High blood pressure: What foods to consume to control it?

High blood pressure is called hypertension and it kills silently. As age advances, it is common but remains undetected due to minimal symptoms. Hence regular blood checkups should be done to pick up the elevated blood pressure early and start therapy for it. 

Symptoms of high blood pressure

Most cases of high blood pressure are packed up when a blood pressure recording is done in a camp or clinic. Some patients might have complaints of dizziness, headache, nausea, and vomiting. But to the common nature of these symptoms, medical consultation is rarely sought for it. 

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Some with very high systolic blood pressure (the upper reading)  may have throbbing head aches and even seizures. They may present with vomiting and blurring of vision. The blood vessels in the eye around the optic nerve dilate and get engorged. This is called papillodema. 

Damage due to high blood pressure 

High pressure on the arteries damages it's walls leading to atherosclerotic changes in it. This causes organ damage. 

Damage of high BP (Source: Elite Care ER) 

Brain and heart arteries are most affected. There could be low circulation going to the heat leading to heart disease and attacks. Blood clotting in the vessels supplying the brain could lead to strokes and dizziness. Besides, there could be kidney damage and failure. Other organs might also suffer damage and have diminished functioning. 

To prevent this damage on vital organs, prompt and proper control of blood pressure should be done. Medicines help but are not without side-effects. Hence besides prescribed medicine, one can try removal of stress (root cause of primary hypertension), exercises,  lifestyle changes, and diet. 

Dietetic change for hypertension 

Which foods are bad for hypertension? Which foods help to lower an elevated blood pressure quickly? 

Foods that have low sodium are encouraged. Added salt should be stopped. Foods with high sodium content such as pickles, poppadums should be consumed less. Switch to low fats and hence low fat milk and curds are best. Besides, lean meat should be consumed. 

Fruits and vegetables are good and can be had in ample quantities. Fruits also have potassium that keeps blood pressure under check. Foods containing nitrates such as beet roots are also good. Water melons, bottle gourds, bitter gourds, lady's fingers, and brinjal are good for the heart. 

Foods taken as per guidance can easily control mild hypertension and could supplement therapy. The requirement of antihypertensive can come down and hence side-effects would be less.