More than half of the patients who suffer from high blood pressure do not have their condition under control. Though they follow a proper lifestyle and strict medication, the foods that we take in our day to day can show a major impact on our blood pressure levels. The normal blood pressure range is “120/80-140/90” and you need to hit the panic button if you see an increase in the same. Let us learn about the foods to avoid for high blood pressure in this article.
Processed Lunch Meats
Lot of us tend to buy those processed lunch meats that have very high content of sodium. These are cured and seasoned with high amounts of salt so that they last longer. So, it is good to avoid such processed deli or lunch meats.
Foods Rich in Sodium and Salt
The foods that have high contents of sodium are the foods that raise blood pressure quickly. Though one can limit the salt shaker, intake of foods that are high in sodium and salt can do a lot of harm. Do not have foods like canned beans, pre-made soups or frozen meals as these are loaded with a lot of unwanted ingredients.
Baked Foods
Baked foods are another foods to avoid for high blood pressure. Most of the baked foods look quite tempting and come included with some colourful icing or sprinkles. But these are filled with unwanted sugars, saturated fats and have quite rich leaving agents that are harmful to anyone’s health. Eating baked foods can also lead to obesity and this can also cause high blood pressure at a later stage. So, say a big no to pastries or cakes this season.
Red Meat
Red meat is one among the many foods to avoid for high blood pressure. One can have a small serving of red meat occasionally but ordering that large-sized steak with salt on your dinner is a big no. Fatty foods are not only good for blood pressure but are also harmful to your heart. One would just pile up some extra calories and fat in no time.
Chinese and Instant Noodles
Many of us often have a habit of ordering a Chinese noodle take away or enjoying a bowl of ramen noodles that could be cooked in a jiffy. These are foods to avoid for high blood pressure as they have very high contents of sodium. Remember not to buy those tiny packets as they have the highest amounts of sodium in it.
Alcohol
All of us love to enjoy that happy hour and this is where the major damage happens. Alcohol activates and increases the blood pressure levels and also cause a lot of damage to the blood vessel walls. Those who consume alcohol regularly have risks of further complications and hence it is important to regulate or completely stop consuming alcohol.
Bacon
If you are a meat lover, you might easily have a few servings of bacon every week. Bacon has very high contents of fat and about 270 mg of sodium is present in just 2 slices of bacon. So, it is time you decide for yourself if bacon needs to be a part of your diet or not. This is one of those foods to avoid for high blood pressure for sure.
Donuts
If you wish to remain healthy and keep your blood pressure under control, donuts are a big time no. The fried snack, shaped like a ring is much worse than baked foods or any other food item available in the market. Just one donut is said to have about 42% of fat and about 545 of carbs. As it is fried, it is high in saturated fats and hence needs to be avoided if you want to have a healthy heart.
Whole milk
While milk is known to be healthy, whole milk can be avoided by those suffering from high blood pressure. If you are a milk lover, you can try skim milk or just 2% milk.
People suffering from high blood pressure can also have a word with their doctor about the foods they can eat and those they can avoid. Remember that a healthy diet is a healthier you!
Medically Reviewed By
Maanasi specializes in health topics including diet and nutrition. A mother of an untiring seven year old, she enjoys nurturing her love affair with English. She is often found nestled with a book, plopped against a dozen pillows, smiling away at the brink of finishing yet another book of the many dozens, that adorn the shelves of her Mini Library!
