How does alcohol consumption during Tet (Vietnamese New Year) affect blood pressure medication?

During the Lunar New Year holiday, people with high blood pressure should prioritize green vegetables in their diet and avoid alcohol while taking medication for hypertension.

According to Dr. Thanh Huyen, from the Adult Nutrition Counseling Department of the National Institute of Nutrition, hidden behind the allure of Tet holiday meals are "invisible" risks that can cause a sudden spike in blood pressure, directly threatening health, especially for those with underlying conditions or the elderly.

During the Lunar New Year holiday, people with high blood pressure need to monitor their health, maintain a healthy diet, and avoid drinking alcohol.

PHOTO: LIEN CHAU

In traditional Vietnamese cuisine, salt is often described as a "silent killer." Processed and preserved foods like sticky rice cakes (bánh chưng), pork sausage (giò chả), cured sausage (lạp xưởng), jellied meat, and hot dogs have a high salt content. The Tet feast, with its many dipping sauces and strong seasonings like fish sauce, dark soy sauce, and dark soy sauce, also contains very high levels of salt. Similarly, pickled foods like pickled onions and shallots are major sources of salt.

People with high blood pressure should consume less than 5 grams of salt per day. Since Tet holiday dishes often contain very high amounts of salt, it's necessary to reduce the amount of salt used in seasoning food, and limit the consumption of pickled foods and processed foods. Simultaneously, prioritize boiled and steamed dishes to appreciate natural sweetness and reduce the burden on blood vessels, thereby reducing the risk of increased blood pressure.

Actively choose a less salty diet and increase the use of herbal spices like ginger, lemongrass, pepper, and lemon to still enjoy delicious flavors without relying on excessive salt.

Alcohol and beer reduce the effectiveness of blood pressure medication.

Dr. Huyen also noted that alcohol is a direct cause of immediate increases in blood pressure; it stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, constricts blood vessels, and makes the heart beat faster. More dangerously, alcohol can also interact with blood pressure medication, rendering the medication ineffective.

Therefore, it's best not to drink alcohol at all, or if you do, do so in very limited quantities and avoid drinking continuously for many days in a row. Replace it with water, weak tea, or unsweetened fruit or fruit juice.

Green vegetables and fruits provide potassium, fiber, and antioxidants that help regulate blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications. Therefore, each meal should include 1-2 dishes of green vegetables; boiled, salad-style, or soup-based options are preferred. Eat fresh fruits like grapefruit, oranges, and apples instead of consuming too many sweets and pastries.

"Sweet but dangerous are candies, pastries, and sugary drinks. Consuming too much sugar during Tet not only leads to weight gain, a factor that exacerbates high blood pressure, but also causes metabolic disorders, insulin resistance… indirectly negatively impacting the cardiovascular system," a nutritionist warned.

Additionally, coffee and strong tea are beverages that can cause stimulation, insomnia, and increased heart rate, leading to higher blood pressure in some sensitive individuals.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/ruou-bia-ngay-tet-anh-huong-toi-thuoc-dieu-tri-tang-huyet-ap-nhu-the-nao-185260217142318566.htm