The Impact of Exercise & Diet on Blood Pressure: A Pathway to Better Heart Health
Did you know you could improve your blood pressure without having to rely on pharmaceuticals? Believe it or not, regular physical activity and diet plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels and promoting overall heart health. Continue reading for some practical tips on incorporating exercise as well as dietary changes into your daily routine!
What exactly is a blood pressure and why does it matter? Blood pressure is the force exerted by blood against the walls of arteries as the heart pumps it around the body. It is measured in two values - systolic (the pressure when the heart contracts) and diastolic (the pressure when the heart is at rest). A healthy blood pressure reading is typically around 120/80 mmHg, however this range varies among individuals. Having a high blood pressure puts you at an increased risk for HEART ATTACK, STROKE and KIDNEY DISEASE. The thing about high blood pressure is symptoms are typically not noticed, which is why it is also referred to as “The Silent Killer.”
How Exercise Impacts Blood Pressure
On a positive note, you have A LOT of control over your blood pressure, if you are open and willing to making lifestyle changes.
Exercise has a profound impact on blood pressure levels. Exercise helps strengthen the heart muscle, making it more efficient in pumping blood. As your heart becomes stronger, it can circulate blood with less effort, which leads to lower blood pressure.
The medical guidelines recommend exercising at least 30 minutes a day. Personally, I encourage my patients to aim for 45 minutes of exercise per day. With that being said, small lifestyle changes go a long way. Next time you are looking for parking at the grocery store or shopping mall, instead of finding the closest parking spot, find the parking spot the furthest away so you can get those steps in.
A healthy diet is also very important. An ideal diet would be:
Limiting sugar-sweetened beverages and desserts.
Limiting foods high in saturated fat.
Consuming fat-free or low-fat dairy products.
Eating fish, poultry, beans, nuts, and vegetable oils.
Limit Alcohol consumption
Incorporating regular exercise into your daily routine can significantly impact your blood pressure and contribute to better heart health. Remember to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new exercise program, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions. By combining exercise with a healthy lifestyle, you can take proactive steps towards maintaining optimal blood pressure levels and improving your overall well-being. Stay active, stay healthy!
If you would like something to support regulation of blood pressure, Magnesium Taurate and consuming Beets are a great option and can be found at our supplement store.
