Hypertension is a lifestyle disease characterized by increased blood pressure. The risk of high blood pressure can affect the functioning of primary organs like the brain, kidney, and heart. According to experts from a medical center in Fort Myers, FL managing hypertension requires lifestyle modifications and drug therapy. Some of the non-pharmacological techniques in treating high blood pressure include:
The DASH Diet Plan
The American Heart Association formulated the DASH diet plan to help hypertensive patients better manage the disease through nutrition. The DASH diet stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. It incorporates the consumption of whole grains, fish, legumes, and poultry as a source of proteins. It also recommends eating fruits and vegetables and avoiding high-fat foods, dairy products, and processed foods.
Weight Reduction
Weight is an aggravating factor in high blood pressure. Medical clinic Fort Myers advises obese and hypertensive patients to try and lose about 5 pounds every month. This will reduce the probability of developing hypertensive complications by half.
Limit Your Sodium Intake
The daily body sodium requirement is about 2.3g. The value lowers for hypertensive patients. Sodium is known to cause fluid accumulation, which worsens hypertensive symptoms.
Exercise
Do activities that will get your heart pounding and your blood flowing. Aerobic exercises like a 30-minute brisk walk or a hot yoga class at least thrice per week will not only make your body fit. You will also keep the bad calories at bay.
Physicians advise smokers to quit smoking when they are diagnosed with hypertension. Additionally, they should limit their alcohol intake. To start your wellness journey, contact the medical center in Fort Myers, FL at 360 Medical Centers and start today.
