When doctors tell us about foods that raise blood pressure, most often they mention table salt, processed and fast foods, white bread. However, there are other foods among the ones you may be going for every day, that raise your blood pressure. Here are ten examples.
Pastry
Muffins, bagels, pastries, pancakes, waffles, scones can contain baking soda or baking powder, both of which are high in sodium and hence can raise blood pressure. For example, a medium-sized Danish pastry with cheese contains approximately 500 mg of sodium. This is 1/3 of the US daily maximal recommended value. Similarly, a slice of commercially prepared blueberry pie provides about 359 mg of sodium. A piece of coconut custard pie contains around 348 mg of sodium.
Soy Sauce
Extremely high in sodium, even small amounts can significantly increase blood pressure. A single tablespoon of regular soy sauce contains approximately 920 milligrams of sodium, accounting for almost 2/3 of the US maximal daily recommendation (about 38% of the daily limit recommended in the EU). Low-sodium variants claim to offer a reduction, with some brands providing around 590 milligrams per tablespoon, which is still substantial.
Grapefruit and Grapefruit Juice
Grapefruit can interfere with enzymes that metabolize various medications, including some used to treat high blood pressure. This interference can lead to increased medication levels in the bloodstream, potentially causing adverse effects and elevated blood pressure.
Black Licorice
Contains glycyrrhizin, a compound that can cause the body to retain sodium and lose potassium. This imbalance may lead to increased blood pressure.
Canned Soups
Often high in sodium, with some varieties containing nearly half the recommended daily intake in a single serving. Excessive sodium intake can lead to fluid retention and increased blood pressure.
Energy Drinks
Typically contain caffeine and other stimulants that can cause short-term spikes in blood pressure. Energy drinks often contain high levels of caffeine and other stimulants that can cause short-term spikes in blood pressure. For example, a 32-ounce energy drink may contain between 304 to 320 milligrams of caffeine, approaching the daily limit of 400 milligrams considered safe for most adults.
Pickles
Preserved in brine, they are high in sodium. A single medium dill pickle can contain approximately 785 mg of sodium, accounting for about 34% of the recommended daily limit of 2,300 mg for healthy adults. Consuming a whole large dill pickle may provide over 1,700 mg of sodium, nearly 75% of the daily recommended intake. Even smaller servings contribute significantly; for instance, a single slice of dill pickle contains about 90 mg of sodium.
Deli Meats
Processed meats like turkey or ham are often loaded with sodium and preservatives.
Certain Cheeses
Some cheeses are high in sodium.
Alcoholic Beverages
Some research shows that one glass of red wine can relax blood vessels and hence lower blood pressure. Though it does not work for everybody. In the vast majority of cases, any alcohol raises blood pressure. The worst is cognac and other hard liquors, but even a large glass of wine or a beer will raise your blood pressure somewhat. It may get lower to prior levels, but binge drinking is the surest way to get yourself hypertension.
