Uncle Li, a newly retired bus driver, went for a physical examination because of dizziness, and found that his blood pressure had soared. He originally thought it was just a common problem of old age, but he didn't expect the problem to be quite serious. This made him nervous and immediately consulted a doctor.
The doctor analyzed the problem for him and mentioned that some eating habits in daily life may be the culprit.
1. Risk factors for hypertension
High blood pressure, known as the "silent killer", may be familiar to many people. It is one of the main causes of cardiovascular disease and can cause serious damage to the heart, brain and kidneys.
When many people think of high blood pressure, the first thing that comes to mind is the common disease of the elderly. But in fact, with the acceleration of the pace of modern life and the change of eating habits, more and more young people are also beginning to face this problem.
Some foods can spike blood pressure, such as bamboo shoots. Bamboo shoots are a seemingly harmless and refreshing food, and many people like to use them in stewed soups or side dishes. However, bamboo shoots contain high levels of sodium, and for patients with high blood pressure, if they consume too much, it will cause blood pressure to rise.
Sodium is the number one enemy of high blood pressure, and excess sodium can lead to water retention in the body, increasing blood volume, which can increase blood pressure. Therefore, although bamboo shoots are delicious, people with high blood pressure really should eat them with caution.
2. Dietary habits and blood pressure control
In addition to bamboo shoots, there are also some seemingly harmless foods that can also have a negative impact on blood pressure. For example, soy products. Tofu, soy milk, dried tofu and other soy products are rich in protein and are a very good source of nutrition, and many people like to eat them. However, some soy products are processed with a lot of salt.
In particular, some soy products with a heavier taste, such as dried tofu and vegetarian chicken, are often made with a lot of salt in order to enhance the taste. These salts can make blood pressure difficult to control, and long-term consumption is very detrimental to people with high blood pressure.
Doctors emphasize that blood pressure control is significantly worse in patients who consume high-sodium foods on a regular basis than those who pay attention to their diet. It also reminds us to be very careful when choosing food in our daily lives.
In addition, there is another point that patients with high blood pressure need to pay special attention to in their diet, that is, processed foods. Many processed foods, such as ham sausages, bacon, canned foods, etc., are delicious, but in order to extend the shelf life and enhance the taste, a lot of salt and preservatives are usually added. The high sodium content of these foods is extremely detrimental to blood pressure control.
In daily life, patients with high blood pressure should minimize the intake of such foods, choose more fresh ingredients, and cook by themselves to control sodium intake.
3. Stable water intake and blood pressure
In addition to solid foods in the diet, people with high blood pressure also need to pay special attention to their daily water intake. Water is life, but for people with high blood pressure, how much water you drink and how you drink it are key factors. Proper drinking habits can help maintain stable blood pressure, while incorrect drinking patterns can worsen the condition.
Some people with high blood pressure believe that drinking too much water will increase blood volume, which can increase blood pressure, so they often limit the amount of water they drink. Actually, this is a misconception. The human body needs enough water to maintain normal metabolism and blood circulation.
If you don't drink enough water, the blood will become viscous and the resistance of the blood vessels will increase, which in turn will lead to an increase in blood pressure. Therefore, patients with hypertension should maintain adequate daily water intake, which is generally recommended to drink 1500-2000 ml per day, which can be adjusted according to individual weight and activity level.
In addition, the way you drink your water is also important. Doctors recommend that patients with high blood pressure should avoid drinking a large amount of water at one time, especially in a short period of time, which will cause a burden on the heart and blood vessels, and easily cause blood pressure fluctuations.
The correct way is to drink a small amount of water many times, and control the amount of water to be about 200 ml each time, and distribute it evenly throughout the day. This ensures the body's water supply without putting an additional strain on the heart and blood vessels.
The temperature of the water also needs to be taken care of. Water that is too cold or too hot can irritate blood vessels, causing them to constrict or dilate, which can affect the stability of blood pressure. Warm water is the best choice because it does not irritate blood vessels and is quickly absorbed by the body, helping to maintain the body's water balance.
In addition to plain water, green tea and light salt water are also good choices. Green tea is rich in tea polyphenols and catechins, which have antioxidant and hypolipidemic effects, and have a certain regulatory effect on blood pressure.
Light salt water can replenish electrolytes in the body, especially after heavy sweating, and can help restore fluid balance. However, the salt content in brackish water should not be too much, and the amount of salt should be strictly controlled to avoid increasing sodium intake.
4. Alcohol and high blood pressure
When it comes to diet, many people may overlook the effects of alcohol. Alcohol is a common drink, and many people drink it at parties or dinners. However, for people with high blood pressure, alcohol is a special concern.
Alcohol intake can affect blood pressure in many ways. In the short term, alcohol can cause a rapid increase in blood pressure. Long-term alcohol consumption can damage blood vessels, causing hardening of the blood vessels and increasing the burden on the heart.
Studies have shown that the incidence of hypertension is significantly higher in people who drink heavily for a long time than in people who do not drink alcohol or drink little alcohol.
If people with high blood pressure really want to drink alcohol, it is recommended to strictly control the amount. Doctors generally recommend no more than two drinks of alcohol a day for men and no more than one drink for women.
A glass here refers to a standard glass, which is about 14 grams of pure alcohol, which is equivalent to 350 ml of beer, 150 ml of wine or 45 ml of spirits. In addition, you should try to choose low-alcohol alcohol to reduce the effect on blood pressure.
When drinking alcohol, it is best to consume a certain amount of water at the same time to help the metabolism of alcohol and reduce the harm to the body. Also pay attention to the timing of drinking, try to drink it with meals, and avoid drinking on an empty stomach, which can slow down the absorption of alcohol and reduce the impact on blood pressure.
5. Healthy lifestyle and blood pressure management
In addition to diet, lifestyle is also an important factor affecting blood pressure. People with high blood pressure should keep their blood pressure stable by:
1. Moderate exercise: Regular aerobic exercise such as walking, swimming, cycling, etc., can help improve cardiovascular function and lower blood pressure. Get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.
2. Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese can increase the burden on the heart, leading to an increase in blood pressure. Weight control through a sensible diet and exercise can help manage blood pressure.
3. Quit smoking: Smoking is one of the risk factors for cardiovascular disease, which can cause blood vessels to constrict, harden, and increase blood pressure. Quitting smoking can significantly reduce the risk of high blood pressure.
4. Manage stress: Long-term mental stress and stress can lead to an increase in blood pressure. People with high blood pressure should learn to relax their minds and reduce stress through meditation, yoga, deep breathing, etc.
5. Regular work and rest: Getting enough sleep is essential for maintaining cardiovascular health. People with high blood pressure should maintain a regular sleep schedule, avoid staying up late, and ensure that they have enough rest time every day.
6. Monitor blood pressure regularly: Patients with hypertension should measure their blood pressure regularly, understand their blood pressure changes, and adjust their lifestyle and medication in time.
summary
Through the above adjustments and management, hypertensive patients can better control their blood pressure, reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Remember, a healthy diet and lifestyle are key to blood pressure management, and good results can only be achieved if you stick to it over time.