Mayo Clinic diet
Learning Center
Blood pressure tip: Get off the couch
If you're concerned about your high blood pressure, get moving. Regular moderate- to high- intensity workouts can lower your top blood pressure reading by about 11 mm Hg and the bottom number by about 5. Regular exercise also reduces stress and weight gain, which are known to be bad for your heart health. Need an idea? Try brisk walking for about 30 minutes most days of the week. Talk to your health care provider about starting an exercise program.
Blood pressure tip: Get more potassium
Want to lower your blood pressure? Cut back on sodium in your diet and add more potassium. Sodium increases your blood pressure. Potassium can reduce the effects of sodium on blood pressure. Many fruits and vegetables are good sources of potassium, including bananas, strawberries, cantaloupe, spinach, peas and tomatoes.
Blood pressure tip: Know alcohol limits
Having more than three drinks in one sitting temporarily increases blood pressure. Binge drinking can cause large and sudden increases in blood pressure and increase the risk of stroke. If you're a heavy or binge drinker, talk to your health care provider about how to reduce your drinking.
Mood and food: Break the link
Do you eat when you're not hungry? You might be eating as a response to stress or boredom. Pay attention to when you eat and how you're feeling. Is your hunger physical or emotional? If you ate just a few hours ago and don't have a rumbling stomach, you're probably not hungry. Give the craving time to pass. Distract yourself and substitute a healthier behavior. Take a walk, listen to music or call a friend.
Weight-loss tip: Don't skip snacks
Do you feel guilty about snacking? Don't. Snacks aren't necessarily bad. In fact, well-planned weight-loss diets allow for snacks to help manage hunger and reduce bingeing. Eating a healthy snack of fresh fruit or raw veggies may stop you from taking second or third helpings at your next meal, dramatically cutting the total number of calories you consume.
Whole grains for a healthy heart
Whole grains are naturally high in fiber, helping you feel full, which makes it easier to maintain a healthy weight. Whole grains are also linked to a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes and other health problems. To add more fiber to your diet, try these simple tips: 1. Start your day with whole-grain cereal, such as whole-wheat bran flakes, shredded wheat or oatmeal. 2. Make sandwiches with bread or rolls made from 100 percent whole grain. 3. Opt for brown rice instead of white rice.
Bad breath? Brush your tongue!
Giving your tongue a gentle brushing removes dead cells, bacteria and food debris. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or a flexible tongue scraper. Another option is to use a toothbrush with a built-in tongue cleaner on the back. Be sure to brush your teeth and tongue at least twice a day.
Snack attack? Try these 100-calorie snacks
Healthy snacks can satisfy your hunger and keep you from eating extra helpings at your next meal, which can lower total daily calories. Snacks can also supply afternoon energy and extra nutrients. If you're trying to lose weight, try these snacks that are 100 calories or less: 1 cup sliced bananas and fresh raspberries; 2 cups carrots; 2 cups air-popped popcorn; 5 rye or pumpernickel crackers; 2 tablespoons peanuts; 2 domino-sized slices of low-fat colby or cheddar cheese.
High blood pressure: Can you prevent it?
High blood pressure can wreak havoc on your body for years without a single symptom. That's why early detection is so important. If you're diagnosed with high blood pressure or you simply want to keep high blood pressure at bay, healthy habits can make all the difference: 1. Eat a diet that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy foods. 2. Eat less saturated fat and total fat, and limit the amount of sodium in your diet. 3. Maintain a healthy weight. 4. Increase your physical activity. 5. Don't smoke. 6. Manage stress.
Have you had a good laugh today?
Humor is a great way to relieve stress. Laughter releases endorphins, natural substances that help you feel better and maintain a positive attitude. Go ahead. Give it a try. Hang funny photos or comic strips in your work space. Make it a habit to spend time with friends who make you laugh. Who knows? Laugh and the world might laugh with you.
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