Across the country, high blood pressure has emerged as one of the most common health issues of our time. A matter of concern is that even young people are increasingly falling victim to this condition. Typically, when blood pressure rises, people begin taking medication based on a doctor's advice, which causes the readings on a blood pressure monitor to appear normal. However, experts believe that controlling blood pressure solely through medication is insufficient; it is equally crucial to address the root cause by making improvements to one's diet and lifestyle.

**Why Does Blood Pressure Rise During Summer?**
Addressing this subject, Dr. Meenakshi Sharma—an Ayurvedic physician practicing at the Civil Hospital in Ambala City—explained that the number of patients suffering from high blood pressure tends to increase during the summer season. The first and most essential step toward controlling this is to reduce salt intake.

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She stated that the salt added during the cooking process is generally sufficient; therefore, the habit of sprinkling extra salt over salads, yogurt, or fruits should be discontinued immediately. If desired, rock salt (Sendha Namak) may be used in limited quantities as an alternative to regular table salt.

**Steer Clear of Packaged Foods**
Furthermore, one should avoid chips, *papad*, savory snacks (*namkeen*), and other packaged food products, as they contain high levels of sodium—a primary contributor to elevated blood pressure. She noted that, according to Ayurveda, cucumbers, melons (*kakri*), buttermilk, and coconut water are considered highly beneficial for patients with high blood pressure. Additionally, barley *sattu* (roasted barley flour) is particularly advantageous during the summer months, as it helps maintain fluid balance within the body and mitigates the adverse effects of excess salt.

**What Should BP Patients Eat During Summer?**
She mentioned that, among fruits, grapes and apples are considered beneficial for individuals with high blood pressure. She suggests that the regular consumption of grapes and apples after meals can prove advantageous. Meanwhile, traditional foods such as *Gond Katira* (Tragacanth gum) and *Gulkand* (rose petal preserve) are believed to aid in flushing out excess sodium by increasing urine output within the body.

**Turmeric and Lemon Water**
Dr. Meenakshi Sharma also highlighted the benefits of incorporating turmeric into one's diet. He stated that curcumin, present in turmeric, possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help improve blood vessel health and blood circulation. To leverage these benefits, one may consume a mixture of half a teaspoon of turmeric and a little lemon juice added to a glass of water, taken on an empty stomach. However, he cautioned that excessive consumption of turmeric could lead to issues such as stomach irritation, gas, and acidity.

**Control High BP with Home Remedies**
Experts suggest that home remedies can be helpful in managing high blood pressure; however, they should not be considered a substitute for medications prescribed by a doctor. It is essential to seek medical advice before adopting any new remedy. A healthy lifestyle, a balanced diet, limited salt intake, and the regular consumption of natural foods can play a significant role in keeping high blood pressure under control.

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