Family Chow Hall

I Don’t Have High Blood Pressure — Do I?

November 10th, 2008

In response to a news item I read this morning, I am re-posting an article from nearly two years ago.

Here’s the article: Low Potassium linked to High Blood Pressure

And below you can read my thoughts on high blood pressure and its link to potassium:

I DON’T have high blood pressure. Really. I’ve never gotten a high reading, every single time it’s been checked (even during pregnancies) it’s been fine and dandy. So, I have no reason whatsoever to be concerned about my blood pressure. Right?

Wrong! Almost every one in my family seems to be pre-disposed to high blood pressure. Grandparents, parents, etc. So, should I wait until some doctor says, “Oh, by the way, your blood pressure is high and we’re going to have to put you on some medication for it.” No thanks. Instead of waiting for that unhappy day, I’m going to do a little research and see if I can’t delay my fate with high blood pressure and the meds required to control it.

This is the very beginning of a new brainwave of healthcare coming to be known as nutrigenomics. Find out what diseases and illnesses, genetically, you are predisposed towards and how to battle them with diet and exercise. Prevention is the key here. And individualism. Everyone’s wired differently. My husband may have IBS, and can’t handle too much fiber in his diet, but I need more of it.

In my research this week, I discovered the DASH diet. This diet is specifically designed (and it’s been researched) to lower blood pressure. To read more about the Dash Diet, click here.Or here. Or here.

Apparently, some people are born with a salt-sensitivity that eventually leads to high blood pressure. Because of my family history, I have to assume I am in that category, even though my blood pressure remains in a good zone. Now, besides eating a generally healthier diet, I am going to cut back on the salt and add potassium-rich foods, plus more calcium and magnesium.

The first foods to come to my mind when I think of potassium are bananas and sweet potatoes.

I actually prefer sweet potatoes boiled until soft and eaten with butter, salt, and pepper. For variety, I’ve been searching for other ways to prepare sweet potatoes. Following are four sites I found with a large selection:

Louisiana Sweet Potato Commission
North Carolina Sweet Potato Commission
All Recipes
Recipe Zaar

Sorry no recipe today. I’m going to try out one of these sweet potato recipes.

Eat Well to Live Better

Entry Filed under: Food As Medicine, Mixed bag, Philosophy