Symptoms of Hypertension | Quickly Lower Blood Pressure
Hypertension Diet
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Dieting For Blood Pressure Control
In some cases a diet that is low in fat and low in sugars but includes fish, fruit and vegetables can lower your blood pressure. There have been recorded instances where patients with high blood pressure were able to avoid being prescribed blood pressure medications just by following this type of diet alone.
A Low Fat Low Salt Diet?
Other than just being low in fat, a blood pressure lowering diet must also be low in salt and alcohol. Of course, the diet can't consist of an unlimited amount of calories because maintaining or reaching an ideal weight should be the goal of anyone, especially someone who has been diagnosed with high blood pressure.
It is interesting that avoiding foods high in fat is key to a blood pressure lowering diet because the fat itself does not increase blood pressure. In fact, some fats, like omega-3 fish oil are heart healthy, but red meat fat is known to raise bad cholesterol levels, which is unhealthy for the heart.
The problem with fat is that it is very high in calories and tends to make weight loss difficult, and weight loss is closely associated with lowering blood pressure. Though it is not always true, a person looking to lower his/her blood pressure is very often in need of getting his/her weight under control.
Processed Sugar
Processed sugar is another problem for dieters and should be avoided. Processed sugar is different than the natural sugars found in fruit which tend to give you more bang for your buck as they are, usually low in calories. For instance, a doughnut may have 500 to 600 calories where an apple, which is approximately the same size as a doughnut, has about 75 to 100 calories.
Last Call for Alcohol?
Alcohol is another thing altogether as alcoholic beverages not only tend to be high in calories but also can be directly responsible for raising a person's blood pressure, sometimes by a substantial amount. In the early stages after having been diagnosed with moderately high blood pressure, a person would rarely be instructed to quit drinking alcohol. However, cutting down on alcohol consumption will be necessary when following a blood pressure lowering diet.
Slow Food
It is advised that anyone on any diet stay away from fast food restaurants and be aware of hidden sugars in food such as flavored coffee. A large coffee flavored with French vanilla syrup, for instance, can contain as much as 100 calories. This is before any cream, which should never be added, or sugar is added. Plain black coffee, preferably decaf, should be the rule.
Watch out for the hidden salt lunchmeat contains. A few pieces of bologna could blow your whole day's sodium intake allotment. Also, be aware artificial sugars behave in the body similar to the way sugar does. They too, should be limited.
It used to be thought lowering your salt intake would lower your blood pressure but it's not that easy. Lowering salt intake is just one part of your blood pressure lowering diet. You need to limit the things that are bad for your blood pressure, such as salt, fat and sugar and replace them with the things that are good for you like fruits, vegetables, lean meat, poultry and fish. Next throw in a 15 to 20 minute daily exercise routine and look out 120/80; here you come!
Finally, don't overlook stress. Stress has a negative impact on blood pressure as well. If you feel like you may be having a battle with your nerves from time to time, try some relaxation techniques. Progressive relaxation techniques, yoga and even self-hypnotism have all been successful in calming the nerves of many people.
Regardless of what degree of success you have your lowering your blood pressure with this diet, you will be following a healthy routine. Even if your blood pressure doesn't drop right down to the ideal level, this type of diet will help you lose weight and feel good to boot. Then if you need to take medicine in order to lower your blood pressure, at least you'll look great doing it.
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Hypertension Diet
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