With pulmonary arterial hypertension or PAH, a person experiences abnormally high blood pressure in the lungs’ arteries. Although treatments exist for the condition, doctors suggest many dietary changes as well. Patients need to eat at regular intervals and maintain healthy cholesterol, metabolism, and blood sugar levels to speed up recovery. Here, we list the foods that help with PAH and those that should be avoided.

1. Control salt intake
Low-sodium meals are counted among the foods that help with PAH. When a person has the disease, their heart has to work overtime to pump blood. And having extra salt causes water retention in the body, making it even more difficult for the heart to function. Hence, patients should stay away from packaged, pickled, and canned foods, as they use high quantities of sodium. One should go for homemade or fresh stuff instead that is low on salt and sodium. Spices like cumin or cinnamon or herbs like garlic and mint are good alternatives. One can also consider using rock salt.

2. Have more iron
With PAH, the patient’s arteries get constricted, and only limited oxygen-rich blood reaches the lungs. Iron-rich foods work by increasing the red blood cell (RBC) count and raising the amount of oxygen that reaches the lungs. Kale, legumes, raisins, quinoa, pumpkin seeds, lean red meat, spinach, tomatoes, bell peppers, and beetroot are considered excellent sources of iron and are included among the foods that help with PAH.

3. Limit fat intake
Limiting saturated and trans-fat is vital to reduce blood cholesterol and lessen PAH symptoms. Patients can go for monounsaturated fats, such as olive oil, canola oil, vegetable oil, trans-fat-free margarine, cream sauce, and non-dairy creamers. Polyunsaturated fats found in certain fish, avocados, nuts, and seeds are also suitable for a healthy heart and are considered the best foods that help with PAH. Flax seeds are also good as they are high in fiber and omega-3.

4. Add more garlic
Allicin, a compound in garlic, helps widen blood vessels and control blood pressure. Besides, garlic adds flavor to the food and is a popular home remedy for multiple other health conditions. So one can consider adding raw or cooked garlic to their meals.

5. Increase vitamin K intake
Vitamin K is known to alleviate PAH symptoms significantly. The nutrient is found in many OTC capsules as well as dark and leafy greens. Patients should talk to a doctor to know how much of the vitamin is recommended and remain consistent with the intake. Being inconsistent can interfere with the blood-thinning medication and have the opposite effect.

6. Consume anti-inflammatory foods
Foods containing lycopene, flavonoids, and antioxidants improve the blood vessels’ flexibility and increase blood flow. Some anti-inflammatory foods are watermelon, olive oil, salmon, dark chocolate, and blueberries.

People with PAH should be cautious with what they eat. Following this list of foods that help with PAH can prove beneficial. However, patients should consult a doctor before making significant dietary changes.