When most people think about menopause, they think of hot flashes and night sweats. But hormonal changes during menopause may also contribute to higher blood pressure in some women, often without obvious symptoms. That’s one reason regular blood pressure checks become increasingly important during this stage of life.
When high blood pressure comes up, many people immediately think salt is the major contributor. However, plant-based doctors like Dr. John McDougall believe that the typical Western diet, high in animal products, processed foods, oils and excess calories, plays a much greater role for most people than salt alone.
Instead, build meals around whole plant foods and flavor them with herbs, spices, garlic, onions, vinegar and lemon. If desired, add a small amount of salt at the table rather than heavily salting foods during cooking.
If you have high blood pressure, monitor it regularly and work with your healthcare provider to determine the sodium intake that’s right for you.
Have you had your blood pressure checked recently?
I started out over a decade ago watching Forks Over Knives, decided to “try out” the plant-based meal plan and had shockingly incredible results. I’ve never turned back. I have lost nearly 50 pounds, and that is just one side effect that me, my family, friends and clients have experienced after making the change.
Having been an incredible cook my entire adult life, I started my own personal chef service, NuYu Nourish, to extend my help to others. I interned under a celebrity chef, became a celebrity chef myself and have been expanding my reach and goals ever since! My plan follows strictly and simply those of Dr. Mcdougall, Dr. T. Colin Campbell and Dr. Esselstyn.
