Want to improve your blood pressure in a tasty way? The following are some of the best low sodium snacks for high blood pressure.
Whether you have high blood pressure (hypertension) or are trying to prevent it, starting with your diet makes sense. In fact, the average American exceeds their sodium intake by 1,100 milligrams, which contributes to hypertension.
If you’re used to eating a high-sodium diet, then it makes sense to want to make gradual changes and start with your snacks. However, as you look to improve your overall diet, consider eating the DASH Diet.
According to a study in the New England Journal of Medicine, the DASH Diet can improve blood pressure more than just increasing your fruit and vegetable intake. In the meantime, if you want to start at your own pace, consider substituting your current snacks for the following low-sodium snacks.
1. Frozen Bananas and Chocolate
Since bananas are rich in potassium, they’re not only tasty but also help with blood pressure. If you want to turn it into something “fun,” you can freeze it and then drizzle it with melted dark chocolate.
2. Whisps Cheese Crisps and Nuts
“I recommend Whisps Cheese Crisps & Nut snack mixes for folks with high blood pressure to snack on because they provide nuts, which are part of the DASH Diet,” says registered dietitian Toby Amidor, MS, RD, CDN. “They are made with real skim milk cheese so they’re a good source of calcium and sodium is low, ranging between 170 to 180 milligrams per serving or 7 to 8% of the recommended daily amounts, which is very reasonable for this filling snack.”
3. Walnuts
When eating walnuts, make sure they are unsalted. You can also make it fun and healthier by eating a yogurt parfait topped with crushed walnuts and blueberries. “This a super healthy snack, as it’s rich in calcium, potassium, and magnesium, perfect for regulating blood pressure,” says Dr. Lisa Young, Ph.D., RDN, and author of Finally Full, Finally Slim.
4. Mango Probiotic Fruit Bar
One way to improve blood pressure through snacks is to eat probiotics that help improve the makeup of your gut microbiome. “Packaged snacks like the Mango Probiotic Fruit Bar from That’s It. may be beneficial for blood pressure control since it contains zero grams of sodium and a boost of live probiotics,” says medical review board member and registered dietitian nutritionist Lauren Manaker, MS, RDN, LD.
The Outlook
These are only some of the snacks you could be eating instead of salty chips, sugary cookies, and other unhealthy snacks. In addition to your diet, you can boost your blood pressure health by exercising and taking supplements like L-arginine Plus.
Its ingredients effectively promote circulation, blood pressure, cholesterol, and more. Give your heart the support it needs by eating healthy foods and snacks while also taking L-arginine Plus.