6 Natural Ways to Lower Blood Pressure

You may not need medications to bring your blood pressure down. Even if you do, these proven non-pharmacologic methods will make them more effective.

Published: February 18, 2019 Updated: January 6, 2020

The average American consumes 3,500 milligrams (mg) of sodium a day-far more than the American Heart Association recommendation of no more than 1,500 mg, or about one teaspoon, of salt. Because this amount is so strict, Cleveland Clinic sets the limit at 2,300 mg. "The difference in effect is only a drop of 2 to 3 mmHg," says Dr. Laffin. "At minimum, we recommend lowering sodium intake by at least 1,000 mg per day."