Diet can have a big impact on blood pressure,
which is the force of blood against the walls of blood vessels. High blood pressure, or hypertension, affects 47 percent of adults in the United States. Hypertension can cause health problems over time, such as heart disease and stroke.
In particular, salty foods can lead to high blood pressure. When you consume salt, your body retains more fluid, increasing blood volume and blood pressure. Sugary foods and foods high in saturated fats can also increase blood pressure.
On the other hand, eating a heart-healthy diet can help you achieve and maintain a healthy blood pressure.
If you have high blood pressure, the American Heart Association (AHA) advises that you eat enough:
fruits
vegetables
lean protein
whole grains
At the same time, the AHA recommends limiting foods that can keep your blood pressure elevated, such as:
red meat
salt (sodium)
foods and beverages containing added sugars
