Almost a third of Americans are diagnosed with high blood pressure. The condition can be treated by eating a healthier diet that consists of super foods that help nourish and heal the body naturally such as lean protein, whole grains, low-fat dairy, fresh fruits and veggies and plenty of seeds and nuts.
Drinking plenty of water should be on your list of things to do as well. It is also important to cut out unhealthy foods and beverages as well.
Ten Foods to Avoid with High Blood Pressure
1.Salt
Too much salt causes high blood pressure, heart disease, heart attacks, strokes and hypertension. There is no need for you to intake more than 1,500 milligrams of salt each day. Only a pinch of salt is needed by the body to function properly. This means, you not only have to limit the amount of salt you sprinkle on your food, but you also have to cut out foods that contain high amounts too.
2.Fatty Meats
Fatty meats are a no, no when you are trying to lower your blood pressure. Fatty meats to avoid are full fat pork and beef, dark poultry, deli meats, hot dogs and sausages, and canned meats. Meats high in saturated fats can cause obesity, which leads to high blood pressure.
3.Frozen Dinners
Foods that are high in fat and sodium are processed frozen dinners you heat up either in the microwave or oven. The high amounts of sodium are needed to preserve the meal and make it taste better. However, your body does not need foods that will cause the blood pressure to rise.
4.Canned & Jarred Goods
Canned and jarred goods can be just as bad as frozen processed dinners. They require salt to help preserve them as well. If canned and jarred goods are a necessity in your pantry stick to sodium-free kinds.
5.Cane Sugar
Cane sugar is another culprit of high blood pressure. You may add it to your morning coffee, tea or bowl of cereal, but this should be avoided when you are trying to keep your heart healthy.
6.Caffeinate Beverages
A sure way to spike your blood pressure is with caffeinate beverages such as green and black teas, coffee, cola products and chocolates. Avoiding these types of beverages can help keep your blood pressure lower and prevent other conditions such as hypertension.
7.Alcohol Beverages
You may love a refreshing alcoholic beverage after a long, rough day to help you relax, but surprisingly too much of these beverages can cause a spike in your blood pressure.
8.Dressings
You may think having dressings on your salad and mayonnaise on your sandwiches is healthy, but these items are made with high amounts of sodium, fat and sugars to make them tasty creamy in good. To help keep your blood pressure low it is best to stick with making a healthier homemade dressing or using a drizzle of olive oil with fresh herbs and ground black pepper instead.
9.Roasted Nuts
Raw nuts are always the best to eat because they are free from high amounts of sodium, fat and sugar. Stay clear of the types you find in a can at the grocery store. They can spike your blood pressure up drastically with only a few handfuls.
10.Bagged & Boxed Snacks
Many foods that come with a yummy looking photo on the front and a long list of ingredients on the back are unhealthy and cause high blood pressure. They are usually preserved with sugar, salt and with fat added in to make them taste so good that you keep on going back.
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