Worst Foods for High Blood Pressure

The shrimp fried rice at your favorite spot might be amazing, but it’s likely full of sodium. Research suggests most of the sodium in U.S. diets comes from restaurant and packaged foods. Look for low-sodium menu options or ask the chef to make your meal without salt. Try other flavors instead, like lemon juice on fish and veggies. Most adults should eat no more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium a day. That’s one teaspoon.

They’re fast and convenient. But they’re also loaded with sodium, so it’s best to avoid them. If you need something quick every once in a while, look for options with 600 milligrams of sodium or less.

Most chips, crackers, and popcorn are high in sodium. For instance, a 1-ounce serving of plain potato chips has about 50-200 milligrams. Try low- or no-sodium nuts, seeds, chips, or pretzels when cravings hit. Or try fresh carrots or celery sticks for a satisfying crunch.

Kimchi, sauerkraut, and other pickled or brined foods often pack plenty of sodium. Three ounces of pickle juice has about 900 milligrams, depending on the brand. Try to limit the amount of pickled foods you eat. And try marinades made from vinegar, pineapple juice, or citrus fruits like lemons, limes, and oranges. They add a tart flavor with less sodium. 

It doesn’t taste salty, but it’s got plenty of it. One slice of white bread has between 80 and 230 milligrams. The next time you make a sandwich, reach for whole-grain bread, an English muffin, or a tortilla to cut back on sodium. You can also eat your sandwich “open-faced” with just one slice.

It’s delicious on a cold day, but it’s often high in sodium. One cup (8 ounces) of tomato soup can have anywhere from 700 to 1,260 milligrams. Buy low-sodium versions of your favorites instead. Or make your own and flavor with herbs and spices.

Three-quarters of a cup of canned tomato juice packs 660 milligrams of sodium. Look for low-sodium versions.  

Lunch meat typically has about 750 milligrams or more of sodium per serving. That’s about six thin slices. Other processed meats also high in sodium include hot dogs, corned beef, bacon, and sausage. Add salt pork, ham hocks, and spareribs to the list, too. Stick with fish, chicken, and lean cuts of meat.

Whether it’s frozen or from your favorite delivery spot, it’s likely high in sodium. A 4-ounce slice of frozen cheese pizza has 370 to 730 milligrams. And a 4-ounce slice from a restaurant has even more, at 510-760 milligrams. To cut back, order a smaller pizza and ditch the stuffed crust. Opt for thin crust and veggies for even more health benefits.

Your chances of high blood pressure go up when you drink too much alcohol. Men should stick with no more than two drinks a day. Women should keep it at one. One drink looks like 12 ounces of beer, 4 ounces of wine, 1½ ounces of 80-proof spirits, or 1 ounce of 100-proof spirits. Red wine has been linked to heart health, but you should still limit the amount you drink.

Some types are more likely to raise your blood pressure than others. Keep it down with cheeses that are naturally low in sodium, like Swiss, which has 75 milligrams per 1-ounce serving. Goat, ricotta, and fresh mozzarella are good, too. Processed and hard cheeses such as American and cottage cheese have more sodium. A half-cup of regular cottage cheese has 455 milligrams.

Ketchup, soy sauce, and salad dressings are all high in sodium. Shop for low-sodium substitutes. Or try lemon juice and vinegar for added flavor.