Salt, or “sodium” is notorious for being the cause of various health-related issues. Sodium is actually very necessary for maintaining bodily fluid levels, and therefore a balanced amount of sodium is important for heart, liver, and kidney health. However, just like with anything, excess salt in one’s diet can prove detrimental to health, including blood pressure levels.
There are different types of salt, and it is not necessarily the salt you sprinkle over your food that’s the problem. Approximately 80% of our salt is hidden in processed foods and takeaways. This type of salt is bad for high blood pressure and should be avoided where possible.
What Will Happen If My Blood Pressure Is Too High?
Abnormally high blood pressure is known as hypertension. Hypertension is a major contributing factor for heart disease, kidney failure and other health issues, so it’s important to deal with it quickly.
Is Hypertension Genetic?
Parents who have a history of hypertension can often pass the gene down to their children. To test for genetic hypertension, a simple DNA test for hypertension can give you clarity so that you can make changes accordingly.
What Are the Warning Signs of Hypertension?
A lot of the time, individuals with hypertension are not even aware that they have it until they do a blood pressure test. However, if blood pressure is extremely high, there are a few warning signs to look out for:
- Constant and severe headaches
- Dizziness
- Difficulty breathing
- Regular nosebleeds
- Vision problems
- Chest pain with an irregular heartbeat
- Facial flushing
- Blood spots in eyes
How Can I Lower My Blood Pressure Immediately?
With people becoming increasingly health-conscious, there are plenty of brands who are creating healthier alternatives to our favourite foods. This makes choosing low-sodium food a lot simpler than it used to be. Some ways to lower your blood pressure include:
- Choosing low-sodium options
- Staying away from takeaway food and rather making your own food
- Understanding and reading the labels of prepared foods so that you know what you’re putting into your body
- Eating more fresh fruits and vegetables
- Choosing healthy snacks like unsalted nuts, carrots, celery, etc
If you are concerned about your probability of developing hypertension, there are painless DNA tests that you can do to put your mind at ease. Contact our team for more information.
