High blood pressure is a common health issue that needs no introduction. People who are as young as 25 are at risk of suffering from high blood pressure. The silent killer is one of the leading causes of premature deaths in India. A study conducted by The Global Burden of Diseases reported that high BP resulted in 1.63 million deaths in India. High blood pressure is the main reason for 57% of strokes and 24% of coronary heart disease deaths in India. Following a healthy lifestyle and a few easy ways can help in lowering blood pressure and staying away from these life-threatening diseases.
Does Hydration Affect Blood Pressure
People who are chronically dehydrated are at a higher risk of hypertension. The reason is when the cells of your body lack water it immediately cuts down the brain’s energy supply. When you are dehydrated, your brain sends signals to the pituitary gland to secrete a chemical known as vasopressin, which constructs the blood vessels. As a result, your blood pressure shoots up leading to hypertension.
Does Drinking Water Lower Blood Pressure?
Drinking water has an impact on your blood pressure in two ways- sodium retention and avoiding dehydration. When you don’t drink enough water, your body tries to secure water supply through sodium retention. In addition, when you are dehydrated, your body is forced to close down some of the capillary beds, thereby putting more pressure on your arteries and capillaries. As a result, your blood pressure shoots up. This is the reason why one of the best ways to keep your blood pressure under control is by staying hydrated.
However, you need to follow some dos and don’ts to lower your blood pressure naturally. Some of them are:
- Drink the right amount of water according to your body’s requirements. It is not necessary that you have to drink 8 glasses of water every day. The amount of water you need to drink depends on your weight, climatic conditions, and physical activity.
- Avoid drinking too much water as your body can absorb only a limited amount of water. Your body will need some extra time to adapt to the new level of water intake and stay hydrated. Too much water makes your kidneys and digestive system overwork. Health disorders such as hypertension, diabetes, and stress weaken your kidneys.
- Drink more water if you exercise as you lose a lot of water in the form of sweat and evaporation. As a result, to get the full benefits of drinking water stay hydrated before, during, and after exercising.
Last Few Words
Hypertension is a common problem that can lead to a number of other health problems. Water can help to a great extent in balancing your blood pressure. However, make sure you drink the right amount of water and that it is free of contaminants. RO Purifiers can be of great help in removing the different types of impurities from water and making it safe for use. Check out the range of water purifiers here.