One in three adults in the western world has high blood pressure (hypertension), but because there are rarely any symptoms associated with high blood pressure many of these people are unaware they have the condition. High blood pressure is known as  the "silent killer" for this very reason, and if left unchecked it can lead to a heart attack, stroke and kidney failure. The good news is there are natural ways to lower blood pressure.

Eat Less Salt

Nearly everyone eats too much salt (sodium chloride). Cut down on the amount of salt you eat to less than six grams per day. Put less or no salt on your food or when cooking your food. You'll be surprised how quickly your taste buds will adjust to a low- or no-salt diet. If you really can't do without it try a low-sodium substitute.
In fact, most of the salt we consume (about eighty per cent) comes in the form of ready-prepared food. Bread, breakfast cereals, biscuits, ready-meals, smoked meats and fish, soups, ketchups, pickles and sauces are all usually high in salt, so you must check the label. If the label doesn't state the salt content then look for sodium, which is one of the chemicals in salt. One gram of sodium is equivalent to 2.5 grams of salt.
If the label says that the contents has 0.25 grams (or less) of salt per 100 grams, then it is safe to eat as much as you like. If the contents contains between 0.25 and 1.25 grams per 100 grams then you can eat small amounts now and then. If the contents has more than 1.25 grams per 100 grams then avoid eating it.

Eat Plenty Of Vegetables

Fruit and vegetables are full of fibre, minerals and vitamins essential for keeping the body healthy. They contain potassium which counteracts the effect of salt. Try to eat at least five portions (a portion is about 80 grams) of different fruits and vegetables per day. If you buy tinned, frozen or dried produce check the label for added salt or sugar. Don't add salt to vegetables, or sugar to fruit, during cooking or at the table. Steam or bake vegetables to keep their minerals and vitamins as intact as possible, and try not to over-cook them. If you do boil them use as little water as possible.

Drink Plenty Of Water

Drinking water at regular intervals throughout the the day prevents the body becoming dehydrated. When the body is low on water the brain reacts by constricting the veins and arteries, so causing an increase in blood pressure. Remember: drink plenty of water, not alcohol, coffee, or soft drinks that contain sugar as these drinks actually cause dehydration.