6 Forbidden Foods for People with Blood Pressure Problems
One in five adults suffers from high blood pressure, a disorder that causes 9.4 million deaths each year around the world due to complications, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The first step to preventing blood pressure problems is following a proper diet.
Therefore, in this article, we’ll tell you the forbidden foods for people who suffer from blood pressure problems. Keep in mind that, aside from your diet, quitting smoking, exercising regularly, avoiding alcohol, and consuming less salt are other essential changes you must make.
What’s high blood pressure and what causes it?
Although high blood pressure or hypertension is a condition that usually doesn’t manifest itself clearly, it’s no joke. In fact, it’s worrisome that many of those who suffer from it don’t pay as much attention to it as they should.
Also, hypertension is one of the most common diseases among the adult population, affecting approximately 33% of the population. When you have blood pressure problems, you need to follow a special diet to keep them under control. This way, you make sure that your body works properly.
Aging or genetics are some of the non-modifiable causes that increase the risk of blood pressure problems. However, other factors can lead to an increase in blood pressure. For example, inadequate nutrition, being overweight, or not being physically active.
You should also read: How to Change Your Lifestyle if You Have Hypertension
Forbidden foods for people who suffer from blood pressure problems
1. Reduce your salt intake
If you have high blood pressure, you should either avoid adding salt to your foods or reduce the amount you add, as sodium is your worst enemy.
You can consume up to 1000 mg (0.03 ounces) of sodium a day, which is the equivalent of 2 g (0.07 ounces) of common salt. Also, remember that many foods contain sodium, so be very careful.
2. Processed foods, one of the forbidden foods for people who suffer from blood pressure problems
You should avoid all types of processed foods, whether packaged or canned. This is because even the ones that claim to be low in salt can still be sources of sodium due to their preservatives, such as sodium benzoate, or flavorings, such as monosodium glutamate.
3. Limit your caffeine consumption
In fact, a simple cup of coffee can raise blood pressure. Therefore, drinking coffee every day can contribute to hypertension. In fact, all caffeinated beverages can raise blood pressure. Soda and caffeinated drinks are the most common.
4. Dairy products
Dairy products are good sources of minerals such as calcium and magnesium. However, they’re also rich in saturated fat, which raises blood pressure. If you love dairy products, be sure to consume low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheeses.
5. Avoid industrial condiments
Chicken stock, mustard, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce, among others, contain a lot of sodium. Thus, they’re one of the most forbidden foods for people with blood pressure problems. There’s nothing better than using spices and condiments such as basil, parsley, and lemon.
This article may interest you: How to Improve Your Diet to Treat Low Blood Pressure
6. Limit your fat intake
Fried chicken or French fries are temptations that can put your health at risk. This is because fried foods are high in fat, which can lead to excess weight and high blood pressure. Thus, it’s best for people with blood pressure problems to eat baked or grilled chicken and baked or boiled potatoes.
Remember that saturated fat, especially trans fat, is bad for the heart and blood vessels. This is because hypertension puts a lot of stress on the circulatory system, and extra stress can be devastating.
In short, as a final tip, remember that specialists recommend both people with blood pressure problems and anyone who wants to prevent hypertension must follow a healthy lifestyle.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
- Farias, María Magdalena, Cuevas, Ada, & Ducci, Héctor. (2013). Más allá del sodio: cambios en la dieta y su efecto en hipertensión. Revista chilena de cardiología, 32(2), 141-151. https://dx.doi.org/10.4067/S0718-85602013000200009
- MIDGLEY JP, MATTHEW AG, GREENWOOD CM, LOGAN AG. Effect of reduced dietarysodium on blood pressure: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. JAMA. 1996; 275: 1590-1597.
- VOLLMER WM, SACKS FM, ARD J, APPEL LJ, BRAY GA, SIMONS-MORTON DG, et al. Effects of diet and sodium intake on blood pressure: subgroup analysis of the DASH-sodium trial. Ann Intern Med. 2001; 135: 10191028.
