Because high blood pressure progresses silently, many people with this condition do not know that they have high blood pressure. Harmful lifestyle habits increase the risk of high blood pressure. Unhealthy diet and heavy use of salt cause risky situations in the treatment of high blood pressure.
Symptoms of high blood pressure include headache, weakness, palpitations, excessive sweating, buzzing and ringing in the ears, swelling in the limbs, nosebleeds, frequent urination. Untreated high blood pressure can cause serious problems.
RISKY FOODS THAT RISE BLOOD PRESSURE
SALT
The more salt we eat, the higher our blood pressure will be. Salt makes the body retain water, and if you eat too much, the excess water in the blood puts pressure on the blood vessel walls. Experts say we shouldn’t eat more than six grams (about one teaspoon) of salt a day. Remember that salt is also called sodium, and prepackaged foods often contain a lot of it, so be sure to check your food labels, even for foods you think are healthy, like whole grain bread or soup.
SUGAR AND SUGAR DRINKS
Drinking too many sugary drinks can raise blood pressure. High sugar levels in the blood can lead to a buildup of fatty substances in the blood vessels, causing the vessels to narrow (atherosclerosis) and build up pressure. One study linked sugar-sweetened beverages to higher blood pressure levels in children and adolescents. Some sugary drinks also contain caffeine, which can raise blood pressure even more.
REFINED CARBOHYDRATES
Products made from white flour, such as white bread, pasta, and pizza dough, are quickly broken down into simple sugars in the blood, and excess can cause weight gain and high blood pressure. Adhering to a low-carb diet has been shown to reduce systolic and diastolic (pressures in your arteries) blood pressure, as well as other risk factors for heart disease. These often contain a combination of the worst offenders — salt, sugar (or glucose-fructose syrup) and refined carbohydrates. Ready meals and fast foods often owe their flavor to too much sugar and salt. Also, watch out for store-bought sandwiches, cereal, cereal bars, crackers, and biscuits.
CAFFEINE
It’s true that caffeine raises blood pressure, so it’s not a good idea to overdo it if you have a pre-existing condition. However, these effects have only been shown to have a short-term effect, and experts say we’ll be fine if we stick to four cups(!) of tea and coffee. In fact, people who drink caffeinated coffee or tea tend to have a lower risk of heart disease, including high blood pressure, than those who don’t!
ALCOHOL
Regular excessive drinking can affect the muscles in the blood vessels, causing them to narrow. Alcohol is also high in calories, which can cause you to gain weight and increase blood pressure even more.