood pressure are closely linked. If you are stressed before you even leave home, then your battle to lower your blood pressure will be much harder! So give yourself a chance and relax. If you have a home blood pressure kit, you might be able to see the amazing difference it can make!