Home Care Assistance of Albuquerque

1. 7 Foods That Increase the Risk of Hypertension

2. Risk Factors: Surveys indicate that about one-third of adults have high blood pressure. Eating a diet consisting of lean meats, fruits, vegetables and whole grains and getting adequate amounts of physical activity are some natural ways to decrease hypertension risk factors.

3. 1. Salt: • This common seasoning causes fluid retention in many older adults. The extra fluid adds vascular pressure and often leaks into surrounding tissues. As a result, seniors may notice swollen feet, ankles, and lower legs. Dietary guidelines recommend consuming no more than 1,500 milligrams of salt each day. However, modern diets often contain up to 3,400 milligrams. 

4. 2. Canned Tomatoes: • Processed tomato products are another concern for seniors with high blood pressure. Canned tomatoes, tomato juice, and pasta sauces all have high salt levels. A one-half cup serving of spaghetti sauce contains 450 milligrams of sodium. One cup of tomato juice has approximately 650 milligrams of salt. Consider using low-sodium options or make juice and sauces from fresh tomatoes. 

5. 3. Canned Soups: • Canned soups and broths are convenient foods seniors often have as comfort food or as part of a meal. However, one-half cup of canned soup may contain up to 890 milligrams of salt. An entire can contains 2,225 milligrams of sodium. Try choosing low-sodium options, or simply make your own soup and serve it to your loved one. 

6. 4. Deli Meats: • Even though they are convenient for seniors to have on hand, deli or luncheon meats are processed with high levels of salt. A simple two-ounce serving of processed meat adds approximately 600 milligrams or more of salt to your loved one’s daily intake. Adding cheese or condiments to deli meat sandwiches quickly tilts the sodium scale. 

7. 5. Pizza: • Often touted as a complete meal, pizza is another food that contains elevated levels of salt. The crust, pizza sauce, cheeses, and meat toppings are all typically rich in sodium. One slice of pizza can add up to 1,000 milligrams of salt to your loved one’s diet. Thicker crusts and additional toppings can also increase the salt content. 

8. 6. Fatty Foods: • Chicken has fat globules beneath the skin, which also contains saturated fat. Consider removing the skin before preparing chicken for your loved one. Red meat and full-fat dairy products are also concerns for seniors. Packaged foods often contain trans fats, which is made by infusing liquid oil with air. These fats increase LDL, or bad cholesterol levels, and line blood vessels, which increases blood pressure. Saturated and trans fats also contribute to heart disease. 

9. 7. Sugar: • Having a sweet tooth can also be bad for high blood pressure. Sweetened beverages, baked goods, confections, and other sweet foods can lead to weight problems if eaten in excess without getting enough exercise to burn the calories. Overweight seniors are more likely to develop high blood pressure. Cardiovascular specialists recommend women consume no more than six teaspoons of sugar per day. For men, the amount is nine teaspoons. 

10. Thanks For Watching Contact Us: Phone: 505-876-9550 Our Address: 11000 Spain NE Bldg B Albuquerque NM 87111  Our Website: www.homecareassistanceofalbuquerque.com