Zetia users: Think about what you eat this holiday season

As the holidays quickly approach, many Zetia users may struggle with their diets, resulting in higher blood pressure than usual. However, they can control what they are eating and not eating in order to stick to a more sensible holiday meal plan.

What to eat
So often, doctors focus on what foods should be avoided. Instead, let's discuss the items that can be enjoyed to help fight high blood pressure. AARP and Forbes  recommend:

• Bananas - one to two per day keeps the doctor away
• Beet juice - blood pressure is reduced within hours of drinking a glass
• Blueberries - as little as one serving weekly can make a difference
• Dark chocolate - in moderation, a 1-inch square of the sweet daily helps control blood pressure
• Oatmeal - a great way to start the day with a high-fiber pick
• Potatoes - as long as it's not a loaded baked potato, spuds are full of potassium and magnesium
• Skim milk - and other low fat dairy products such as cottage cheese and yogurt
• Sunflower seeds - high levels of vitamin E make this legume especially healthful

At Thanksgiving
Although Zetia users will benefit from knowing what they can eat to lower blood pressure, that doesn't mean these items will show up on the table during the holidays. So, why not pick a heart-friendly recipe to enjoy this Thanksgiving? Up the quality of the mashed potatoes with this recipe from the Mayo Clinic:

3 pounds of russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
6 cloves of garlic, peeled and separated
1/2 cup fat free milk
2 tablespoons parsley
1 tablespoon margarine
Black pepper, to taste

Bring the potatoes to boil in a large stock pot and then reduce the heat to a simmer. This should be left to cook for about 15 minutes, and then the potatoes can be drained. Next, place the garlic in a small pan and cover with water, bringing to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and leave for 10 minutes before draining.

Using a blender, combine the garlic and milk together. Once smooth, mash to a consistency of your desire with the margarine and potatoes in a separate bowl. Season with pepper and garish with parsley before serving.

While being aware of what foods are enjoyed this holiday season can help, those who are suffering from high blood pressure should make sure that they keep up with their Zetia dosage. Someone who is traveling to visit friends or family may want to get extra medication from his or her Canadian pharmacy so that he or she does not run out while on vacation.