Staying in High-Rise Buildings May Affect Your Blood Pressure: 5 Foods That Can Bring Down High BP

While high rise buildings are taking over the realty sector, your dream house in close proximity to the sky may result in high blood pressure and joints-related issues, according to a latest survey. Blood pressure or hypertension is the force of blood pushing against the walls of blood vessels (arteries) as it is pumped by the heart. This means, higher the pressure, harder it is for the heart to pump the blood smoothly. According to the World Health Organization, those with blood pressure higher than 140 are characterized as hypertension patients.

As per a new survey, nearly 20 per cent of adults between 40-55 age group had blood pressure levels between 140-159 which is an indication of pre-hypertension. The survey was part of a free medical screening camp organized by Polo Foundation, a pan-India NGO, working in the areas of health, information technology education and solar energy at corporate multi-story societies in Noida. The survey also showed that 40 per cent of the senior citizens, above the age of 60, had severe problems of joints-related issues, such as arthritis or osteoarthritis.

Doctors reveal that India may be on the verge of becoming the osteoarthritis capital of the world with over 60 million cases by 2025. "The factor which was found common among both the age groups, which according to the doctors was adding to the health woes of the respondents, was the lack of mobility and physical activity due to staying in the high rise buildings," noted the survey.Over 100 people, mostly adults and senior citizens, attended the screening camp.

Many participants living in tall, sky-touching buildings complained of high blood pressure and other lifestyle-related problems. The survey echoed a similar finding almost 26 years ago by Japan based Fumio Osaka of Tokai University Medical School, which said women in their 50s who live on the top floors of high-rise apartments are more likely to suffer from high blood pressure than those living on lower floors.The study revealed that residents of upper floors tend to suffer from a self-induced cabin fever, a tension caused by confinement in a closed space, as they often lack the will and access to go out and exercise.

Regular episodes of high blood pressure can cause several other problems, leading to an increased risk of strokes in future. A healthy diet and fitness regimen can help you bring down high blood pressure and stabilize it. Try the following foods.

1. Banana

Bananas aren't just low in sodium; they're also rich in potassium which helps lower blood pressure. They are so versatile that you can easily add it to your cereal, cakes, breads, smoothies and milkshakes.

2. Spinach

This greens are low in calories, high in fiber, and packed with nutrients like potassium, folate, magnesium that help in lowering and maintaining blood pressure levels. Did you know that half a cup of cooked spinach also provides around 12% of an adult's recommended daily calcium intake?

3. Oatmeal

Eating a diet high in fiber and rich in whole grains helps your body maintain a healthy blood pressure and oatmeal does just that! It helps reduce both your systolic and diastolic pressure.

4. Watermelon

Watermelon contains an amino acid called L-citrulline which has been known to lower blood pressure. Watermelon is also loaded with fiber, lycopene, vitamin A and potassium.

5.Honey

According to the book 'The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies' by Dr. Vasant Lad, adding a teaspoon of honey and 5 to 10 drops of apple cider vinegar to a cup of hot water and consuming it early morning helps reduce and regulate blood pressure.