Understanding Foods That Can Cause Hypertension in Seniors

Hypertension, or abnormally high blood pressure, may lead to various health problems, including strokes and cardiovascular disease. As a result, elders must maintain their blood pressure within the normal range. Seniors might attempt adjusting their meals to avoid hypertension rather than depending exclusively on drugs. These seven foods should be avoided by older persons who wish to reduce their risk of hypertension.

Pickles Can Cause a Spike In Hypertension

Elder Care Lowell, MI: Hypertension in Seniors

 Elder Care Lowell, MI: Hypertension in Seniors

Excess sodium consumption is one of the leading causes of high blood pressure. High sodium levels disrupt the body’s water balance and put pressure on the blood vessels. Pickled cucumbers, olives, peppers, and other vegetables are high in sodium because they are cured in salty solutions. This is something that a senior should stay away from if they are worried about hypertension. If a senior likes to snack on pickles, it may be time to find elder care professionals who can help a senior find snack alternatives. 

Fatty Meats Can Cause Hypertension In a Seniors Body

Cholesterol constricts blood arteries, increasing the risk of hypertension. Seniors’ high cholesterol levels may be raised by foods like chicken skin and fatty cuts of steak. If you’re over 50 and at risk of hypertension, you should consume leaner cuts of meat.

Excess Caffeine Can Cause a Spike in Hypertension

Although little doses of caffeine may not cause blood pressure problems, excessive use may. Coffee intake should be limited to two cups per day for seniors. Green tea, sweetened iced tea, caffeinated sodas, and energy drinks are among other liquids that might elevate blood pressure.

Canned Goods Should Be Avoided

Some manufacturers add salt to canned goods as a preservative. Canned soups and beans may be high in salt and increase the risk of hypertension. Before buying canned products, carefully read the labels to ensure they are low in salt. Excess salt consumption may also affect cognition. If your loved one exhibits symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease or cognitive impairment, get prompt medical attention and explore expert elder care services.

Baked Goods With Tons of Sugar

Many sugary pastries, doughnuts, and cookies are high in saturated fat and salt, both of which may cause blood pressure to rise. Excess sugar consumption may also contribute to obesity, a hypertension risk factor.

Full Fatty Cheese Can Make Hypertension Worse

Cheese includes a lot of salt and harmful cholesterol, so eating a lot of it might raise your risk of hypertension. Bleu, Roquefort, cheddar, and feta are the least healthy cheeses. Cheese may be consumed in moderation, but it should not be consumed regularly.

Processed Meat Is Bad for Hypertension

Lunchmeat, sausage, bacon, and ham are all high in salt. A single ounce of deli meat may contain up to 300 milligrams of salt, raising blood pressure. If you have a senior craving meat they should try baked chicken or something else that is leaner and less processed. If a senior is struggling to bake a chicken or grill something, this is a task that elder care may be able to provide if you find the right fit. 

If you or someone you know needs help with Elder Care in Lowell, MI, contact Gauthier Family Home Care. We provide quality and affordable home care services in our community. Call us at (616) 258-2300 for more information.

Gauthier Family Home Care