{"id":9305,"date":"2021-05-11T15:00:46","date_gmt":"2021-05-11T19:00:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eatrightpa.org\/?p=9305"},"modified":"2021-10-30T04:24:01","modified_gmt":"2021-10-30T04:24:01","slug":"food-forward-ways-to-improve-high-blood-pressure","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.eatrightpa.org\/blog\/2021\/05\/11\/food-forward-ways-to-improve-high-blood-pressure\/","title":{"rendered":"Food Forward Ways to Improve High Blood Pressure"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Emily Bumgarner, M.Ed, RDN, LDN<\/span><\/p>\n

Did you know that nearly half of adults in the U.S. have high blood pressure? What is more shocking is that many don\u2019t even know they have it. Although it may start off as a small health concern, long-term high blood pressure can cause major health effects, especially to the heart. With some small changes to your lifestyle, you can better your health for life.  <\/span><\/p>\n

What is High Blood Pressure?<\/b><\/p>\n

High blood pressure is also referred to as hypertension, hyper meaning high. Our blood pressure level measures the force of the blood that is flowing through our blood vessels. When our blood pressure is considered \u201chigh\u201d this means that the force of blood flowing is consistently elevated. The optimal blood pressure and number to aim for is less than 120 mm Hg systolic (upper number) and less than 80 mm Hg diastolic (lower number).  <\/span><\/p>\n

What Can You Do?<\/b><\/p>\n

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  1. Have your blood pressure checked regularly.<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Eat a heart-smart diet.<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Move your body.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    What Foods are Beneficial For Heart Health?<\/b><\/p>\n