How is your blood pressure?

If you have high blood pressure you may be searching for ways to get it under control. Your physician may put you on medication but there is more you can do, naturally. Medication can be a wonderful tool, but it should not be the only lifestyle change implemented, but rather a helper.

Here are some tips we considered vital for you to know:

Gradual Adjustments – Change doesn’t happen overnight. One of the most important factors that people should consider when it comes to making a healthy lifestyle change is adjusting their diet gradually. You don’t have to try and change everything all at once. These are alterations to your daily life that can be added all at once or even one at a time. Every individual is unique and so is their path to wellness.

Maintain a food journal– Keeping track of what and when you’re eating can help discover potential sticking points you might not have been aware of.

Shop Smart – Plan healthy grocery lists in advance to ensure you don’t stray from your diet, and always read food labels for nutritional information.

Salt substitutes – Certain herbs and spices can add delicious flavor to your food without adding the harmful sodium that salt would. Mrs. Dash is a great brand to try.

Potassium – Potassium can counteract the harmful effects of sodium and is found in supplemental form as well as in certain fruits and vegetables.

Avoid processed, greasy, fried, and fast foods – These foods can aggravate hypertension.

The physicians at Tampa Cardiovascular Associates offer complete cardiovascular care as well as nutritional services. The most important thing to remember is that changing your diet and lifestyle is a gradual process and takes a lot of hard work, but the results longevity in a healthier body and mind is always worth the effort.

Visit www.tampacardio.com to learn more or give the office a call at 813-975-2800 to schedule your consultation.