Suffering from high blood pressure can is potentially dangerous to your health. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, means you are putting extra strain on your heart and blood vessels. Over the course of time this can increase your risk of stroke and heart attack. Low blood pressure, or hypertension, isn’t usually cause for concern, but if your numbers get too low you may feel faint or dizzy. If you are feeling faint or dizzy it is important to speak with your doctor. If you are looking to lower your blood pressure there are some foods that will help you to do this, however, it is also important to know what foods may be contributing to your high blood pressure levels.
Foods That Increase Blood Pressure
Hypertension is a chronic blood pressure disease and is often the cause of other underlying health issues, creating lifestyle problems. Acute spikes in blood pressure are often brought on by stressful situations and eating an unhealthy diet. Here is a list of foods that will increase your blood pressure:
- Processed Food. The hefty amount of salt and sodium in these foods are two of the largest culprits behind spikes in blood pressure. Many restaurants add large amounts of salt to their food to enhance the taste. Packaged foods are often highly salted for the purpose of preservation.
- Alcohol. When alcohol is consumed excessively it can raise your blood pressure to dangerous levels. Having more than three drinks at a time raises your blood pressure temporarily and repeated binges have the potential to keep your blood pressure elevated over time.
- Fatty Foods. People who eat meat with a high fat diet are known to have higher blood pressure than those who have vegetarian diets. Studies show that the high fiber and high polyunsaturated fat in vegetarian diets are what keep blood pressure low.
Foods That Lower Blood Pressure
Unhealthy foods are a contributor to high blood pressure, so naturally, healthy foods help to lower blood pressure and keep it at a healthy level. Often times those who suffer from high blood pressure are put on a diet that, alone, will lower blood pressure without the use of medications. Eating foods that are rich in antioxidants and healthy whole grains may be the answer to your problem. To lower your blood pressure, try following the “blood pressure diet”:
- Bananas. This fruit is bursting with potassium and can drop blood pressure 2 to 3 points.
- Whole Grain Oatmeal. Eat some cream of wheat or oatmeal for breakfast. Eating soluble-fiber-rich whole grains will cause a significant dip in BP readings.
- Grape Juice. This juice has polyphenois, which is a known element for dropping BP.
- Whole Wheat Pasta. Instead of grabbing a box of spaghetti at the grocery store, pick up some whole wheat pasta. It contains glutamic acid, the more you eat, the better your blood pressure.
- Berries. All types of berries are good for your blood pressure. Studies show that people who eat berries daily showed a 7 point drop in their systolic BP readings after just 8 weeks.
- Dark Chocolate. Eating just 30 calories per day of chocolate could be enough to lower blood pressure. That’s about as much chocolate as eating a Hershey’s Kiss.
For more information on different foods to eat and foods to stay away from to keep your blood pressure readings healthy check out the following websites:
http://www.realage.com/high-blood-pressure/foods-that-lower-blood-pressure
http://www.livestrong.com/blood-pressure-health/
Bio:
This article is written by Peter Kennedy and the information for this article are provided by to Mountainside Medical- Hospital supplies.
