Fat and sugar cravings. Stress also seems to affect food preferences. Numerous studies â granted, many of them in animals â have shown that physical or emotional distress increases the intake of food high in fat, sugar, or both. High cortisol levels, in combination with high insulin levels, may be responsible.
(iStockphoto) Aim for 4,700 milligrams a day. Foods rich in potassium help your blood pressure naturally fall, and bananas arenât the only option. One cup of tomato paste provides 2,657 milligrams; a cup of bok choy provides 631 milligrams; and one cup of Brussels sprouts provides 495 milligrams, for example.
When you want to lower your blood pressure, think beyond slashing salt, calories and fatâand also consider what you can add to your diet. More vegetables, fruits and lean protein, says the Institute of Medicine in a February 2010 report on preventing and controlling high blood pressure. Plus, recent research points to three beverages that also may help to lower blood pressure. Consider drinking moreâ¦. 1  1. 2  2. 3  3.