Nutrition impacts your blood pressure in numerous ways. As you monitor your blood pressure changes, it can seem daunting when the levels rise. Whether you are getting monitored at the doctor’s office or using a home method such as our partner OnTrack Technologies, When you begin to notice this, it may be time to make lifestyle changes that will turn those around. That makes nutrition one of the best places to start.
How Your Nutrition Impacts Your Blood Pressure
Your nutrition impacts your blood pressure levels in many ways. A few easy changes can make your blood pressure problems a thing of the past. At Durham Nephrology, we are dedicated to helping you find the solutions to your blood pressure problems. In order to do so, we have compiled a list of things to keep in mind when working on your diet.
Stay Away From High Sodium Levels
This is a case of how nutrition impacts your blood pressure in a negative way. Beginning with sodium, the Cleveland Clinic details exactly what role it plays in increasing blood pressure. When you consume salt, the sodium causes your body to hold more water to wash the salt out of your body. This can cause your blood pressure to rise as the water puts added stress on your heart and blood vessels.
Finding foods that are lower in sodium keeps your body from having to handle the extra water pressure. There are many options now that keep you experiencing the flavors you want while not having to worry about the sodium levels.
Try To Find New Ways To Introduce Potassium, Calcium, and Magnesium
Potassium, calcium, and magnesium are three of the most important nutrients to be getting in order to lower blood pressure levels. The Mayo Clinic details that including these items can manage your blood pressure levels while also aiding other aspects of your health as well. It may seem difficult to bring each of these three nutrients into your life, but it is easier to do with supplements and foods that contain higher levels of each.
Pay Attention To Your Serving Sizes
Serving sizes do not just equate to the amounts of food you are consuming but also the different categories of nutrients they are in. Once you are aware of your daily necessary calorie intake, you can determine what amount of each nutrient you need. This can be broken down into the categories of grains, vegetables, fruits, low-fat dairy products, lean meats, nuts, fats and oils, and foods with added sugars. As these categories go down the list, the intake necessary decreases. For example, grains contain the highest serving size amount versus the lowest being foods with added sugars.
Use Other Options To Flavor Foods
While salt is often used as an addition to flavor foods, it can play a role in raising your blood pressure. Instead, try to incorporate spices and herbs, lemon juice, or even vinegar into your recipes. It may seem like these would not be viable substitutes, but they may turn out to be even better flavor additions than the salt. No matter what, they will be better for your health than salt.
Making changes to your nutrition can be the best step towards healthy blood pressure levels. Always keep in mind that nutrition impacts your blood pressure. With these tips, you can start making decisions on the best changes to make in your life. It may seem daunting to make major diet changes, but it does not have to be. Are you looking for new ways to change up your diet to match your health situation? Our staff at Durham Nephrology are here to help and provide any necessary guidance you may need. Check out our website or give us a call at (919) 477-3005.