Get more D
By now you’ve probably heard about all the health benefits of vitamin D, which is why you should familiarise yourself with the signs that you might be low. Too low levels of vitamin D have been linked to high blood pressure, and a study in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology found that for each 10 percent increase in vitamin D levels, there was an 8 percent decrease in the risk of developing high blood pressure. “It’s too soon to say that low vitamin D can cause high blood pressure, but getting tested to see where you stand and taking steps to increase your levels if they are low makes sense,” Dr. Heller says. Vitamin D is often called the sunshine vitamin because we produce it when exposed to sunlight. It is also found in eggs, milk, yogurt, tuna, salmon, cereal and orange juice. “Sometimes supplements may be necessary,” he says.
Invest in an activity monitor
Bracelets, apps and the somewhat old-school pedometer can help us track activity and kilojoules. Some even measure sleep, heart rate and other health signs. “These can be really motivating for people,” Greene says.
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Source: RD.com
