High Blood Pressure=low Sodium Diet???

My mother was on medication for high blood pressure for years. Then my father had open heart surgery and my sister stayed a few weeks with them to help in his care after the surgery. She helped them to adopt very healthy eating habits which got my mother off her medication for the first time in years. There is salt in even natural foods so you really need to read labels, even on veggies if it is bagged and has the nutritional listings on the package. It means cooking more from scratch, eating out less and learning to season foods with herbs and salt substitutes (Mrs. Dash). Lowering blood pressure through your diet can be done but requires a little more preparation time. After you get used to eating that way though it becomes second nature and you'll be healthier for it. I would rather control my health through healthy living and eating rather than taking pills too and it can be done for the most part. He should still continue to monitor his blood pressure through the doctor to make sure the transition is working for him.

S.

you get used to lower salt. Start but not adding salt to anything you cook or eat. You can buy low sodium soups, broths, sauces etc. Watch pre-packed meals, pop, and juices like V8.

First off, get a monitor to check it at home. Take it to the doc with you to compare and make sure it is accurate, then check it daily at home. Reason~ patients OFTEN have a higher reading at the docs office. Even people who SWEAR they don't mind going to the doc, still have a higher reading. It could mean the difference in meds/no meds. If you are getting a better reading at home, and know your machine is accurate, keep a log and take it with you to the doc (hubby, I mean). Of course there is always a benefit to a low salt diet, but this is a great tip I've learned working in healthcare for so many years.
~L.

PS...you doc may even be able to give you a monitor. Ask if they have any.

Hello Lisa,
You "must" get your husband to eat some "garlic" everyday! This will lower his blood pressure. Cook it in with your food!! It will give "extra flavor" and maybe He won't need the salt. This has Helped my husband and myself. He has High-Blood and I LOVE the Salt! ALSO, Both of You "Must Drink Lots of Water"!!! If you don't already, it "flushes the body". Good Health to You Both, J.

Hello Lisa,

look at what you're eating. just write it down and how much sodium per serving. then either cut the servings in 1/2 or get rid of the top 3 or 4 with the highest sodium intake. if you drink any type of sodas, switch to the sodium free sodas you can find at the healthfood stores/ wholefoods, etc. drink more water. limit the coffee. eat more fiber (beans are great!) omega-3 oils, and make sure you get enough magnesium. find something relaxing and start the day without radio/tv news. and the same at the end of the day. you don't need to hear/see about a bad car crash or someone getting killed just before you try to sleep. Also, avoid foods with MSG (monosodiumglutamate).
find ways to 'relax' and unwind. ~Carmen~

Off subject helpful hint..... Type A with high blood pressure, he may need to reduce his stress also. I help mine (type A personality) with walking, reading etc.
For less salt, you have to go with not pre packaged foods. Lots of fruits and veggies, lean meat and whole grains. Mrs. Dash spices are good, so are their marinades.

Check out the DASH diet. It's not terribly difficult, but it does require a switch to less processed foods. Also, keep in mind that some people are able to control their blood pressure with diet/exercise, but others do require medication. Having said that, it really never hurts to eat in a healthier way. Here are a few links to more info:

http://dashdiet.org/

http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/hbp/dash/new...

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dash-diet-recipes/RE00089