Know as “the silent killer,” uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to serious health risks and even death, the American Heart Association (AHA) says. 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. 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.
