High blood pressure, or hypertension, is one of the leading causes of stroke, heart disease, kidney failure, and premature death. Many people who have high blood pressure are not aware of it - this is why hypertension is called the "silent killer". The only way to find out if you have high blood pressure is through regular monitoring.Many people celebrate special occasions with lunch or dinner in fast foods or restaurants where fat-dense foods are served. These foods could increase your blood pressure.
One way to help beat high blood pressure during such celebrations is to eat low-fat dairy foods and more fruits and vegetables. Studies show that participants eating three servings of low-fat dairy foods combined with a low-fat diet high in fruits and vegetables experienced a greater reduction in blood pressure than those who ate a diet high in fruits and vegetable alone. These foods like fat-free milk, low cholesterol butter and oils, whole grain cereals, brown bread, bananas and other fruits, and green leafy vegetables are rich in minerals - specifically calcium, potassium, and magnesium which are believed to have positive effects in lowering blood pressure.
Here are easy tips to help boost these nutrients to guide you in your day-to-day eating habit:
Increase physical activity and lose weight if overweight. For a more information to guard-off hypertension, read and practice the messages contained in the Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos developed by a Technical Committee with FNRI staff as the chair.