Understanding if Certain Beverages Can Decrease Blood Pressure Levels

Understanding if Certain Beverages Can Decrease Blood Pressure Levels

Lowering High Blood Pressure with the Right Drink

High blood pressure (BP) is a chilling issue for over a billion folks worldwide. So, imagine sipping on a magic potion to lower your BP, right? Unfortunately, it ain't that simple, pal. No enchanted elixir magically reverses hypertension, that's for sure.

Now, let's put down that six-pack of beer, 'cause we're about to quench your thirst for knowledge on heart-healthy drinks. Dr. Luke Laffin, a cardiologist, is ready to guide you on what's best to wash down those healthy eats.

Drinks That Help Lower Blood Pressure

Hypertension isn't caused by a single issue in your life. Typically, a mix of factors - usually including diet, physical activity, and genetics - conspire to push BP numbers into the danger zone.

Adjusting what you eat and drink can help you naturally shift your BP into a fit and healthy range. The DASH diet (Which stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) is a smart starting point for what to plate up.

But now let's talk about what you might consider to slurp down those tasty eats.

Beet Juice

Sure, beets may not win beauty pageants, but they pack a powerful punch when it comes to lowering BP. Research shows that the dietary nitrates found in beets provide anti-inflammatory benefits, contributing to lower blood pressure. These beneficial compounds help open up blood vessels to lower the pressure needed to pump that life-giving blood through your bod'.

Dr. Laffin notes, "There's some data behind the idea that beets might lower blood pressure. If it does help, it'll just be a tiny bit."

Juices High in Potassium

Many folks already know that excess sodium in your diet can turn up the volume on your BP. But, did ya know that adding potassium to your diet can take that BP level down a notch or two? Potassium works with your kidneys to flush sodium from your system. It also works to boost overall vascular health, making it easier for blood to flow.

"Adding potassium to your diet tends to decrease blood pressure," shares Dr. Laffin. (FYI, getting the recommended amount of potassium in your diet can lower your BP by roughly 4 to 5 mmHg.)

Juices high in potassium include prune juice, carrot juice, pomegranate juice, and orange juice. (Pssst...Beware of grapefruit juice, as it can interact poorly with some BP meds. Talk to yer healthcare provider before you add it to your diet.)

Overall, stick with 100% juice and try to avoid products with added sugars. Don't go overboard on drinkin' juice, either. While it's rich in vitamins and nutrients, it's also loaded with calories and natural sugar.

By the way, watch yer potassium consumption if you got issues with yer kidneys. They might struggle to process the nutrient, especially if you've got high blood pressure.

Skim Milk

Low-fat dairy is a key part of the DASH diet, and skim milk qualifies. Researchers discovered that consumption of low-fat dairy may help lower BP. Potassium found in milk is a significant factor, along with high levels of vitamin D, phosphorous, and calcium.

Tea

Brewin' and sippin' a cup of tea can be a chillfully relaxing escapade - the perfect antidote to stress that pumps up blood pressure levels. But that's just the beginning. Many teas also contain compounds that reduce inflammation, keep blood vessels open and flexible, and lower BP.

Hibiscus tea and chamomile tea get top marks for their impact on lowering BP.

Drinks That Raise Blood Pressure

While there's no guarantee that you'll find a magic tonic to lower BP by sippin' on it, downing glasses from the following categories will almost certainly crank up yer BP:

1. Alcohol: Naturally occurring compounds in alcohol contribute to high BP and numerous health disorders. Even if you stop drinkin' booze, your BP can drop rapidly.
2. Caffeinated drinks: While a cup o' joe might help kickstart yer day, it's not ideal for yer BP, especially if you're drinkin' multiple cups. Folks with high blood pressure who drink two or more cups daily double their risk of dying from a heart attack or stroke, according to the American Heart Association.
3. Sugary sodas and drinks: Added sugar increases BP. Sodas and other sweet drinks are full of added sugar, and they've been linked to numerous health concerns, including shortening yer life span.
4. Energy drinks: Amped-up energy drinks typically combine high levels of caffeine and sugar. This unhealthy mixture will negatively impact yer BP. "These drinks are terrible for you," states Dr. Laffin.

Top Ways to Lower Blood Pressure

If yer BP runs a bit high, even what you drink can be a small but important part of yer process to bring it down. Besides considerin' low-sodium, low-sugar beverages like water, herbal teas, and green tea, "Small changes to yer routine can make a big difference," encourages Dr. Laffin. "Every little bit helps."

You can also:

• Limit sodium intake.
• Adjust yer diet.
• Embrace fitness.
• Get enough rest.
• Minimize stress.

Feeling overwhelmed? It's alright, buddy. Take it one step at a time. Remember, controlling yer BP often means making meaningful changes to yer lifestyle, one tasty sip at a time.

• The mention of beet juice in the article indicates a connection between this drink and lowering high blood pressure, as it contains dietary nitrates that provide anti-inflammatory benefits and help lower blood pressure.
• Dr. Laffin suggests that juices high in potassium, such as prune juice, carrot juice, pomegranate juice, and orange juice, can help lower blood pressure by flushing sodium from the system and boosting overall vascular health.
• Skim milk, a key part of the DASH diet, is also mentioned for its potential effect on lowering high blood pressure due to the high levels of potassium, vitamin D, phosphorous, and calcium it contains.
• Hibiscus tea and chamomile tea are highlighted for their impact on lowering high blood pressure, as they contain compounds that reduce inflammation, keep blood vessels open, and lower blood pressure.

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