HOW TO LOWER BLOOD PRESSURE THROUGH PROPER DIET?

Blood pressure can be reduced by proper diet and change in lifestyle. Reducing Weight should be the primary goal to lower the blood pressure by following a proper diet and also including physical activity. The Major Nutrients which are important to Lower the Blood Pressure are Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium, and Polyunsaturated fatty acids. Potassium is important for the proper functioning of blood vessels. It helps to relax the walls of arteries and also conduct electrical signal in the heart which is important to prevent irregular heartbeat. Foods rich in potassium include banana, spinach.

As per the best nutritionist in Delhi, there are many reasons for the increase in blood pressure: Family history, Unhealthy eating pattern, Obesity, Lack of physical activity, History with high cholesterol levels, More alcohol intake, stress, and some medications can increase the Blood pressure.

Magnesium helps blood vessels to relax by lowering blood pressure and helps in calcium and potassium. Polyunsaturated fatty acids or omega -3 fatty acids helps in lowering LDL cholesterol in the blood vessels preventing the formation of plaque in the vessels and narrowing the vessels and increases HDL cholesterol.

Diet plays a major role in bringing down your blood pressure. The specially designed diet to lower the blood pressure known as the DASH diet means Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension.

DASH diet, not only helps to treat the Hypertension but also helps to prevent Osteoporosis, Cancer, Heart disease and diabetes.DASH diet focuses on the following things:

1. Whole grains: Whole grains like brown rice, pulses, legumes, beans, etc. help in reducing weight and helps to lower the LDL cholesterol, reducing the damage to the blood vessels because of its high content of fiber and other nutrients like Potassium, Iron, Magnesium and Selenium.
2. Include more vegetables and fruits: Vegetables and fruits are full of fiber, Vitamins, and minerals like potassium and magnesium. To lower the blood pressure, we should at least include 5 portions of fruits and vegetables per day. Vegetables can be not only made as subzi but also can be given in the raw form i.e. Canned fruits and vegetables can be avoided as they contain more sodium in it. The vegetable like kale, spinach, lettuce are rich in potassium and beetroot is rich in Nitric oxide helps to open up the blood vessels lowering the pressure. Some of the fruits rich in potassium like banana, orange, cantaloupe, and berries rich in flavonoids, pomegranate rich in Nitric oxide and antioxidants help to lower the blood pressure.
3. Nuts and Seeds: Nuts and seeds are rich sources of PUFA, fiber and vitamins and minerals like potassium, magnesium, selenium. One of the main reason for high blood pressure is diet rich saturated fat, which builds up plaque, narrowing the vessels. Nuts are rich in PUFAs helps to reduce the LDL cholesterol by increasing the HDL cholesterol (Good for Heart). The fiber and other nutrients help to reduce the risk of Cardiovascular diseases.
4. Consumption of Fish: Fish like Tuna, salmon, mackerel are rich in omega -3 fatty acids which help to lower the blood pressure by reducing LDL cholesterol.
5. Limit sodium intake: The biggest cause of High blood pressure is eating too much salt. The more salt the more your blood pressure will be because salt makes your body retain more water. If we eat too much salt, more water and sodium accumulate leading edema causing the high blood pressure. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends limiting sodium intake to 2300 mg per day which is equal to 1 teaspoon of salt. We can reduce sodium-free spices or flavoring with your food instead of salt, Avoiding canned foods, processed food, and fast foods.
6. Dairy products: Dairy products like low-fat milk, curd, paneer are rich in calcium; vitamin D helps in lowering the blood pressure. It is very important that the milk should be skim or low fat to avoid saturated fat.
7. Fats and Oils: There are two types of fats i.e saturated and unsaturated fats. Saturated fats make more cholesterol in the body. Too much cholesterol in the blood builds up on arteries, narrowing them and increasing the blood pressure. It is found in red meat, butter, ghee, cheese, coconut oil, and palm oil. Unsaturated fats like polyunsaturated fats and monounsaturated fats found in olive oil, sunflower oil help to lower the cholesterol.
8. Avoid Consumption of alcohol: Best sports nutrition plan should take care that too much consumption of alcohol increases the blood pressure. Alcohol contains too many calories which will lead to weight gain and result in increased blood pressure.