High blood pressure affects 1 in 3 adults in
the United States. In this article, we explain what high blood pressure is,
foods that can help to reduce high blood pressure, and some easy lifestyle
changes that you can start incorporating today.
WHAT IS
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE?
High blood pressure, otherwise known as
hypertension, is the presence of abnormally high amounts of pressure of blood
against blood vessels and artery walls as the heart contracts. There are many
reasons high blood pressure develops, but research is now finding inflammation
could be playing a significant role in the development and progression of high
blood pressure for many individuals.
WHAT IS
CONSIDERED HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE?
Normal Pressure: Less than 120/80
Pre-high blood pressure:
120–139/80–89
Stage 1 High blood pressure: 140–159/90–99
Stage 2 High blood pressure: 160
and above/100 and above
WHAT IS
A STROKE?
A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that
carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain becomes blocked by a clot or bursts
(or ruptures). There are different forms of stroke, and some can be
life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. High blood pressure
is the number one controllable risk factor for having a stroke.
SPOTTING
A STROKE
F.A.S.T.
is an acronym for helping to remember the signs of a stroke. By
recognizing the signs of a stroke, it can help save time and save lives.
F-Face One side of the face
droops. Ask the person to try to smile.
A-Arms Numbness or weakness
occurs on one arm. Ask the person to lift up both arms.
S-Speech Speech becomes slurred. Ask the person to repeat back a simple
sentence.
T-Time Time is of the essence.
If a person displays any of these symptoms, call 911 and get them immediate
medical attention.
WHAT IS METABOLIC SYNDROME? HOW DOES IT INFLUENCE HIGH
BLOOD PRESSURE & INCREASE THE CHANCE OF STROKES?
Metabolic
Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is the presence of three or
more of the following health conditions: high blood pressure, elevated
triglycerides, elevated blood sugar, low HDL cholesterol, or abdominal obesity
(defined by waist circumference). However, elevated blood sugars are the
underlying key driver of metabolic syndrome.
Metabolic syndrome is an inflammatory health
condition, making it a severe risk factor for high blood pressure and
increasing the chance of a stroke. Luckily, a healthy diet can help manage or
even reverse metabolic syndrome!
SIMPLEX HEALTH’s NUTRITIONAL TIPS FOR CONTROLLING HIGH
BLOOD PRESSURE AND STROKE
AVOID
PRO-INFLAMMATORY FOODS
Refined Fats:
● Vegetable, soybean, safflower, sunflower, canola,
corn, & cottonseed oil
● Trans fats or “hydrogenated oils.”
Refined Sugars or
Carbohydrates
● Bread & bread products (tortillas, bagels,
English muffins, etc.), cereal, chips, sweets
High Refined
Sodium-Containing Foods
● Canned,
packaged, or processed foods (think: processed cheese, canned soups, frozen
meals, processed meats, bread, salad dressings, sauces, etc.)
CONSUME
FOODS & NUTRIENTS THAT SUPPORT YOUR HEART HEALTH
Omega-3
Fatty Acids: Omega 3 fatty acids are important for
fighting inflammation.
●
Dietary sources include
wild-caught fish and seafood, grass-fed beef, walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds.
In
addition to omega-3 rich foods, additional healthy fats can also improve your
cholesterol profile and reduce inflammation.
●
Raw nuts and seeds, avocados and
avocado oil, extra virgin olive oil and olives, pasture-raised eggs (yolks),
full-fat coconut milk, and unrefined coconut oil.
Potassium:
Potassium is an important electrolyte that helps to
balance out the adverse effects of too much sodium (salt) on blood
pressure. Eating a diet high in
processed foods which tend to be high in refined salt, and not eating enough
vegetables and fruit can contribute to higher blood pressure.
●
Potassium-rich foods include
avocados, sweet potatoes, bananas, melons, broccoli, dark leafy greens,
tomatoes, and even oily fish (wild-caught salmon, tuna, halibut).
Magnesium:
Magnesium helps to relax and
dilate blood vessels, which may reduce pressure on artery walls.
● Magnesium-rich foods include dark chocolate, dark
leafy greens, avocado, and nuts and seeds.
B-Vitamins:
When insufficient levels of certain B-vitamins are
present, blood levels of homocysteine can increase, which may increase the risk
of heart disease.
●
Foods rich in B-vitamins include
salmon, trout, oysters, clams, mussels, liver, and egg yolks. Vitamin B9
(folate) is found most abundantly in green leafy vegetables. Aim to include
about 1 cup of green leafy vegetables a day. If you are on blood thinning
medication, talk to your physician or dietitian first before increasing your
intake of green leafy vegetables.
Garlic
●
Garlic acts as a natural
vasodilator. Use fresh garlic to flavor dishes.
Turmeric
& Ginger: Both turmeric and ginger contain potent
anti-inflammatory compounds. These anti-inflammatory properties may help lower
blood pressure and protect the blood vessels from damage. Add fresh grated ginger or turmeric to
cooking or use in smoothies and tea.
Vitamin
K2: Low vitamin K status has been linked to higher
blood pressure and stiffer arteries in studies. Vitamin K2 may stop the
progression of arterial stiffness.
●
Sources of vitamin K include green
leafy vegetables (K1) and fermented foods and liver (K2).
Vitamin
D: Vitamin D deficiency may be linked to heart disease
and an increased risk of high blood pressure.
●
Sources of vitamin D in the diet
include pastured raised eggs, mushrooms, fatty fish and liver. Getting 15-20
minutes of sun exposure most days also increases vitamin D levels. If you’re
unable to obtain adequate vitamin D from your diet or sunlight, discuss vitamin
D supplementation with your physician or dietitian.
CoQ10: Co10 is a powerful antioxidant found in every cell of the body,
especially the heart. When taken as a supplement, it may help reduce blood
pressure and protect the heart.
ADDITIONAL
LIFESTYLE CHANGES TO CONSIDER
In addition to diet, there are several other
important lifestyle changes to consider.
Weight
Loss: A weight loss of as little as 10 pounds can have
significant effects on lowering blood pressure: The average reduction is 4.5
points systolic over 3.2 points diastolic.
Physical
Activity: Being sedentary can increase the risk of
high blood pressure. Including regular physical activity reduces stress,
facilitates weight loss, and strengthens the heart. Aim for at least 30-45
minutes of exercise a day.
Limit
Alcohol Intake: Excess alcohol consumption has been
shown to promote pro-inflammatory processes, both causing and worsening high
blood pressure. It’s important to limit alcohol intake to prevent negative
cardiovascular side effects.
Tobacco
Use: Smoking is a well-known risk factor for stroke
and heart attack and smokers are more likely to develop high blood pressure.
Tobacco use causes damage to the lining of the arteries which can promote
inflammation, worsening high blood pressure
Remember, healthy eating isn't an
all-or-nothing proposition. What's most important is that, on average, you eat
healthier foods with plenty of variety — both to keep your diet nutritious and
to avoid boredom or extremes. And with the DASH diet, you can have both.
Changing your diet and incorporating movement
can significantly reduce high blood pressure. Though we have provided some
basic guidelines for managing your blood pressure, it is recommended that you
meet with a Registered Dietitian to develop a custom health care plan that is
catered to your needs.
WHAT IS
SIMPLEX HEALTH?
Simplex Health implements the functional
medicine model into healthcare, corporate and personal health settings by
developing evidence-based protocols that align with the Institute of Functional
Medicine. Simplex Health’s Registered Dietitians and Health Coaches administer
transformational nutrition protocols and behavioral therapies that treat the
person, not the symptom. Their services can be accessed virtually with live
telehealth appointments or in-person at their offices located throughout the
greater Philadelphia region. Ask your physician at PMA Medical Specialists if
interested in meeting with a Simplex Health dietitian.
PATIENT
SUCCESS STORY
Judy, a 56-year-old female, was able to reduce
her blood pressure medicine by half with Simplex Health’s Simplex15, a
restorative metabolic protocol. By making easy and sustainable diet and
lifestyle changes, Judy lost 31 lbs, and she is not stopping. With the support
of her Simplex Health Registered Dietitian, Health Coach, and her custom health
plan, Judy now feels confident she can reach her goal weight.
|
Stephanie Biggs, Simplex Health |
|
Courtney Kassis, Simplex Health |