Diet and Heart Disease
One third of all adults have high blood pressure, according to the American Heart Association. Hypertension or high blood pressure puts you at a heightened risk for having a stroke, heart attack, and also for developing kidney disease. While you may know that hypertension is treatable by medication, you can also reduce your risk of high blood pressure by following some easy dietary guidelines. In some people, drug therapy and dietary changes may need to be implemented hand-in-hand to achieve the desired blood pressure results. Speak with your local Woodbury weight loss specialist about losing weight to help gain control over your high blood pressure.
Incorporate the following three dietary tips to reduce your risk of high blood pressure:
- Reduce your sodium intake. Since sodium behaves like a preservative, it’s found in high amounts in processed foods. Speak with your Woodbury doctor about your recommended daily sodium intake, which varies by age.
- Lose weight. Weight loss can have a beneficial effect on blood pressure. On the other hand, rapid weight loss coupled with rapid weight regain can have detrimental health consequences. Therefore it is crucial to lose weight in a slow, steady and healthy manner, a process that your Woodbury weight loss specialist can help you with. If you have tried to lose weight by yourself unsuccessfully, consider medical weight loss, which can help you lose the pounds in a safe and healthy way.
- Limit alcoholic beverages. Excessive alcohol consumption can have a detrimental impact on blood pressure. Men should limit alcoholic drinks to two per day, while women should only have one adult beverage daily.