High blood pressure or hypertension is popularly known as the silent killer, and precisely because it develops without any major symptoms and becomes harmful over time. High BP refers to the force at which the blood strikes the artery walls while circulating in different parts of the body.
High BP refers to the force at which the blood strikes the artery walls while circulating in different parts of the body. At first, this may seem normal
However, high blood pressure can damage artery walls over time resulting in chronic heart disease.
Although high blood pressure can be controlled with medication, experts recommend switching to a low-salt, low-sodium diet with limited consumption of refined sugars, saturated fats, and processed foods. Herbs and spices are often recommended as healthy staples for high BP patients. Still, there are some varieties that may not be good for high blood pressure patients.
Keep reading to find out the worst condiments said by Dr. Amreen Shaikh, the consultant dietitian at Wockhardt Hospital. In a conversation with Times Now Digital, the expert explained that when it comes to high blood pressure, patients need not ignore spices. With this, the expert debunks the popular myths about the consumption of cinnamon for high blood pressure patients.
“When it comes to hypertensive patients, salt, amchur powder (dry masala powder), chaat masala, preserved and processed food, pickles, papads, and ready to eat/ready to cook food items are used for their refinement. There’s nothing left except that. Flour, sugar, and saturated fat content. High sodium content will increase blood pressure in hypertensive patients and may cause cardiovascular events,” he said.
What does your blood pressure reading mean?
Blood pressure constitutes the systolic and diastolic readings – while the former measures the pressure in the arteries during the heartbeat, the latter measures at the same time as the heart is resting. Here’s what your blood pressure reading means:
- Normal BP: 120/80 mmHg. below from
- Elevated BP: 140/90 mmHg and above
- Hypertensive crisis or severe hypertension: higher than 180/120 mmHg
How to treat high blood pressure naturally?
Also, Dr. Sheikh shares some tips for hypertension management.
- Avoid salty nuts and seeds
- Follow the dash diet
- Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension
- Include foods rich in potassium, calcium, and magnesium
- Less saturated fat and sugar
- Include lots of fresh fruits and vegetables in the diet
- Low-fat dairy products
- Whole grains and cereals
- Pulses and legumes
- Lean meat and fish and eggs
- Avoid frozen and packaged foods
- Read nutrition labels to choose low-sodium food products.
- Avoid sugary beverages