5 eating tips to help lower blood pressure
You don’t have to revolutionise the way you think about food. Here are five easy to follow tips.
1. Reduce salt intake
Salt has a direct impact on blood pressure levels. Find low-sodium alternatives to your favourite foods. Salt levels should be clearly marked on all packaged food, so compare and contrast to bring intake down.
2. Increase dietary potassium
Potassium has been shown to have a direct positive impact on blood pressure levels. Eat more foods like dark leafy greens and bananas and you should see a positive impact over time.
3. Portion control
Excess weight can add to your blood pressure issues, so if you are carrying a few extra pounds it is essential that you control portion sizes. This will help ensure you don’t consume excess energy, which will manifest itself as adipose tissue (fat) and add to your weight woes.
4. Balanced diet and regular eating pattern
It is vital to have the right combinations of carbohydrates, proteins and good fats (see our guide to building a healthy lunch for an example). Also, you should avoid eating large amounts in single sittings. Instead try to eat smaller portions at more frequent points during the day.
5. Moderate alcohol intake
There is a direct link between alcohol consumption and blood pressure. Alcohol consumption must be limited to avoid chronic hypertension.
Wednesday 30 March 2016
If you struggle with high blood pressure, it might feel like the things you shouldn’t eat outnumber the ones you should. These quick tips from our Nutritional Therapist Jessica Andersson will help you to make good choices when hunger strikes.