When taking your blood pressure, you'll see two measurements: the top number is the systolic blood pressure, and the bottom represents diastolic blood pressure. There are certain foods that can contribute to high blood pressure--some, such as foods or beverages containing a high level of caffeine, can raise blood pressure in those with normally low levels.
Sodium
According to the Mayo Clinic, salt or sodium chloride should be limited to less than 2,300 milligrams a day for healthy adults. This is about one teaspoon of table salt. For people over 50 years of age, or those already suffering from high blood pressure, sodium should be limited to less than 1,500 milligrams a day.
Processed
Eliminating the daily intake of sodium, which can contribute to high blood pressure, takes more than putting away the salt shaker. Processed and prepared foods often contain a higher than safe amount of sodium. Snack foods such as pretzels, potato chips or salted peanuts should be avoided. Raw, unsalted nuts are a healthy alternative. Yet, it just isn't the obvious salty processed food that must be avoided. Often soups, prepared rice and other processed foods have extreme levels of sodium content. Before purchasing processed foods, read the sodium content.
Fat/Cholesterol
Foods such as red meat, fatty meats and chicken skin should be avoided. Fatty and high-calorie foods contribute to weight gain and obesity, which plays a role in high blood pressure. Foods high in cholesterol should also be avoided. These include eggs, chicken livers, sausages, bacon, pastries, butter and pork. A list of foods high in cholesterol is included in Resources.
Caffeine
Caffeine, which is a mild stimulant, can increase your blood pressure. Caffeine is found in coffee, tea, soft drinks and chocolate. Drinking two or three cups of coffee can raise systolic pressure up to 14 millimeters of mercury, and diastolic pressure can rise to 13 millimeters in those without a history of blood pressure. According to the Mayo Clinic, the findings are confusing. Studies show those who rarely drink caffeine will experience a temporary spike in blood pressure, and those who regularly consume caffeine tend to have a higher blood pressure than those that don't. Yet other studies show long-term users of caffeine may develop a tolerance that will result in caffeine not having a long-term effect on blood pressure.
Alcohol
According to the Mayo Clinic, studies show that drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can increase blood pressure to a dangerous level. Heavy drinkers who decide to moderate their alcohol intake can see results fairly quickly. Moderation can lower their systolic blood pressure up to 4 millimeters of mercury and lower the diastolic blood pressure up to 2 millimeters.
