Truckers must pass their DOT physical exam to get certified. Drivers with high blood pressure may fail the exam and not be able to drive. How can I lower my blood pressure for a DOT physical?
Here are some tips to help low, thater your blood pressure and pass the exam.
Truck Driving Blood Pressure Must-Knows
To pass the DOT physical exam, blood pressure must be lower than 140/90 to get medically certified. If you need to take blood pressure medicine to lower/control your levels, that is acceptable.
There are natural methods for lowering blood pressure as well, such as exercising, eating healthy, and avoiding unhealthy habits like eating fast food or smoking.
Drivers who have high blood pressure and pass their certification must recertify at least once every year. In addition to recertification, they must consult their doctor if they are planning a drastic diet or lifestyle changes.
Some additional tips that can help are small, healthy changes in sleep, exercise, weight, and diet. High blood pressure is greatly associated with lifestyle habits.
How Can I Lower My Blood Pressure for a DOT Physical?
Short-term Ways to Lower Blood Pressure
The following are great ways to keep your blood pressure levels low in the long-term if you try them on a regular basis. However, if your physical is coming up in a few days, these tips should also help you lower your blood pressure quickly.
Drinking a lot of water and staying hydrated can help, as well as avoiding alcohol, smoking, and coffee (or anything with caffeine). It’s also important to eat fruits, vegetables, and drink beet juice. Studies show that beet juice can help to lower blood pressure levels quickly.
Also, make sure to add potassium-rich foods to your diet like bananas, potatoes, and leafy greens.
If you tend to experience stress, trying reducing your stress levels through meditation or other ways. Finally, make sure you are well rested and get a good night’s sleep, otherwise you may see spokes in your blood pressure readings.
Long-Term Ways to Lower Blood Pressure
It’s tough to lead a healthy lifestyle while on the road. If diagnosed with high blood pressure, try the following methods to lower your blood pressure in the long haul.
Limit the amount of salt (sodium) in your diet and avoid processed foods, as they usually contain a lot of salt. However, this may be hard to do if you eat on the go and just grab whatever you can when buying food.
Instead, help your health by planning ahead, that way you know that you have something healthy to eat instead of having to grab a fast food burger. Furthermore, you can pack a cooler with fruits, vegetables, and healthy meals to avoid eating greasy fast foods and opt for the salad instead.
Additionally, make sure you always stay hydrated and limit the amount of caffeine and alcohol intake in your life. If you smoke, find ways to quit, and if you don’t, then avoid second hand smoking. Getting regular, deep sleep can also go a long way.
Lastly, help you overall heart health by taking supplements like L-Arginine Plus. This powder supplements combines powerful ingredients (l-arginine, l-citrulline, and other key vitamins and minerals) to increase nitric oxide.
Nitric oxide is a molecule that widens blood vessels, leading to better circulation for the body and the heart. If you need an extra boost in your circulation and heart health, then try L-arginine Plus.