Last updated on November 26, 2022

Blood pressure (BP) is the force that moves blood through the artery walls. There are two parameters that determine a BP reading:

1. Systolic pressure – is measured when the heart is beating with blood pressure is at its peak.
2. Diastolic pressure – measured between heartbeats when blood pressure is at its lowest.

Measured BP is written with systolic BP first, then diastolic BP (e.g., 120/80). Systolic and diastolic blood pressure in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) is effectively measured using a sphygmomanometer.

BP Categories

The following is a table of blood pressure categories.

High BP control is feasible in just 7 days and you can keep it down using a 100% tried and true method, but first…

What is salt?

Salt (also known as sodium chloride, NaCl, table salt, or common salt) is a cheap and readily available compound that we humans have grown to crave. Yet, salt is essential for the human body. It is needed for the distribution of nerve impulses, contraction, and relaxation of muscle fibers (especially those found in the heart and blood vessels). It also helps control the entry and exit of metabolic fluids. In this way, it enables the optimal functioning of the body’s processes.

Despite these benefits, the body needs only a small amount of sodium (< 500 mg/day). Therefore, there is no need to add salt to foods, as research shows that it is naturally found in many foods, fruits, and vegetables.

Sources of Salt Per Day

We are getting enough sodium for the body to perform its functions and healthy kidneys do an excellent job of conserving the amount of sodium that your body needs.

How come we are so hooked on salt?

It is because salt is in practically all that we eat or drink. Our taste preferences develop during our first years. Also, because of the naturally occurring opioids in our body, we have been culturally and globally programmed to have a sense that salt gives food a great flavor.

Our bodies want it even though they don’t need it. Salty foods or drinks are associated with hypertension and associated health issues, such as heart failure, kidney problems, stroke, and stomach cancer. High blood pressure sufferers benefit enormously from not eating or drinking anything with salt. To #(Un)Salted, we need to recycle our taste buds to prefer unsalted foods. It may require time and effort, but it’s doable.

How to reach a BP of 120/70 in just 7 days

• Start with a complete detox of the body. The point here is to kickstart the natural detoxification system of your body. Also, increase overall health by staying hydrated. Do not consume ANY added salt – a 100% unsalted diet. This process is completed with proactive incorporation of movement in our daily routines while following a diet high in anti-oxidants.
  • Skip! the Salt
  • Zero alcohol
  • Zero caffeine
  • Zero sweetened foods
  • Zero processed foodstuffs
  • Drink only water if you feel thirsty or want a drink
  • Prioritize good sleep and sleep hygiene
  • Eat foods high in anti-oxidants
  • Eat foods rich in pre-biotics
  • Eat foods containing sulfur
  • Move and include physical activity or ‘exercise snacks’ in your day

Afterwards, keep your BP low by:

1. Drink a great deal of water. At least two gallons all day long. It will decrease the cravings for salt
2. Make your meals and keep them simple
3. Cook food with fresh ingredients while adding taste with herbs, spices, or salt-free substitutes
4. When shopping, check the food labels for sodium.
5. Avoid canned, processed, and frozen foods; if necessary, choose an option without added salt
6. At restaurants, ask for a nutritional fact sheet before making a selection. Pay attention to monosodium glutamate (MSG), another form of sodium added to foods
7. Satisfy snack cravings with salt-free options such as:
   • Unsalted cashews, of course
   • Unsalted peanuts
   • Unsalted pretzels (can also be found on Amazon)
   • Fresh fruits and vegetables that are high in potassium
   • Magnesium-rich foods
   • Calcium-rich foods
8. Practice yoga for blood pressure. And finally, for my yogis’ colleagues, improve circulation by adding this high-efficiency yoga posture for high blood pressure.

Although there are tremendous benefits to going unsalted, like many other undesirable health triggers, the effect of salt intake on our blood pressure and overall health may also depend on genetics, age, pre-existing medical conditions, and way of life. To get the 120/70 blood pressure you deserve, blend all the above suggestions with the medical advice of your primary care physician.

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#(UN)Salted!