Suitable Diet for Preventing Hypertension

By | April 20, 2011

Hypertension is also referred as high blood pressure is a cardiac chronic medical condition in which the systemic arterial blood pressure is elevated. Hypertension is a serious health problem and there are certain things which helps in preventing hypertension and also lowers an already elevated blood pressure, those are given here under:

Vegetarian Diet:
In general people who are vegetarians have lower blood pressure levels and other cardiovascular diseases. A typical vegetarian’s diet contains more potassium, polyunsaturated fat, fiber, complex carbohydrates, calcium, magnesium, vitamin C and vitamin A, all of which may have a favorable influence on blood pressure.

Sugar:
Sucrose increases the blood pressure because sugar increases the production of adrenaline, which in turn, increases blood vessel constriction and sodium retention.

Fiber:
A diet rich in fibers helps to prevent the many forms of cardiovascular disease, including hypertension. Fibers also helps in reducing cholesterol levels, promote weight loss etc.

Less salt and sodium:
Salt and the sodium increases the blood pressure, it is better to take sodium levels less than 2,400 mg per a day. It is better to buy canned, processed, and convenience foods which have low salt content.

Alcohol and Smoking:
It is better to drink alcohol in moderate levels and it is recommended that men should have no more than 2 drinks per day, and women have no more than one alcoholic beverage per day. Research reveals that smoking increases the chances of developing a heart disease, stroke, peripheral arterial disease, and several forms of cancer.

Physical Activity:
Exercise is also key to maintain blood pressure and the activities such as swimming, cycling, jogging, skipping, playing table tennis or brisk walking helps to prevent high blood pressure.

Apart from following the above said things the most important thing is to follow the prescribed medication by the doctor in case of persons already suffering from hypertension.