Have you ever wondered how great it would be if you could manage your blood pressure without medication?But a new study suggests that it is entirely possible with a small change in diet.A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association revealed that cutting one teaspoon of salt from the diet can have the same effect as taking blood pressure medication.A high salt intake increases sodium levels in the body and causes the body to retain more water to balance this.The presence of this increased amount of water can put excessive pressure on the blood vessels. Too much sodium can also cause blood vessels to constrict.The following will help you reduce the amount of salt in your diet.1. Read food labels to find out the sodium content of each food and choose foods that are low in sodium.2. Processed and packaged foods are high in sodium. So all these should be avoided as much as possible3. By cooking at home we can control the amount of salt in our food. So give priority to home food.4. Alternatives like potassium chloride can be sought instead of sodium chloride.5. Do not reduce the amount of salt suddenly and gradually reduce it. This will give the taste buds time to adjust to the new taste.6. Be sure to include plenty of low-sodium, nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables in your diet.If blood pressure is consistently above 130/80 and symptoms such as chest pain, palpitations, and dizziness are noticed, do not delay in seeing a doctor.It is also dangerous for those who are taking blood pressure medication to stop the medication unless prescribed by the doctor.
