Having high blood pressure or hypertension can indeed increase the risk of various serious diseases. However, it is not the end of everything, because high blood pressure can be managed properly, so as not to cause complications.
One way to keep blood pressure normal is to pay attention to food intake. For example by avoiding foods that can trigger high blood pressure.
People with High Blood Need to Avoid These Foods
There are several foods that people with high blood pressure need to avoid or at least really limit, namely.
1. Salt
The main foods that need to be "enemies" by people with high blood pressure are salt or sodium. This is because salt can bind fluids, thereby increasing blood volume.
As a result, blood pressure increases. If you have high blood pressure, salt intake needs to be limited, which is a maximum of 1,500 milligrams per day, or the equivalent of 1 teaspoon.
2. Pickles
Since they consist of chopped vegetables, such as cucumber and carrot, you might think that pickles are healthy. However, pickles are usually added with salt to last, so they are not good for people with high blood pressure. The added salt in the pickles can settle into the cucumbers, like a sponge absorbing water.
3. Fried Food
One of the most popular cooking processes is frying. However, fried foods can be taboo for people with high blood pressure, because they can contain trans fats.
4. Chicken Skin
Maybe you don't think so, but chicken skin is also one of the foods that people with high blood pressure should avoid. The reason is because chicken skin contains a lot of saturated fat and trans fat. Especially if processed by frying.
5. Processed meat
Processed meats, such as sausages, are often packed with sodium to keep them fresh and full of flavor. If it is mixed with other high-salt foods, such as cheese, various spices, and pickles, of course, the intake of salt in the body becomes excessive.
6. Soup and Canned Tomatoes
Canned food is often a practical solution when preparing food. However, foods such as soup and canned tomatoes are actually high in sodium, so they are not good for people with high blood pressure.
One can of chicken and vegetable soup contains about 2,140 milligrams of sodium, while one serving (135 grams) of marinara sauce contains 566 milligrams of sodium. Pretty high, right? Especially if you eat other foods that also contain salt.
To work around this, look for canned products that are low in sodium, or make your own soups and ketchup from natural ingredients. That way, you can adjust how much salt you want to add.
7. Sweet Foods and Drinks
Foods with extra calories and high in sugar can cause weight gain quickly. Being overweight or obese can trigger high blood pressure.
This is because the accumulation of fat in the body can make the heart work extra to constrict blood vessels so that high blood pressure occurs. Therefore, limit daily sugar consumption, by reducing sweet foods and drinks.
8. Margarine
Margarine contains trans fats which are dangerous for people with high blood pressure. However, there are some margarine products that do not contain trans fats. So, read the label carefully, because it is very important to always avoid trans fats from any source.
9. Alcohol
Frequent consumption of alcohol can cause blood pressure to increase. It can also damage blood vessel walls, increasing the risk of further complications.
Those are some foods that people with high blood pressure should avoid. Apart from avoiding these foods, it is also important to adopt other healthy lifestyles, such as exercising regularly, managing stress properly, and getting enough rest. You can also check your high blood pressure, sugar and cholesterol regularly as an initial prevention.