Drinking water can help lower blood pressure in some cases, but it is not a standalone solution for hypertension (high blood pressure).
Dehydration can lead to an increase in blood pressure, so drinking enough water can help to keep blood pressure at a healthy level. Drinking water can also help to reduce the volume of blood in the body, which can decrease the workload on the heart and blood vessels, resulting in a reduction in blood pressure.
However, drinking water alone may not be sufficient to lower high blood pressure, especially if it is caused by underlying medical conditions such as obesity, kidney disease or diabetes.
Additionally, drinking too much water can also lead to hyponatremia (low blood sodium levels), which can cause confusion, seizures, and in severe cases, death.
If you have high blood pressure, it’s important to consult with a doctor or a qualified healthcare professional to determine the best course of treatment for you. This may include lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, and quitting smoking, as well as medications, if necessary. Drinking water as part of a healthy lifestyle and balanced diet can help lower blood pressure, but it’s not a substitute for medical treatment if you have hypertension.
MEDICAL EVIDENCE FOR WATER LOWERING BLOOD PRESSURE
There is some medical evidence that drinking water can help to lower blood pressure in some individuals. Studies have found that increasing water intake can help to lower blood pressure in people who are dehydrated.
One study found that drinking water increased blood flow and reduced blood pressure in healthy adults. Another study found that drinking water reduced blood pressure in people with hypertension.
Additionally, drinking water before meals has been found to lower systolic blood pressure in older adults. This may be because water can help to reduce the volume of blood in the body, which can decrease the workload on the heart and blood vessels.
However, it’s important to note that these studies were conducted on small groups of people and more research is needed to confirm the link between drinking water and blood pressure. Also, drinking water alone may not be sufficient to lower high blood pressure, especially if it is caused by underlying medical conditions such as obesity, kidney disease or diabetes.
If you have high blood pressure, it’s important to consult with a doctor or a qualified healthcare professional to determine the best course of treatment for you. Drinking water as part of a healthy lifestyle and balanced diet can help lower blood pressure, but it’s not a substitute for medical treatment if you have hypertension.
OTHER BENEFITS OF INCREASING YOUR WATER INTAKE
Increasing your water intake can have many benefits for your overall health. Here are a few examples:
- Improves skin health: Drinking enough water can help to keep your skin looking plump and hydrated, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Aids in digestion: Drinking water can help to keep your digestion system working properly. It can help to soften and break down food, which makes it easier to pass through the body.
- Aids in weight loss: Drinking water can help to reduce hunger and cravings, which can make it easier to stick to a weight-loss diet.
- Helps to flush out toxins: Drinking water can help to flush out toxins from the body through urine, sweat and bowel movements.
- Boosts energy levels: Drinking water can help to boost energy levels and improve mental clarity. When the body is dehydrated, it can lead to fatigue, headaches, and lack of focus.
- Helps to regulate body temperature: Drinking water can help to regulate body temperature, which is important for maintaining a healthy metabolism.
- Helps to prevent kidney stones: Drinking water can help to prevent the formation of kidney stones by diluting the concentration of minerals in the urine.
- Helps to prevent constipation: Drinking water can help to prevent constipation by keeping the stool soft and easy to pass.
It’s worth noting that the recommended water intake varies depending on factors such as age, sex, activity level and climate. But, generally, a guideline is to aim for 8-ounce glasses (about 2 liters) of water per day.