What foods should people with high blood pressure avoid?
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a condition where the force of blood against the walls of the arteries is consistently too high. Over time, it can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems.
Managing high blood pressure requires careful dietary choices, as certain foods can significantly worsen the condition.
Top foods that worsen the condition are:
✅ Alcoholic Beverages raises blood pressure by stimulating the nervous system, causing blood vessels to constrict and the heart to beat faster. It also increases hormones that retain salt and water, adding pressure to the circulatory system. Over time, excessive drinking can damage blood vessels and interfere with blood pressure medications.
✅ Frozen foods, especially frozen dinners and pizzas and canned foods such as soups, beans, and vegetables often contain “hidden salt” and preservatives, which can elevate sodium levels quickly if consumed regularly.
✅ Prepared Italian foods, like lasagna or pasta with creamy sauces, may appear wholesome but often hide excessive salt, fat, and calories.
✅ Instant foods such as noodles and ready-to-eat meals are another major concern, as they’re typically high in sodium, artificial flavorings, and unhealthy fats.
✅ Food additives like monosodium glutamate (MSG): Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a flavor enhancer commonly added to processed foods, canned soups, instant noodles, snacks, and restaurant dishes—especially in Asian cuisine. It is the sodium salt of glutamic acid, a naturally occurring amino acid found in foods like tomatoes and cheese. MSG gives food a savory, umami taste that intensifies flavor. However, frequent consumption of such foods may trigger spikes in blood pressure in sensitive individuals.
✅ Carbonated sodas—even the sugar-free versions—can harm blood vessel health due to their acidity and chemical content such as artificial sweetners, according to researchers at Harvard Medical School.
✅ In addition, Energy drinks are particularly risky as they combine high levels of caffeine, sugar, and stimulants, which can sharply raise blood pressure and stress the cardiovascular system.
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Consuming such foods and beverages regularly can make blood pressure management much more difficult and increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage.
To stay healthy, people with high blood pressure should check food labels, eat less processed food, and choose fresh foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats.
Medical Disclaimer.
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Further reading (External Links opens in new window):
≺≺- John Hopkins Medicine- ABCs of Eating Smart for a Healthy Heart.
≺≺- Harvard Health Publishing – Sugary drinks seem to raise blood pressure.
