Hypertension woes? Control the condition by avoiding these seven foods!

However, aside from being a major risk factor for heart conditions, hypertension is also the most preventable disease.

Zee Media Bureau/Udita Madan

New Delhi: Hypertension or high blood pressure is a condition that is not to be taken lightly.

Considered to be a “silent killer” by medical professionals across the globe, hypertension is a cardiovascular disease whose detection is a bit complex, due to its subtle signs and symptoms.

Hypertension is also a major cause for heart disease and stroke, also increasing the risk for other heart-related problems as well.

However, aside from being a major risk factor for heart conditions, hypertension is also the most preventable disease. But, if not brought under control, it can elevate the risk of life-threatening diseases and conditions.

The good news, though, is that blood pressure can be brought down and controlled easily, just by making a few changes in your diet.

So, today, we tell you seven such foods or food items that you should avoid if you have high blood pressure.

1. Table Salt:

Beginning with the most common food item in the house, salt or excess of it is most dangerous when it comes to hypertension. It is also one of the first things that doctors will advise you strictly against. Avoid adding extra salt in your food and cease consumption of dishes that have excessive salt. Furthermore, restrict your daily sodium intake to 1,500mg per day. This is because sodium has a strong impact and causes direct damage to the heart and arteries.

2. Deli Meat:

Deli meat, also known as processed meat, comprises of the meats that you buy to prepare your sandwiches. Let it be known, that lunchmeats, as they are also called, are packed with sodium. They are often cured, seasoned and preserved with salt in order to increase their shelf life.

3. Red Meat:

Red meat contains trans fats and saturated fats and are high in cholesterol which is a strict dietary no-no for those suffering from hypertension. Bad for both the heart and blood vessels, red meat should be avoided at all costs. If you really feel the need, then limit yourself to as little as possible.

4. Alcohol:

Happy hours can become gloomy if alcohol is consumed on the regular by a hypertension patient. Alcohol actively causes the blood pressure to rise. It also damages the blood vessel walls, while simultaneously increasing risks of further complications, making it a terrible choice for people with high blood pressure. Also, they promote weight gain. Do you want a beer belly in addition to your blood pressure? We think not.

5. Whole Milk:

This may come as a surprise, but its true. No doubt, milk is an excellent source of calcium, but whole milk, that is high in fat content, provides you more fat than what your daily requirement calls for. One cup serving of whole milk has about 8 grams of fat, 5 grams of which are saturated and we don't think you need reminding what saturated fats can do to your body.

6. Pickles:

Everyone loves to eat pickles as accompaniments to whatever they're eating. Understandably, it adds that zing and flavour to your food and satisfies your palate. But did you consider the amount of sodium content it hides, before consuming it? Three medium pickles, about 3.75 inches long, can have about 2,355 mg of sodium, more than the recommended sodium limit of 2,300 mg for an entire day. It would do you better to avoid it.

7. Coffee:

Last but not the least, you need to get rid of indulging in your daily caffeine kicks. For those who aren't in the know, your morning cup of “energy” can actually cause a temporary spike in your blood pressure.   

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