If you are one of the 44% of adults in the U.S. with high blood pressure (hypertension), be mindful that many foods and drinks increase your blood pressure and can counteract the effects of medications.

1. High-Salt Foods

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Eating too much salt increases blood pressure.

High-salt foods cause the body to hold on to (retain) sodium and fluids , which makes the heart work harder to pump blood to the body.

These foods also stress the body's renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), making it less effective at controlling blood pressure .

Foods that are high in salt include processed foods, pizza, breads, meats, soups, and tacos.

2. Caffeinated Beverages

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Caffeine is a natural stimulant that temporarily increases blood pressu

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