As we age, our bodies can become more susceptible to a number of health issues. Of particular concern is hypertension (high blood pressure) disorders, which affect millions of Americans every year. Unfortunately, this common disorder can occur without warning. If left untreated, it can lead to serious risks such as stroke and heart failure.
Much of what dictates one's risk of suffering from hypertension is linked back to lifestyle choices. In particular - the foods that you eat. Many people think it is salt causing high blood pressure - but is this true? In this blog post from Senior Helpers Lake Norman, let's separate truth from fad when discussing salt consumption and hypertension in seniors living in the Mooresville, Huntersville, Statesville, Cornelius, Denver, and Davidson areas.
What are the Effects of a Salt-Heavy Diet?
Salt is in almost every food we consume, including many healthy foods that are necessary for proper nutrition. In small amounts, salt consumption poses no real threat. It can even be beneficial for some seniors if it contains important minerals like potassium.
Still, excessive consumption of salt—especially from processed foods high in sodium chloride—has been linked to several negative health outcomes. Primarily, we're talking about high blood pressure - or hypertension. It is not the only factor contributing to this medical issue but reducing salt intake can improve people's overall heart health over time by decreasing their risk factors such as chronic hypertension and stroke.
Salt-Heavy Foods to Avoid
Salt-heavy foods can be hard to avoid, especially when seniors live alone. Processed food items, in particular, are often loaded with extra salt. Some of the most dangerous salt sources that should be avoided include:
- Canned goods (particularly soup or vegetables)
- Processed cheese
- Pickled products (like relish or olives)
- Condiments such as ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise
Specific foods have also been linked to hypertension directly. These include red meat and food items that contain a lot of added sugar or salt. If you find yourself relying on any of these for sustenance, try looking for lower sodium options. This will keep you from consuming an unhealthy amount of sodium each day.
Lifestyle Changes to Implement
Making a few lifestyle changes can dramatically reduce your risk for hypertension. Eating healthy is always important. You can take steps towards that by consuming fewer processed goods and incorporating more fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet. Exercise is also an effective way to improve heart health and regulate blood pressure.
If you're living at home without regular help, try doing exercises that have minimal impact on the body. These include walking around the house or taking light stretching classes online. Seniors in assisted living facilities may have fitness programs available they could participate in instead. Transforming small habits today can go a long way toward reducing chronic diseases such as hypertension tomorrow.
Senior Helpers Encourages Healthy Lifestyle Changes
Hypertension is a common and serious condition among seniors. With the link between salt consumption and hypertension in seniors, reducing your intake and leading an active lifestyle can help lower your risk. Our team at Senior Helpers Lake Norman encourages seniors to take time out of their day for exercise and make mindful decisions when it comes to food choices. Contact us today to learn more about the senior care services that we offer!