High blood pressure symptoms: Eating these foods could help lower your bp reading

According to the NHS, one in four Brits are battling high blood pressure.

The condition – known as hypertension – rarely has noticeable symptoms which could lead to bigger problems if it goes untreated.

However, there are many simple ways of lowering your bp reading, like exercising and your diet.

Here’s one food group that could help lower your blood pressure naturally.

“[Potassium] helps to lower blood pressure”

Blood Pressure UK

Experts have found lowering blood pressure can be achieved through an increased potassium intake.

Blood Pressure UK states on their website: “[Potassium] helps to lower blood pressure by balancing out the negative effects of salt.

“Your kidneys help to control your blood pressure by controlling the amount of fluid stored in your body. The more fluid, the higher your blood pressure.

“Your kidneys do this by filtering your blood and sucking out any extra fluid, which it then stores in your bladder as urine.”

Good sources of potassium include potatoes, sweet potatoes, bananas, tomato sauce, orange juice, tuna, yoghurt and fat-free milk.

However, if you have kidney disease, or are taking certain blood pressure medications, a large increase in potassium could be harmful.

The website explained: “Eating salt raises the amount of sodium in your bloodstream and wrecks the delicate balance, reducing the ability of your kidneys to remove the water.

“By eating more fruit and vegetables, you will increase your potassium levels and help to restore the delicate balance.

“This will help your kidneys to work more efficiently – and help to lower your blood pressure to a healthy level.”

Who’s at risk of high blood pressure?

• Age – the risk of developing high blood pressure increases as you get older
• A family history of high blood pressure
• Being of African or Caribbean origin
• A high amount of salt in your food
• A lack of exercise
• Being overweight or obese
• Regularly drinking large amounts of alcohol
• Smoking
• Long-term sleep deprivation

For more information on how to lower your blood pressure, visit the NHS website.

It is advisable to learn the warning signs of hypertension or you should consult your doctor.

Headaches, dizziness and blurred vision are all symptoms of high blood pressure.

• High blood pressure

Source: Read Full Article