Blood Pressure

Your blood pressure rises with each heartbeat and falls when your heart relaxes between beats. Even if your blood pressure is normal, you should consider whether lifestyle changes to prevent the development of HBP and improve your heart health.

Has your doctor referred you to a nutritionist to assist you with any required dietary changes? have any specific lifestyle changes been recommended?

All processed food is loaded with sodium. Avoid it as much as possible, especially in canned food and frozen prepared foods. You are correct in that fresh fruit and vegetables are low in sodium. So are fresh fish and lean proteins such as chicken and turkey if you cook it yourself and don't load it up with condiments and seasonings loaded with sodium.

You should also consider switching your table salt to the No Salt brand. I did this and eliminated canned/frozen meals and my blood pressure has come down considerably. Also, increase your water intake to at least 64 ounces per day if you aren't at that level already. It helps flush the sodium from your body and keeps you hydrated.

Butrflynet-

Thank you.

Is the reason that processed food is high in sodium, the use of preservatives?

If I consume a lot of sodium today, does that show up in my blood pressure today? Or does it take many years before you gradually have an effect?

Here's some reading for you.

http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/NutritionCenter/HealthyEating/Sodium-and-Salt_UCM_303290_Article.jsp

http://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases_conditions/hic_Hypertension_High_Blood_Pressure/hic_High_Blood_Pressure_and_Nutrition

Ya know what?

Go see your dr and ask him.

High BP isn't all about sodium you know.

What has your doctor said in response to your questions?

You need to speak to a professional with your specific questions about your health.

Hi! Do not presume that your blood pressure issue is because of increased sodium level before consulting with doctor. There are many other reasons like -
1. Increased weight
2. Lack of physical exercise
3. Some hormonal dis balance
4. Hyper tension
5. Stress
6. Consumption of alcohol
And many other factors are their that causes high blood pressure.
So, before taking any medication consult your doctor.