High blood pressure and cholesterol can increase your risk for diseases and complications such as heart disease, stroke and kidney disease. A careful diet, possibly in addition to medications, can help you manage your high blood pressure or cholesterol. Ask your doctor about the best diet to follow for your condition, and continue to follow your doctor's other instructions for treatment.
Basic Approach
Your diet should provide healthy nutrients to lower your numbers, and it should limit unhealthy nutrients that raise them. The goal is to lower your blood pressure and total and LDL cholesterol levels. A healthy weight is important for controlling your hypertension and cholesterol, so focus on nutrient-dense foods that do not have too many empty calories. Choose healthy foods, as your doctor recommends, and continue to monitor your numbers regularly so that you can be sure that your diet is working.
Lowering Blood Pressure
MayoClinic.com states that sodium may increase your risk for blood pressure, and Health.gov states that you should aim for a limit of 1,500 mg per day if you have hypertension. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, or DASH, diet may reduce blood pressure if you already have hypertension. Along with reducing sodium, the diet emphasizes whole grains, fruit, vegetables, lean proteins and nuts. Obesity contributes to high blood pressure, so maintain a healthy weight or ask your doctor about losing weight if you are obese.
Lowering Cholesterol
You may be able to lower your cholesterol by using unsaturated fats instead of saturated fats. MayoClinic.com suggests that you choose olive oil, avocados, and peanut and canola oils, and limit your consumption of solid fats from sources such as butter, fatty meats, cheeses, palm oil and coconut oil. Try to avoid trans fats from fried foods or partially hydrogenated oils in processed snack foods, since trans fats increase your LDL cholesterol. Dietary fiber lowers cholesterol, and you can get it from whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts and beans.
Considerations
Your well-planned diet can almost certainly improve your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, but your diet should be part of a holistic approach to managing your health. Exercise regularly, with your doctor's approval, and quit smoking if you smoke. These lifestyle changes may not be enough, though, and your doctor may recommend prescription medications to control your blood pressure and cholesterol. Get your doctor's approval and advice before starting any diet or exercise program, especially if you have health conditions such as high blood pressure and cholesterol.
