10 simple tips to lower your blood pressure

Hypertension or high blood pressure is one of the key controllable risk factors of chronic health problems such as heart disease and stroke.

According to the National Family Health Survey in 2017, one in eight Indians suffer from hypertension which translates to 207 million people (men 112 million, women 95 million-those with high blood pressure (more than 140/90 mmHg).

1. Exercise and walks: Hypertensive patient who went for walks at a brisk pace lowered their blood pressure by almost 8 mmHg over 6 mmHg. Exercise helps the heart use oxygen more efficiently, so it doesn't work as hard to pump blood. At least 30 minutes a day, 5 or more days a week exercise is good.

2. Yoga: Yoga and meditative practices decrease the stress which leads to lower the enzyme concentration enzyme that raises blood pressure.

3. Potassium rich food: Bananas, Potatoes, Sweet potatoes, tomatoes, orange juice, kidney beans, peas are the good source of potassium. Potassium encourages the kidneys to excrete more sodium through urination, and that sodium excretion can help lower blood pressure.