High blood pressure, otherwise known as hypertension, doesn't cause symptoms until it has reached a dangerous level. So while it is important to get your senior loved one's blood pressure regularly monitored by a doctor as they age, there are also dietary steps that you can take right now to prevent high blood pressure and reduce the risk of other heart-related illnesses and conditions for your senior loved one.
What Is Hypertension?
Hypertension is a medical condition that occurs when the blood pressure in the arteries is too high. Blood pressure is a measure of the force of your senior loved one's heart-pumping action as it pushes blood through your arteries and veins. High blood pressure puts extra strain on your senior parent's heart, and this can lead to serious health problems such as stroke and heart disease.
Dietary Rules for Reducing Hypertension
Following are some tried and true dietary rules for reducing hypertension to help your senior loved one:
Increase Intake of Fruits and Vegetables
A diet that is rich in fruit and vegetables can help reduce blood pressure. Fruits and vegetables provide dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytonutrients, which can help to lower cholesterol levels, maintain a healthy weight, decrease inflammation, and improve overall health. A focus on eating dark leafy greens such as spinach or kale can be especially beneficial.
Reduce Sodium Intake
Consuming a lot of sodium can lead to high blood pressure and even water retention. To reduce your senior loved one's risk, you should aim to limit the amount of salt, cured meats, processed foods, and salted snacks that they consume. When shopping for groceries, try to select items with lower sodium content and check food labels before buying anything.
Increase Potassium Intake
Eating foods rich in potassium can help to counterbalance the effects of sodium and normalize blood pressure levels. Foods high in potassium include bananas, oranges, potatoes, tomatoes, melons, and leafy greens.
Reduce Intake of Saturated Fats
Consuming too much saturated fat can raise total cholesterol levels and increase your senior loved one's risk of heart disease. To reduce their risk, limit the amount of red meat, butter, cream cheese, processed meats, and full-fat dairy products that they consume.
Increase Intake of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for your senior loved one's health and have been linked to a reduction in the risk of heart disease. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids include salmon, tuna, chia seeds, flaxseeds, and walnuts.
Reduce Intake of Refined Sugars
Diets high in refined sugars are known to increase your senior loved one's risk of hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases. Try to reduce or completely eliminate the number of sugary drinks, cookies, and pastries that they consume each day.
Senior Helpers Manalapan Provides Help Cooking Healthier Meals
High blood pressure can lead to serious health complications if left untreated. Follow the tried and true dietary rules for reducing hypertension to lower your senior loved one's risk of experiencing any long-term complications due to high blood pressure in Monroe Township, Englishtown, Freehold, Manalapan, Asbury Park, Monmouth County, and Middlesex County. Senior Helpers Manalapan can partner with you to fix your senior loved one healthier meals. Reach out to us today!