How should one pay attention to diet with hypertension?
Jul 31, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Tian Hongbo
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, the diet of patients with hypertension should focus on low-fat, low-salt, high-potassium, high-dietary fiber, and high-protein intake. High sodium intake is detrimental to blood pressure control. The primary sources of dietary sodium are table salt and various high-sodium seasonings; therefore, reducing salt intake in the diet is fundamental for managing blood pressure. Patients with hypertension should strictly control their salt consumption and eat less pickled foods, preserved meats, snacks, and similar items.
Generally, individuals with hypertension should follow a diet low in fat and salt, and high in potassium, dietary fiber, and protein. If discomfort occurs, prompt medical attention is recommended. Detailed dietary considerations are as follows:
1. Low Salt
High sodium intake is detrimental to blood pressure control. The primary sources of dietary sodium are table salt and various high-sodium seasonings. Therefore, reducing salt intake is fundamental to managing blood pressure. Patients with hypertension should strictly control their salt consumption and eat less pickled foods, preserved meats, and snacks.
2. Low Fat
A low-fat diet, particularly one that limits cholesterol intake, is recommended. Daily meals should minimize animal fats such as fatty meats, lard, saturated fatty acids, animal oils, and salad oil, favoring plant oils for cooking.
3. High Potassium
Potassium helps counteract elevated blood pressure caused by excessive sodium intake. High-potassium foods can promote sodium excretion; therefore, consuming more potassium-rich foods is beneficial for lowering blood pressure. Hypertensive patients can moderately consume potassium-rich foods such as Chinese cabbage, rape, bananas, oranges, and oats.
4. High Dietary Fiber
Dietary fiber aids in promoting gastrointestinal motility and cholesterol excretion, which is beneficial for patients with hypertension. Hypertensive individuals should consume more fiber-rich foods such as whole grains, tubers, fruits, and vegetables.
5. High Protein
Hypertensive patients can include moderate amounts of high-protein foods in their daily diet, focusing on high-quality protein sources such as skinless poultry, fish, shrimp, lean meat, milk, eggs, and soy milk. However, if kidney dysfunction is present alongside hypertension, protein intake should be adjusted according to medical advice.
To effectively control blood pressure, intake of alcohol and caffeine should be limited, and healthy lifestyle habits should be maintained regularly.
