blood pressure too. Berries and leafy greens are the way to go for this benefit.
9. Quit Smoking
Smoking has been shown to have a negative effect on the heart. Each time you smoke, there’s a temporary rise in your blood pressure but the effect can worsen over time. It’s best to quit smoking to protect your overall health.
10. Cut Out Refined Foods
Research shows that added sugar and refined carbohydrates can increase your blood pressure. You can avoid these by cutting down on sodas, juices, fast food, and processed foods. It’s better to stick to whole grains, water, and natural juices.
RELATED: 5 Amazing Foods That Lower High Blood Pressure
What Can Affect Your Blood Pressure
Poor lifestyle choices can lead to elevated blood pressure levels. However, there are also underlying conditions that may cause prolonged high blood pressure. This list includes sleep apnea, diabetes, thyroid problems, kidney disease, and adrenal gland tumors. If you take certain medications regularly, you may experience hypertension as well.
When To See A Doctor
Doctors often encourage people to have regular check-ups because it’s possible for their blood pressure levels to become elevated over time. While this might not cause an issue immediately, high blood pressure can increase your risk of a stroke, a heart attack, or kidney disease. Some of the signs of high blood pressure include a persistent headache, shortness of breath, and unexplained nosebleeds. If you have any of these issues, it’s best to see a doctor as soon as possible as it could mean that things have gotten severe.
Statistics show that an alarmingly high number of Americans are at risk for developing high blood pressure. The numbers are even more dire for Black people. The best thing you can do for your health is to get checked regularly, adopt a healthy lifestyle, and see your doctor if you have any symptoms of hypertension.