Earthly Eating

An estimated one out of every three American adults have high blood pressure. Medical problems are sometimes the culprit such as kidney disease or narrowing of the arteries. But, most of the times it is unclear as to what is the blame and certain foods have always been the prime suspect. Here are some other cases that could put you at risk for high blood pressure.

1. Age: As we get older, we are more likely to develop high blood pressure and it’s happening at an alarming rate.

2. Excess Weight: This all leads back to foods. If we eat the right foods and at moderation we should be fine. But, in this day and age of convince, it is very difficult to stay the course, but we all must in order to remain healthy in more ways then one.

3. Ethnicity: Unfortunately high blood pressure is particularly common in African Americans. And the sad things is, it is not known as to why. This could be linked to eating fatter foods or blood or even something to do with skin pigment.

4. Family History: If you family has had history of high blood pressure you should be on your guard even more.

Now you are wondering what can be done if I meet one or all of the cases above.

• Exercise is above all important in anyone’s life, and it is especially important to adults who are at risk for high blood pressure. You want to do exercises the make you sweat and raise your heart rate so that your blood pumps for efficiently. It is recommended by many to have a half hour of moderate-to -intensive activity at least 5 days a week.

• Lay off the fat, cholesterol, red meat, and even sweets. In the same way have more on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat or even fat-free dairy products. Always opt for lower-calorie foods than for high-calorie foods.

• Leave the salt behind as much as you can. Even if you have normal blood pressure, excessive amounts of salt is never a good idea. If you are seeking flavor, try sodium free alternatives that can be found in any grocery store.

• Eat bananas. Potassium has been shown to reduce blood pressure risks. You can get potassium through supplements and you can reap the benefits even more. Some other sources include baked potatoes with the skin, cooked corn squash, dried apricots, dried peaches, low-fat yogurt, orange juice, prune juice, spinach, Swiss chard, and even tomato juice. These foods may even reduce your risk for stroke as well.

• Get a lot of fiber. Fiber is not only a blood pressure key tool it is also a great way to help in weight loss. Fiber is one of the foods on this earth that are a plus not matter what. Be sure and get the recommended 24 grams for women and 30 grams for men daily.

• Always drink in moderation. Many of us have over indulged and some on a regular basis, but you could be “pushing the envelope” when it comes to your blood pressure. So always practice “safe moderation” indulgence, no matter what the case is.

• Cut down on your caffeine consumption. Caffeine can raise your blood pressure by tightening the blood vessels and by magnifying the effects of stress.

• Cut your stress levels as well. There is no better time then today to reduce your stress level. If you have to get away for awhile to reduce your levels of stressful triggers.
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Earthly Eating Recipe

Homemade Bread
Makes: 3 dozen rolls or 6 loaves

After rising, bake for 15 to 20 minutes at 350°F.

Happy Eating!