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Writer's pictureAnirban Biswas

Lower Blood Pressure Naturally: 7 Best Ways to Reduce High BP

Updated: Feb 12

lower blood pressure
Regular BP monitoring is vital

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the force of blood against the walls of the arteries is consistently too high, and can lead to serious health complications such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. While there are medications available to treat hypertension, lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise can also be effective in reducing high blood pressure naturally.


Diet plays a crucial role in managing high blood pressure. A healthy diet can help reduce hypertension by controlling weight, improving insulin sensitivity, and reducing inflammation. Here are some dietary tips that can help reduce high blood pressure naturally:

  1. Reduce Sodium Intake: Sodium is a mineral found in salt, and excessive intake of salt can raise blood pressure. It is recommended that individuals with high blood pressure consume no more than 1,500 milligrams of sodium per day. To reduce sodium intake, avoid adding salt to meals, limit processed and packaged foods, and choose fresh foods instead.

  2. Increase Potassium Intake: Potassium is a mineral that helps lower blood pressure by counteracting the effects of sodium. Good sources of potassium include fruits and vegetables such as bananas, spinach, sweet potatoes, and tomatoes.

  3. Increase Magnesium Intake: Magnesium is a mineral that plays a role in regulating blood pressure. Foods that are rich in magnesium include nuts, seeds, whole grains, and leafy green vegetables.

  4. Eat a Balanced Diet: A balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats can help reduce high blood pressure naturally.

  5. Limit Alcohol Consumption: Drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure. It is recommended that men limit their alcohol intake to two drinks per day, and women limit their alcohol intake to one drink per day.

  6. Avoid Processed Foods: Processed foods are often high in sodium, and can contribute to high blood pressure. To reduce high blood pressure naturally, it is recommended to avoid processed foods and choose fresh foods instead.

  7. Reduce Caffeine Intake: Caffeine can temporarily raise blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, it is recommended to limit caffeine intake to no more than 200 milligrams per day.



Apart from dietary changes to lower blood pressure, there are certain lifestyle changes which has proven to be highly beneficial in lowering blood pressure naturally. They are:

  1. Exercise Regularly: Regular physical activity can help to lower blood pressure. It is recommended to exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week. Activities such as brisk walking, jogging, cycling, or swimming are great for maintaining a healthy blood pressure.

  2. Lose Weight: Obesity is one of the major causes of high blood pressure. Losing weight can significantly lower blood pressure. Even losing a few pounds can make a difference.

  3. Quit Smoking: Smoking can cause blood vessels to narrow, which increases blood pressure. Quitting smoking can significantly lower blood pressure.

  4. Manage Stress: Chronic stress can contribute to high blood pressure. Find ways to manage stress such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.

  5. Get Enough Sleep: Lack of sleep can also contribute to high blood pressure. It is recommended to get at least seven to eight hours of sleep each night.

How to reduce high blood pressure naturally at home


In addition to dietary and lifestyle changes, there are also several herbs that have been shown to be effective in lowering blood pressure naturally. Here are some of the most commonly used herbs for hypertension:

  1. Garlic: Garlic has been shown to lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels and increasing blood flow. It is recommended to consume 2-3 cloves of garlic per day.

  2. Hawthorn: Hawthorn is an herb that has been shown to improve blood flow and reduce high blood pressure. It is available in supplement form, and it is recommended to take 500 milligrams of hawthorn extract per day.

  3. Hibiscus: Hibiscus is a flower that has been shown to lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels. It can be consumed as a tea or taken in supplement form.

  4. Olive Leaf: Olive leaf has been shown to reduce blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels and reducing inflammation. It is available in supplement form, and it is recommended to take 500 milligrams of olive leaf extract per day.

  5. Ginger: Ginger has been shown to lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels and reducing inflammation. It can be consumed fresh or as a supplement.

  6. Drink Beetroot Juice: Drinking beetroot juice has been shown to lower blood pressure. It is high in nitrates, which help to relax blood vessels and improve blood flow.

  7. Take Fish Oil Supplements: Fish oil supplements contain omega-3 fatty acids, which help to lower blood pressure. They also have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce inflammation in the body.

8. Use Magnesium Supplements: Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a role in regulating blood pressure. Taking magnesium supplements can help to lower blood pressure.

A sample hypertension diet chart for a person with high blood pressure:

​Meals

North india

West india

East india

South india

Breakfast

Besan cheela with curd

Steamed dhokla with mint chutney

Poha with peanuts and green chilies

Steamed idli with sambhar

Mid-morning snack

Buttermilk

apple

orange

coconut water

Lunch

Rajma masala with steamed rice and carrot salad

Palak paneer with mixed vegetable curry and steamed rice

Chicken curry with brown rice

Mixed vegetable sambar with brown rice

Afternoon snack

Roasted makhana (foxnuts)

roasted chana

sprout chat

vegetable soup

Dinner

Roti with palak paneer and cucumber salad

Grilled chicken with mixed vegetable curry and roti

Grilled fish with mixed vegetable curry and steamed rice

Chicken curry with brown rice


Note: Please consult a registered dietitian before making any changes to your hypertension diet plan. The above plan is only a sample and may need to be adjusted based on individual requirements and medical history.

How to Lower Blood Pressure Instantly at Home


  1. Deep Breathing Exercises: Deep breathing exercises can help to lower blood pressure instantly. Sit in a quiet place and take slow, deep breaths for several minutes.

  2. Drink Hibiscus Tea: Drinking hibiscus tea has been shown to lower blood pressure. It contains compounds that help to relax blood vessels and improve blood flow.

  3. Use Acupuncture: Acupuncture has been shown to lower blood pressure. It works by stimulating certain points on the body to improve blood flow and reduce stress.

What other things we should keep in mind to lower blood pressure


In addition to the above sample diet chart, here are some additional tips to help manage high blood pressure naturally through diet:

  1. Read Labels: Read food labels carefully to identify the sodium content of packaged foods. Avoid foods that are high in sodium and look for foods that are labeled low-sodium.

  2. Portion Control: Monitor your portion sizes to ensure you are consuming a balanced diet that is appropriate for your individual needs.

  3. Healthy Cooking Techniques: Use healthy cooking techniques such as grilling, roasting, and steaming to prepare your meals. Avoid frying or using excessive amounts of oil.

  4. Hydration: Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Aim for at least 8-10 glasses of water per day.

  5. Mindful Eating: Practice mindful eating by taking the time to chew your food thoroughly, eat slowly, and pay attention to the sensations of taste and texture.

In conclusion, high blood pressure can be managed naturally through dietary changes, herbs, and lifestyle modifications. A balanced diet that is low in sodium, high in potassium, and rich in nutrients can help reduce high blood pressure naturally. Additionally, herbs such as garlic, hawthorn, hibiscus, olive leaf, and ginger can be used to further lower blood pressure. Remember to consult with a healthcare professional before making any dietary or lifestyle changes, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking medications.

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