High blood pressure
High blood pressure is a silent companion that no one needs. It can strain the heart and blood vessels and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. Stress, lack of exercise or an unhealthy diet can all fuel it – but the good news is: With the right diet, you can actively counteract it!
All about high blood pressure: Your questions – our answers
What is normal blood pressure?
Blood pressure measures the pressure in the blood vessels – and it shouldn't be too high. The recommended values are: without risk factors, below 140/90 mmHg, and below 130/85 mmHg for those with cardiovascular disease or type 2 diabetes.
One thing is clear: a healthy lifestyle helps to keep blood pressure under control – and your diet also plays a major role in this.
Are coffee and tea allowed if you have high blood pressure?
Good news for caffeine junkies: four to five cups a day are usually okay!
But the effect varies from person to person. Regular coffee drinkers usually react calmly, while occasional coffee drinkers may experience a sudden spike in blood pressure. Our recommendation: Listen to your body! And if you want to play it safe, try decaffeinated versions.
Alcohol & high blood pressure – a risky duo?
Whether you have high blood pressure or not, alcohol should not become a part of your daily routine, and you should drink as little as possible. Regular consumption can permanently increase blood pressure – and usually also leads to unnecessary calories. This promotes obesity – a risk factor for high blood pressure. Important: If you are taking medication, it is best to avoid alcohol! It can cause interactions and affect the effectiveness of your medication.
Does using salt sparingly help with high blood pressure?
Yes, by consuming just three grams of salt daily (that's about a teaspoon of salt) you can lower your systolic blood pressure by 7 mmHg and your diastolic blood pressure by 4 mmHg.
And honestly? Many foods already contain enough salt. So experiment with fresh herbs and spices – they add flavor without unnecessarily raising your blood pressure!
Good to know: Most salt doesn't come from the salt shaker! Much more is found in foods like bread, hard cheese, ham, salami, frozen meals, canned goods and fast food. It's worth checking the ingredients list – because less salt is good for your blood pressure!
