We love our hawker delicacies, but are we what we eat? We speak to a doctor to find out if the typical Singaporean diet contributes to high blood pressure and other heart health issues.
With pocket-friendly hawker centres and food choices at every corner, it’s no wonder Singapore is touted as a food paradise. But did you know that some local delicacies run the risk of spiking the salt and sugar levels in your diet? Many scrumptious Singaporean dishes can be incredibly unwholesome, making you more prone to developing hypertension (also known as high blood pressure) when consumed in excess. If left untreated, high blood pressure will result in various complications such as an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney failure and other serious health conditions. Here, we delve into the heart of the matter with Dr Joshua Loh, senior consultant cardiologist at Capital Heart Centre.
Is your fave laksa or nasi lemak surging your blood pressure?
Let’s be real, we love our local delicacies like nasi lemak, mee goreng, laksa and yong tau foo. But here’s the bad news: they contain astonishing amounts of salt that exceed the recommended daily intake of one teaspoon. And you probably guessed it, a sodium overload can lead to the development and exacerbation of hypertension. For one, Dr Joshua Loh explains that high salt intake leads to increased water retention in the body, thereby straining blood vessels and raising blood pressure. What’s more, excessive salt contributes to artery stiffening, impeding their ability to expand and contract as needed. This, in turn, elevates blood pressure.
Psst: lay off that kopi and milo too!
If you think all’s safe with your favourite drinks, here’s another tough pill to swallow: the sugar content of local beverages like bubble tea, milo dinosaur and kopi also surpasses the recommended daily limit of 10 teaspoons. “Consuming excess sugar can play a role in the onset and worsening of diabetes, another chronic condition affecting the blood vessels, through factors such as insulin resistance, chronic inflammation and weight gain,” says Dr Joshua Loh.
Here’s what a diet for a healthy heart looks like…
A general rule of thumb? All things in moderation, and stay away from excessive salt and sugar, saturated fat and potassium. Instead of salt and sauces, opt for herbs and spices to enhance your meals, and try skipping the gravies and MSG-laden soups when dining out. Need tips on laying off sugary drinks? Bring a bottle filled with water so you won’t be tempted to get a sugar-laden drink.
It goes without saying that a healthy lifestyle involves more than just optimising your diet. “Whether it is exercising regularly, limiting alcohol consumption or quitting smoking, small lifestyle changes can go a long way in reducing the risk of hypertension,” says Dr Joshua Loh. Oh, keeping your mental well-being, stress levels and weight in check will do wonders, too!
Getting to the heart of the problem with experts
If you’re worried about your risk of hypertension, Dr Joshua Loh advises you to do an overall health assessment with your GP first. The GP can then refer you to a cardiologist if you need extra help in controlling the pressure on your heart.
Look out for these tell-tale signs on when to seek a cardiologist: uncontrollably high blood pressure despite lifestyle changes and medications; presence of other cardiovascular risk factors like diabetes or high cholesterol; organ damage caused by hypertension; as well as severe symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath and vision problems. If your high blood pressure is suspected to be secondary to an underlying medical condition, it’s also a huge sign to consult a cardiologist!
Have any cause for concern? Consider making an appointment with the experts at Capital Heart Centre. Led by senior consultant interventional cardiologist Dr Joshua Loh, who is well-versed in heart health and brings a wealth of knowledge from 15 over years of experience, Capital Heart Centre offers services and procedures from prevention to treatment tailored to your specific needs. Expect a professional and dedicated team alongside up-to-date medical services and practices.
Here’s your sign to have your fave local delicacies in moderation for the sake of your heart health – and be sure to book a doctor’s appointment if you spot any concerning symptoms!
This post is in partnership with Beyond Medical Group.
