Most people are aware that high blood pressure can cause some serious health problems. They may know that some foods have to be avoided if they are at risk. However, there are some foods that could help you avoid the problem altogether.
The is a diet recommended by many doctors for this purpose. It’s called the DASH diet, meaning “Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension.” It incorporates many of the foods below, and gives a fairly good list of foods to avoid.
Fruits and Vegetables: Mom was right all along. Eating your fruits and vegetables can help prevent or reduce many medical conditions, hypertension included. One may surprise you…potatoes are a big part of the plan. That does not mean you now have an excuse to order French fries…baked potatoes are the kind suggested. If you use low fat dairy for your sour cream, you have even more DASH protection.
Garlic: All alliums are likely to be helpful, but garlic is the best. Studies indicate that it has a beneficial affect on blood pressure numbers. While supplements will help, raw is better. Unfortunately, most of us can’t handle the burn.
Lean Protein: The human body requires some protein to perform properly, but we in the U.S. have a tendency to eat more than we should and usually not the kind on this diet. Lean beef, lean pork, boneless/skinless poultry breasts and seafood are all good choices. So are corn, beans and squash, preferably at the same meal. The veggie trio, called the Three Sisters, provide all the amino acids required for a complete protein.
Water: Why would water be on this list? Believe it or not, you are probably dehydrated while you are reading this. Most of us do not consume enough fluids, particularly not those that improve hydration. Coffee may be liquid, but the caffeine count makes it a cause of dehydration, not a cure.
Our body is about seventy-five percent water. Lack of adequate hydration makes it harder on your heart to pump the blood, increasing pressure. Drinking water will help reduce that part of the equation, and preserve your kidneys as well.
Whole Grain: Products containing whole grains provide a whole host of benefits. One of them is that these grains can block absorption of fat and cholesterol. The latter can build up in your arteries, causing them to narrow. As you might guess, this causes hypertension.
There is a lot you can do both to prevent and to improve the numbers on your chart. Make sure you get checked out often. Your doctor may even recommend that you acquire a kit so that you can keep records at home. Many supermarkets and pharmacies have free machines that will do the same thing. Keep an eye on the numbers and get help when they go up, that way you can enjoy a long, healthy life…without pills.
In my eBook, Defeating High Blood Pressure, there is more information about resolving high blood pressure and preventing the damage it can cause.It is $2, and loaded with information such as causes, medical and herbal remedies.
