Dr Mercy Luka, a General Physician, says staying adequately hydrated is one of the simplest ways to lower High Blood Pressure (HPB) naturally.

Luka made this recommendation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Abuja.
She warned that not drinking enough fluids could result in dehydration and higher sodium levels in our blood stream.

“Sodium is your body’s water insurance mechanism,’’ the physician said.

Luka said that when you don’t drink enough water your body attempts to secure its fluid supply by retaining sodium.

“Sodium is your body’s water insurance mechanism; water plays an essential role in maintaining your hydration and blood pressure levels.

“Eating foods and liquids that are high in salt contributes to raise blood pressure.

“Your body will continually seeks balance, and respond to changing levels of sodium and other electrolytes in your blood stream.

“When sodium levels in the blood rise too high, your kidneys respond by excreting excess sodium along with water in the form of urine, it is either by increasing or decreasing blood volume,’’ she said.

The expert also said that regular physical exercise could bring your blood pressure down to a safer level.

“Exercises like walking, jogging, cycling, swimming or dancing can help lower your blood pressure and make your heart stronger.

“If you already have hypertension, you have to learn how to engage in regular exercise and also manage your stress,’’ said the physician.

She also advised hypertension patients to eat more potassium-rich foods and drink less alcohol.