Hypertension, or "high blood pressure" affects 50 million Americans. But more alarming is that a third of all sufferers do not even know they have a problem!
Because high blood pressure carries with it no symptoms, it is difficult to identify without running through tests with your doctor. If gone unchecked, high blood pressure can lead to problems such stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. These are all deadly health risks that make it imperative that we keep an eye on our blood pressure!
Especially if hypertension runs in your family, it pays to check your blood pressure regularly while focusing on eating the right balance of foods. High fiber, low fat and low salt diets can help to keep your blood pressure in check.
What is hypertension?
Hypertension arises when pressure inside blood vessels rise. As a result, the cardiovascular system is strained which requires the heart to work even harder to pump its blood.
What causes hypertension?
Hypertension can be hereditary, so check with your family. But even if it does not run through your genes, it does not mean you are out of the woods yet! Being overweight, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, stress, and high-sodium diets all contribute to high blood pressure.
What foods can help hypertension?
Fruits- High potassium fruits like bananas, honeydew melons, apricots, pears, dried fruits like prunes and raisins, and vitamin C rich fruits like oranges, grapefruits, peaches, and cantaloupe are great for reducing your blood pressure.
Vegetables- Potatoes, spinach, carrots and mushrooms (all high in potassium), leafy green vegetables like okra and kale (offering large amount of calcium and magnesium), red peppers, green peppers, and tomatoes.
Dairy- Low-fat dairy items such as yogurt, milk, and cheese, calcium-fortified soy products all help to lower blood pressure.
Herb and Spices- Instead of salt, cook with herbs, spices, and salt-free seasonings. For beef, season with bay leaves, safe, or thyme. For pork, season with garlic and rosemary. Really pile on the garlic! Studies show that garlic actually helps to lower high blood pressure.
If you do not know where you stand with your blood pressure, get it checked today. It is important to know what your body needs and heal anything that needs to be healed!
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Nothing on this site is a recommendation as to how to treat any particular disease or health-related condition. You should not use this site as a substitute for professional medical advice. For serious ailments, or if symptoms persist, you must see a medical
professional. You should not stop taking prescribed medication without consulting your doctor. |
