Did you know that these 7 foods high your blood pressure?
You are very likely to know that high salt foods raise blood pressure, which is very harmful for people with high blood pressure. On the other hand, they can also be the salvation for when the pressure lowers too much, causing indisposition, dizziness and even fainting. But do you know why this happens?
Salt is chemically known as sodium chloride, and sodium is the main factor in raising blood pressure. This is due to the great property that this mineral has to attract water molecules to the blood and extracellular fluid.
To maintain a balance between the salt concentration inside and outside the cells, the body ends up retaining more water (you feel more thirsty and do not pee after eating a very salty food). In this way, there is an increase in circulating blood volume and, consequently, blood pressure.
However, it is not just packet chips or salt-filled chips that can cause this effect. Check out our list and stay tuned, be it your highest or lowest pressure, and use food to your advantage:
1. Nuts and other oil seeds
Nuts, almonds and hazelnuts are an excellent source of vitamin B, an indispensable nutrient for maintaining a well-balanced blood pressure. In the absence of this vitamin, we can experience pressure drops, dizziness and fainting. Likewise, consuming these foods exaggeratedly can result in an unwanted rise in pressure.
2. Salami and other cold cuts
Salamis, sausages, hams, bologna and other cold meats are often rich in fat and salt. While a small piece can help restore the well-being of a person with low blood pressure, these are certainly not the best foods for people who suffer from high blood pressure.
3. Coffee, tea and soft drinks
Coffee and even some caffeine-containing teas and sodas can cause an increase in heart rate, which in turn also raises blood pressure. People who need to control hypertension should not abuse these drinks.
4. Chocolate
Chocolate contains a substance called theobromine, a stimulant that acts similar to caffeine. Eating one or two squares of bitter chocolate may be a good way to give a gas to people with low blood pressure, but again, people who suffer from high blood pressure should not exaggerate the consumption of that food.
5. Meat in general
Remember when you felt weak and your mother said you should eat a steak? Really, red meat is an excellent food for relieving low blood pressure crises because of its fat and sodium content. However, if consumed in excess, it can increase your cholesterol and triglyceride levels, regardless of whether your blood pressure is high or low.
6. Energy and isotonic
These drinks are full of minerals, including sodium, and so they can raise blood pressure. In addition, energetics still often contain caffeine, which speeds up the heart and can cause hypertensive crises.
7. Alcoholic beverages
Red wine contains flavonoids, substances with antioxidant power that protect the heart and cardiovascular system. So drinking a glass of red wine a day can be a protective factor.
However, abusing any alcoholic beverage, including wine, will bring about a number of very serious health problems, including worsening hypertension. That way, people suffering from chronic high blood pressure should avoid alcohol.
Maintaining a balanced diet, rich in vegetables, fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean meats, is always the best way to preserve our health. Everything that is consumed in excess can cause damages to our organism; so the key word is moderation.