Certain foods increase our blood pressure. For example, beef is our favorite food but it increases our blood pressure. Two foods can help control blood pressure, which rises after eating beef. Many people complain of neck pain or dizziness after eating beef. So we need to know if beef's ingredients cause our blood pressure to rise so quickly after eating beef. We will also discuss how to control blood pressure naturally after eating beef.
Beef contains a substance called carnitine. This carnitine turns the bacteria in our digestive system into TMAO (Trimethylamine N-oxide). The higher the amount of TMAO, the narrower our blood vessels become. We all know that blood pressure rises when blood vessels constrict. TMAO also adversely affects our kidney function. That is, the kidney cannot play the role it should play in controlling our body's blood pressure. This explains why eating beef causes our blood pressure to rise. So we do not eat beef? We must eat beef but take measures to prevent the carnitine in meat from producing TMAO. There are two magic foods that if we eat after eating beef, our body will not be able to produce TMAO easily.
2 Foods that Control Blood Pressure
There are two magic foods that if we eat after eating beef, our body will not be able to produce TMAO easily.
Sour Yogurt
We know that sour yogurt contains different types of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. The work of these is that the bacteria in our digestive system that turn carnitine into Trimethylamine N-oxide, start fighting with those bacteria and do not allow Trimethylamine N-oxide to be produced easily. If TMAO is not produced, our blood vessels will not constrict, thereby keeping our blood pressure under control. So if we eat sour yogurt after eating beef, our blood pressure will not increase. Another important thing to be mentioned here is that many people eat sour curd with sugar or salt. That's not right at all. Because our blood pressure can rise from 7 to 10 mmHg (millimeters of mercury) with just one teaspoon of salt.
Lemon
Second another food is lemon which helps us in blood pressure control. We know lemons contain citric acid. After this citric acid enters our body, it turns into potassium and magnesium through various reactions.
This potassium and magnesium help lower blood pressure. So if one drinks lemon juice mixed with warm water after a beef meal, the citric acid in the lemon will create an alkaline medium by producing potassium and magnesium which will help in the digestion of the food and at the same time it obstacles the bacteria present in our digestive system to turn into TMAO.
How to Cook Beef to Control Blood Pressure
Hypertension, often known as high blood pressure, is a widespread health issue that affects a large number of people globally. While diet plays a significant role in managing blood pressure levels, it's important to note that beef, when prepared correctly, can still be part of a balanced diet to control hypertension. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to cook beef in ways that promote heart health and help manage blood pressure effectively
Trim Excess Fat
Trim any visible fat from the meat's edges before cooking. This reduces the saturated fat content, which can help in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels.
Marinating
Marinating beef before cooking not only enhances flavor but also can potentially reduce the formation of harmful compounds when cooking at high temperatures. Choose marinades that are low in sodium and rich in herbs, spices, and citrus juices.
Grilling or Broiling
Grilling or broiling beef allows excess fat to drip away during cooking. Use a rack to allow fat to drip off rather than having the meat sit in its juices. Steer clear of burning or scorching meat since this might release potentially dangerous chemicals and carcinogens.
Seasoning Tips
Avoid using excessive salt in your seasoning. Instead, opt for herbs, spices, garlic, and onions to add flavor without increasing sodium intake. Try combining seasonings such as paprika and cumin or rosemary and thyme to enhance the flavors of the beef.
Change Lifestyle to Control Blood Pressure
Uncontrolled lifestyle is the main cause of high blood pressure. So we can control high blood pressure by changing our lifestyle.
Avoid Smoking
100% of smokers suffer from high blood pressure. That is, smoking is one of the main causes of high blood pressure. The nicotine of tobacco causes an immediate increase in heart rate and constricts blood vessels, leading to a temporary spike in blood pressure. Moreover, long-term smoking damages the inner lining of blood vessels. Thus, quitting smoking is essential for lowering blood pressure and enhancing cardiovascular health.
Healthy Eating Habits
Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can significantly impact blood pressure. Cut down on processed foods, canned goods, and fast food which are high in salt. Salt is linked to hypertension.
Exercise Regularly
Aim for 150 minutes or more per week of moderate-intensity activity, such as cycling, swimming, or brisk walking. Physical activity is crucial for controlling blood pressure. It helps strengthen your heart, improve circulation, and manage stress. Cardiovascular activities like jogging, dancing, or even gardening can help lower blood pressure over time.
Manage Stress
In the fast-paced world we live in today, mental stress has become an inevitable part of daily life for many. Our emotional and physical health may suffer due to demands ranging from personal obligations to professional requirements. One of the significant impacts of chronic mental stress is its effect on blood pressure. When we experience stress, whether it’s due to a demanding job, financial worries, relationship issues, or other factors, our body goes into "fight or flight" mode. This reaction sets off a series of physiological responses that prime our bodies to react to perceived dangers. Hormones like adrenaline and cortisol flood the bloodstream, causing an increase in heart rate, tightening of blood vessels, and a rise in blood pressure. Prioritizing mental health and managing stress effectively are crucial steps toward maintaining optimal blood pressure and cardiovascular health.
Get Enough Sleep
Sleep is crucial in maintaining overall health, including regulating blood pressure. During sleep, the body repairs tissues, consolidates memories, and regulates hormone levels. One of them is cortisol, also referred to as the stress hormone. Cortisol levels normally fluctuate throughout the day, peaking in the morning to help us wake up and declining towards the evening to promote relaxation and sleep.
However, chronic lack of sleep can disrupt this natural cycle. Studies have shown that insufficient sleep, whether due to poor sleep habits, sleep disorders, or lifestyle factors, can lead to sustained high cortisol levels. Elevated cortisol levels, in turn, can contribute to increased blood pressure over time. Moreover, inadequate sleep is associated with other physiological changes, such as inflammation and increased sympathetic nervous system activity, which can further elevate blood pressure. Improving sleep habits can significantly lower the risk of developing high blood pressure and promote overall well-being.
Limit Alcohol and Caffeine
In our daily lives, beverages like coffee and alcoholic drinks are often enjoyed for their stimulating or relaxing effects. However, beyond their immediate appeal, both alcohol and caffeine can impact our health, particularly concerning blood pressure.
Alcohol consumption has been shown to affect blood pressure in various ways. While moderate drinking may have some cardiovascular benefits, excessive alcohol intake can lead to hypertension (high blood pressure). Coffee, tea, energy drinks, and some pharmaceuticals all include caffeine, a stimulant that can potentially affect blood pressure. So, to control our blood pressure, we should abstain from alcohol and coffee.
Regulate the Use of Electronic Devices
While electronic devices have become integral to modern life, their use at night can disrupt sleep patterns and contribute to elevated blood pressure levels. Recognizing the impact of nighttime screen exposure on health and implementing strategies to reduce its effects is essential for maintaining optimal cardiovascular well-being. By prioritizing sleep hygiene and minimizing electronic device use before bedtime, individuals can support their overall health and reduce the risk of hypertension associated with nighttime screen exposure.
In conclusion, By following these guidelines you can enjoy beef as part of a balanced diet to maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
