What To Eat To Cure High Blood Pressure
Written By Michael Greger M.D. FACLM on July 4, 2017
High blood pressure ranks as the number-one risk factor for death and disability in the world. In my video, How to Prevent High Blood Pressure with Diet, I showed how a plant-based diet may prevent high blood pressure. But what do we do if we already have it? Thats the topic of How to Treat High Blood Pressure with Diet.
The American Heart Association , the American College of Cardiology recommend lifestyle modification as the first-line treatment. If that doesnt work, patients may be prescribed a thiazide diuretic before getting even more meds until their blood pressure is forced down. Commonly, people will end up on three drugs, though researchers are experimenting with four at a time. Some patients even end up on five different meds.
Whats wrong with skipping the lifestyle modification step and jumping straight to the drugs? Because drugs dont treat the underlying cause of high blood pressure yet can cause side effects. Less than half of patients stick with even the first-line drugs, perhaps due to such adverse effects as erectile dysfunction, fatigue, and muscle cramps.
What are the recommended lifestyle changes? The AHA, ACC, and CDC recommend controlling ones weight, salt, and alcohol intake, engaging in regular exercise, and adopting a DASH eating plan.
How do we know its the plant-based nature of their diets that was so protective, though?
Monitor Your Blood Pressure Regularly
The best way to prevent complications and avoid problems is to recognize hypertension early.
Keep a log of your blood pressure readings and take it to your regular doctor appointments. This can help your doctor see any possible problems before the condition advances.
People with hypertension can deliver healthy babies despite having the condition. But it can be dangerous to both the birthing parent and baby if its not monitored closely and managed during the pregnancy.
People with high blood pressure who become pregnant are more likely to develop complications . For example, pregnant women with hypertension may experience decreased kidney function. Babies born to birthing parents with hypertension may have a low birth weight or be born prematurely.
Some people 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.
What Is The Dash Diet
The DASH diet, which stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, is one of the most effective dietary ways to lower your blood pressure. The DASH diet is low in sodium , high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and low in foods that are high in saturated fats. has been ranked the healthiest overall diet by a panel of experts from U.S. News and World Reports, says Jeff Landsman, MD, primary care provider at Mercy Personal Physicians in Lutherville, Maryland.
Fish, chicken, and vegetable protein are highlighted as great choices, with an emphasis on the whole grains that provide so many of the unique dietary fibers that we need, says , Ph.D., emeritus professor of nutrition at St. Catherine University in St. Paul, Minnesota.
This diet for high blood pressure, which has been studied for almost 30 years, is proven to both lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of nearly all chronic diseases. In fact, in a recent meta-analysis that involved over 900,000 subjects, The DASH dietary pattern was associated with a nearly 20% decreased risk of cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, says Jones.
Whats more, many people have success following the DASH eating plan because it contains the foods theyre used to, and it follows familiar eating patterns, which greatly improves their chance of long-term success.
Also Check: Will Claritin Raise Blood Pressure
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
Try Meditation Or Yoga
Mindfulness and meditation, including transcendental meditation, have long been used and studied as methods to reduce stress.
Yoga, which commonly involves breathing control, posture, and meditation techniques, can also be effective in reducing stress and blood pressure.
A 2013 review on yoga and blood pressure found an average blood pressure decrease of 3.62 mm Hg diastolic and 4.17 mm Hg systolic when compared with those who didnt exercise.
Studies of yoga practices that included breath control, postures, and meditation were nearly twice as effective as yoga practices that didnt include all three of these elements .
Read Also: How Might Regular Cardiorespiratory Exercise Affect Hypertension
Stiffening Of The Arteries
Some physicians consider the most authentic form of pseudo-resistant hypertension to be caused by stiffened brachial arteries that prevent the blood pressure cuff from obtaining a true reading. If your doctor suspects this form of pseudo-resistant hypertension, they might consider other ways to measure your blood pressure.
Read Also: Does Vinegar Lower Your Blood Pressure
What Are The Symptoms Of Hypertension
Hypertension is generally a silent condition. Many people wont experience any symptoms. It may take years or even decades for the condition to reach levels severe enough that symptoms become obvious. Even then, these symptoms may be attributed to other issues.
of severe hypertension can include:
- flushing
According to the American Heart Association , contrary to popular thought, severe hypertension doesnt typically cause nosebleeds or headaches except when someone is in hypertensive crisis.
The best way to know if you have hypertension is to get regular blood pressure readings. Most doctors offices take a blood pressure reading at every appointment.
If you only have a yearly physical, talk with your doctor about your risks for hypertension and other readings you may need to help you watch your blood pressure.
For example, if you have a family history of heart disease or have risk factors for developing the condition, your doctor may recommend that you have your blood pressure checked twice a year. This helps you and your doctor stay on top of any possible issues before they become problematic.
There are two types of hypertension. Each type has a different cause.
You May Like: Blood Pressure Mayo Clinic
What Is High Blood Pressure
Narrow blood vessels, also known as arteries, create more resistance for blood flow. The narrower your arteries are, the more resistance there is, and the higher your blood pressure will be. Over the long term, the increased pressure can cause health issues, including heart disease.
Hypertension is quite common. In fact, since the guidelines changed in 2017, nearly half of American adults could now be diagnosed with this condition.
Hypertension typically develops over the course of several years. Usually, you dont notice any symptoms. But even without symptoms, high blood pressure can cause damage to your blood vessels and organs, especially the brain, heart, eyes, and kidneys.
Early detection is important. Regular blood pressure readings can help you and your doctor notice any changes. If your blood pressure is elevated, your doctor may have you check your blood pressure over a few weeks to see if the number stays elevated or falls back to normal levels.
Treatment for hypertension includes both prescription medication and healthy lifestyle changes. If the condition isnt treated, it could lead to health issues, including heart attack and stroke.
What Are The Complications Of High Blood Pressure
The longer high blood pressure is poorly controlled, the greater the damage to various tissues and organs in the body. Excessive pressure against the vessel wallscaused by high blood pressurecan lead to several long-term and potentially fatal consequences.
Heart attack or stroke: Hardening and thickening of the arteries cause poor blood perfusion to the heart or brain.
Aneurysm: Occurs due to the weakening of blood vessels that eventually bulge and rupture. This can be fatal.
Heart failure: High blood pressure requires the heart to pump harder to overcome the increased pressure. This causes the cardiac muscles to thicken and become inefficient, leading to heart failure.
Kidney failure: Similar to the heart, the kidneys are also sensitive to blood pressure and play a major role in blood pressure maintenance.
You May Like: Does Apple Watch Have A Blood Pressure Monitor
Dash Diet And Recipes For High Blood Pressure
The DASH diet stands for dietary approaches to stop hypertension. Read more to learn about high blood pressure and hypertension.
In other words, the DASH diet advises on what to eat to lower blood pressure. These include lots of nutrient rich foods , and less sodium and saturated fat.
Weve included dietary ways that you can manage this condition as well as recipes for high blood pressure.
Antioxidants And Vitamin C
Antioxidant and vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables include carrots, asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, watercress, cabbage, tomatoes, blueberries, kiwi and kale. Here’s a tip if you dont particularly like sprouts: roast them in olive oil and add balsamic vinegar in the last 10 minutes of cooking to give them a lovely glaze. They also work well sliced in a stir fry.
Don’t Miss: Does Iwatch Do Blood Pressure
Lifestyle Changes Recommended For High Blood Pressure
The American Heart Association encourages people with high blood pressure to:
- Eat a diet rich in fruit, vegetables, and whole grain foods, as well as fish and skinless poultry
- Limit alcohol
- Manage stress
If youre worried about your blood pressure, the first step is to see your doctor, in order to have your blood pressure checked. Then, after a discussion with your healthcare provider, it can help to start incorporating some of these foods into your meals. Your taste buds and your heart will thank you.
One The Easiest Steps You Can Take To Prevent High Blood Pressure Is Choosing Healthy Foods
High blood pressure is a health issue that affects both young and old Australians alike, with close to 6 million Australians aged 18 years and over with high blood pressure.
Alarmingly its one of the leading risk factors for death and disability in Australia, as well as across the world.
One the easiest steps you can take to prevent high blood pressure is choosing healthy foods.
The foods we choose every day are important for our heart health. Research into high blood pressure shows us that the foods we consume can help to lower and manage high blood pressure.
But dont worry, weve done the heavy lifting and read the research, all you need to do is read on. The following foods are your best bets in beating high blood pressure based on the science.
Also Check: Claritin Side Effects Blood Pressure
Take Garlics And Turmeric
Garlic and turmeric are very rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce high blood pressure.
Garlics contains nitric oxides that helps widen blood vessels , this reduce pressure exerted on the arteries walls, preventing blood vessels damage.
Actually, garlic and turmeric have advance health benefits including reducing the tumor size or cancerous cells, lowers the risk of diabetes, blood pressure, obesity, heart dysfunctions, arthritis among others.
For that matter, turmerics are one of the best foods to eat with high blood pressure.
What Not To Eat In High Blood Pressure
1. Sodium and Salt
When in doubt, sodium admission is prescribed to under 2,300 milligrams for every day. If it exceeds then it becomes one of the food to avoid in high blood pressure. On the Nutrition Facts mark, take a gander at the Percent Daily Value 5% DV or less of sodium per serving is low while 20% DV is viewed as high. Breaking point the salt shaker and these high sodium sustenances that expansion circulatory strain:
2. Canned Beans
Canned beans can be stacked with sodium for conservation purposes. In the case of buying canned beans, flushing the beans with a colander and water can help wash away a large portion of the salt.
3. Premade Soups
Regardless of the advancement of nutritious veggies, soups can be stacked with salt and sodium. Furthermore, not at all like canned beans, soups cant be flushed to decrease salt substance. While picking soups, endeavor to discover low in sodium or diminished salt items or exploit the sustenance certainties name.
4. Canned or Bottled Tomato Products
Tomato sauces, glues and ketchups are frequently stacked with salt. Make your own items with new or washed, canned tomatoes for fixing and salt control.
5. Processed Meats
6. Solidified Meals
Dinners found in the cooler area pizzas, chicken fingers and individual solidified courses are stacked with undesirable fixings, as well as loaded with sodium. Indeed, even the publicized sound suppers have a tendency to contain high measures of sodium.
7. Sugar
8. Sauces
Don’t Miss: Claritin High Blood Pressure
Dietary Approaches To Stop Hypertension
The DASH diets are very important for everyone. It helps you reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure and other chronic illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, obesity and ulcers and many more .
In fact, the DASH diet aims at reducing your fats, sodium, and alcohol intake per day to lower your systolic blood pressure by 8 to 14 points.
It also aims on optimizing your potassium, magnesium, calcium, and fiber intake per day.
In short, according to the dietary approaches to stop hypertension, you need to increase your mineral intakes and focus on foods low in fats and no sugar added.
Eating real food is a key in this case. It does not point to any form of processed foods or refined flour.
That means you have to minimize eating processed foods to reduce intake of sugar and unhealthy fats.
Note that the DASH diet recommends one drink per day for women and two drinks form men.
This is to reduce you sugar intake since most drinks contain added sugar.
According to backing studies on the DASH diet, they suggest that following this diet can reduce help stabilize your blood pressure.
In fact, they suggest that DASH diet can lower your blood pressure by 6.74 mmHg points for systolic blood pressure and 3.54 mmHg points for diastolic blood pressure .
That show you how powerful this approach is. You can follow this diet if you have high blood pressure for better life.
Why Maintaining A Healthy Blood Pressure Matters
Maintaining a normal blood pressure is important as it allows nutrients and oxygen to be delivered to all parts of the body, including important organs like your heart, brain, and kidneys. According to the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 70 percent of adults 65 and older have high blood pressure . If you have hypertension, you are put at risk for a stroke and heart disease, which are leading causes of death in the country. By eating a low sodium diet rich in calcium, magnesium, and potassium called the DASH diet, you can take the necessary steps to lower your blood pressure. Read on to learn about foods you can incorporate into your diet to stay healthy.
Recommended Reading: Does Claritin Affect Blood Pressure
How To Lower High
While we canât control our genetics, we can increase our exercise and change up our diets to support a healthy heart. Aim for a brisk walk, or any other form of cardio exercise, for at least 30 minutes most days of the week to help improve your heart health and lower your blood pressure.
Nutrition-wise, lowering your sodium intake, namely by reducing processed foods like frozen dinners and fast foods, can help lower blood pressure. Plus, increasing intake of foods rich in potassium, like most fruits and vegetables, salmon, beans and dairy, can also help lower your blood pressure.
If youâre overweight, losing weight can positively improve blood pressure, so we set this plan at 1,500 calories, which is a level where most people will lose weight. We also included modifications for 1,200 or 2,000 calories a day, depending on your needs.
You May Like: Does Claritin D Raise Blood Pressure
The Results Demonstrated Significant Reduction Of Bad Cholesterol And Increase Of Good Cholesterol As Well As An Increase In Quality Of Blood
These results were not accomplished by every brand of the supplement, but rather only quality-sourced Ceylon Cinnamon.
After 4 weeks of supplementing with 120 mg of quality-sourced Ceylon Cinnamon per day, test subjects saw significantly reduced levels of fasting plasma glucose from -40.52 to -8.67, and an increase of good cholesterol from 1.09 to 2.24 while decreasing the bad cholesterol from 17.21 to -1.63.
Recommended Reading: Bloodpressure Treatment
Canned Tomatoes And Bottled Sauce
Making your own tomato sauce can take some time. Therefore, I can understand buying your own jar of it when preparing a meal after work. Although it doesnt taste as good as homemade, convenience and speed will frequently make bottled sauce your first choice.
One serving of bottle tomato sauce has about 480 mg of sodium. Depending on your choice, canned tomatoes can have almost the same. After adding cheese and bread to your meal, the sodium level in one meal exceeds what you should consume in one day.
Why Do I Need To Eat Less Sodium
Sodium causes your body to retain fluids. This increases the volume of your blood and the pressure in your blood vessels. Its believed that reducing your sodium intake can lower your blood pressure by 2-8 mm Hg in certain people.
Most healthy people should limit their sodium intake to 2,300 milligrams or less per day. If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease, you should eat no more than 1,500 mg of sodium per day. You should also limit your sodium intake to 1,500 mg daily if youre African-American or over 50 years old.
Recommended Reading: Claritin D And High Blood Pressure