We tend to focus on medical weight loss quite a lot, but weight isn’t the only ticket to good health and longevity. Truly, if you’re focused on anti-aging strategies, weight is important but it’s not the only goal. Even “thin” people can develop health problems like hypertension (high blood pressure), which is linked to other health problems such as heart disease. So, aside from watching your weight, keep these tips in mind…

Limit alcoholic beverages. If you drink more than one drink per day (for women) or two drinks per day (for men), you increase your risk of developing hypertension. On the other hand, some studies have suggested that low amounts of alcohol might actually be helpful in this area. The jury is still out on the effects of drinking, but moderation seems to be the key here. Keep your alcoholic intake low, if you imbibe at all.

Monitor your sodium intake. According to the FDA, the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for sodium is 2,300 milligrams for the average person or 1,500 for those who already have high blood pressure. Even if you fall into the recommended weight range for your sex and height, you might still be consuming too many high-sodium foods. When you trade processed and packaged foods for fresher alternatives, you can reduce sodium intake while increasing the potassium, magnesium, fiber, and calcium in your diet.

Speaking of fresh foods…eat your fruits and veggies! This dietary tip keeps showing up everywhere, doesn’t it? Now you can add hypertension to the list of health conditions that you can prevent by eating enough fresh produce. Aim for at least 4-6 servings daily.

Of course, you should also be screened regularly for chronic health conditions like high blood pressure. Meet with us to assess your health, and we can make recommendations for dietary and lifestyle changes that can prevent disease and help you live a longer, healthier life. And, as always, we can help you with medical weight loss if that’s your goal.