Diet is very important for keeping blood pressure under control and preventing hypertension, one of the most common diseases in the elderly.
This pathology increases the risk of cardiovascular events, as well as damage to other organs, such as the kidneys. When a high blood pressure situation is detected, one of the first treatments is to follow a diet with the right foods.
The idea, in this sense, is not to ban certain foods, but to seek a complete and healthy plan that aims at consumption that should be limited.
To combat altered blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and other indicators of potential health risks, it is advisable to have a dosed feeding.
In this sense, we provide below a list of recommended and avoidable foods for people with hypertension.
Recommended foods:
Unsweetened dairy products.
Lean meats.
Fish.
Egg.
Sugar-free cereals.
Vegetables and greens.
Legumes (lentils or chickpeas recommended).
Fruit, except if in syrup, dried or candied.
Water, including broths, infusions and natural juices.
Healthy fats, such as olive oil, sunflower oil, butter, or margarine.
Foods to reduce
In any healthy diet, sugary products, sausages, alcohol, processed meats and red meats should be reduced, as they are nutritionally poor foods and usually contain elements that can be harmful.
Salt.
Caffeine and theine, as they can increase blood pressure.
Source: The keeper’s corner.
Warning signs
Although we speak of a “silent enemy”, there are warning signs that involve a quick consultation with the doctor or the emergency service.
As an introduction to the topic, it is important to say that blood pressure is made up of two numbers.
The Cigna site explains that the first number measures strength when the heart beats. This is called in medical terms systolic pressure.
The second number measures strength when the heart relaxes. This is the diastolic pressure.
An example: Someone with a systolic pressure of 120 and a diastolic pressure of 80 has a blood pressure of 120/80.
What is the reference value for an adult? The expected measure, according to the cited source, is 120/80. When the top number is 130 or more, the bottom number is 80 or more, or both exceed these parameters, it is referred to as hypertension.
Symptoms
It must also be taken into account that the manifestations arise in the most advanced cases and when the outcome can be serious.
Warning signs include:
Headache
dizziness
Nosebleeds more often than normal
Source: Clarin
