7 Foods to Avoid for Lowering High Blood Pressure

 

Warning: These Common Foods May Be Sabotaging Your Health

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is closely linked to metabolic conditions like Type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. These conditions, caused by high blood sugar, triglycerides, and insulin levels, can be aggravated by certain foods. Dr. Ken Berry emphasizes the importance of avoiding these specific foods to not only lower blood pressure but also improve overall health.

1. Pizza

Pizza is often seen as an indulgence, but it’s the crust made from wheat that spikes blood sugar, insulin, and triglycerides. Many pizza crusts are made with vegetable oils and sugar, which also contribute to inflammation—another factor that worsens hypertension.

2. Waffles and Pancakes

While a breakfast of eggs and bacon is harmless for blood pressure, waffles and pancakes can elevate it. These are made of wheat, sugar, and vegetable oils, all of which increase blood sugar and insulin levels, leading to higher blood pressure.

3. Pasta

It’s not the sauce or fat in pasta dishes that are the issue—it’s the wheat-based noodles themselves. Wheat breaks down into sugar, raising blood pressure by increasing sugar, insulin, and triglycerides in your bloodstream.

4. Hamburgers with Buns

Eating just the hamburger patty is fine, but the wheat-based bun is a major culprit. Add in ketchup (essentially sugar), fries, and sugary drinks, and you’re creating the perfect storm for elevated blood pressure.

5. Hot Dogs

Again, it’s not the meat, but the bun that does the damage. Combined with sugary condiments like ketchup and fries on the side, it’s a recipe for raised blood pressure and worsening metabolic health.

6. Angel Food Cake

Often thought to be a healthier dessert option, angel food cake is far from innocent. Made primarily from wheat, sugar, and vegetable oils, it leads to the same spikes in blood sugar, triglycerides, and insulin as other high-carb foods.

7. Chicken Nuggets

Breaded and fried, chicken nuggets are a popular snack. However, it’s the wheat breading and sugar content that spike blood sugar and lead to higher blood pressure. Fries and soda accompanying nuggets make the situation worse.

The Takeaway:

Avoiding foods made from wheat, sugar, and vegetable oils is crucial for those looking to lower blood pressure and improve overall health. By cutting these foods from your diet, you can not only manage hypertension but also improve related conditions like Type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and high triglycerides.

 

Also Read: Top 5 Vegetables to Clean Your Arteries and Prevent Heart Attacks

https://www.educationtechnologytimes.com/2024/10/top-5-vegetables-to-clean-your-arteries.html