Food and hypertension: discover the main villains and allies in the fight against high blood pressure

Healthy eating can be a great ally when it comes to controlling and preventing hypertension. According to the cardiology coordinator at Hospital Santa Rosa, doctor Leandro Mandaloufas, thinking about a balanced diet is one of the first steps in the non-drug treatment of the disease.

The villains in the fight against hypertension, the so-called ‘high blood pressure’, are known: lots of sodium, processed meats, ultra-processed foods, sweets and alcoholic drinks. On the other hand, some foods can help in the fight against the disease.

“There are several diets that benefit hypertensive people and contribute to their health, among which the Dash and Mediterranean diets deserve the most attention. The benefit is even greater when the patient manages to reduce sodium intake”, explains the doctor.

Read more:

“Only half of people who know they have hypertension control it”, warns cardiologist

The cardiologist warns that the recommended sodium consumption per day is a maximum of two grams, which is equivalent to five grams of salt per day. In the list of villains, the doctor also mentions canned goods, biscuits, olives and other preserved foods, soy sauce and other industrialized seasonings.

On the other hand, fruits, vegetables and cereals associated with a low intake of fat and salt are the main allies for those who want to maintain healthy blood pressure.

The nutrition supervisor at Hospital Santa Rosa, Céli Neves, highlights the important role of foods rich in potassium, such as bananas, oranges and beets in controlling hypertension.

“To have a healthy diet, the meal must be tasty, be part of the social routine, contain foods from different groups, provide balanced nutrients and be sustainable”, emphasizes the nutritionist. Céli also highlights that, contrary to what many people think, it is possible to combine tasty food and health care.

“There are several ways to create a healthy and tasty menu, just explore the wide variety of natural seasonings, such as oregano, turmeric, rosemary, pepper, onion, leek, rosemary, ginger and mint, among others. These options, in addition to not causing harm, promote satiety, aid digestion, act as anti-inflammatories and make the meal even more complete and nutritious”, he explains.

The hamburger, one of the ‘temptations’ of modern life, for example, can be prepared with lean meats such as duckling, hard drumstick, rump or beef fillet, chicken or fish, adding lettuce salad, tomato, pickles and red onion, indicates the nutritionist. “There are a variety of practical and healthy snack recipes to enjoy”, she adds.

Cardiologist Leandro Mandaloufas highlights that finding pleasure in an adequate diet and physical exercise is fundamental in the treatment of hypertension.

Furthermore, periodic consultations with a cardiologist cannot be left on the back burner, as can medication treatment when necessary and as advised by the doctor. “For those who do not yet have the disease and want to avoid it, the main tip is: lead a healthy life”, emphasizes the cardiologist.

HYPERTENSION – The most recent guideline from the Brazilian Society of Cardiology considers the optimal pressure to be less than 120 x 80 mmHg. A person can be considered hypertensive when their blood pressure measured in the office is greater than or equal to 140 x 90 mmHg, or 14×9, in at least two measurements at different times and in appropriate conditions.

Do you want to receive news on your cell phone? Join our WhatsApp group by clicking here.

Do you have any complaints to be made? Save the number and contact the Midiajur reporting channel at Whatsapp: (65) 993414107. The report guarantees the confidentiality of the source.