Introduce these simple rules in your diet to tame high blood pressure
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a prevalent medical condition affecting approximately one-third of adults in the UK. It places additional strain on the heart and other organs, as well as blood vessels, potentially leading to damage. Moreover, high blood pressure is associated with various serious health conditions such as heart disease, kidney disease, strokes, heart failure, and heart attacks. This is prepared by SSP.
Diet plays a significant role in elevating blood pressure, with excessive salt consumption being one of the primary culprits. Sodium, found in salt, causes water retention in the body and increases blood pressure. To address this concern, Dr. Amir Khan, an NHS GP known for his appearances on ITV's Lorraine and Good Morning Britain, shared simple methods to decrease salt intake and lower blood pressure.
In an Instagram post, Dr. Khan advised individuals with high blood pressure to be cautious about their salt consumption. The recommended daily salt intake for adults is around six grams or one level teaspoon, including the salt already present in our food. Thus, it is advisable to avoid adding excessive salt and instead use alternatives like pepper, herbs, and spices to season meals.
Dr. Khan also suggested a convenient way to reduce salt intake without significantly altering one's diet - opting for unsalted water when buying tinned food. Additionally, he emphasized choosing unsalted nuts. Furthermore, incorporating potassium-rich foods such as bananas, tomatoes, and carrots into one's daily meals can aid in sodium processing within the body.
Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight were highlighted as crucial lifestyle habits to address high blood pressure. These factors are interconnected, with regular physical activity helping with weight management. The advisory also emphasized the importance of quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption.
The NHS supports these lifestyle changes to effectively reduce blood pressure, alongside the possibility of prescription medications provided by doctors. High blood pressure is typically defined as a reading of 140/90mmHg from a pharmacy, GP surgery, or clinic, or 135/85mmHg if measured at home.