Foods to Eat/Avoid for People with High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, also called hypertension, means the pressure in your arteries is above the normal range. It is also known as the “silent killer”. Hypertension gets higher with time and the risk of complications goes up depending on the circumstances and the condition of the body. This illness can also lead to heart attacks, heart failure, strokes, or kidney disease.

It is important to maintain your blood pressure level to promote optimal physical and mental balance. As per health experts, food can control/reduce high blood pressure in several ways. It’s suggested that the kind of food you take can impact your health and wellbeing. If you are prone to hypertension and want to know which food you can eat/avoid to combat high blood pressure read below.

Foods and drinks to be cautious of or avoid to help you lower your blood pressure:

• Table salt
• Sauces and condiments
• Canned foods
• Processed foods
• High-fat foods/junk food
• Unhealthy snacks
• Red meat
• Pickled foods
• Caffeine and carbonated drinks
• Alcohol and cigarettes

Essential foods that you need to include in your diet plan to help fight high blood pressure or hypertension:

• Richly coloured green, orange, and red vegetables
• Fresh fruits
• Dry fruits, nuts, and seeds
• Vegetable soups and salads
• Skimmed milk and yogurt
• Oatmeal, grains, and pulses
• Salmon, mackerel, and fish with omega-3s
• Chicken and eggs
• Indian herbs and spices
• Lots of water

Note: The number of servings depends on your daily calorie (energy) needs. To figure out your calorie needs, consult a doctor or a dietician. The local doctor or dietitian will help you with a good diet plan as per your health needs and requirement.

Remember, a good diet plan is just one key part of a healthy lifestyle. Combining it with other lifestyle changes such as exercise, meditation, and good sleep will help you control your blood pressure and other illnesses for a lifetime.