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What Foods Lower High Blood Pressure

Choices Naturally Rich In Nitrates

7 Foods to Lower Your Blood Pressure
  • Beets
  • Spinach
  • The American Heart Association recommends getting at least 4,700mg daily of potassium .

    It is possible to get too much potassium if it’s taken in the form of a supplement, especially in people with chronic kidney disease. So while food sources are usually considered safe, its always important to talk to your doctor for specific medical advice before taking any potassium supplements.

    Sweet And Savory Cinnamon May Help Cholesterol Levels

    Run to your pantry, grab your jar of this sweet spice, and start sprinkling studies have shown that it may be a food to lower blood pressure. Theres also some possibility that cinnamon might help with cholesterol levels, too, Dean says. There are many great ways to use cinnamon that dont involve desserts. You can sprinkle it on oatmeal, stir it into stews and chili, and in stick form, use it to flavor coffee and hot cocoa.

    How To Stock Your Kitchen Healthily:

    Download our free FoodSwitch app. It can help you make healthier choices when shopping. By scanning the barcode of a product the app will tell you how much salt, sugar and fat it contains and find similar but healthier alternatives.

    Find out more about the foods that are high in salt, sugar and fat and the healthier options available.

    Get more ideas for healthy eating from our meal plan in Positive Pressure, our members magazine.

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    Decrease Your Salt Intake

    Salt is the enemy of high blood pressure, says Dr. Desai. When you eat too much salt, it increases the amount of fluid that enters the bloodstream and arteries from the surrounding tissue, which raises the pressure in the arteries.

    While you may not have to remove salt from your diet completely, avoid foods very high in salt like chips, french fries, salted nuts, soups, store-bought salad dressings, processed foods and cheese.

    Yogurt & Other Calcium Rich Foods

    10 Foods That Lower High Blood Pressure

    Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and may help control blood pressure in a variety of ways including helping to dilate blood vessels .

    Some people theorize that low-fat dairy products may independently improve blood pressure to a greater extent than just containing calcium. However, the influence of dairy products on blood pressure is still controversial.

    Some clinical trials have reported that low-fat dairy options may reduce your risk of hypertension by as much as 16%. However, other studies dont show as much of an impact. Its unclear if some of the improvements noted are confounded by the correlation of people who choose low-fat products also leading generally healthier lifestyles .

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    Worst Foods For Healthy Blood Pressure

    The Dietary Guidelines recommend eating no more than 2,300 mg of sodium per day, which is 1 teaspoon of salt. But, the American Heart Association has even stricter guidelines, recommending no more than 1,500 mg of sodium per day. The average American consumes 3,440 mg of sodium per day. Men consume more than women with an average of 4,240 mg of sodium per day compared to the average intake for women, which is 2,980 mg per day.

    But don’t throw out the saltshaker just yet. Only 11% of sodium intake in the U.S. is from the saltshaker. Most is from processed foods and eating out. Here are the biggest offenders.

    Start Lowering Your Blood Pressure Today

    In many cases, high blood pressure doesnt have to be treated and managed with drastic lifestyle changes or medication.

    Diet is one of the most important aspects of managing high blood pressure and its the one thing you have the most control over. Taking small steps now, can turn into big improvements and new routines.

    Dont wait to take charge of your heart health. With support from your doctor and a little bit of determination you may find your blood pressure coming down sooner than you think.

    Dont delay getting the heart care and answers you need

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    Regarding High Blood Pressure Or Hypertension

    High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, denotesthat the pressure of blood against the walls of the blood vessels is higherthan the normal range.

    Blood is pumped by the heart into the arteries or bloodvessels and then it is carried by the arteries all over the body. The force atwhich blood is pumped by the heart into the arteries is known as bloodpressure. The reading of normal blood pressure is below 120/80 millimeters ofmercury .

    If you have high blood pressure, your blood flows throughthe blood vessels more forcefully. And this exerts augmented pressure on thesensitive tissues in your arteries, and your blood vessels get damaged.

    After some time, blood vessel damage caused by high blood pressure may lead to heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and other health issues.

    Often hypertension is referred to as a silent killer as it frequently doesnt produce any symptoms until the heart is damaged significantly, and it can go undetected and untreated for an inordinate length of time.

    It is only by measuring your blood pressure you can know ifyou have hypertension or high blood pressure.

    The American College of Cardiology estimates that nearly half of American adults are affected by high blood pressure or hypertension.

    Oats & Other Whole Grain Foods

    5 Breakfast Foods to Eat to Reduce High Blood Pressure

    Whole grains have a lot of scientific support in promoting long-term heart health.

    Some studies have shown that people with diets high in whole grains are more likely to live longer. Other studies support that whole grains may help to decrease the risk of chronic health conditions like diabetes and even some types of cancer. Whole grains are unrefined grains that are eaten when they are in their whole form, meaning they contain all 3 parts of the kernel – the bran, germ, and endosperm. The whole grain stamp can make finding them easier in the grocery store .

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    Whole Grain Foods That Lower Blood Pressure

    Bread, cereal, pasta, and other foods with carbs and starches can come in whole grain or refined grain versions. Whole grains are full of dietary fiber. Thats why theyre a lot better for your body than foods made with refined white flour. Switch to whole grain versions of foods you already eat. For example, go for whole wheat bread rather than white. Choose brown rice over white.

    Shopping tip: Some packaged foods contain a whole grain seal. If you dont see it, check the ingredient list. If the first ingredient listed contains the word whole, that item likely contains mostly whole grain.

    Look for whole grain versions of these foods:

    • Bread

    What Foods Can Lower Blood Pressure

    If youve been diagnosed with hypertension, or high blood pressure, your doctor has probably advised you to exercise and change your eating habits. According to the National Institutes of Health , eating a diet of nutrient-rich, low-sodium foods can lower blood pressure naturally. And best of all, most foods that lower blood pressure are still rich in flavor.

    But what foods lower blood pressure? And will foods help lower blood pressure according to the latest American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association guidelines? Because of complications that can be found even at lower blood pressure readings, these new guidelines lower the definition of high blood pressure and eliminate the prehypertension category.

    The new ACC and AHA blood pressure guidelines were published online in November 2017 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, and in November 2017 in the journal Hypertension. Under these blood pressure guidelines, the number of men in the United States with high blood pressure will triple, and the number of women will double. The guidelines are:

    There is much research that supports pursuing lower blood pressure for prevention of heart disease. In one key study, participants who got their systolic pressures below 120 saw their incidence of heart failure, heart attack, and stroke fall by one-third, and the risk of death fell by nearly a one-quarter. Thats a substantial drop.

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    Yogurt Provides The Calcium Necessary For Normal Blood Pressure

    Yogurt is a good source of calcium one 6-ounce serving of plain, nonfat yogurt provides over 300 milligrams, which is about one-third of an adults recommended daily intake. Calcium deficiency can be a contributor to high blood pressure. A lot of people associate calcium with something that children need and stop focusing on calcium-containing foods as an adult, but the adult body still needs it, Dean says.

    Yogurt is a low-sodium food thats great straight out of the container, but you can also use it as a creamy addition to a smoothie just mix a cup with diced portions of your favorite fruit in the blender. Nonfat, plain Greek yogurt also makes a great substitute for sour cream!

    Beets & Other Nitrate Rich Foods

    9 Foods That Lower Blood Pressure

    Beets contain high levels of a chemical compound called nitrates that clinical trials suggest might be responsible for a beneficial effect on blood pressure. After you eat nitrates they are converted into nitric oxide by the body. Nitric oxide opens up your blood vessels – and thus relieves some of the pressure they’re experiencing.

    Not to mention vegetables like beets are also packed with micronutrients, phytochemicals, and other antioxidant goodness that have benefits beyond blood pressure support.

    How many beets should you be consuming? Theres really not enough evidence to know. However, studies that looked at their effect on blood pressure used anywhere between about 1/3rd to 2 cups each day of beetroot juice .

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    High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy

    Women with hypertension can deliver healthy babies despite having the condition. But it can be dangerous to both mother and baby if its not monitored closely and managed during the pregnancy.

    Women with high blood pressure are more likely to develop complications. For example, pregnant women with hypertension may experience decreased kidney function. Babies born to mothers with hypertension may have a low birth weight or be born prematurely.

    Some women may develop hypertension during their pregnancies. Several types of high blood pressure problems can develop. The condition often reverses itself once the baby is born. Developing hypertension during pregnancy may increase your risk for developing hypertension later in life.

    Reduce Stress Through Meditation And Rest

    Chronic stress can lead to chronic elevations in the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline, says Dr. Desai. These hormones constrict the arteries and cause weight gain, which further increases blood pressure.

    He recommends reducing stress by using breathing exercises, practicing meditation, completing physical exercise, practicing yoga, logging quality sleep, taking breaks throughout the day, spending time in nature, listening to music and eating a balanced diet.

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    Know Your Serving Sizes

    To know how much to eat, you need to know serving sizes. Below are sample servings for each food group.

    Vegetables:

    • 1 cup raw leafy vegetables
    • ½ cup chopped raw or cooked vegetables

    Fruits:

    • 1 medium fruit
    • ½ cup fresh, frozen, or canned fruit
    • ¼ cup dried fruit

    Fat-free or low-fat dairy products:

    • 1 cup milk or yogurt
    • 1½ ounce or 50 grams cheese

    Grains :

    • 1 slice bread
    • ½ cup cooked rice, pasta, or cereal

    Lean meats, poultry, and fish:

    • 3 oz of cooked fish, lean meat, or poultry

    Nuts, seeds, and legumes:

    • ½ cup cooked legumes
    • 1/3 cup nuts
    • 1 tablespoon seeds

    Fats and oils:

    • 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
    • 2 tablespoons low-fat salad dressing
    • 1 teaspoon soft margarine

    Sweets and added sugars:

    • 1 tablespoon sugar
    • 1 tablespoon jelly or jam
    • ½ cup sorbet, gelatin dessert

    Consider Cutting Back On Caffeine

    Foods To Lower High Blood Pressure – health tone

    Caffeine raises your blood pressure, but the effect is temporary. It lasts 45 to 60 minutes and the reaction varies from individual to individual .

    Some people may be more sensitive to caffeine than others. If youre caffeine-sensitive, you may want to cut back on your coffee consumption, or try .

    Research on caffeine, including its health benefits, is in the news a lot. The choice of whether to cut back depends on many individual factors.

    One older study indicated that caffeines effect on raising blood pressure is greater if your blood pressure is already high. This same study, however, called for more research on the subject .

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    Get The Facts On Alcohol And Blood Pressure

    Many of us like to have a drink when we go out with friends or family. The right concoction can make a delicious dish even better or help set the mood for a fun evening. But alcohol and blood pressure dont always mix well.

    Drinking a lot can raise your blood pressure, which puts you at greater risk for a wide variety of further cardiovascular issues. So when you decide to drink, its important not to have too much.

    How much is too much? If youre a woman, try not to have more than one drink per day. For men, no more than two drinks per day. A standard drink is a 12 oz. beer, a 5 oz. glass of wine or 1.5 oz. of spirits.

    However, if youve already been diagnosed with high blood pressure, your doctor may advise you on a different daily limit, or suggest you cut out alcohol completely.

    And just to clear something up: Red wine isnt necessarily good for your heart the research is still unclear and we still suggest moderation.

    Foods That Can Lower High Blood Pressure Or Hypertension

    Numerous researchers have observed that some foods can lower high blood pressure or hypertension. In general, foods with high fiber like fruits and fresh vegetables are helpful in keeping blood pressure in check. In this blog post, we will focus on 14 foods that you should eat if you have high blood pressure.

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    Foods To Eat To Lower Blood Pressure

    Its estimated that 2 of 3 people with diabetes have high blood pressure. When blood pressure is elevated, your heart works harder to pump blood throughout your body. High blood pressure increases your risk of a heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and eye problems.

    You have already heard about how added salt can increase blood pressure, but did you know that certain foods can help to lower blood pressure? Foods that are high in potassium, magnesium, and calcium can help to regulate blood pressure. Taking these minerals as supplements doesnt have the same effect as eating foods that contain these. Try eating some of the following foods to boost your intake of nutrients that can lower blood pressure naturally.

  • Unsalted Nuts
  • Nuts are a good source of plant protein and contain the amino acid L-arginine which makes nitric oxide and helps blood vessels relax. While all nuts are a healthy choice, both almonds and pistachios contain the trifecta of potassium, magnesium, and calcium. Nuts are low in carbohydrates and eating nuts has been linked to improved glucose levels.

  • Beets
  • Beets contain nitrates, which are converted to nitric oxide which helps to control blood pressure. Beetroot juice contains higher amounts of nitrates than cooked beetroot. Beetroots contain potassium. For added calcium and magnesium, eat the beet greens as well.

  • Yogurt
  • Berries
  • Beans
  • Leafy Greens
  • Seeds
  • Managing High Blood Pressure

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    You can manage blood pressure with medications, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and calcium channel blockers.

    Many dietary like natural foods for hypertension and lifestyle changes can also reduce your blood pressure and lower your risk of heart disease.

    In fact, studies have shown that some herbs and spices may reduce blood pressure levels, so you may want to consider adding these to your diet, too.

    Make sure to speak with your healthcare provider before using any of the following herbs.

    Below are 10 natural foods that may help lower blood pressure.

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    Tomatoes And Tomato Products

    Tomatoes and tomato products are rich in many nutrients, including potassium and the carotenoid pigment lycopene.

    Lycopene has been significantly associated with beneficial effects on heart health, and eating foods high in this nutrient, such as tomato products, may help reduce heart disease risk factors like high blood pressure .

    A review of 21 studies concluded that consuming tomato and tomato products improves blood pressure and may help reduce your risk of heart disease and heart-disease-related death 30010-2/fulltext” rel=”nofollow”> 26).

    How To Get Started

    On the DASH diet, you can eat foods from all food groups. But you will include more of the foods that are naturally low in salt, cholesterol, and saturated fats. You will also include foods that are high in potassium, calcium, magnesium, and fiber.

    Here’s a list of the food groups and how many servings of each you should have per day. For a diet that has 2000 calories per day, you should eat:

    • Vegetables
    • Fruits
    • Low-fat or fat-free dairy products, such as milk or yogurt
    • Grains
    • Fish, lean meats, and poultry
    • Beans, seeds, and nuts
    • Fats and oils
    • Sweets or added sugars, such as jelly, hard candy, maple syrup, sorbet, and sugar

    The number of servings you have each day depends on how many calories you need.

    • If you’re trying to lose weight, you may need fewer servings than listed.
    • If you are not very active, aim for the lower number of servings listed.
    • If you are moderately active, have the higher number of servings.
    • If you are very active, you may need more servings than listed.

    Your provider can help find the right number of servings a day for you.

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    Vegetables For High Blood Pressure

    Like fruit, vegetables are full of potassium, magnesium, and fiber that help bring your blood pressure down. Keep in mind, you may need to eat more than you normally would for them to have an effect. The DASH plan recommends 4 to 5 servings of vegetables a day. From breakfast to dinner, that might look like 1 cup of raw spinach, half a cup of steamed broccoli, and 6 ounces of vegetable juice.

    There are plenty of ways to work vegetables into your day: Throw spinach into your smoothie eat a salad with dinner munch on carrot sticks at lunch.

    Stock up on these veggies that are rich in potassium, magnesium, and fiber:

    • Artichokes
    • Tomatoes

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