How Does Diet Impact Your Blood Pressure?

Hypertension, also called high blood pressure, affects a whopping 108 million adults in the United States. That’s nearly half of all adults in America. If you’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure, you have a higher chance of developing two serious and deadly health conditions: stroke and heart disease. Sadly, high blood pressure is associated with the death of about 500,000 people each year.

At Gulf West Medical Associates in Port Richey, Florida, we understand how unsettling it is to learn that you have high blood pressure. Our dedicated doctor, Rajesh B. Dave, MD, is passionate about helping you get it under control. 

To help you prevent high blood pressure or keep your blood pressure in check, Dr. Dave generally recommends lifestyle changes and modifications to your diet. Let’s get a better understanding of what blood pressure is and take a closer look at how what you eat impacts your blood pressure.

Blood pressure 101

Simply stated, blood pressure is the strength and force of your blood as it presses on your arterial walls. It’s measured in two numbers:

• Systolic: the degree of pressure when your heart is contracting, or pumping
• Diastolic: the degree of pressure when your heart is resting between beats

A healthy blood pressure reading is 120/80. You have high blood pressure if your systolic reading is 130 or higher and your diastolic number is above 80.

Dietary influences on your blood pressure

Your food choices directly influence your chances of getting high blood pressure. They can also be instrumental in lowering high blood pressure. These are some foods that Dr. Dave recommends you omit from your diet immediately and why:

• Sodium: stores water and elevates your blood pressure
• Sugar: elevates your glycemic load and increases your blood pressure
• Red meat: fattier cuts are linked to a rise in blood pressure
• Trans fats: causes fats to accumulate in your vessels, which makes blood pressure high

Dietary recommendations

Dr. Dave endorses the DASH — Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension — eating protocol. It’s based on 2,000 calories a day and features heart-healthy selections that help you eliminate problem foods like salt, sugar, and processed foods. Some of the delicious foods you can eat on the DASH diet are fish, vegetables, beans, fruits, poultry, lean red meat, and unsaturated fats. 

Your blood pressure will likely improve if you are at an ideal weight. The DASH diet is designed to help you reach a healthy BMI. Talk to Dr. Dave if you need support and accountability.

To check your blood pressure or treat blood pressure that’s too high, call our office or request an appointment online today.