High blood pressure is known as the "silent killer" since many people don't know they have the condition until it's too late. Untreated high blood pressure causes damage to your arteries, which can lead to an increased risk of heart attack or stroke. A major contributor to high blood pressure is your diet. Certain foods are known to contribute to the condition and should be avoided. Some foods have been shown to help with controlling high blood pressure, including fresh fruits and vegetables, which should be part of a heart-healthy diet.
Sodium-Rich Foods to Avoid
Eating large amounts of sodium causes your body to retain water, expand the volume of your blood and increase blood pressure, wellness expert Dr. Andrew Weil states. MayoClinic.com reports that 77 percent of sodium in the average U.S. diet comes from processed foods. Processed foods to avoid or limit include canned soups, deli meats, potato chips and frozen prepared meals. The sodium intake limits for healthy adults is 2,400 mg per day. However, people with high blood pressure shouldn't consume more than 1,500 mg of sodium per day, MayoClinic.com adds.
Other Foods to Avoid
Foods that are high in trans- and saturated fat should also be avoided. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, high-fat foods include fatty cuts of meat, bacon, sausage, butter, hydrogenated oils, lard and processed baked goods. Alcohol and caffeine from tea, coffee, chocolate and soda have been shown to cause high blood pressure and should be avoided.
Foods to Heal High Blood Pressure
Many foods have demonstrated to have a positive influence on blood pressure. The DASH diet, developed by the National Institute of Health, promotes eating a diet high in fruits, vegetables and fat-free dairy. Foods that have been shown to help lower high blood pressure include fruits, vegetables, nuts, garlic, salmon, fat-free dairy, beans and whole-grains.
