If you have hypertension, your doctor may have recommended lifestyle changes to bring down your levels.
Dont overlook this very important one.
If you know you have high blood pressure, youre already ahead.
What Is High Blood Pressure?
Your blood pressure is the force of blood pushing through your arteries.
The bottom number, diastolic blood pressure, is the pressure when the heart is at rest between beats.
The #1 Thing to Avoid If You Have High Blood Pressure
The No.
Youd be surprised how many food items contain hidden sources of sodium, says Fraga.
Read package labels and restaurant menus before purchasing or ordering items.
(In short, you pee it out.)
The mineral also assists in easing tension in blood vessel walls, which lowers blood pressure.
The AHA recommends consuming 3,500 to 5,000 mg of potassium daily to prevent or treathigh blood pressure.
Increase your potassium intake by eating more fruits and vegetables.
This doesnt mean you cant eat out.
The key is being more informed.
Choose baked, broiled, grilled or steamed proteins alongside vegetables.
This eating plan also recommends limiting foods that contain higher amounts of saturated fat, such as red meat.
Strategies to Improve Blood Pressure
The quality of your diet is one way to manage hypertension.
Reach out to your medical provider for guidance.
The Bottom Line
High blood pressure is a common condition that affects many Americans.
Yet, we can take steps to improve our blood pressure and prevent hypertension.
The Center for Disease Control.High blood pressure facts.
American Heart Association.Understanding blood pressure readings.
American Heart Association.Shaking the salt habit to lower blood pressure.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Sodium in your diet.
Use the nutrition facts label and reduce your intake.
American Heart Association.How potassium can help control high blood pressure.
American Heart Association.How to eat more fruits and vegetables.
National Institutes of Health.
Office of Dietary Supplements.Potassium.
