Getting diagnosed with high blood pressure is nothing short of a nightmare. Plus, since there is no cure for it, you’re stuck with it for the rest of your life. In a single day, your blood flows through various pulse points as its pressure goes through multiple ups and downs.
Although it might sound terrifying at first, with the help of a proper diet and exercise routine, you can easily moderate your blood pressure. That is why in this blog, we will list out the 15 foods you need to avoid with high blood pressure.
15 Foods to Avoid With High Blood Pressure
We’ve all heard how the foods we choose make a difference. After all, you are what you eat. But for people who suffer from chronic hypertension, it’s even more important to pay attention to what goes in your body. Moreover, according to the AHA (American Heart Association), those with high blood pressure should reduce their sodium intake. You should stick to the average amount, preferably less than 1,500 to 2,000 milligrams of sodium daily.
Believe it or not, the majority of your favorite day-to-day foods have a staggering amount of sodium. But have no fear; we’re here to tell you about the 15 foods to avoid with high blood pressure and cholesterol.
1. Fast Food — hamburgers, tacos, hotdogs, etc., are bad for your health due to their excessive sodium and trans fats levels.
2. Frozen Meals — corn dogs, lunch bowls, dumplings, etc., all have harmful preservatives and high sodium levels.
3. Salty Snacks — a single-ounce serving of potato chips, crackers, or pretzels contains 200 ml of sodium.
4. Pickled Foods — pickles, sauerkraut, kimchi, etc., are all packed to the brim with sodium.
5. White Bread — a slice of wheat flour bread contains around 230 ml of sodium. Opt for whole grain or bran bread instead.
6. Soups — soups are really high in sodium. A single cup contains a whopping 1,260 ml.
7. Canned Food — canned tomatoes, beans, corn, and the like are all high in preservatives and salt.
8. Processed Meat — deli meat, cured meat, bacon, sausage, and all cuts of red meat contain incredibly high amounts of sodium.
9. Pizza — a wheat flour base layered with cheese, sauces, and greasy toppings is enough to clog your arteries. A single slice of pizza holds up to 800 ml of sodium.
10. Alcoholic Beverages — alcohol can damage your blood vessels and cause high blood pressure levels. If drinking, do not have more than one glass.
11. Processed Cheese — feta cheese, cottage cheese, and American cheese are all significantly high in sodium. Try swiss, goat, or fresh mozzarella cheese instead.
12. Condiments — soy sauce, salad dressings, mayonnaise, hot sauce, ketchup, and all other sauces can exacerbate your blood pressure levels if used excessively.
13. Too Much Sugar — cakes, jams, syrups, and candy are all deliciously sweet, but they can lead to obesity, which is a severe health hazard.
14. Instant foods — dehydrated foods like ramen, mac & cheese, popcorn, etc., are processed with harmful additives. The least amount of sodium you’re bound to find is 1,500 ml.
15. Deep Fried Foods — french fries, nuggets or anything that has been fried in too much oil is dangerous for your overall health. Plus, it can cause your cholesterol and blood pressure levels to rise.
What’s Next?
Now that you know all about the 15 primary foods to avoid with high blood pressure, you can build your own diet plan. Although it might take some time and planning, the little things help out the most. Epic Heart and Vascular Center has the best cardiologists to offer for all your cardiovascular needs. You can further reach out to us at any one of our two convenient locations:
Houston: (832) 432-1951
Willowbrook: (832) 952-1951