THE PRESSURE
If, in general, I am in good health and I exercise and eat well, why do I have to take my blood pressure, as my wife tells me?
A. As a precaution. Because high blood pressure rarely has any warning signs or symptoms, many people with this stealthy condition don’t realize they have it. But pressure that measures 130/80 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) or higher, the official definition of high blood pressure, damages blood vessels, causing them to harden. If left untreated, high blood pressure eventually damages the heart, brain, and kidneys.
That’s why every health care visit should include a blood pressure check. Keep track of your readings, which can fluctuate due to a number of factors, including exertion or stress. If your readings start to trend toward the high range or you’ve already been diagnosed with high blood pressure, you should get a device to monitor it at home.
BEFORE
If I know I’m going out for drinks with friends, what should I eat beforehand to help prevent it from getting too fast?
A. (From the nutritionist Sauceda): 1. Guacamole. If your pre-drink meal is also on the menu, choose wisely when ordering. “Guacamole as an appetizer is great because avocado is a good source of healthy fats that will help slow down the absorption of alcohol,” Sauceda says. Avocados are also a rich source of fiber, making them a smart choice all around.
2. Salad with grilled chicken breast. If you need complete meal ideas, look no further than the entrée-sized salad. This is always a good option for many reasons: first, you get a good dose of protein; Plus, a salad is often loaded with nutrient-dense greens. Typical salad ingredients like lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers contain a lot of water, so you get a hydration boost with your meal. Add a vinaigrette made with olive oil and it ticks all the boxes for a well-rounded meal.
3. Yogurt. Sauceda wants your entire day to be filled with good nutrition, not just your meal before you drink. “Have a yogurt parfait in the morning because yogurt is a good source of protein, as well as being a probiotic food and being lower in lactose, which is good for someone with lactose intolerance.” Look for yogurts that are low in sugar and live active cultures to make sure it’s probiotic yogurt.
