As the temperatures drops, the body tends to restrict blood flow in order to maintain temperature and retain heat, causing the blood pressure to rise. Cold weather may cause dangerous changes in blood pressure, say Veterans Affairs researchers. Their study of 443,632 veterans with high blood pressure found that we’re more likely to have high blood pressure readings during colder months, probably because of winter weight gain and inactivity. Author Ross Fletcher, MD, advises, “People who are at borderline, with a reading of 130/80 in the summer, should be checked again in winter.”
What blood pressure should you aim for? For heart health, experts agree: in general, the lower, the better. A group of researchers at Cleveland Clinic found that only patients who got their pressure below 120/80 showed signs of reversal of coronary disease. Those with higher numbers saw no change or an increase in arterial plaque.
So, what can you do to maintain your blood pressure to a healthy level even during the winter season? Health officials all over the world suggest people of all ages to take exercise. However, there are suggestions as well which are equally important to maintain your blood pressure during the winter season.
You must avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine as they can cause the body to lose heat rapidly. Make sure to keep your skin least exposed during cold days. In fact, dress in layers to conserve body heat. Eat a well-balanced diet consisting of variety of foods rich in essential nutrients that help lower blood pressure.
Foods To Manage Blood Pressure During Winter
- Methi
- Radish
- Spinach
- Carrots
- Beetroot
Without going into further details of what health benefits these foods can provide you during the winter season, a natural question would be whether there are any herbs to help us maintain our blood pressure to a normal level. we would also recommend taking herbal supplements such as Blood Cleanser if all else fails and you are not able to manage your blood pressure in the normal range.
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