Well, now this not a news anymore. Every one of us is quite aware about the relation between diet and hypertension or blood pressure. Blood pressure or neglected hypertension is the most risky silent killer which has been creating grave conditions like heart fail and coronary blockages. And one of the best ways to control it is through diet. They say,” You are what you eat”. But more true is your diet decides the level of your blood pressure. Check out some facts which show how important diet is in this regard.

• Calories and weight of the body are two sides of same coin. Lots of body fats increase the risk of blood pressure and other related health problems.
• Potassium plays an important role in the treatment of hypertension.
• Deficiency of calcium enhances the hypertension risk.
• Excessive intake of sodium also enhances the hypertension risk. The suggested range of sodium in regular diet is 1,100 to 3,300 mg per day.
•  Table salt is known to contain 40% of sodium and 2000 mg sodium is present in 1 teaspoon of salt. Hence doctors are against adding of salt from top.

The recent studies indicate that in the United States, one out of every four adults is affected with hypertension. And 25% of other adults have readings showing beyond normal end. So what is this blood pressure? It is the force which is exerted by blood on the arteries of your heart.  A blood pressure have two measures: systolic and diastolic pressure which in common terms is known as high or low blood pressure.  

Although once you are affected by hypertension you cannot cure it, but still you can always maintain a controlled lifestyle and keep your blood pressure under check. Although regular medication is very important in keeping hypertension under control, research has shown that healthy dietary habits and changes goes a long way in delaying or even preventing the problem of hypertension.  

Decreasing sodium, increasing potassium content, diet with less calorific value, regular exercise all together goes a long way in keeping your hypertension under control.  Along with potassium sodium regulates the water balance in the body. A person with balanced potassium and sodium has good chances of maintaining normal blood pressure. But that does not mean that people with hypertension problems should start taking potassium supplements. Instead, natural intake of potassium is more recommended as it is more healthy way of giving nutrition to your body.

A new research reveals that people deficient in calcium have higher risk of getting affected with hypertension. And people suffering from blood pressure problem but having low calcium levels have difficulty in maintaining normal blood pressure. The DRI (Dietary Reference Intake) has advised a daily intake of 1000 mg/day of calcium. If hypertension is left neglected, at times it can damage blood vessels which can further aggravate problems like kidney failure, heart attack, impaired vision, strokes and even heart failure.  

So follow all the dietary restrains, avoid oily food and saturated fats, keep a check on your sodium, potassium and calcium levels and keep your blood pressure under control.

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