13 FOODS TO AVOID: FOR PEOPLE HAVING HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
If you are a patient of hypertension, you surely know the importance of the diet in controlling blood pressure, and how important it is to stay away from foods that are harmful to your cardiovascular health, factsunloaded.com in the following article will present 13 food items to avoid: for people having high blood pressure.
Living with high blood pressure, the person needs extra care for diet. Certain food items can act as a catalyst to boost the levels of your blood pressure and put your life in danger or your heart health at risk. But do not fear because by making informed choices you will swap these foods with other healthy items and manage hypertension to live a normal life.
Table of Contents
Salt Sneaky Snakes
Deli Meats: Convenience often comes at a cost and deli meats pack a great amount of salt in it. You need to get rid of pre-sliced meat options and rather go for leaner and healthier protein sources like grilled chicken and fish, of course with little to no salt.
Pickles: Pickles add a great tangy feeling to your tongue but their brine bath is enriched with sodium which is not a good option for high blood pressure patients rather go for fresh vegetables which are heart-friendly.
Canned Soups: Canned food in general is not a good option even if you are 100% healthy. Canned food even though provides convenience food like canned soup often hides a great amount of sodium in it. Try looking for low-sodium options or homemade broths, create your soup from scratch. A healthier option.
Store-bought pasta sauce: Again the sodium level skyrockets in store-bought pasta sauces. Why don’t you create one in your kitchen with your own flavors and desired amount of sodium? Use fresh ingredients and go for it.
Cheese Conundrum
High Sodium Cheese: Machego, Parmesan, and Blue Cheese are delicious but their sodium content is not delicious enough for your little heart. Go for low-sodium content options like goat cheese, mozzarella, or even feta for a guilt-free indulgence.
Beyond the Bacon Habit
Bacon: This item is loaded with fats, cholesterol, and of course sodium. A triple trouble for your heart health. Explore healthier habits with less fat, like lean turkey bacon, etc.
Sweet and Sour Surprises
Sugar-sweetened beverages: These drinks not only result in weight gain but they also impact negatively on your blood pressure. Quench your thirst with normal water, and drink tea without sweeteners or sparkling water with the addition of citrus.
Energy Drinks: Different name, same game. The popularity of these beverages brings danger with them. They contain high caffeine and sugars which exceeds recommended limits. This can cause other issues like jitters and anxiety and not to mention, you guessed it right ‘high blood pressure’. Go with natural alternatives like fruit nectar, and extract it in your home coz why not?
Grapefruit and Medication Mix-up
Grapefruit: If you are taking blood pressure medicines, keep grapefruit in mind. This citrus fruit interacts with medications which can have harmful side effects. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for a personalized list of fruits that will leave no side effects
Starchy Culprits
French Fries: The tempting golden fries at restaurants, attract eyes and cause your mouth to water but they are swimming in salt and unhealthy fats. Go for alternatives like baked or roasted vegetables for friendly heart-friendly options.
Mashed Potatoes: Potatoes themselves are rich with a lot of nutrients but mashed versions are loaded with butter, salt, and cream. Look for methods that are more healthier and less fatty items like baking or roasting and keep your hands away from extra ingredients like salt or oil.
Coffee Caution
Coffee: Coffee should be on top of the list since it increases the risk of a heart attack. Consult your doctor and ask about your limit of caffeine intake and adjust it according to your routine.
Pizza Party Postponed
Pizza: The comfort of pizza should be set aside but it is loaded with topping enriched with sodium, processed meat, pepperoni, and of course cheese. Explore healthier but homemade options with healthier cheese options and fresh veggie toppings.
Condiment Crossroads
Ketchup: Do not underestimate that simple bottle of ketchup sitting in your refrigerator, it is filled with sodium. Try alternatives like pesto or salsa or go for low-sodium and sugar-free versions of it.
Grilled Delights with a Side of Risk
Grilled Meat: Grilling itself does not make any food unhealthy but the process can cause harmful chemicals to generate which are not good for hypertension. Lean cuts of meat, and marinate them with herbs and spices instead of salt. This is what you should be eating if you have high blood pressure.
Fried Food Foes
Fried Chicken: The crunch of the chicken is love but it is harmful as well. Unhealthy fats and a lot of sodium will cause more health problems. Bake or grill your chicken for good health.
Sausages: Processed meat is harmful no matter what condition it is. Sausages are again loaded with sodium and a lot of fats. Leaner protein sources like beans fish and lentils are great.
Mineral Mishap
Mineral Water: Not all bottled waters are created equally; some contain higher volumes of sodium. Drink filtered tap water or low-sodium options.
Movie Theater Popcorn Mishap
Theater Popcorn: Homemade popcorn can be delicious and great for health too but salty and buttery popcorn at movie theatres or cinemas is a nightmare for your heart. Skip it and enjoy air-popped corn at home with a light sprinkle of herbs.
DISCLAIMER
The information provided above is intended for knowledge and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor for personalized diet recommendations and treatment plans, and take proper professional guidance about your health journey.
