Hypertension Diet
What is the hypertension diet?
The hypertension diet is the diet recommended for patients suffering from this type of arterial pathology. Hypertension is an excessive degree with which the heart pumps blood to distribute throughout the body. It is considered a high blood pressure when the value is 140 mm Hg systolic and 90 mm Hg diastolic or higher, most of the time.
Why is it performed?
This type of diet is followed when a patient has hypertension. Due to the serious consequences that a person can develop when suffering from it, it is recommended, among other measures, to follow a specific diet to reduce blood pressure levels. It is also recommended for those patients with a certain risk of suffering from hypertension, such as those with high cholesterol, diabetes, stress, overweight, among others.
What does the diet against hypertension consist of?
The application of this type of diet should focus on adapting and improving those habits that promote hypertension. Mainly, it is recommended to reduce the amount of salt in meals. The organism needs 1.25 g of salt daily and the maximum dose that we should consume is the equivalent of a teaspoon of coffee (6 g) taking into account that most foods already contain salt or other condiments that cause hypertension. The consumption of precooked or packaged products such as sachet soups, pizzas or sausages, as well as exciting drinks, especially coffee, should be avoided. Alcohol or tobacco are other risk factors for the onset of hypertension. The right thing to do is to follow a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, legumes and, in general, foods that contain little fat.
Preparation for the diet against hypertension
Specialists indicate certain tips for cooking with little salt, such as cooking potatoes with the skin on, without boiling them with salt; add a pinch of salt to the water when boiling pasta, rice or potatoes. Salt meat only when it is browned or grilled, as well as steaming or cooking with aluminum foil and grilling to help preserve the flavor of the food.
The use of salt substitutes to add flavor to meat can be bay leaf, nutmeg, thyme, garlic, onion, oregano or rosemary. In the case of fish, curry powder, dill, natural mustard or lemon juice can be used. And for vegetables include rosemary, sage, cinnamon, tarragon or basil.
Dairy products, meats containing as little fat as possible, fish, eggs, cereals are recommended, with the exception of cookies filled, dipped or otherwise sweetened solutions; beverages such as water, infusions, juices, broths and unsweetened soft drinks.
Care of the diet against hypertension
It is important to pay attention to the types of fats ingested and the quantity. In this regard, animal fats such as butter, bacon or lard should be avoided. Choose fats with a high level of polyunsaturated or monounsaturated fatty acids such as sunflower, olive, canola, flax or soybean oil.