Leading authorities believe that maintaining normal blood pressure is crucial to health and longevity.  You may have the impression that blood pressure levels are genetic and out of your control. At Nutritional Weight & Wellness, we disagree. Genetics affect blood pressure, but nutrition and lifestyle play a more important role.

 

Research clearly demonstrates that high blood sugars create stiff, inflexible blood vessels, resulting in hypertension. What does this mean? When you eat foods with sugar and excessive processed carbohydrates, long-term damage to the blood vessels occurs. Research has also shown that eating foods with trans fats (hydrogenated or partially-hydrogenated oils) hardens tissues leading to blood vessel problems. A diet that includes margarine and bagels, or donuts and coffee, contributes to high blood pressure for most people. Conversely, eating vegetable carbohydrates, lean protein and healing fats (avocados, olive oil, nuts and butter) promotes normal blood pressure.

 

Since blood-pressure management is critical for health, we believe that the first line of defense is nutrition education, not medication.  Our Weight & Wellness classes teach people to eat in a way that supports healthy blood pressure.  If you struggle with hypertension, we recommend scheduling a consultation for a personalized eating plan and strategies to help you maintain healthy blood-pressure levels.