High blood pressure affects 1 in 3 adults in the United States. When a person has high blood pressure, the blood flow through the arteries is higher than normal. There are ways to prevent and treat high blood pressure. It starts with your lifestyle. Exercising regularly will keep your heart healthy and stress levels low. In addition, mindfulness activities such as meditation, yoga, and journaling can help reduce stress.
Dehydration and Blood Pressure
It is important to keep hydrated.When the body is dehydrated, the heart must use more force and pump harder to distribute blood throughout the body. It takes more effort for the blood to get to the tissues and organs. Dehydration results in a lower blood volume which causes the heart rate and blood pressure to increase.3
Water and Heart Health
Vitamins and minerals such as calcium and magnesium are known to reduce blood pressure. One study performed in Bangladesh found that adding calcium and magnesium to your water can help in lowering blood pressure. By consuming these minerals through water, the body can absorb them more easily.
Recommended Water Intake
In general, it's recommended to drink eight 8-ounce cups of water a day. It's important to note that some foods, like fruits and vegetables, also contain water. More specific guidelines include:5
For women: Approximately 11 cups (2.7 liters or about 91 ounces) daily fluid intake (this includes all beverages and foods that contain water).
For men: Approximately 15.5 cups (3.7 liters or about 125 ounces) total daily fluid intake (includes all beverages and foods that contain water).
