The Top Foods to Avoid if You Have High Blood Pressure

2. Alcohol

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), drinking too much alcohol can also raise a person’s blood pressure. Excessive drinking is also a major risk factor for other cardiopulmonary issues, like heart disease. Beyond this, alcoholic beverages often contain empty calories, meaning they can often contribute to unintentional weight gain. In turn, weight gain then increases blood pressure. The AHA recommends limiting alcohol consumption to one drink per day for women and two for men.