Five foods to avoid to reduce hypertension

OMY Naidoo, co-founder of Newtricion Wellness Dieticians, believes that a nutritious diet is critical in the treatment of high blood pressure. Similarly, by successfully controlling your blood pressure with a balanced diet, you may be able to reduce the need for medication.

“Having your blood pressure measured on a regular basis is the best method used to see if you need medication, just as knowing which foods to avoid can help you lower your risk of hypertension. Hypertension, if left untreated, can lead to heart attacks, dementia, aneurysms, strokes, and kidney failure,” said Naidoo.

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Here are five foods to avoid if you want to lower your blood pressure:

1. Salt
For its effect on blood fluid balance, salt, or more specifically, the sodium in salt, is a primary cause of hypertension and heart disease. When you consume salt, your body retains more fluid and boosts your blood pressure via raising blood volume and artery pressure. Potassium-rich leafy greens such as spinach, broccoli, kale and collards assist the body to remove salt through the urine while also relaxing blood-vessel walls.

2. Red meat
The metabolisation of red meat by the body may result in the formation of chemicals that raise blood pressure even further. The colour of the meat has an effect on how likely it is to raise blood pressure. Red meats such as beef, lamb, pork, veal, venison, and goat can all raise blood pressure. As a result, red meat should be consumed in moderation or with leaner cuts.

3. Trans or saturated fat in processed meals
Limit saturated fats and avoid trans fats to keep your heart healthy. Trans fats are synthetic fats that extend the shelf life and stability of packaged goods. Eating them, on the other hand, raises LDL (bad) cholesterol while decreasing HDL (good) cholesterol, increasing the risk of hypertension. LDL cholesterol causes clogging and hardening of the arteries, increasing the risk of blood clots, heart attacks and strokes. Fried meals, margarine, pork, and dairy are all items to avoid.

4. Alcohol
Drinking too much alcohol can cause the muscles in your blood vessels to contract, narrowing them. When your blood vessels constrict, your heart has to work harder to circulate blood throughout your body, which raises your blood pressure. People are more prone to get hypertension if they drink a lot of alcohol. Furthermore, alcohol drinking raises the risk of hypertension by contributing to being overweight or obese.

5. Sugar or sweetened beverages 
Sugar-sweetened beverage consumption has been linked to an increased risk of hypertension. While a sweet beverage now and again is fine, excessive consumption might raise blood pressure. Caffeine or high-fructose corn syrup, both of which can raise blood pressure, are found in many sugary drinks such as sodas and fruit juices.

“Managing and preventing hypertension requires a well-balanced diet and prudent food choices. It’s also critical to exercise on a regular basis and take any medications advised by your doctor,” Naidoo concluded.

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