Salt/Sodium: High sodium intake can contribute to hypertension by causing your body to retain water, increasing blood volume and pressure.
Processed Foods: Packaged and processed foods often contain high levels of sodium, as well as unhealthy fats and added sugars.
Salty Snacks: Chips, pretzels, salted nuts, and other salty snacks are high in sodium and can quickly add to your daily intake.
Cured Meats: Bacon, sausage, ham, and other cured meats are high in sodium and often contain unhealthy fats. Choose leaner cuts of meat and avoid processed varieties.
Canned Foods: Canned vegetables, soups, and sauces can be high in sodium due to added salt for preservation. Look for low-sodium or no-salt-added options.
Pickled Foods: Pickles, olives, and other pickled vegetables are high in sodium due to the pickling process. Limit consumption or choose low-sodium versions.
Fast Food: Burgers, fries, pizza, and other fast food items are typically high in sodium, unhealthy fats, and calories.
Full-Fat Dairy Products: Whole milk, cheese, and other full-fat dairy products can contribute to high blood pressure due to their saturated fat content.
Sweets and Sugary Drinks: Excess sugar intake can lead to weight gain, which in turn can raise blood pressure.
Alcohol: Drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure over time. Limit alcohol consumption to moderate levels (1 drink per day for women.