Avoid these Foods on Thanksgiving if you have High Blood Pressure

1. Red Meat

It is best to stick with an oven-baked turkey for Thanksgiving. This is because packaged meats and certain red meats are thought to be higher in salt and fat than turkey. At the same time, it is a good idea to purchase a grass-fed, organic turkey right form your local farmer.

 

2. Condiments

You will also want to avoid high-sodium pickles or olives. Packaged foods like these are loaded with sodium. Since both olives and pickles are sodium sponges, it is best to avoid these at big Thanksgiving meals.

 

3. Canned Soups and Veggies

Canned soups and vegetables also contain hidden amounts of added sodium. Some canned soups can have nearly 900 mg of sodium in just a half-cup serving. If you consume the entire can, you’ll be taking in over 2,000 mg of sodium.
If you can’t get fresh vegetables or soups, it is better to purchase low-sodium and reduced-sodium canned soups, broths, and vegetable products.

4. Pies and Other Desserts

Traditional Thanksgiving desserts like pumpkin pie will contain nearly a quarter of the daily recommended sodium intake. In fact, processed and added sugar and baked goods have also been linked to hypertension.
Many store-bought cranberry sauces are also high in sugar; therefore, making your own for Thanksgiving is a better idea.

 5. Alcohol and Caffeine

Do you indulge in lots of alcohol at Thanksgiving dinner? Or instead, maybe you finish your meal with caffeine-heavy tea, coffee, or a cappuccino. Too much caffeine can cause an increase in blood pressure, while alcohol will narrow arteries and eventually increase blood pressure.

6. High-Fat Products

Trans fats and omega-6 fats found in conventional meats and packaged foods are known to increase inflammation and increase blood pressure. Hydrogenated, partially hydrogenated, and saturated fats also cause hypertension, and place a terrible burden on the heart and arteries.

The high fat in dairy products like milk is also thought to elevate blood pressure. Also, avoid margarine, butter, shortening, and refined vegetable oils in your Thanksgiving meal.

Thanksgiving foods should not lead to high blood pressure. It is important to take away from this article that, although Thanksgiving should be enjoyed, it is a good idea to avoid certain foods that can increase blood pressure, especially those already suffering with hypertension.

What foods should be included for a low-sodium Thanksgiving? To help control high blood pressure, Thanksgiving dinner should instead contain foods known to reduce hypertension. The meal overall should boast lots of high-fiber vegetables like spinach, celery, and broccoli. Omega-3 rich foods like flaxseed and chia seed can also reduce blood pressure when added to dessert puddings.

Dark chocolate is another good dessert option for lowering blood pressure. Garlic, onions, and other spices also not only flavor your meal, but also help lower high blood pressure. Also, try adding sesame oil and olive oil to salads or vegetables.

Overall, your blood pressure-lowering Thanksgiving diet should focus on lean protein like the turkey, organic produce, and healthy fats like olive oil and flaxseed. You can also balance blood pressure by making your own sides like the cranberry sauce and turkey gravy.