From salt intake to nutrient-rich foods, the foods you choose to put on your plate can have a significant impact on your blood pressure levels.
Diet plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. When you consume food, your body breaks down the nutrients and uses them to perform various functions, including regulating blood pressure.
If you're consuming too much salt, your blood pressure levels could be on the rise. As an adult, you should aim to consume less than 5 grams of salt per day - that's less than a teaspoon. However, most people consume far more than this.
Excessive sugar intake leads to weight gain and can contribute to high blood pressure by causing insulin resistance and/or type 2 diabetes.
Unhealthy fats, specifically trans fats and saturated fats, are linked to an increased risk of developing hypertension. Trans fats are especially problematic, as they not only increase blood pressure but also raise LDL or "bad" cholesterol levels and lower HDL or "good" cholesterol levels.
Lifestyle plays a crucial role in blood pressure management. For those on medication, exploring how new dietary and exercise habits can fit into your daily routine can make a significant difference.