Foods to avoid for Hypertension / High Blood Pressure

Avoiding certain foods is essential for managing hypertension, as they can elevate blood pressure and negatively impact heart health. Below is a list of foods that should be limited or eliminated from your diet if you have high blood pressure.

- Salty Foods: Sodium causes the body to retain water, increasing blood volume and raising blood pressure. Common offenders include chips, canned soups, and salted snacks. The American Heart Association recommends limiting sodium intake to 2,300 milligrams (mgs) a day, with an ideal limit of no more than 1,500 mg per day for most adults.

- Processed and Cured Meats: Meats like bacon, ham, sausages, and deli meats are packed with sodium and preservatives that contribute to elevated blood pressure and strain the heart.

- Fried Foods: High in unhealthy trans fats and sodium, fried foods can raise blood pressure and cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of heart disease.

- Sugary Beverages: Drinks like soda and sweetened juices contribute to weight gain, insulin resistance, and inflammation, which can all worsen hypertension.

- Canned or Pre-Packaged Foods: These are often loaded with sodium and preservatives, which can contribute to high blood pressure, even in products that don’t taste particularly salty.

- Red Meat: High in saturated fat, red meat can lead to clogged arteries and elevated blood pressure, as well as increase cholesterol levels.

- Pickles and Preserved Foods: These foods are typically preserved in salt, leading to high sodium intake and increased blood pressure.

- Full-Fat Dairy: Full-fat milk, cheese, and butter contain high levels of saturated fat, which can raise cholesterol and contribute to hypertension.