Also, heavy consumption of sugar induces salt and water retention. They work in animals, says Preuss, who takes 500 micrograms of chromium daily. U.S. Department of Agriculture experts recommend 100 to 200mcg daily to help regulate insulin and blood sugar in normal people. Diabetics can benefit from 1,000mcg. Load up on fruits and vegetables.
Numerous studies point to fruits and vegetables as anti-high blood pressure agents.
The new Harvard study showed that the women who ate the most fruits and vegetables were the least likely to have high blood pressure. Vegetarians generally have lower blood pressure than meat eaters, and switching to a vegetarian diet can lower blood pressure, other studies show. Preuss says garlic also works by dilating blood vessels. Eat more fiber. Much research shows high-fiber foods keep blood pressure down.