Before drugs are prescribed, these methods are often recommended for people with only mildly elevated blood pressure. The American Heart Association Nutrition Committee has stated that to maximize the beneficial effects of diet on blood pressure, Avoid high intakes of salt. Such diets are rich in potassium, calcium, magnesium and protein, and low in total fat, saturated fat and cholesterol. This means avoiding salty foods and cutting down on the amount of salt used in cooking and at the table. Alcoholic drinks are high in non-nutritious calories, so if you're trying to lose weight, avoid them.
Statistics show that many people who have high blood pressure are also overweight.
If you're overweight or have gained weight over time, you'll be advised to cut down on calories and lose weight. Your doctor can prescribe a diet that's right for you. If you're given a diet, follow it closely, including any recommendations about reducing your consumption of alcohol. Often when people lose weight, their blood pressure drops, too. Physical inactivity is a risk factor for heart disease.