According to a recent study lead by a professor at the University of South Australia and published in the online journal The Lancet: Diabetes and Endocrinology, there is a strong link between sunshine and blood pressure.

But how does this work and how much sun do you exactly need? And what can you do if you aren’t getting enough sunshine?

The study analyzed genetic data from just under 150,000 people in North America and Europe, who are of European descent. They found an 8% drop in the likelihood of developing high blood pressure when vitamin D intake increased by 10%.

These findings are interesting because they suggest a causal relationships between vitamin D intake and the risk of high blood pressure. While this relationship is not proven as of yet, the study does open a new path of study to pursue.

Vitamin D is a great alternative to anti-hypertension drugs, which can be expensive and come with undesirable and dangerous side effects.

The best way to get your vitamin D is to get out in the sun for 30 minutes per day with a minimum 25% skin exposure.

You can also get vitamin D from food. In general, fish has the highest content of vitamin D. Especially herring, catfish, and salmon. Many foods also often have added vitamin D, such as milk and soy milk.

But if your vitamin D level is optimal and you still have high blood pressure, consuming more vitamin D will do nothing for you.

In that case, your best option is a set of three easy exercises, guaranteed to bring your blood pressure below 120/80 – starting today…