Boston nutritionist, Dr. Judith Mabel high blood pressure diet recommendations

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

Blood pressure is the measure of the force of blood flowing against artery walls. If this pressure is too high, a person can be at risk for a heart attack or a stroke. There are several things that a person can do through diet and lifestyle changes to reduce this dangerous condition. By watching what we eat, making sure that our intake of nutrients is adequate, and exercising regularly, we can reduce our blood pressure. Losing excess weight is also important.

Regular check-ups with your physician are the best way to keep track of your blood pressure. Because there are no symptoms, only a health professional can tell you if your blood pressure is too high.

Your nutritionist can also assist you to help create a nutritional program to lower your blood pressure naturally.

What Causes Hypertension?
High blood pressure does not occur in primitive cultures eating traditional diets, nor do they show an increase in blood pressure with aging as people in Western society do. The protective factors in these traditional diets are thought to be the high fiber content and the large amount of vitamins and minerals, especially calcium, magnesium and potassium. These people also consume very little sugar.

General Strategies To Help Control Hypertension:

Eat plenty of foods that help reduce blood pressure, such as garlic, onions, celery, vegetables, beans, walnuts, sunflower seeds, and cold water fish.
Begin a weight-bearing exercise as approved by your physician.
Cut down or eliminate smoking and alcohol consumption.
Improve your stress management techniques.
Eat a diet rich in essential nutrients. Sometimes I will recommend supplements to insure that adequate amounts of important nutrients are supplied.
If you have high blood pressure, do not take more than 50 IU's of Vitamin E.
Restrict sugar intake as much as possible.
Lose weight if necessary. I can help you achieve your weight goal and make sure that you are meeting your body's nutritional needs.