Can Drinking Lemon Water Lower Blood Pressure?

There is a reason why high blood pressure is known as the silent killer. Oftentimes, there are no symptoms before it brings about a serious health crisis. "What high blood pressure means is too much resistance inside your arteries," according to Ivan V. Pacold, a cardiology professor at Loyola University's Stritch School of Medicine (via Everyday Health). "Simply speaking, that [pressure] causes arterial damage and increases your risk for stroke, heart attack, heart failure, and kidney failure," he says.

Having high blood pressure can feel like gambling on your good fortune and health. In order to swing the odds in your favor and steer clear of a potentially life-threatening incident, you should do your best to keep your blood pressure within a healthy range. MayoClinic recommends cutting back on sodium, alcohol, and fatty foods. In addition, one should exercise regularly and avoid triggers of stress. 

While some serious life changes may be needed in order to get your blood pressure to less frightening levels, there are a few things you can do that aren't quite so dramatic. In fact, there is one action that takes close to zero effort and will actually enhance your day with a little zest.

We might have a thing or two to learn from all those fancy spas that serve their clients limitless glasses of ice cold lemon water. On first assumption, adding lemon to your water may simply seem like an easy way to enhance both its presentation and taste. However, perhaps the best part of water spiked with this popular yellow citrus is that it can do even more for your health than it can for your taste buds — especially if you have high blood pressure.

NDTV states that drinking lemon juice can cause your blood vessels to become softer and more flexible, which can lower your blood pressure. In addition, lemon has a high level of vitamin C that can help remove free radicals, which are known to cause a person's blood pressure to rise. If you're not a fan of the taste of lemon, try adding in a wedge of grapefruit or sliced orange into your water instead. Healthline states that adding citrus fruits into your diet may have a positive impact on your blood pressure. 

Having high blood pressure is a risky gamble. It requires you to take prompt action to lower the chances of a potentially life-threatening incident. Luckily, you can start with something as easy and appealing as throwing a slice of lemon into your water.