3 Ways You Can Reduce The Risk Of High Blood Pressure
Hypertension or high blood pressure as it can also be known is becoming a common health condition in many people
. Hypertension happens when the arteries in the body get narrower. This increases the pressure of the blood flowing through the arteries. Arteries become narrower due to age or due to the diet we eat. If we eat a diet that is high in saturated fats then we can increase the risk of getting hypertension. Foods high in fat are linked to the creation of plaque which are waxy deposits that attach themselves to the lining of the artery walls. Over time as these deposits build up the artery tubes become narrower. This makes it more difficult for the blood to flow through causing an increase in pressure. The hardening of the arteries can eventually lead to heart disease and stroke.
However, the following are ways to reduce your risk of getting high blood pressure as well as alleviating the symptoms:
Reduce you intake of saturated fats
Foods that are high in saturated fats can eventually cause these fatty deposits to line your arteries. Therefore, review your diet and if you find you are eating a lot of red meat and fried food try to cut these out or at least reduce them.
Cut out Salt
The walls of the arteries contain muscles that make sure the lining stays round and firm. A diet that has high levels of salt in them can weaken these muscles. All processed foods contain sodium to make them taste better. In some products there are unhealthy levels of salt. The salt is so well masked due to other additives that many people cannot taste it and therefore, add more salt to it. Review your diet and cut down on your intake of salt.
The benefits of eating fish
Fish contains the essential fatty acids omega 6. This is considered to help reduce heart disease. Omega 6 has anti-inflammatory qualities that can help reduce the inflammation of the arteries which can cause damage. Fish oil is also considered to help thin the blood in conjunction with vitamin E. If you do not eat fish then consider making it part of your diet. Try and eat fish 2 times a week. There are also a variety of fish oil tablets that contain a combination of the omega 6 oil and vitamin E. These are a suitable substitute if you are not able to buy fish.
If you have a health condition or food allergy always consult with your doctor before changing your diet.