High blood pressure, also called hypertension, affects nine out of ten American individuals during the lifetime. Having high blood pressure can put you at risk for life threatening disease such as stroke, heart failure, kidney disease, and diabetes.

If you have the blood pressure of 140/90 or higher, this qualifies you as a victim of hypertension.  It can also cause erectile dysfunction in men. While high blood pressure can be caused by genetics, several factors such as smoking, alcoholism, lack of activity, or by being overweight and obese.

However, there is good news. There is a natural alternative other than overly priced pharmaceutical drugs to lower blood pressure. A recent study conducted in India and Sweden reveals that performing yoga can lower high blood pressure and hypertensions. This is because yoga disciplines your muscles and mind to a deep stage of relaxation.

With that being said, performing yoga has an intense positive effect on the body, mind, and spirit. Some additional benefits of yoga include:

• Weight loss
• Protection from injury
• Balanced metabolism
• Improved respiratory system
• Increased energy and vitality
• Reduced stress
• Relief of back pain
• Ease migraines
• Boost sexual performance
• Better sleep

As stated above, one of the greatest benefits to yoga is weight loss. This could be a important factor to lower high blood pressure. This is because as the numbers on the scale increases, your blood pressure will as well. It is evident that being overweight makes you more likely to develop hypertension. Losing weight can help prevent and treat your risk for high blood pressure. Remember, to lose weight and keep the weight off, you must avoid crash diets. the key to weight loss is to increase your physical activity while maintaining a healthy diet.

Would you add just ten minutes of yoga into your day to reap in these health benefits? It would be beneficial for you to lower blood pressure and relieve back pain.