According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 47% of adults in the U.S. have hypertension, i.e., high blood pressure. Unfortunately, only around 24% of them have it under control, which is why this condition has become a serious problem. Compounding the problem, many people aren’t aware certain foods can cause blood pressure to spike.
Here are the foods that can contribute to high blood pressure.
Bread
Most people consume bread daily. However, this doesn’t mean it’s healthy. Even products without white flour typically contain high sodium levels, which has been known to contribute to hypertension. If you have this condition, you should eliminate bread from your diet.
Deli Meat
Deli meat is excellent for a quick breakfast or dinner, and it’s convenient when you’re on the go. While adding deli meat to your salads can be delicious, it’s definitely not good for your blood pressure. Deli meat is usually loaded in sodium and should be consumed in moderation.
Cheese
Cheese is one of the most popular foods in the U.S. But, if you’re worried about high blood pressure, you should think twice before eating it. Not only does cheese contain high sodium levels, but it’s also a major source of saturated fat. This combination can be detrimental to your blood pressure and cause numerous other health issues.
Change Your Diet
Adjusting your diet can help you control hypertension. The DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) is proven to be very effective. It focuses on limiting the amounts of sodium and saturated fat and increasing the intake of fruits, veggies, nuts, and seeds.