High blood pressure is one of the most common conditions that many people have faced. It has become a usual part of people’s lives, despite how dangerous it can be. According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, 2022 recorded 685,875 deaths due to high blood pressure. The number of people who are affected by high blood pressure is 48.1%, about 119.9 million people in the US. Globally, the number happens to be 1.28 billion, and most of the people who suffer from it are from low and middle-income countries (WHO). The reason why it can cause damage to your vital organs like our heart, as your blood pushes against the walls of your arteries. High blood pressure is when the pressure in your blood vessels is high, around 140/90 mmHG. Risk factors include older age, genetics, being overweight, lack of physical activity, high salt diet, drinking too much alcohol. However the good thing is, you can avoid high blood pressure. Here are three changes you can make according to a dietician. Hypertension in Young Adults To tackle this "silent killer," the NHS now offers health checks for those over 40, and pharmacies are providing blood pressure screenings. However, there's a worrying trend: more and more younger people are developing hypertension. This is partly due to inactive lifestyles and unhealthy eating. Interestingly, chronic stress is also emerging as a contributing factor. Natural Ways to Lower Blood Pressure Dietitian Courtney Kassis, who practices in Greater Philadelphia, shared simple dietary adjustment you can make to your diet on social media. These tips have helped her clients quickly lower their blood pressure, sometimes in just a few weeks. She emphasizes that with a few changes, you could see results surprisingly fast. Limit Processed Foods and Added Sugars Kassis advises cutting back on processed foods and added sugars. She explains that insulin resistance and inflammation are closely linked to high blood pressure. Foods like fizzy drinks, convenience meals, and white bread can cause blood sugar spikes. The British Heart Foundation agrees, warning that ultra-processed foods are a major risk factor for hypertension. These foods, which include sugary cereals, microwave dinners, frozen pizza, sweets, and biscuits, make up more than half of Britain's daily food intake. Eat More Whole Foods The second tip is to eat more whole foods. Incorporating more non-starchy vegetables, low-glycemic fruits, nuts, and seeds provides essential nutrients like potassium, magnesium, and fiber, which are crucial for regulating blood pressure and overall health. The NHS recommends aiming for at least five portions of fruits and vegetables daily, making up about a third of your diet. These can be fresh, frozen, canned, dried, or juiced. Starchy foods like pasta, rice, and potatoes should also make up a third of your daily intake, providing valuable energy. You should also include some protein in every meal, whether from dairy, plant-based sources like lentils and beans, or lean meats. It's also advised to have at least two portions of fish weekly, with one being an oily variety like salmon or mackerel. Swap Out Table Salt Kassis suggests swapping regular table salt for sea salt, noting that sea salt contains essential minerals that can help control blood pressure. However, it's important to use it in moderation. The British Heart Foundation cautions that all types of salt, including sea salt, can contribute to high blood pressure if consumed excessively due to their sodium content. The NHS recommends that adults consume no more than 6g of salt per day (about one leveled teaspoon). Too much salt can lead to high blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.