Dietary Management of Hypertension

 

 Dietary Management of Hypertension

 

Abstract

                     What is Hypertension (High Blood Pressure), Causes of Hypertension, Symptoms of Hypertension, Several Complications Related to High Blood Pressure, and the Role of Several Food Groups in Lowering and Maintaining High Blood Pressure

Background

                            Blood Pressure is one of the health indicators of life. High blood pressure is one of the leading causes of death all over the world. High blood pressure leads to several disorders in the body as it leads to heart attack, bradycardia, and stroke. So to overcome and reduce all these disorders we have to take care of our dietary patterns and other related services.

Introduction

                                 Before describing the diet for high blood pressure patients, we will take a brief overview of high blood pressure.

 

 What is hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

                                                                                                              High blood pressure is defined as when there is a systolic blood pressure of 140 mm of Hg or more, and diastolic blood pressure of 90 mm of Hg or more.

High blood pressure is related to various disorders in our bodies. Due to blockage of blood vessels, blood cannot circulate properly throughout the body, as a result, heart disorders, stroke occurs.

 

Common Symptoms

• · Lightheadedness
• · Blurred vision
• · Headache
• · Fatigue
• · Chest pain
• · Kidney disorders
• · Oedma in legs
• · Arrhythmias

Causes

• · Smoking
• · Obesity
• · Lack of exercise and physical activity
• · Stress
• · Excessive alcohol intake
• · Too much salt in the diet

Complications·

•  Stroke
• · Blindness
• · Kidney disorders
• · Sexual Disability
• · Brittle Bones

 

Nutrition Therapy

                                                  Certain foods can lower high blood pressure. Some of these foods are;

1. Berries

Blueberries and strawberries contain antioxidants, Anthocyanins, which lowers blood pressure. People with the highest intake of anthocyanins, mainly from blueberries and strawberries, had an 8 percent reduction in high blood pressure, compared to those with a low anthocyanin intake.

2. Bananas

Bananas contain potassium in a large quantity, a mineral that plays a role in lowering blood pressure. One medium-sized banana contains approximately 422 milligrams of potassium.

People with kidney disease should consult with their doctor about potassium, as excessive intake is dangerous for their health.

 

3. Beets

                 Drinking beet juice is beneficial for high blood pressure patients as it reduces blood pressure in the short and long term. People who drank 250 milliliters of red beet juice daily for a month, lower their Blood pressure by about 8/4 mm of Hg. Beets contain a high level of inorganic nitrate which helps in lowering blood pressure.

4. Dark chocolate

                          Cocoa-Rich Chocolate (In which 70% cocoa is present) lowers blood pressure in people with hypertension or prehypertension.

5. Kiwis

               A daily serving of kiwi can reduce blood pressure. Kiwis are also rich in vitamin C, which may reduce blood pressure in people who consumed around 500 mg of the vitamin every day for about 8 weeks(2 months).

6. Watermelon

                       Watermelon contains an amino acid, citrulline, which helps to lower high blood pressure. Citrulline helps the body to produce nitric oxide, a gas that relaxes blood vessels and encourages flexibility in arteries, and in this way, it helps in managing blood pressure.

7. Oats

         Oats contain a fiber called beta-glucan, which reduces blood cholesterol levels and helps in lowering blood pressure. The higher consumption of beta-glucan fiber lowers both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Barley also contains this fiber.

8. Leafy green vegetables

                                           Leafy green vegetables are rich in nitrates, which help to manage blood pressure.  Eating 1–2 servings of nitrate-rich vegetables every day can reduce hypertension for up to 24 hours.

9. Garlic

            Garlic is a natural antibiotic and antifungal food. Its main active ingredient, allicin, is responsible for health benefits. Garlic increases the body’s production of nitric oxide, which helps the smooth muscles to relax and the blood vessels dilate. These changes can reduce hypertension.

10. Pomegranates

                            Drinking 1 cup of pomegranate daily can lower high blood pressure.

Conclusion

                     Although High blood pressure is the root of many diseases yet it is controllable. By taking care of our dietary lifestyle and avoiding major stress of life, we control high blood pressure.