Increased blood pressure is a widespread condition in industrialized countries, and its prevalence in people of all age groups and sexes also depends on the current lifestyle, which is characterized by sedentarism, body fat, and high mental and physical stress. Such environmental factors may interact with a particularly sensitive genotype. There seems to be evidence that genes encoding various components of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and angiotensin-converting enzyme may be related to the sodium-sensitivity of some forms of essential hypertension. Lifestyle changes positively influence the biological activity of insulin, intake of calcium-rich but low-calorie-dense foods rich in potassium and magnesium such as plant products.
Dietary advice
Proper nutrition plays a very important role in the prevention or treatment of high blood pressure. The following are some useful tips:
- Avoid adding salt to the table
- Always read nutrition labels
- Prefer oligomineral waters
- Prefer a diet rich in vegetables
- Controlling body weight
Source: Handbook of Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition by Franco Contaldo et al.
