Home Remedy For Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is the force exerted on the walls of arteries as your heart pumps blood, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. Normal blood pressure is 120/80 or 120 over 80. The first number represents systolic pressure, or the pressure when your heart beats as it pumps blood. The second number is diastolic pressure, or the pressure of your heart resting between beats. Your readings could be consistently higher or lower than 120/80, both of which can be cause for concern.

High Blood Pressure

Consistent readings of 140/90 or higher signal that you have high blood pressure, or hypertension. It can be caused by aging, obesity, diabetes and other medical conditions such as sleep apnea and kidney disease. Women can also experience high blood pressure during pregnancy, when taking birth control pills or receiving hormone therapy for menopause, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. Left untreated, hypertension can damage the heart, blood vessels and cause a stroke.

Low Blood Pressure

This condition, called hypotension, refers to having consistent blood pressure readings of 90/60 or less. In some cases, hypotension may signal that you're dehydrated or have a heart problem or an endocrine or neurological disorder, the Mayo Clinic states. Some medications, infections or a nutrient deficiency can also cause low blood pressure. It can lead to dizziness, fainting spells and deprive your internal organs--including your brain--of oxygen, leading to shock.

Home Remedies for Hypertension

Your physician may recommend the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet. It involves cutting back on salt, cholesterol and fats and reducing your intake of sugary foods, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Instead, you'll consume more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean poultry and low-fat dairy products. Eat more potassium-rich foods, such as bananas, and add spices and herbs to food instead of salt, which should be limited to no more than 1 teaspoon daily. Also, reduce your alcohol intake.

Your doctor will also recommend exercising for at least 30 minutes most days of the week. It boosts cardiovascular health and helps you lose weight, which can also lower blood pressure. The University of Maryland Medical Center also recommends improving sleep habits and practicing stress reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga or tai chi.

Home Remedies for Hypotension

Staying well-hydrated and eating more salt can help treat low blood pressure, according to the Mayo Clinic. The clinic also suggests wearing compression stockings to prevent blood from pooling in your legs, and eating small low-carbohydrate meals to prevent blood pressure from plunging after eating.

Eating a well-balanced diet is also important, as deficiencies in iron or vitamin B can cause hypotension. The Mayo Clinic also recommends moving more slowly when changing positions to prevent dizziness or lightheadedness. Sleeping with your head elevated and doing a few deep-breathing exercises before getting out of bed can also help.

Caution

Consult your doctor for a proper diagnosis of any blood pressure problem you may be experiencing. The doctor can recommend both medical and home remedies that can help. Avoid self-medicating or beginning any form of alternative treatment before speaking to your doctor.