Research studies have shown that around 30% of people nationwide suffer from hypertension problems. The elderly demographic with hypertension issues has gradually extended from those over 50 years old to individuals in their 30s and even 20s. Many young people are also affected by hypertension.
Complications arising from hypertension can endanger health, so it is essential in life to control blood pressure by taking medication on time.
When mentioning hypertension, one cannot overlook Academician Chen Keji, whose main achievement lies in long-term research on cardiovascular diseases, geriatrics, and the combination of traditional Chinese medicine.
Academician Chen has been researching blood vessels for over 60 years and has made significant achievements in elderly vascular diseases.
It is often said that frequent meat consumption can lead to hypertension; therefore, Academician Chen Keji conducted a study on how a vegetarian diet can lower blood pressure. They discovered that the majority of monks are vegetarians.
However, many people still suffer from hypertension and cardiovascular diseases, with most individuals experiencing endogenous lipid metabolism disorders. This proves that a vegetarian diet alone cannot completely prevent hypertension; incorrect dietary habits may even backfire.
Why should hypertensive patients avoid consuming excessive salt?
Excessive salt intake is one of the crucial risk factors for hypertension. The daily sodium chloride intake of the Chinese population is significantly higher than that of Western populations, especially in Northern regions. It has been confirmed that sodium intake is related to blood pressure levels and hypertension prevalence. The World Health Organization recommends an even lower salt intake, advising hypertensive patients not to exceed 5 grams of salt per day.
This salt intake refers to the total amount consumed daily, including the salt used in cooking and in processed dishes, pickled goods, processed meats, sodium-containing beverages, etc.
Researching blood vessels for 60 years, the 91-year-old academician reminds us: Besides reducing salt intake, also minimize the consumption of the “3Ss.”
1. Grapefruit
While grapefruit is sweet and juicy and widely loved, it contains components that can affect drug metabolism. If consumed while on antihypertensive medication, grapefruit can render the medication less effective. The components in grapefruit can also cause abnormal blood pressure levels, leading to discomfort such as dizziness and lightheadedness.
Therefore, if you are taking antihypertensive medications like nifedipine, verapamil, or felodipine, avoid consuming grapefruits, grapefruit juice, or related products.
Similarly, if you are on heart rate-controlling medications like amiodarone or atorvastatin for reducing cholesterol levels, refrain from consuming grapefruits.
2. Chili Pepper
While many people enjoy spicy foods, it is advisable for hypertensive patients to avoid consuming chili peppers as much as possible. Regular consumption of spicy foods not only burdens the digestive system but can also induce gastrointestinal disorders.
Eating spicy foods triggers the sympathetic nervous system in patients, leading to sympathetic nerve stimulation. Once this occurs, blood vessels contract and blood pressure rises.
3. Chinese Toon
Chinese toon is a naturally green vegetable that requires no pesticides or chemical fertilizers. Whether eaten raw, stir-fried, or pickled, Chinese toon is delicious. However, Chinese toon is categorized as a heaty food and is not suitable for individuals with hypertension, who tend to have a deficiency in yin. Regular consumption can maintain high blood pressure, increasing the risk of various vascular diseases.
Hypertensive individuals can eat these four types of vegetables regularly to help lower blood pressure:
1. Black Fungus
Black fungus contains abundant adenosine, which effectively dissolves blood clots and inhibits platelet aggregation, stabilizing blood pressure. Additionally, its high levels of pectin, vitamins, and dietary fiber promote gastrointestinal motility, aiding in cholesterol elimination and to some extent, preventing arterial hardening, protecting vascular health.
2. Kelp
Kelp is rich in minerals like potassium, iodine, and calcium, capable of lowering cholesterol and blood pressure, preventing cardiovascular diseases, promoting bowel movements, detoxification, antioxidation, anticoagulation, and aiding in immune system regulation.
One recommended dish is sesame mixed with kelp: soak and wash 50g of kelp and cut it into shreds, blanch it, place it on a plate, season it, sprinkle 10g of roasted sesame seeds, suitable for hypertensive patients with high blood pressure and high blood fat levels accompanied by constipation.
3. Spinach
Spinach is a commonly used vegetable; a popular dish is scrambled eggs with spinach. The medicinal properties of spinach have long been recognized.
Lí Shīzhēn’s “Compendium of Materia Medica” states that eating more spinach can promote blood circulation, alleviate thirst, nourish the blood, and has a good effect on lowering blood pressure while nourishing qi and blood.
4. Celery
Celery is a highly nutritious vegetable, containing over 20 essential nutrients.
Celery has medicinal value as it contains substances that neutralize uric acid, making it useful for treating gout. Rich in fiber, celery aids in moisturizing the lungs, relieving coughs, and clearing the intestines.
Celery also helps in lowering blood pressure since it is rich in the flavonoid apigenin, which has vasodilation effects. It is beneficial to consume more celery.
Avoid falling into the “4 Misconceptions” when treating hypertension, some of which you might still believe:
1. Can home remedies control blood pressure?
While some may believe that home remedies are effective in treating hypertension, seeking proper treatment in a regulated hospital after examinations is essential to understand whether the hypertension is primary or secondary, thus ensuring appropriate treatment and blood pressure stability. Relying on unscientific home remedies can worsen the condition, leading to uncontrolled hypertension, affecting health.
2. Should you stop follow-up appointments if blood pressure is normal when taking hypertension medication on time at home?
Hypertension has strong concealment; it is crucial to follow medical advice and regularly visit hospitals for check-ups to understand the damage hypertension causes to vital organs, whether there are cardiovascular risk factors, and if they are adequately controlled. Dynamic blood pressure monitoring aids in assessing cardiovascular risk and prevention.
3. Should you immediately stop medication once blood pressure returns to normal?
The absence of symptoms does not signify the cure of hypertension; discontinuing medication arbitrarily can lead to significant blood pressure fluctuations, causing substantial harm to target organs such as the heart, brain, and kidneys.
4. Will taking medication too early lead to drug resistance?
Truth: Antihypertensive medication can become resistant!
Drug resistance is a concept generally associated with antibiotics and anticancer drugs; antihypertensive medicines do not have the concept of “resistance”! Studies show that the earlier blood pressure is controlled with medication, the more effective prevention of serious diseases like cardiovascular incidents and kidney injuries. So, if a physician advises medication, adhere to their instructions and attend regular follow-ups.
Above are some suggestions regarding avoiding misconceptions in treating hypertension. Timely treatment is crucial in alleviating symptoms. Hopefully, the information provided above will be beneficial to everyone.
