Blood pressure tends to increase as we age and is a risk factor for stroke and heart disease.
Watching your weight, limiting your alcohol intake and getting at least 30 minutes of exercise daily will help keep blood pressure in check.
It is also very important to reduce your salt intake and the following suggestions may help:
- Eat plenty of fresh foods such as vegetables and fruit.
- Keep healthy snacks on hand, such as fresh fruit, unsalted nuts, low-fat yoghurt and healthy muffins.
- Limit salty snack foods such as chips.
- Check food labels for salt to compare similar products and choose the lower-salt options.
- Choose low-salt foods (less than 120mg per 100g) where possible and avoid high-salt foods (greater than 500mg per 100g).
- Using flavourings such as lemon juice, garlic, vinegar, herbs and spices, rather than salt to season food.
- Limit stock cubes and soy sauce or use low-salt varieties.
- Keep takeaways and fast foods to an occasional treat.
- Do not keep salt on the dinner table.
Related information
- AWASH For information about high blood pressure and salt
- Salt Matters For information about high blood pressure and salt
- Provide feedback about the information on this page
Disclaimer
The Women’s does not accept any liability to any person for the information or advice (or use of such information or advice) which is provided on the Website or incorporated into it by reference. The Women’s provide this information on the understanding that all persons accessing it take responsibility for assessing its relevance and accuracy. Women are encouraged to discuss their health needs with a health practitioner. If you have concerns about your health, you should seek advice from your health care provider or if you require urgent care you should go to the nearest Emergency Dept.