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High Blood Pressure Foods

What are the food that can be taken for?
(19 May 2009)

High blood pressure or hypertension is one of the most common conditions and is in fact the major risk factor for cardiac diseases like a heart attack or a stroke. Hypertension is often referred to as the silent killer, because the symptoms are very often not visible, until heart problems arise.

Hypertension is closely related to our lifestyle, which explains why the condition has become so prevalent in the last few decades.


Weight problems, a sedentary lifestyle, stress, and poor eating habits are characteristic in the modern world, and all of these factors affect hypertension. An excessive intake of alcohol and caffeinated drinks, as well as smoking further contributes to and accentuates the problem. From these causes it becomes quite evident that lifestyle modifications are necessary to regulate blood pressure, but this is not always easy. Dieting is another important factor that can make a big difference and should also be a lot easier than most other changes. This is because when we talk about dieting in the context of heart disease and blood pressure we do not refer to fad diets that focus on deprivation. The focus for a heart healthy diet is instead on eating heart healthy foods, and minimizing the intake of unhealthy foods. Moderation and balance are the cornerstones of a diet for high blood pressure. This is therefore much easier to achieve as compared to diets that stress complete avoidance of entire food groups.

Although your diet alone may not solve your problem it does make a huge difference. This is because hypertension is more often than not, directly connected to a high sodium intake and reduced potassium level. A diet that focuses on eating the right foods for balanced nutrition can therefore regulate these levels and help control blood pressure.
Nutrients like magnesium, potassium, calcium, vitamin c and the omega 3 fatty acids are particularly useful:
  • Calcium seems to display a blood pressure reducing effect and can be obtained from foods like milk, yogurt, cheese, cabbage, broccoli, tofu, dry beans, soybean, and salmon.
  • Potassium is also believed to help regulate and maintain blood pressure levels. Vegetables and fruits like potatoes, tomatoes, Brussels sprouts, avocados, cantaloupes, bananas, beets, and oranges are good sources for potassium.
  • Magnisium facilitates blood flow by relaxing the blood vessels, which is why foods rich in magnesium are also recommended. These would include spinach, barley, sunflower seed, avocados, almonds, and chocolates.
  • Vitamin C helps through its action of expanding the blood vessels and constricted arteries. Good sources of vitamin C include red bell peppers, potatoes, red cabbage, kiwis, strawberries, and citrus fruits like grapes and oranges.
  • Omega 3 fatty acids are known to be very healthy and good for cardiac health. They improve circulation and reduce the risk of heart attacks. Fish like tuna, salmon and trout are the best sources.
  • Flaxseed oil helps control hypertension by inhibiting the inflammation responsible for artery plaque & circulatory problems.
  • Garlic is also regarded as a useful dietary remedy to lower blood pressure.

Keep in mind that although switching to a healthy diet will significantly improve your health and reduce the risk of a life threatening heart disease, it will not suffice unless backed up with other lifestyle changes.
answered by S D on 19 May 2009, 6:12:49

 

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