Hypertension/High Blood Pressure Health Center

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There is a link between eating salt and having high blood pressure. Lowering salt in the diet may prevent high blood pressure in those at risk for the disease.

For tips on limiting salt, see Sodium and High Blood Pressure.

African Americans, older adults, and people with diabetes may benefit most from lowering their dietary sodium intake.

Eat fewer processed foods

Cutting back on the amount of processed or refined foods you eat can help. These foods, such as canned and instant soups, packaged mixes, and snack items, don't have enough calcium, potassium, and magnesium-the very nutrients you need to help lower your blood pressure. And these foods usually are high in salt and high in bad fats.

Vegetarian diet

You also may try a vegetarian diet. In general, vegetarian diets reduce blood pressure, although experts don't know exactly why. The DASH diet could easily be a vegetarian diet if legumes (for example, beans, lentils, peas, and peanuts) were substituted for meat. Vegetarian diets tend to be higher in potassium, magnesium, and calcium, as does the DASH diet. Vegetarian diets also are higher in fiber and unsaturated fats than other diets.

Potassium, calcium, and magnesium

Not eating enough foods containing potassium, calcium, and magnesium may contribute to high blood pressure.

To get enough of these nutrients, eat a balanced diet that contains plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy foods, and whole grains. Most people do not need to take dietary supplements.

Good sources of potassium

All fresh fruits and vegetables and meats are good sources of potassium. Examples include the following:

• Bananas, cantaloupe, oranges, and orange juice
• Raw or cooked spinach, lima beans, zucchini, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, and artichokes
• Potatoes
• Legumes (cooked dried beans and peas) such as pinto beans, chickpeas, and lentils
• Nuts and seeds

Good sources of calcium

• Low-fat dairy products (yogurt, skim milk, cheese)

Good sources of magnesium

• Legumes (cooked dried beans and peas), seeds, and nuts
• Halibut
• Milk and yogurt
• Brown rice and potatoes
• Tomatoes
• Bananas and watermelon
• Leafy green vegetables

Dietary supplements

The safest way to ensure good nutrition is through a balanced, varied diet instead of through nutritional supplements.

Very large amounts of any of these minerals taken in the form of a supplement can cause problems, including possible death. See your doctor before taking large quantities of any supplement.

What does not lower blood pressure?

Fish and fish oil

Fish or fish oil supplements do not lower blood pressure. But eating fish can help lower your risk for heart disease.

You can eat fish as part of the DASH diet. Fish is part of heart-healthy eating. The American Heart Association suggests eating at least two servings of fish a week. Oily fish, which contain omega-3 fatty acids, are best for your heart. These fish include tuna, salmon, mackerel, lake trout, herring, and sardines.