In this article, I am going to list some foods that cause high blood pressure. These foods are to be eliminated or reduced. However, let’s learn a little more about high blood pressure or hypertension before we get into the foods that contribute to high blood pressure.
High blood pressure occurs when the pressure within the arteries is consistently maintained above 140/85 while a person is at rest. Such pressures, over the years, will damage the walls of the arteries and contribute to their hardening (arteriosclerosis).
Hardening of the coronary arteries of the heart results in diminished flow and places the person at a higher risk of a coronary. High blood pressure is the most common and dangerous underlying cause of heart and blood vessel disease, and it is the leading cause of death in industrialized nations.
Hypertension is called the ‘silent killer’ produces no symptoms during the first fifteen or so years and goes undetected without blood pressure measurements. Only in advanced stages, and not always then, will symptoms appear headache, nosebleed, dizziness, fainting, and the ringing of the ears.
But even though no symptoms appear, high blood pressure silently, slowly, but surely, injures the heart, damages the arteries (especially those of the heart, brain, eyes, and kidneys), and cuts short the lifespan by ten to twenty years.
Foods That Cause High Blood Pressure
SALT: An increase in salt consumption produces hypertension, particularly in sensitive individuals. This effect is more pronounced with age. In addition to reducing or eliminating table salt, it is important to avoid the hidden salt found in many foods.
SODIUM: The hypertensive effect of salt is due to its sodium content. This mineral is naturally present in certain foods, additives, medications, which should be avoided.
HAM: Cured ham is a meat derivative with one of the highest sodium levels because of the salt and other additives (nitrites and nitrates) added to it. Those suffering from hypertension should avoid it.
SAUSAGES: These are very high in sodium, both because of that which the meat naturally contains and that which is added with salt and additives (the nitrites and nitrates used to cure the meat are sodium salts). Sausages are also high in saturated fat, which promotes hardening of the arteries and hypertension. Sausages are one of the main foods that cause high blood pressure.
MEAT: Regular consumption of any type of meat is related to hypertension because of its protein richness, its sodium content, and its lack of potassium.
PROTEINS: The higher the protein consumption, the greater the possibility of suffering from hypertension. Animal proteins (milk, cheese, eggs, fish, and meat) have the highest hypertensive effect since they are accompanied by high levels of salt and/or sodium, as well.
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES: Alcoholic beverages increase blood pressure. Consumption of amounts that might be considered moderate (three glasses of wine a day) can raise blood pressure.
SATURATED FATS: Saturated fat promotes the hardening and narrowing of the arteries (arteriosclerosis), which causes hypertension. This results in the heart having to pump at higher pressure to overcome this resistance to blood circulation. Saturated fats should be avoided as much as possible. It is another one that is considered a main contributor to the foods that cause high blood pressure.
COFFEE: It has been proven that when one stops regularly drinking coffee, the blood pressure drops. Decaffeinated coffee does not affect blood pressure.
STIMULANT BEVERAGES: All of these contain (tea, mate, caffeinated soft drinks, etc.). Drinking them regularly raises blood pressure, although less than does coffee.
PEPPER: Pepper causes hypertension, just as do other piquant spices.
MATURED CHEESES: These should be eliminated since they contain a great deal of salt and hypertensive amines, which are formed during fermentation.
EGG: Egg yolk is quite high in sodium and should be avoided in cases of hypertension. The egg white has very little sodium.
REFERENCES
George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. “Encyclopedia Of Foods and Their Healing Power.” George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. Encyclopedia Of Foods and Their Healing Power. Trans. Annette Melgosa. Vol. 2. Chai Wan: Editorial Safeliz, 2005. 89.
Hardinge, Mervyn G and Harold Shryock. “Family Medical Guide.” Hardinge, Mervyn G and Harold Shryock. Family Medical Guide. Ed. Marvin Moore and Bonnie Tyson-Flynn. Vol. Three. Oshawa; Washington, D.C.; Hagerstown: Pacific Press Publishing Association; Review and Herald Publishing Association, 1999. Three vols. 24-25, 17. Print. [Foods That Cause High Blood Pressure]
