You should stop doing this now if you have high blood pressure
If you have high blood pressure, you are at risk for heart disease and stroke. Here’s one thing you should stop doing if you suffer from this condition.
Many Americans suffer from high blood pressure, often referred to as the “silent killer” because you may not experience symptoms even if you have it.
Almost half of adults in the U.S. have hypertension, which puts you at risk for serious conditions like heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage if it is left unchecked.
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What is high blood pressure and what causes it?
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a condition where the force of blood against the walls of your arteries is too high. This means your heart is exerting a lot of effort to pump blood through your blood vessels.
Several factors can contribute to a person having this condition. Genetics, age, illnesses, and lifestyle choices can all contribute to hypertension.
If you monitor your blood pressure and know your numbers are high, you are at least aware that something needs to be done if you want to improve your health.
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You should stop doing this now if you have high blood pressure
There are numerous ways to promote the health of your heart. You may not be able to change certain factors such as genetics or age, but you can certainly make healthier lifestyle choices.
If you are overwhelmed by all possible courses of action when it comes to dealing with high blood pressure, there is one thing that you can stop immediately especially if you have this deeply ingrained habit: eating ultra-processed foods.
These products, which are industrially produced foods that go through multiple processes, are usually high in added sodium and artificial ingredients. Here are some common examples of ultra-processed foods:
- Chips and other packaged snacks
- Crackers
- Packaged baked goods
- Sugary breakfast cereals
- Sodas and sweetened beverages
- Instant noodles
- Candy and chocolate bars
- Processed meats, esp. hotdogs
- Frozen or instant meals
- Sauces and condiments
Consuming added salt is one of the most preventable causes of high blood pressure. Studies have established a link between the consumption of highly processed foods and negative consequences on health, particularly the development of cardiovascular disease. This is not just due to their high salt content but also sugar and saturated fats.
The more heart-healthy alternative to these admittedly convenient but unhealthy meal options is preparing food at home, which doesn’t have to be time-consuming or complicated.
With the wealth of recipes available online for all types of diet preferences, there are simple dishes you can prepare yourself like stir-fried vegetables with lean protein, one-pot soups, whole grain bowls, and every type of salad.