ITV doctor says simple tinned food hack can help lower your blood pressure

Over 12 million adults in England are grappling with high blood pressure.

However, incorporating a few straightforward dietary tweaks could make all the difference.

The NHS defines high blood pressure as a reading of 140/90mmHg or higher when measured at a pharmacy, GP surgery, or clinic, and 135/85mmHg for home readings. The first figure represents the pressure of blood being pumped around the body by the heart, while the second indicates the resistance to blood flow in the blood vessels between beats.

Suffering from chronic high blood pressure can lead to a host of severe and potentially fatal conditions, such as heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, and kidney disease. Therefore, it's crucial to know how to manage your blood pressure from the comfort of your own home to prevent further complications.

NHS GP Dr Amir Khan, known for his frequent contributions on ITV's Lorraine and Good Morning Britain, has offered up five easy steps to help reduce your blood pressure. His initial advice is straightforward: cut down on salt intake.

Dr Khan emphasises the importance of this step for those with high blood pressure in a recent Instagram post: "If you don't have high blood pressure then there's still a debate about how much salt will affect you, but if you do have high blood pressure listen up," he advises.

"Adults should only have around six grams or one level teaspoon of salt a day - most of that is already included in the food we eat so try not to add salt to your food. Instead, season it with things like pepper and herbs and spices."

Dr Khan further emphasised: "If you buy tinned food go for it in water rather than salty brine; and for nuts, always go for unsalted."

He also highlighted the benefits of incorporating 'potassium-rich foods' such as bananas, tomatoes, and carrots into your diet.

The doctor also underscored the significance of regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight, noting that these elements work synergistically. Dr Khan also advised quitting smoking and moderating alcohol intake.

The NHS supports these lifestyle modifications as effective measures to manage blood pressure, and it notes that doctors may prescribe medication to aid in controlling it. For more information on natural ways to lower blood pressure and available medications, visit this link.