If you have high blood pressure, there are a series of completely forbidden foods that you should always avoid. We discover what they are and offer you some useful tips.
Our heart tends to exert pressure on the arteries so that they can lead the blood to the different and different organs of the human body. This action is what is medically known as blood pressure, so while the maximum pressure is the measurement obtained with each contraction of the heart, the minimum is recorded or obtained with each relaxation.
Although we can all suffer high blood pressure at specific times, for example after a heated argument, a situation that generates stress or anxiety, or even due to a strong emotional impact. Fortunately, this type of increase is of no consequence, and after a few minutes the tension tends to normalize.
However, when blood pressure is continuously and sustainably elevated, we are faced with arterial hypertension, which supposes greater resistance to the heart. And how does this vital organ respond? Very simple and at the same time alarming: increasing your muscle mass to cope with said overexertion, which is medically known as left ventricular hypertrophy.
As a consequence, the heart muscle becomes more irritable, more arrhythmias occur, and angina pectoris and coronary insufficiencies can also occur, since the increase in muscle mass is not accompanied by an increase in blood risk.
Unfortunately, it is a disease that can go unnoticed since it does not usually produce symptoms until serious or serious complications are triggered, such as a myocardial infarction, cerebral thrombosis or hemorrhage. In fact, if symptoms appear, they are usually nonspecific, such as headaches, which could help detect it.
Be that as it may, the truth is that high blood pressure can seriously affect many organs in our body. For example, when the arteries become narrower and stiffer and the blood risk is insufficient, cerebral infarcts (ischemic stroke or stroke) can occur, or an artery rupture and cause cerebral hemorrhage (hemorrhagic stroke).
It can also affect the kidneys, as it causes stiffness in the various arteries that supply blood to these organs. As a result, it can lead to kidney failure that even requires medical treatment through dialysis. On the other hand, it can cause alterations in vision if it damages the arteries of the retina, sexual impotence in the case of men, or pain when walking if it affects the arteries of the legs.
What are the prohibited foods in case of hypertension?
In case of arterial hypertension it is necessary and necessary to make a change in the diet and in the lifestyle that the person follows. For example, since being overweight is a clear and proven cause of hypertension, it is necessary to control weight and reduce it in case of being overweight. In fact, just by losing weight we will be able to reduce blood pressure, and therefore the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular risk.
There are also certain foods that should be avoided, since they either have an excess of sodium in their composition or they do not help control high blood pressure. It is the case of:
- Processed meats and sausages. Especially burgers and sausages.
- Industrial breads and pastries.
- French fries and salty snacks, such as the typical salty cookies.
- Peanuts and other salty nuts, such as pistachios and roasted salted almonds.
- Anchovies and other canned preserves.
- Soups and broths of envelope.
- Tomatoes, vegetables and canned vegetables.
In addition, it is essential that when cooking we avoid adding salt to food and dishes, as well as reducing the food that already contains it.
Other habits that help you reduce or control hypertension.
Follow a heart-healthy diet:
As we said, it is essential to change our diet and opt this time for a diet that is good for the heart. For example, it is essential to consume fresh fruits, vegetables and vegetables. Other natural foods also stand out, such as legumes, cereals and whole wheat bread, nuts, extra virgin olive oil and fish and white meat (instead of red meat).
Practice physical exercise:
Physical exercise is essential to enjoy good health and prevent the onset of both hypertension and diabetes. In any case, whether hypertension or diabetes have already been diagnosed, regular physical activity can go a long way toward reducing them and avoiding their more serious complications.
Among other important benefits, in addition to reducing blood pressure figures, it increases exercise capacity and muscle mass, decreases cardiovascular risk and helps control weight.
Avoid tobacco and alcohol:
They are two daily habits and accepted by society and the relevant authorities, but with great and serious risks to our health. For one thing, tobacco increases heart rate and blood pressure. On the other hand, alcohol consumption causes an increase in blood pressure.
