What Foods Cause High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure can be caused by a combination of factors. Genes can trigger high blood pressure in an individual even when she eats right and exercises. Currently, normal blood pressure is 130/85. You may want to consider cutting down on the following foods if your blood pressure is higher than this number.

Salty Foods

Eating foods with too much salt induces high blood pressure. Too much salt makes the body's circulatory volume higher than normal. This causes blood vessel walls to experience extreme pressure, eventually leading to high blood pressure problems. However, salt, like other herbs and spices, can be part of a healthy diet. The key to having the right amount of salt in the diet is to sparingly add salt to foods--if at all. Sea salt is a good alternative to iodized table salt.

Dairy

Dairy products have been linked to high blood pressure in some individuals. Most dairy products are fatty, and extra fat in some diets is a link to high blood pressure. With this in mind, Vitamin D, which happens to be found in dairy products like milk and eggs, is being researched as a factor in lowering high blood pressure.

Fried Foods

Fried foods are high in fat and swimming in grease. Foods cooked with hydrogenated oils like margarine cause arteries to harden and clog. When cooking, opt for healthier oil like olive oil.

Fatty Meats

Fatty meats cause fat deposits to form in artery walls. This reduces blood flow to the heart, causing individuals eating diets high in fatty meats to develop high blood pressure. Purchasing lean meats is a much healthier food choice.

Foods that Lower Blood Pressure

If you need to lower your blood pressure, try adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet. Whole wheat is also good for lowering and avoiding high blood pressure. Adding garlic to dishes helps with the prevention of high blood pressure, too.