High blood pressure is a common health issue, and one that requires active management. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in three U.S. adults has high blood pressure. Surprisingly, only about half of these people have it under control. And some folks might not even know their blood pressure is problematic if it’s been a while since they’ve visited the doctor.
Known as “the silent killer,” uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to serious health risks and even death, the American Heart Association says. There are even complications you’ve probably never considered, including loss of vision and kidney failure. What this means is it’s time to start taking high blood pressure seriously, and that begins with knowing your numbers.
While your doctor may be the first one to spot it, it’s up to you to stay on top of keeping your blood pressure where it needs to be by exercising and eating right. You’re your own best wellness advocate, so knowing what’s helping, and harming, your overall health is key. If your doctor has determined you have high blood pressure, here are 22 foods you should limit, or avoid.
Sodium and salt
Salty soft pretzels | iStock.com
If you have high blood pressure, you need to be particularly mindful of how much sodium you consume on a daily basis. Why? The AHA explains water is pulled into the blood vessels when you have excess sodium in your system, increasing the amount of blood and, ultimately, causing your blood pressure to increase. The same story adds about 77% of sodium consumed comes from packaged, prepared, and restaurant food.
What’s even more frightening is another 12% comes from foods that naturally contain sodium, which still doesn’t account for your salt shaker. To help people limit their salt intake, the AHA created a list of foods that add the most sodium to our diets, so you definitely want to limit them.
- Breads and rolls: One piece can contain 230 milligrams.
- Cold cuts and cured meats: Pre-packaged turkey can contain 1,050 milligrams of sodium per serving.
- Pizza: One slice can contain 760 milligrams.
- Poultry: Three ounces of frozen and breaded nuggets can contain 600 milligrams.
- Soup: One cup of canned chicken noodle soup can contain 940 milligrams.
- Sandwiches: All in, your sandwich can easily surpass 1,500 milligrams.
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Saturated fats
Steak and chimichurri sauce | iStock.com
Saturated fats raise the cholesterol in your blood, which can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. So, it’s important for those with high blood pressure to be aware of how much they’re eating. The AHA recommends getting no more than 6% of your daily calories from saturated fat. This means you’ll want to cut back on these six foods.
- Fatty beef
- Lamb
- Pork
- Lard and cream
- Butter
- Cheese
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Sweets and added sugars
Soda | iStock.com
Sugar has long been known to contribute to obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Interestingly, some research shows sugar can impact a person’s blood pressure directly, independent of weight gain. Consider this one more reason to pass on those office doughnuts. Here are five sweet treats you should limit.
- Sugar-sweetened beverages
- Candy
- Grain-based desserts like cakes, cookies, and pies
- Fruit drinks
- Dairy desserts and milk products like ice cream and sweetened yogurt.
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Trans fat and partially hydrogenated oils
Peanut butter | Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
More often than not, trans fat is found in processed foods, which is bad news for people who’ve been following a typical American diet their whole lives. According to the AHA, “Trans fats raise your bad (LDL) cholesterol levels and lowers your good (HDL) cholesterol levels. Eating trans fats increases your risk of developing heart disease and stroke. It’s also associated with a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.” Clearly, everyone should limit this unhealthy fat.
Because some processed foods can be sneaky about how they label their trans fat, it’s important to have a discerning eye. Reader’s Digest says you should be wary of these five foods.
- Nondairy coffee creamer
- Peanut butter
- Popcorn
- Frozen pizza
- Margarine
High blood pressure is certainly nothing to mess around with, which is why a heart-healthy diet is a key factor in maintaining your overall health and well-being. Skip this stuff and go for more nutritious foods instead.
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