Lower Your Blood Pressure Naturally With a Smile

I feel like I'm always making this disclaimer, but here it is again; all of us with high blood pressure should follow our doctor's orders to the tee! There is no doubt about it, those who has been prescribed medication for hypertension should follow that prescription exactly as directed. Even those who are not on medication but are suspected of having high blood pressure should go back for regular checkups to keep an eye on their blood pressure.

Still, having had high blood pressure for over 25 years and now, in recent years having the best blood pressure readings I've ever had, I feel I could give some advice that might help some people get a better handle on their hypertension. So once again, here comes another disclaimer, I'm going to tell you one method that is probably not MDA approved but has worked wonders for me.

Healing Through Laughter

You've probably read in Reader's Digest that laughter is the best medicine. Well, the medical community may have an argument with this hypothesis, but I'll bet there are a lot of doctors who will tell you attitude plays a role in most medical issues; certainly high blood pressure.

I also remember an article, I even believe it was a book about a man who had cancer back in the days when cancer was hardly ever cured. This man had his own peculiar way of augmenting his medical treatments and when he reached remission he gave thanks to one group of guys he thought were very instrumental in helping him overcome the cancer. Who were these guys? None other than the Marx Brothers!

I'm not saying anyone with high blood pressure should go buy a copy of the old movie"Duck Soup" and be done with it, what I am saying is this guy firmly believed laughter helped him fight off cancer.

Compounding Your Misery

There's only so much in life you can do about anything. Trying too hard to overcome any situation, such as being behind on the bills or having a you-know-what for a boss, can only make matters worse. The best thing you can do when dealing with your boss or your financial situation for that matter, is use a little levity.

I start my day by reading a joke of the day. I listen for new jokes and tell them when I have a chance. This is quite a change for me. I used to take everything so seriously and try, try, try to do my best all day long. I still try to do my best but now I try to do it with a sense of humor.

Losing Control On Purpose

I always wanted to be in control of every situation. I'll bet this was really good for my blood pressure, huh? Well, I've given up! That's right I've lost control on purpose. If life wants to deal me a bad hand, so be it. I'll just figure out a joke to tell about it and then most times I'll feel better.

Yes I was once a control freak and my blood pressure was 170/110. I was taking medication and though it helped, my blood pressure readings were erratic. Now, I use relaxation techniques in my leisure time. Actually, it's even a change of lifestyle that I do have some leisure time now. But the real point is, I no longer try to fight my way through life because I accept there will be some down days and I've resigned myself to the fact this is the way life is.

I Never Felt Better

Oh, by the way, my blood pressures is now usually around, 132/72. So, what else can I say? I followed my doctor's orders right along. If I hadn't, I wouldn't be writing this article now because I'd be dead. However, on top of that, I've made some changes to the way I think. Now, I think life is great, it has a lot to offer me, and even though everything can't be great all the time, I now know it's better to surrender to these bad times. And the point of all this is; I've never felt better and I've never done better!

I hope all this helps. But by all means, keep on doing what the doctor says, then have a real good laugh, on me.

Control Blood Clotting Naturally With Food

Natural methods may be the best way to reduce the risk of blood clotting. Recent studies suggest that a change in lifestyle that includes a diet high in power foods that thin the blood and fight clots is the best medicine for people who have experienced previous blood clots and people who have never had a blood clot.

Blood Clotting

When a blood vessel is injured it bleeds. A mass of matter - blood cells and other components - form to help stop the bleeding. This mass is sometimes compared to a scab.

Blood clots become dangerous when the blood vessel is broken. If this occurs, the blood platelets become tacky or sticky and mound together. This mound of sticky platelets stops the blood.

Most blood clots are not dangerous. They form and prevent the body from losing too much blood. When their job is done they dissolve and the body heals. Blood clots are dangerous when they occur in healthy blood vessels. Blood clotting can also be dangerous if they do not dissolve after stopping the bleeding in a broken vessel.

The most severe blood clot is the embolism. This type of blood clot causes the blood flow to become blocked. It can lead to fatal consequences. Embolisms can occur in blood vessels or arteries. For example, an embolism in the brain will cause cerebral damage. An embolism in the coronary artery may cause a heart attack.

Blood Clotting and Food

Different factors lead to blood clotting. Genetics and medical conditions can play a role in the development of blood clots. While a person cannot control these factors he can control others such as his diet. A person's diet can have a big effect on whether or not blood clotting will happen.

Cholesterol and saturated fats, the two big 'no-no's in the food world, lead to blood clotting in the blood vessels and arteries. A person who eats foods high in cholesterol and saturated fats puts himself at a high risk for heart disease. The American Stroke Association has more information on the effects of bad cholesterol on blood clots.

Nutrients including omega-3 fatty acids, vegetables, fruits, and fish are important for a heart healthy diet. It is important to design a diet that includes a balance of nutrients and antioxidants to prevent blood clotting.

To reduce the sticky-ness of platelets add some hot sauce to your egg whites. Hot sauce, hot peppers, onions, ginger, and cayenne all work to keep blood platelets from becoming sticky and massing together.

Fatty fish contain omega-3 fatty acids. These wonder-nutrients lower cholesterol and are extremely heart friendly. The American Heart Association encourages everyone to eat at least 2 portions of cold water fish like salmon or tuna every week.

Flaxseeds are another source of omega-3s. Certain omega-3 fatty acids are found in plants, not fish. This is true with flaxseed. Soluble fiber and omega-3s help reduce cholesterol.

Soy is a mega power food according to many doctors. It is a great way to reduce bad cholesterol and heart disease. The FDA now includes 25 grams of soy protein daily as a part of a low cholesterol, low saturated fat diet.

Chocolate is the new kid on the block. Scientists are discovering the blood clot busting powers of dark chocolate to the delight of chocolate lovers everywhere. In addition to chocolate fresh fruits and vegetables such as strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and potatoes all prevent cholesterol oxidation that would otherwise lead to blood clotting.

Get a Stiffer Erection Naturally by Increasing Blood Flow

If you want to get a stiffer erection or you are suffering from erection problems, you need to boost blood flow to and into the penis. A hard erection relies on extra blood in the penis and here, we will look at the natural way to increase blood flow into the penis.

There are many foods which increase blood flow around the body and banana's oily fish (salmon mackerel salmon and sardines) and onions, so try and get one of these foods everyday and if you are cooking, use ginger, garlic and chillies, there all tasty and all great for better blood circulation.

You should also take the following herbs which can be found in all the best herbal sex pills. Not only will they improve blood circulation to the sex organs, they will also help you produce Nitric oxide which is the key chemical which helps an erection come to fruition; if you don't get enough nitric oxide, you will never get an erection it's vital! Why?

Because it's secreted in the walls of the blood vessels that lead to the penis when you become aroused widens them, and this allows a greater volume of blood to enter into the penis and form a stiff erection. To boost your blood flow to the sex organs and to increase nitric oxide the following natural supplements work.

Arginine HCL

L-Arginine is a non essential amino which naturally increases Nitric Oxide levels and has been nicknamed "Natures Viagra" and is one of the best supplements for sexual health you can take.

Cnidium

Cnidium increases the release of nitric oxide while inhibiting PDE-5 (just like synthetic prescription drugs)
it also acts to improve overall blood circulation and nourishes the blood at the same time.

Niacin

Niacin improves overall circulation by relaxing the arteries and veins and also works on a cellular level to help keep the digestive system, skin and nerves healthy.

Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo Biloba improves blood flow to the extremities of the body including the sex organs also works to protect blood vessels and neurotransmitters healthy. In terms of holding a stiffer erection for longer it helps to increase the half-life of the endothelium relaxation factor, to ensure a strong blood flow to the penis during sexual arousal.

Horny Goad Weed

Helps to increase nitric oxide secretion, increases testosterone production and reduces stress levels - a great herb to put you in the mood for sex.

Get them All and Boost Your Blood Circulation

You can get all the above herbs in the best herbal sex pills for men and if you take them, you will improve your blood circulation and nitric oxide secretion and get a stiffer erection, as well as numerous general health benefits.

Naturally Lower High Blood Pressure - 3 Minerals to Lower High Blood Pressure in Weeks

Don't become a statistic! Almost 70 million Americans live in fear! Why? Because of those 70 million Americans who suffer from high blood pressure; about 60,000 of them will die from the 'silent killer' of high blood pressure. Will you be next?

I write those opening sentences because you do NOT have to die from high blood pressure. In fact, you do not even have to suffer from high blood pressure. Why? High blood pressure is treatable and can be naturally lowered if the HBP sufferer begins to take their health seriously.

There are numerous ways to naturally lower high blood pressure and many of them are as simple as what foods you should eat and not eat. However, there are also ways which are not so obvious. Did you know that you can naturally lower high blood pressure with the vitamins and minerals you take? Unfortunately, most people leave doctor's offices unaware of the world of vitamins and minerals. Surprisingly, vitamins and minerals are especially important for high blood pressure sufferers! And one mineral could be the difference between life and death.

3 Minerals to Lower High Blood Pressure in Weeks

If you or a loved one suffers from high blood pressure, please take a moment and write down the various minerals which could save your life. Though these minerals are often neglected in the average diet, they could be all it takes to naturally lower high blood pressure.

1. Potassium! One of the most important nutrients in your body for naturally lowering high blood pressure is potassium. One of the many jobs potassium does for the body is removing bodily waste (a cause of hbp). Researchers at Duke University found that getting more potassium could lower blood pressure by as many as 20 points for people most at risk for high blood pressure. It would be recommended that you take 4,700 milligrams daily.

2. Magnesium! Potassium and magnesium often work together but magnesium is also essential for a lower blood pressure. Magnesium is necessary for normal muscle and nerve function, steady heartbeat, strong bones and a healthy immune system. It would be recommended that you take 500 milligrams daily.

3. Calcium! As people get older, it is unfortunate that calcium intake also reduces. Lower levels of calcium have also been associated with high blood pressure. It would be recommended that you get 1,250 milligrams daily.

Naturally Lower High Blood Pressure with Your Lifestyle

Lowering Blood Sugar Naturally - Homemade Remedies to Lower Blood Glucose Level

Lowering blood sugar naturally is the best way to cure diabetes. Due to high blood glucose in our body, people suffer from this deadly disorder. The growing trend of diabetics is a real cause of worry. When our body fails to produce insulin or produces ineffective insulin then it cause diabetes by raising the blood glucose levels. In order to avoid this problem, we should try to avoid sugar. There are many ways to lower blood glucose level.

Home Made Remedies To Lower Blood Glucose Level

. Exercising regularly is the best medicine for a diabetic for lowering blood sugar. Running thrice in a week in your neighborhood park or by just taking some strolls you can get rid of this disorder. The metabolism in your body increases due to these exercises. It supplies more oxygen to your blood and make your blood circulation more effective. It can also reduce your weight and by loosing those extra pounds, you can be free from this deadly disease. Enough water intakes are also necessary for your body in order to keep your body hydrated. The whole process can improve your overall health.

. Proper diets can also help your body in lowering blood sugar naturally. Your nutrition should contain less sugar and more proteins. You can also prepare sumptuous diabetic snacks like apple pudding, oatmeal snacks and pumpkin cakes etc. There are many sugar free recipes available. You can consume these products in order to get rid of diabetes. Eat additional richly colored vegetables and fruits containing less sugar.

. Preparing a blood glucose chart is another way to keep a check in your health. This chart is maintained by diabetics to know about their progress. The track record guides you to lead a healthy life.

Top Tips to Lower Blood Pressure Naturally

First thing you need to be aware of is that everyone has blood pressure or - it shows the amount of work that your heart has to do to pump blood around your body. If are anxious about hypertension or feel confused ........YOU ARE NOT ALONE! In fact according to the American Heart Association around 65 million Americans over the age of 20 suffers from hypertension.

Ok, so what is a Normal Blood Pressure?

The normal level is usually 120 (systolic) over 80 (diastolic), but this will vary depending on age and how active you are before it's actually measured and if you are particularly nervous at the time, the measurement can be higher than usual.

What is the best remedy to lowering high blood pressure?

There are a few changes that you could do straight away to lower your high blood pressure naturally. This involves a few lifestyle changes: losing weight, starting an exercise program, reducing your salt intake, reducing alcohol intake to no more than 1 or 2 drinks a day, eating more healthily and quitting smoking.

What are some ways to prevent hypertension?

Start eating a nutritious and low-fat diet, start exercising regularly, try and maintain a healthy weight, minimize stress in your life and get your blood pressure checked regularly.

What are the foods that people with hypertension should eat?

Eat less salt and sodium: the min. daily salt intake should be about 1 teaspoon of salt each day. Fruit & Veg: contains fibre and a copious supply of minerals and vitamins - pay particular attention to ensuring you take sufficient intake of potassium, magnesium and calcium. Milk & Dairy products - an optimum supply of calcium is believed to reduce the risk of hypertension. Fats & Oils: Vegetable fats and oils with a high proportion of unsaturated fatty acids (e.g. olive oil, rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, corn oil or what germ oil) are to be preferred.

If you are a High Blood Pressure Sufferer and want to get access to natural remedies with guaranteed results follow this link.

Get a Stronger Erection Which Lasts For Longer Naturally!

If you want to get a strong erection, without using drugs and you want to last longer in bed, the good news is you can, with the proven herbs we will look at in this article. Lets take a look at the herbs and how they will help you get a harder erection which lasts for longer.

If you want to get an erect penis, you need to increase blood flow into the penis and to achieve this your body must secrete high levels of nitric oxide because, no erection is possible if levels are to low.

Nitric oxide is vital to the erection process because, it relaxes and dilates, the blood vessels that supply the penis with blood, so more blood can enter and make it hard. Nitric oxide falls with age but the great news is you can top it up with the herbs - Ginseng, Horny Goat Weed and Cnidium.

Ginseng and Cnidium also help keep the pelvic region well supplied with blood and if you Take Ginkgo Biloba as well, you will have another great blood circulation herb which helps to supply the base of the penis with blood, so there is enough blood to be let in, when nitric oxide secretion begins.

If you want to have a stronger sex drive and improved sexual stamina, the key is to increase levels of testosterone in the body. Testosterone provides the body with energy and when it increases energy levels it also increases - libido, sexual performance and pleasure from orgasm. Ginseng and Horny Goat Weed help to increase levels and if you also take Tribulus, you will be taking the most famous and powerful testosterone boosting herb of all.

Get them ALL in the Best Natural Sex Pills

You will find all the above herbs and others, in the best men's sex pills and they will help you achieve - stronger erections, increased libido and better all round wellness.

Best Ways to Reduce High Blood Pressure Naturally

Hypertension is a condition that affects millions of people all over the world. For each person that is diagnosed, there are probably three that have high blood pressure without a proper diagnosis.

Dealing with blood pressure can be difficult. It's not simply a matter of finding the right medication and then continuing on with your day-to-day activities. Doctors and pharmacists can provide valuable information and can write prescription scripts, however many people these days would rather prefer to find ways to reduce high blood pressure naturally.

Many hypertension sufferers are aware that there are some harmful side effects to using medications, even though they are often able to control this problem. The problem lies in healing one health issue only to be bombarded with other health related side effects.

Finding ways to control this problem naturally is absolutely possible, however you also need to make sure it is going to be effective, otherwise you will so no improvement. It is also important to consider that natural treatments can be harmful in certain cases, if they are taken over a long period of time.

Completing your own research should help you to identify ways to reduce high blood pressure naturally and effectively, and you may have already found one such method, called Hawthorn. It has been used as an alternative treatment for many years in Asia and Europe. Studies have been conducted on patient's use of Hawthorn and the results have been extremely positive.

Hawthorn - How does it work?

This natural treatment inhibits the enzyme responsible for restricting or constricting blood vessels. This will allow blood to circulate freely around the body and as a direct result, will lower your blood pressure.

Hawthorn is also effective in decreasing the actual volume of blood, which will also helps control this problem.

What else can you do?

Having good general health while suffering from this condition means that Hawthorn is one of the ways to reduce high blood pressure naturally and is an option that you could discuss further with your doctor.

Other lifestyle changes will also be important to implement along with the treatment you choose, or are recommended. Including fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products low in fat, and whole grains into your diet can also provide effective ways to reduce high blood pressure naturally.

It is always a great idea to cut out any excess salt and fats from your diet, as well as limit the intake of caffeine and replace it with water. Increase your exercise as well simply by including a half an hour walk each day.

Ways to reduce high blood pressure naturally are available to you in abundance; the key is finding something, making some small changes and being committed.

Bringing Down Your High Blood Pressure Naturally

According to an editorial in the Lancet, the risk of getting high blood pressure or hypertension as it is called in the medical community, is greater than 90 percent. Now, one in three people in the US has hypertension.

The new revised food pyramid of what is a supposed to be healthy diet, some breed of high grain, low fat food combination, has been scientifically proven to be a poor choice for hypertensive risk or even if you have high blood pressure already.

Over a decade ago, in 1998, ground breaking research showed that nearly 2/3 of people who had high blood pressure were also insulin resistant. In other words, high blood sugar and hypertension walk hand in hand.

In that study, they also found that if you were not the type where your blood pressure would drop overnight while you were sleeping, you were also at risk for cardiovascular problems. Eating a high grain diet that converts to sugar in the blood, further increases diabetic risk, and also has the potential to increase blood pressure. If you are the type of person who has hypertension because of your blood sugar levels, then getting your blood sugars normalized will also bring your blood pressure within normal ranges.

Because both blood pressure and blood sugar difficulties can potentially have no symptoms at all, it is a good idea of have both checked regularly after the age of 40. It is interesting to note that there are around 100 drugs that are prescribed for people with hypertension and in the July 2003 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, it was reported that despite the number of drugs available and the current knowledge of hypertension, no real progress has been made to control it in the population. Also in the June 2003 study by the British Medical Association, 97 percent of the people taking hypertensive medication had suffered side effects, strong enough to be deemed significant. That suggests that you have 3 chances out of 100 to have no side effects if you choose to take medication for your hypertension.

There is another way. Lifestyle changes have been shown to normalize blood pressure in around 85 percent of people who have hypertension. The first and biggest strategy is to begin to normalize your weight. Once you begin to adopt healthier eating patterns you can begin to adapt these twelve strategies to beat your high blood pressure.

Begin to walk. Work up slowly so that you can walk for longer and longer distances. You can even work up to power walking where you walk briskly for at least 30 minutes every day. Brisk aerobic exercise increases oxygen levels so that your heart works more efficiently. Keep trying to increase your speed and your distance so that you are increasing your strength and stamina.

Take time to breathe deeply. Sit in a chair with your back straight. Breathe as deeply as you can for five or ten minutes. Stress hormones elevate a kidney enzyme called renin which actually raises blood pressure. By slowly deep breathing and expanding your belly you exhale all the tension out of your body. Adding qi gong, tai chi or yoga to that deep breathing is another great stress buster.

Add more potassium rich foods to your diet. Naturally potassium rich foods include fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products, whole grains, meat, poultry and fish. You need to watch the amount of animal protein that you eat because eating too much causes your body acid levels to rise which actually depletes potassium levels. Highly potassium rich foods include, bananas, oranges, apricots, strawberries, avocados, halibut, broccoli, tuna, parsley, spinach, potatoes, squash, Brussels sprouts, crimini mushrooms, kidney beans, eggplant, peas, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, chard, bell peppers, dried prunes, raisins, cauliflower, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers and cabbage.

It is important to read food labels to reduce sodium intake. By becoming a label reader, you will become more aware of how much salt is in prepared foods. Better yet, buy as little processed food as possible. Among those people with high blood pressure certain demographics are salt sensitive. Because there is no specific test to show which individuals are sensitive to salt it is important to be aware of how much salt you are using and reduce it as much as possible.

Add a half an ounce of dark chocolate that contains at least 70 percent cocoa to your diet. Dark chocolate contains flavanols which add elasticity to blood vessels. More elastic blood vessels can lower blood pressure.

Ask your doctor about adding Coenzyme Q10 to your daily regimen. CoQ10 is an antioxidant that has been shown to lower hypertension and improve energy production.

Add one alcoholic beverage to lower your blood pressure. Studies show that ¼ to ½ a drink per day will reduce blood pressure more than no drink at all. One drink per day has been shown in studies to lower risk of heart disease and is protective of the heart. Any more is detrimental.

Caffeine has been shown in studies to cause hypertension by tightening blood vessels. This can actually accentuate the effects of stress and raise blood pressure. By using decaf coffee, tea and other beverages, you are less likely to have a spike in blood pressure if you become stressed.

Try hibiscus tea. Participants in a study that drank 3 cups of hibiscus tea daily had a significant decrease in hypertension over a six week period. The drop in blood pressure was consistent with results that would have been obtained by using a blood pressure medication. It is the phytochemicals in the hibiscus that are responsible, so look for teas that list hibiscus near the top of the list of ingredients.

If you work more than 41 hours per week you risk adding hypertension to your list of health complaints by 15 percent. People who work overtime a lot are too tired to exercise and eat healthfully. These tough economic times not only add stress to your daily life, they add overtime, too. Try to rest and eat well as often as possible.

If you have hypertension and you are on medications, studies show that you can lower your blood pressure further by breathing deeply and slowly while listening to soothing music for 30 minutes per day.
If you snore loudly, maybe it's time to get it checked out. People who snore loudly, generally have additional sleep apnea. Many apnea sufferers also have high aldosterone counts. Aldosterone is a hormone that can boost blood pressure. Studies show that at least half of all apnea sufferers have elevated blood pressure.

By adopting healthy strategies and lifestyle choices, you can lower your blood pressure while being monitored by your health care professional.

9 Easy Ways to Lower Your Blood Pressure Naturally

So your blood pressure is high, but you don't want to take prescription drugs? Can't say I blame you, with what we've learned about some very popular pharmaceuticals over the last year or so. Well, you're in luck. There are some simple modifications you can incorporate into your lifestyle that can make a big difference when it comes to hypertension, and here are the top 9:

1. Eliminate salt from your diet. This is probably the most important change you can make. The main reason why you will hear people say "I tried cutting back on salt and it didn't do anything for my high blood pressure" is because they forgot about prepared convenience foods. If you start reading labels, you'll find that just about all these items (not just salty foods like chips and crackers) have added sodium. Really, if you want to cut way back on salt, the best way is just to eliminate anything that comes in a box or bag from your diet. Eat natural foods, which will help your health in many ways in addition to lowering your blood pressure.

2. Cut out white sugar. While scientists aren't yet sure exactly why, many studies have shown that eating processed sugars elevates blood pressure. Also eliminate high fructose corn syrup, an ubiquitous sweetener that has even more detrimental effects on health than white sugar. If you need a sweet taste, try adding some stevia, an herbal sweetener that comes in powder and liquid form, or xylitol, a low-carb sugar alcohol, to your foods.

3. Get regular aerobic exercise. Anything that gets you moving and your heart rate comfortably elevated has a beneficial effect on hypertension. Your physician may be able to give you an exercise plan that suits your condition and current fitness levels. It's important not to do too much too soon. There are some Eastern forms of exercise, such as yoga and Tai Chi, that seem to have good effects on blood pressure. The emphasis on full, rhythmic breathing integral to these disciplines may be as important as the actual physical movement.

4. Increase the amount of fiber in your diet. This has been shown to have many benefits other than its effects on blood pressure. You can add fiber supplements to your diet, or eat more foods such as whole grains and vegetables, which brings me to the next tip....

5. Eat those veggies. There are myriad other benefits besides the increase in fiber associated with an increased intake of vegetables. These provide important vitamins and minerals, and other more recently discovered substances such as phytonutrients and antioxidants, which all help to keep your body functioning at an optimal level. One valuable nutrient contained in vegetables is potassium, and so our next tip is to....

6. Eat lots of bananas. Everyone knows that bananas are high in potassium, and it turns out that increasing the amount of potassium in our diet is almost as important as reducing one's salt intake with respect to normalizing blood pressure. As a matter of fact, some authorities think it's actually less about the amount of salt and more about increasing the ratio of potassium to sodium. We've mentioned bananas because they're the most popular fruit in the USA and are widely available, but if you want some high potassium alternatives, try dried apricots, figs, avocados, cantaloupe, raisins, carrot juice, prune juice, peanuts, and almonds.

7. Get that folic acid. This nutrient's been found to have a number of health benefits for women, and protecting against high blood pressure now seems to be another one. Harvard Medical School did a study which indicated that women could lower their risk of hypertension anywhere from 18% to 46%, depending on their age, by taking 1 mg (milligram) of folic acid per day.

8. Eat chocolate, but not too much. Some recent studies have indicated that 100 grams per day of dark chocolate can have blood pressure lowering effects. The researchers postulate that a component of dark chocolate known as flavinols is responsible. But remember, only 100 grams (around three or four ounces), and it needs to be dark chocolate. You'll need to read labels, because most chocolate candy these days uses light chocolate. And of course, chocolate always contains sugar. So if you can't stop at 100 grams, or you need to lose weight (100 grams of chocolate is usually around 500 calories) you'd probably be better off not to take that first bite.

9. And finally, dump those diet pills. You know they're no good for you. While losing weight is usually beneficial for blood pressure levels, doing it by speeding up your heart rate is not. Do it by eating the healthy foods mentioned above and you'll have lower blood pressure and a nutritious diet you can continue with for life.

Of course, if you're already taking any medications, do NOT stop them without consulting with your doctor first. He should be willing to work with you as you try natural options. If not, you may need a new doctor. Give these tips a try one at a time. Keep the ones that help, and when you're done, you'll have a healthier lifestyle for sure!

Lower Your High Blood Pressure Naturally

Lower your blood pressure naturally by changing a few things in your diet that can actually make a huge difference in your BP levels. Many people suffer from high blood pressure and after diagnosis of hypertension, generally succumb to prescription medication to control it. While prescription medication is important in controlling this disease for many people, it's not always necessary to use prescription drugs. You can lower your blood pressure naturally by using a little discipline and swapping out certain foods in your regular diet to more healthy foods that can affect your BP for the better.

Drop the Soft Drinks

You can exchange your typical soft drink choice for seltzer water and cold lemon slices. Soft drinks tend to contain fructose a corn based sweetening product which lessens the normal production of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is a gas that causes the blood vessels to dilate and researchers think that fructose reduces the production of this element. Replace soft drinks with a non-fructose drink and you will do your vessels a favor.

Leave off the Oatmeal Cookies

While it's true that there is good dietary value to oatmeal itself, some oatmeal cookies are made with fructose. Try baking homemade cookies with fruit sweetener instead. Or just eat oatmeal topped with raisins and cinnamon.

How about that Banana Nut Bread?

Again, this favorite treat is often loaded with a fructose sweetener, especially if purchased at a bakery or other place where it is ready made. Bake your own without fructose or replace it with a wheat muffin loaded with natural peanut butter and sliced banana pieces.

These simple food trade-offs may seem almost too easy to help lower blood pressure, but the key is to leave off the fructose. If you want to help prevent hypertension for better future health or if you want to help lower your high blood pressure the natural way now, then changing your diet is the best place to start.