If you have high blood pressure, it’s essential to make some dietary changes to keep your blood pressure under control. Sodium is a known contributor to high blood pressure, so it’s vital to avoid salty foods and processed meats. You should also avoid sugary drinks and sweets, which can raise your blood sugar levels and put extra stress on your heart. By making simple dietary changes, you can help keep your blood pressure in check and can help you stay healthy and feel your best! This article will go over some foods to avoid if you have high blood pressure and a few steps you can take to help your diet be as healthy as possible.
White Bread
White bread is a no-no. It’s made from refined wheat, which means that the bran and the germ have been removed. That leaves nothing behind but empty calories and simple carbs, which can quickly lead to weight gain and raise your blood sugar levels. White bread also lacks the fiber found in whole wheat bread, which can help you feel full longer and stay healthy. And since high blood pressure often goes hand in hand with obesity, it’s important to avoid foods like white bread that may cause you to pack on unnecessary pounds. Experts recommend avoiding white bread altogether if possible.
Alcohol
A little wine with dinner isn’t going to hurt, but it’s best to avoid alcohol altogether if you have high blood pressure. Alcohol can interfere with your medication and exacerbate symptoms of hypertension. And even though a drink or two may not cause your numbers to go up significantly, it only takes one episode of binge drinking for your blood pressure levels to skyrocket. If you choose to have an alcoholic beverage while eating out, try ordering red wine over white to limit the number of carbs you’re taking in.
Canned Soups
Many brands will even tout the nutritional aspects of their soups, but that doesn’t mean they’re safe to eat if you have high blood pressure. Canned soup is almost always high in sodium which can be very dangerous for those with hypertension. Even the low-sodium versions still contain far too much salt for someone with elevated blood pressure levels. Canned soup also generally lacks protein and fiber, two nutrients essential for heart health; unless you make your own at home, it’s probably best to avoid this food entirely.
Salty Snacks
Salty snacks like chips or pretzels are out if you’ve got high blood pressure. These foods are incredibly unhealthy if consumed regularly and generally don’t fill people up; they may end up causing you to gorge on even more calorie-dense food and drinks. And if that salt isn’t burnt off by the time your meal comes, it can cause a spike in your blood pressure levels. If you crave these salty snacks, try having an apple or some veggies instead; they’re much healthier for you and don’t come with the same side effects.
Sugar-Sweetened Drinks
Sugar-sweetened drinks like soda and lemonade are out. Though they may taste delicious, these sugary drinks can seriously exacerbate symptoms of high blood pressure. They contain caffeine or sugar substitutes that can cause your blood pressure to go up even more than usual, so it’s best to avoid them entirely if you’ve got high blood pressure. If you crave one of these beverages, switch to unsweetened tea; some people claim the tannins in tea can help reduce hypertension levels.
Fast Food
Foods like hamburgers and french fries are high in sodium that can cause your blood pressure to skyrocket. They’re also full of simple carbs that burn incredibly quickly, causing a spike in insulin levels and leaving you feeling hungry again sooner than you should be; this cycle can lead to overeating and binge eating, which only exacerbates the problem. If you must eat fast food for one reason or another, try eating chicken instead of beef; it’s lower in fat and comes without so many nasty ingredients.
Conclusion
The key to maintaining healthy blood pressure is avoiding certain foods. These include salty snacks, sugar-sweetened drinks, processed meats, frozen meals, and fast food. The good news is that there are plenty of healthier options you can choose from instead! By making small changes in your diet, such as eating less salt or sugary beverages, choosing leaner cuts of meat, and cooking at home more often, you’ll be on the right track for a lower blood pressure reading! Make sure to talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about your blood pressure.
