Approximately 1 in 3 adults have high blood pressure, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Hypertension is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke and kidney disease. In 2006, 326,000 people died because of high blood pressure, notes the CDC. Taking control of high blood pressure begins with the diet. Avoiding certain foods will help to control high blood pressure.
Prepared Foods
MayoClinic.com, recommends no more than 1,500mg of sodium daily in the diet for people with hypertension. It notes the majority of salt in the diet comes from processed foods and prepared foods. For example, microwave meals in a box typically have high sodium content. Baked goods, such as cookies, breads and crackers, are high in sodium. Club soda and other types of mineral water, salted nuts, salted fish, soy sauce, gravies and salad dressings contribute to a high sodium intake.
Fatty Foods
Foods high in saturated fat contribute to fatty deposits in the arteries, which block blood flow. These blockages contribute to constriction of the arteries, which forces the heart to pump harder against stiff and narrow arteries. This causes high blood pressure. Red meat is high in saturated fats, as are chicken and turkey with the skin left on. Candy bars typically have high saturated fat content. Organ meats such as the kidney, brains, liver and sweetbreads are also high in saturated fat. Trans fat is particularly dangerous and should be avoided in for those with hypertension. Trans fat comes from partially hydrogenated oils and are used to fry french fries, make commercially baked cookies and doughnuts.
Alcohol
There is an association between the use of alcohol and high blood pressure. According to MayoClinic.com, having more than three drinks a day raises the blood pressure temporarily, but continued binge drinking can permanently cause hypertension. MayoClinic.com recommends moderate alcohol intake if hypertension is present. This means one or two drinks a day for men under 65; one drink a day for men over 65; and one drink a day for women of any age. Avoid alcohol entirely if taking antihypertensive medications, as it can interfere with the medication.
