Hypertension is a common disease among middle-aged and elderly people. If not taken care of in daily life, it can easily damage the body's organs. The occurrence of hypertension is also closely related to daily diet. Below, I will introduce some dietary principles that hypertension patients need to pay attention to.
1. Reasonable diet arrangement
Hypertension patients must arrange their diet properly, and good dietary habits need to pay attention to the following aspects:
(1) Low salt diet
Salt is an important factor in the formation of hypertension. It can cause fluid retention in the body, increase blood volume, increase cardiac load, and raise blood pressure. Therefore, hypertension patients should not consume more than 5 grams of salt per day.
(2) Reduce fat and cholesterol intake
Cholesterol is the main culprit in the formation of atherosclerosis, and atherosclerosis is an important factor in hypertension. Therefore, hypertension patients should reduce their intake of fat and cholesterol, which can not only control blood pressure but also greatly reduce the occurrence of complications such as heart failure and retinal artery sclerosis.
(3) Proper intake of protein-rich foods
Eggs are diverse and nutritious, which can satisfy the body's nutritional needs and reduce the occurrence of hypertension and its complications. However, excessive consumption of protein without purpose can be converted into fat in the body.
(4) Avoid overeating, eat foods rich in vitamins, and quit smoking and drinking.
2. Set dietary control goals
Ideal weight is an important indicator of health. Hypertension patients should maintain their ideal weight, which is not only beneficial for controlling the condition but also preventing or reducing the occurrence of atherosclerosis.
(1) Weight loss diet plan
Daily total calories 5023-5860 kJ (1200-1400 kcal), suitable for overweight and hypertensive patients who want to lose weight.
(2) Daily diet plan
Daily total calories 7535-8372 kJ (1800-2000 kcal), suitable for weekdays from Monday to Friday.
(3) Weekend diet plan
Daily total calories 10046-10883 kJ (2400-2600 kcal), suitable for weekends and holidays.
3. Drink a glass of warm water on an empty stomach in the morning
After a night of sleep and fasting, the gastrointestinal tract is empty and the body loses a lot of water. At this time, drinking a glass of warm water can be quickly absorbed. The metal ions such as calcium and magnesium in the water can easily reach the body and have a preventive effect on cardiovascular diseases, which is very beneficial for hypertension patients. Water entering the blood can dilute the blood, promote metabolism, and help the body quickly return to the best state. The water in the gastrointestinal tract can also enhance gastrointestinal motility, reduce toxin accumulation and absorption, and have a good health effect.
4. Avoid long-term overeating
Long-term overeating is not a good dietary habit and is not beneficial to health. Overeating can increase the burden on the intestines and cause insufficient supply of digestive juices, leading to indigestion. Overeating at each meal will cause excessive blood concentration in the stomach and intestines, resulting in insufficient blood supply to vital organs such as the heart and brain, making people feel tired. Long-term overeating can also lead to obesity, and excess fat will be distributed in the subcutaneous tissue, liver, abdominal wall, omentum, and mesentery, causing an increase in abdominal pressure and protrusion of the abdomen. These conditions will increase the burden on hypertension patients and aggravate the symptoms of hypertension, so hypertension patients should try to avoid overeating.
5. Dinner should not be too late
Having dinner too late and immediately going to bed without the food being fully digested is not good for the body. Especially in some families, dinner is more abundant, and proteins and fats will cause a sudden increase in blood lipids, blood viscosity, blood sugar, and blood acid levels. Coupled with slow blood flow during sleep, blood clots are more likely to form. If this continues for a long time, the function of the digestive system will gradually decline or become disordered. Hypertension may occur more frequently due to late dinners.
