You’ve a lot on your plate right now, you’ve to keep in mind every advice that is flying your way from every direction and it is hard to still feel relaxed and calm. You’re sweating bullets trying to figure out how to stay healthy and keep everything under control. Well don’t be perplexed. There are various reasons why your blood pressure might be off the charts. Your body weight, your smoking or drinking habits, it might be because of your age or you might be carrying more than one child in your womb. No matter what the reason here are a few effective ways to keep it under check.
Physical exercise
You need to do some sort of physical exercise to keep your blood pressure under control. You can take a walk or do some yoga. This is going to make your cardiovascular muscles stronger and help to pump more blood.
Body weight
Your body weight is another factor for high blood pressure so make sure you’re not putting on a lot of weight. You need to stay healthy and keep track of your body weight. You’ll not only have the headache of high pressure but also face serious problems like that of preeclampsia, you’ll be behind your due date and pain medicines will fail to have an effect on you. So, eat complex carbohydrates, more proteins, vitamins and minerals. Say no to high calorie food that are rich in trans-fat, saturated fat and added sugars.
Salt intake
Reduce your salt consumption to about 1500 mg per day. The second you keep track of the amount of salt you’re having each day, you’ll see positive changes in your blood pressure level. Refrain yourself from having food that are fried. Avoid taking out food as well as sports drinks.
Low-fat milk
You need the triple effect of calcium, magnesium and potassium. This is going to do wonders for your blood pressure level. Consume more of non-fat dairy along with hazelnuts, orange juice and wheat bran. You find it hard to gulp down that glass of milk? Make a milkshake with some strawberries and Voilà.
Hydration is the key. Drink as much as 3 liters of water each day. Aerated drinks are not good for you and you mustn’t have them.
Make sure you’re getting plenty of sleep. Take a power nap when you feel nauseated.
The devastation it can cause to your body are not unknown but when you’re carrying a child you must absolutely shun this bad habit of yours. It will elevate your blood pressure levels and cause disastrous effects on your child. So, no more cigarettes.
Say hello to your new best friend. Rich with omega 3 it will help to bring down your blood pressure levels and cuts down triglycerides also enhances your good cholesterol.
Spices
Too much salt is harmful for blood pressure level but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy herbs. Spice up your food with onions, balsamic vinegar, garlic and some lemon juice.
Enjoy that bar of dark chocolate you have been craving for lately. Apart from their taste the presence of flavanols will help to reduce the levels of blood pressure level and help you get over that mood swing. Make sure you’ve dark chocolate. You can even enjoy cacao with your daily milk, keeping in mind it doesn’t have any added sugar.
Make sure your meals are rich in potassium. This will help you to bring down that blood pressure level and keep it normal. Have more of bananas, cantaloupe, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, dried fruits, kidney beans, orange juice and peas.
Alcohol and caffeine
These drinks will not only elevate your blood pressure levels but have tremendous other effects too. You can enjoy decaf but no more caffeinated drinks. It not only reduces your blood flow to your placenta but also is one of the reasons for miscarriage. Alcohol is extremely dangerous for your unborn child and will lead to various serious issues.
It is extremely hard for you to keep in check everything for these upcoming months but try to imagine the little one that is going to wrap its entire hand around your finger and change the meaning of your existence. You want nothing more than its health right now, so, make sure you do everything you can to keep yourself healthy and happy.
