Physician shares six dietary errors that might be growing your blood strain

Jun 24, 2023 at 1:28 PM
Physician shares six dietary errors that might be growing your blood strain

High blood pressure, also referred to as hypertension, can harm your arteries by making them much less elastic, which decreases the move of blood and oxygen to your coronary heart, ultimately triggering heart disease.

Therefore, it’s crucial to maintain your studying in verify.

What’s worse, poor dietary choices might lay the damaging groundwork for the silent situation.

According to Dr Sunni Patel, from Dish Dash Deets, there are six widespread dietary errors that might be behind excessive studying.

1. Consuming an excessive amount of salt

Eating too much salt, or sodium, can result in fluid retention and put additional strain and pressure in your blood vessels, resulting in hypertension.

READ MORE: Nutritionist warns of five seemingly healthy foods that could raise your blood pressure

Dr Sunni mentioned: “Processed meats (such as bacon, sausage, and deli meats), canned soups, fast foods, salty snacks, and condiments like soy sauce and salad dressings, are often high in sodium.

“The excess sodium in these foods can cause fluid retention and put strain on blood vessels.”

The NHS recommends consuming lower than six grams of salt per day.

2. Not consuming sufficient potassium

Potassium may also help counteract the dangerous results of sodium, serving to to maintain your blood strain in verify.

“When your diet lacks potassium, the sodium-potassium balance is disrupted, which can lead to increased sodium retention and elevated blood pressure,” the physician mentioned.

Foods filled with potassium embody avocados, bananas, potatoes, beans, spinach, dried fruits and extra.

3. Too a lot alcohol

Dr Sunni mentioned: “Excessive alcohol consumption can raise blood pressure by stimulating the release of hormones that constrict blood vessels, increase sympathetic nervous system activity, and promote sodium retention, all of which contribute to higher blood pressure.”

The NHS advises women and men to not drink greater than 14 items of alcohol per week regularly.

4. High consumption of processed and fried meals

Foods filled with unhealthy fats, salt and sugar can all contribute to high blood pressure and increase your threat of heart problems.

Dr Sunni mentioned: “Regular consumption of these foods can contribute to elevated blood pressure over time.

“These unhealthy fats can lead to the development of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), reducing their elasticity and increasing blood pressure.”

5. A weight-reduction plan low in fibre

Contained inside fruits, greens, wholegrains, seeds and nuts, fibre doesn’t solely profit your intestine operate.

Dr Sunni mentioned: “Fibre helps lower blood pressure by promoting healthy digestion, reducing cholesterol levels, and improving blood vessel function.”

6. Excessive caffeine consumption

Whether you might be responsible of getting too many cups of espresso or can’t resist shopping for power drinks, caffeine can quickly increase blood strain by stimulating the discharge of stress hormones like adrenaline.

Previously, research, revealed within the journal Nutrients, discovered that ingesting espresso might result in an “acute” improve in your studying.

“However, the long-term effects of caffeine on blood pressure are still subject to debate,” Dr Sunni added.