CHANGE YOUR MEAL TIMING, CUT DOWN HYPERTENSION

The timing of your meals is a modifiable factor that can help manage blood pressure,’ experts say

Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a chronic medical condition characterized by elevated blood pressure in the arteries, typically defined as readings consistently at or above 140/90 mmHg.

It often develops without noticeable symptoms, earning it the nickname “silent killer,” yet can lead to serious health complications including heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and kidney damage if left untreated.

Hypertension can result from various factors including genetics, age, obesity, high sodium intake, excessive alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, stress, and certain medical conditions.

Treatment approaches typically involve lifestyle modifications such as diet changes, regular exercise, and stress management, often combined with prescription medications designed to lower blood pressure to healthier levels.

Uncontrolled hypertension can cause numerous health complications, though it’s often responsive to treatment interventions.

According to registered dietitian and nutritionist Shelley Ball of Flawless Bloom, dietary modifications can produce measurable blood pressure reductions within as little as four weeks for some individuals, while others may require up to three months to experience significant improvements.

“It’s important to make sure your dietary changes are sustainable long-term and promote overall health,” she urged, noting that the timing of meals can also affect a reading.

The timing of your meals is a modifiable factor that can help manage blood pressure.

Research shows that irregular eating patterns such as skipping meals and eating late at night may contribute to higher blood pressure.

To help manage blood pressure, try to eat within an hour of waking up, eat every four hours after, and avoid eating three hours before bed to promote blood pressure management.”

Scientists investigated meal timing patterns during a study presented at the American Heart Association’s virtual Scientific Sessions conference. Their analysis examined women’s initial and final daily meals, duration of overnight fasting, and the proportion of calories consumed after 5pm and 8pm.

Findings revealed that women’s systolic blood pressure increased by approximately three points for every 10 percent increase in variability of calorie consumption after 5pm. Shelley emphasized that monitoring alcohol and sodium consumption remains important alongside meal scheduling considerations.

“I don’t think a lot of people realize that alcohol raises blood pressure,” she said.

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