Did you know that these 7 foods raise your blood pressure?

You may well know that high-salt foods raise blood pressure, which is very harmful for hypertension sufferers. On the other hand, they can also be the salvation for when the pressure goes down too much, causing feeling sick, dizzy and even fainting. But do you know why this happens?

Salt is known chemically as sodium chloride, and it is precisely sodium that is the main factor in raising blood pressure. This is due to the great property that this mineral has to attract water molecules to the blood and extracellular fluid.

To maintain a balance between the concentration of salt in and out of cells, the body eventually retains more water (you feel thirstier and do not pee after eating too salty food). Thus, there is an increase in circulating blood volume and, as a result, blood pressure.


However, it is not just packet chips or salt-filled chips that can have this effect. Check our list and be aware, whether your pressure is higher or lower, and use the foods to your advantage:

1. Nuts and other oil seeds

Nuts, almonds and hazelnuts are an excellent source of vitamin B, an indispensable nutrient for maintaining well-balanced blood pressure. In the absence of this vitamin, we may experience pressure drops, dizziness and fainting. Similarly, overeating these foods can result in an unwanted increase in pressure.

Read also: Herbal Salt: Less Sodium, More Health and Flavor for Your Dishes


2. Salami and other cold cuts

Salami, sausage, hams, bologna and other cold meats are often high in fat and salt. While a small piece can help restore the well-being of a person with low blood pressure, these are certainly not the best foods for high blood pressure sufferers.

3. Coffee, Tea and Soft Drinks

Coffee and even some caffeine-containing teas and sodas can cause your heart rate to rise, which also raises your blood pressure. People who need to control hypertension should not abuse these drinks.

4. Chocolate

Chocolate contains a substance called theobromine, a stimulant that acts similar to caffeine. Eating a square or two of dark chocolate can be a good way to give gas to people with low blood pressure, but again, those with high blood pressure should not overdo it.


5. Meat in general

Remember when you felt weak and your mother said you should eat a steak? Indeed, red meat is an excellent food for relieving low blood pressure crises due to its fat and sodium content. However, if consumed in excess, it can increase your cholesterol and triglyceride levels, regardless of whether your blood pressure is high or low.

6. Energetic and isotonic

These drinks are full of minerals, including sodium, so they can increase blood pressure. In addition, energy drinks still often contain caffeine, which speeds up the heart and can cause hypertensive crises.

Read also: Low Blood Pressure: Know What It Means And What To Do When You Have Symptoms

7. Alcoholic Beverages

Red wine contains flavonoids, substances with antioxidant power that protect the heart and cardiovascular system. Therefore, having one glass of red wine a day can be a protective factor.

However, abuse of any alcoholic beverages, including wine, will bring a number of very serious health problems, including worsening hypertension. Thus, people suffering from chronic high blood pressure should avoid alcohol.

Maintaining a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean meats is always the best way to preserve our health. Whatever is consumed in excess can cause damage to our body; so the keyword is moderation.

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