5 foods high in sodium that people with hypertension must avoid in summer

High blood pressure is the cause of hypertension. Heavy official workload, desk jobs, and a sedentary lifestyle has now made high blood pressure very common even among youngsters. While hypertension cannot be cured completely it can be kept in control with proper medications, exercise, and eating the right type of food.

Table salt is a complete no for people with hypertension. However, there are certain foods that also have high sodium content. And since high sodium intake increases blood pressure levels, you must avoid including such foods in your diet.

Green leafy vegetables

Green leafy vegetables are extremely good for health and hence are at the top of the list of every diet and fitness expert. Spinach is the all-time favourite green vegetable that is available throughout the year. But it also has a high amount of sodium and hence should be avoided or eaten in moderation.

Fenugreek and lettuce are also considered very healthy options but are high in sodium content and should be avoided or eaten in moderation by those with hypertension issues.

Pickles

Pickles are tangy, sour, and very tasty. Most of traditional Indian meals are not complete without pickles. However, these contain a lot of sodium and oil which are used as preservatives to increase the shelf life of pickles.

Sauces and condiments

Sauces and condiments also contain high amounts of sodium. Most of the packaged ketchup and sauces are very high in sugar, sodium, and saturated fats and if possible must be eliminated altogether from the diet.

Canned tomato juice

Canned tomato juice is very high in sodium. A three-quarters cup of this juice contains 660 milligrams of sodium which is extremely high.

Canned vegetables and soups

Similar to all the other packaged foods and juices, canned vegetables and soups also have very high amounts of sodium. Instead, you should buy fresh vegetables to prepare soups and veggies for meals. If you have no option but to use the canned versions, then you must wash all the canned vegetables 2 to 3 times with plain water to remove excess sodium.

Disclaimer: This piece of article is for basic information purposes only. It's always advisable to consult a doctor for any type of health issue.