Do you know your blood pressure numbers? If not, you might want to check them soon. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a silent killer that can damage your heart, brain, kidneys and eyes without you even noticing.
Hypertension happens when your blood pushes too hard against your blood vessels. This can be caused by many factors, such as being overweight, eating too much salt, stress, lack of exercise, aging or genetics. Some of the signs of high blood pressure are headache, blurry vision, nausea, nosebleeds, dizziness, chest pain, seizures and shortness of breath. But sometimes there are no symptoms at all. That's why it's important to monitor your blood pressure regularly and consult your doctor if it's too high.
The good news is that you can lower your blood pressure by making some simple lifestyle changes. One of them is following the DASH diet, which stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. This diet is designed to help you eat more foods that are rich in potassium, calcium and magnesium, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and low-fat dairy products. These nutrients can help relax your blood vessels and lower your blood pressure. The DASH diet also limits foods that are high in sodium, saturated fats and simple sugars, such as processed foods, fast foods, sweets and red meat. These foods can raise your blood pressure and increase your risk of heart disease and stroke.
According to Dr Eileen Canday, HoD of Nutrition at Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, "Hypertension is a very common non-communicable disease that often goes unnoticed. People with obesity and type 2 diabetes are more likely to develop hypertension and stroke. Therefore it is essential to address the root cause to prevent future complications. The DASH diet is a healthy eating pattern that can help people with hypertension manage their condition and improve their overall health."
So if you have high blood pressure or want to prevent it, give the DASH diet a try. It's not only good for your blood pressure but also for your weight, cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Remember to also stay active, reduce stress and limit alcohol and tobacco use. Your health is in your hands!
Content created and supplied by: Blitzy (via Opera News )
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