In as much as high blood pressure or hypertension can be attributed to genetics; lifestyle and illness it is also the direct result of one's diet. If you do not monitor your diet closely, you should not be surprised one day when you are diagnosed of hypertension. Closely monitoring the food you eat will save you from the possible disasters of a stroke or kidney failure, so it is important to take not of what you are going to read here about the high blood pressure diet you should subscribe to.

A diet low in salt is strongly recommended. Salt intake should not be too often and if that is the case you must drink a lot of water. Taking salt excessively is a direct cause of hypertension and it can lead to further complications with the heart and kidney. Try not to apply more salt to your dished out food if you applied it during cooking. If possible, also refrain from pre-cooked meals that usually have too much salt. Overweight people are also said to be more susceptible to heart disease if they take too much salt.

A handy method that can assist in controlling salt intake is buying fresh vegetables and meat instead of canned and processed foods with high sodium levels. Even better, you should try using herbs and spices that aren't high in salt content. But that's just half the story.

Eating vegetables, fruits and meat that are high in potassium is also another way of reducing blood pressure. Potassium has the convenient effect of removing or dissolving excess sodium (salt) in your body. Foods high in potassium include bananas; spinach; milk; coco powder; wheat; dried fruits and fish.

In addition, alcohol intake has to be kept at moderate levels. When alcohol is consumed in excess it increases your blood pressure quite significantly. Cut down alcohol intake to at least 3-4 pints a day and try not drinking alcohol on some days during the week. Alcohol related diseases like liver cirrhosis could worsen your health if you already have hypertension.

Avoid eating too much fat containing foods, as these will definitely worsen your health if you are already overweight. However, this does not mean you should cut them out completely, there are essential fats that your body still needs. Attempt at eating low fat margarine and milk as well.