Diet advice for high blood pressure

daily food for high blood pressure
(20 Sep 2007)

High blood pressure or hypertension is very often referred to as the silent killer. The force employed by the heart to pump blood into the arteries is termed as blood pressure. A certain level of pressure is maintained by the body in order to bring about blood circulation.

An increase in this pressure is what causes high BP. This condition is dangerous as it makes the heart work harder, and the increased force of blood flow can cause harm to the arteries as well as the organs. There are large number of reasons that can lead one to have high BP. Obesity, alcohol addiction, genetics, birth control pills, age and stress can all cause high BP. As this condition usually does not display any symptoms it is referred to as the silent killer. Very mild symptoms may include nausea, blurred vision, dizziness and head aches. High BP if not treated can have serious repercussions such as strokes, heart attacks, kidney failure and blindness.

The diet that one maintains can go a long way in controlling one’s pressure. A diet that is low in sodium is what is recommended for this condition. Thus reducing your sodium intake would help. The main aim here is to eat less of processed or pre-cooked foods and more of fresh foods. Although sodium is present naturally in fresh foods like fruits, vegetables, meats, grains, nuts and dairy products, the quantity however is much lesser as compared to processed foods. Avoiding fast foods would also help as their salt content is high. Consume fresh food rather than packaged or canned foods. You can substitute vinegars and wines for salt, in-order to add flavor to food. Fresh fruits, vegetables and dairy products that are low fat would generally be recommended.

The following foods should be avoided or low sodium substitutes should be opted; steak sauce, soy sauce, barbecue sauce, salad dressing, canned or instant soups, cured or smoked meats such as hot dogs, corned beef, sausage, bacon, ham, luncheon meats, salted snacks such as pretzels, peanuts, tortilla chips, pork rinds and corn chips and any kind of pickled food. Avoid adding salt to food, instead add spices and herbs. While buying packaged food, look for the following on the labels; sodium nitrite, sodium hydroxide, sodium sulfate, disodium phosphate, sodium proprionate and monosodium glutamate. These indicate high sodium levels in the food. Finally, reduce your alcohol consumption to a minimum as it increases the risk associated with this condition.

answered by G M on 16 Apr 2010, 12:45:01

Blood pressure may seem simple but to maintain it is a task to avoid any complications related to it. A high potassium low sodium diet is prescribed for most of the individuals with high blood pressure.

Learn to lose the excess weight (if any) and achieve your ideal body weight. Weight is a very important factor in the management of blood pressure.
Decrease the amount of visible salt or added salt in your diet. Foods high in sodium like ketchups, processed foods, pickles, canned foods, salted snacks, salted nuts, salted popcorns, wafers or chips, smoked meat, sausages, and canned or bottled foods should be avoided as far as possible.
Include healthy whole cereals, sprouts, pulses, fish, lean meat, and de skinned chicken, skim milk and its products in your diet.
Try to include at least 8-9 servings of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet to add bulk in your meals.
Before consuming any ready to eat product make a habit to read the food label for sodium and potassium content.
Tobacco, cigarette smoking and alcohol should be completely avoided.
Daily exercise like walking should be incorporated in your lifestyle as it will also help to control your blood pressure.

For a detailed diet plan you can even consult a dietician or for more home remedies on high blood pressure visit –
http://www.home-remedies-for-you.com/remedy/High-Blood-Pressure.html

answered by S P on 27 Sep 2007, 5:20:36

Diet advice for high blood pressure

daily food for high blood pressure (20 Sep 2007)

daily food for high blood pressure
(20 Sep 2007)