Foods to Avoid If You Have High Blood Pressure

35. Pickled Vegetables – Gut-Friendly but Sodium-Packed

Pickled beets, carrots, okra, and jalapeños may be rich in probiotics, but the pickling brine can be a sodium bomb. A small serving can contain more than 400 mg of sodium—enough to throw off your daily intake if you’re not careful. Smart swap: Enjoy fermented veggies like low-sodium sauerkraut or kimchi in small portions, and always read the label. Or try quick-pickling your own with less salt and vinegar.

36. Veggie Chips – The Health Halo Trap

Just because a chip is made from beets or sweet potatoes doesn’t mean it’s healthy. Most veggie chips are deep-fried and heavily salted, packing nearly as much sodium and fat as regular potato chips. Smart swap: Choose air-dried or baked veggie chips with minimal ingredients—or better yet, make your own using sliced zucchini, kale, or carrots baked with olive oil and herbs.