Dash Diet for Hypertension

Dash Diet — Dietary Approaches to
Stop Hypertension (DASH)

Hypertension is another name for high blood pressure. Blood pressure is the force exerted on artery walls when the heart is beating and when it is at rest.

The higher number is the “Systolic” pressure and is the pressure exerted on artery walls when the heart is in the contracting phase. The lower number is the “Diastolic” pressure and is the pressure exerted on artery walls when the heart is in the resting phase.

High blood pressure is a silent killer. If left unchecked, it can cause permanent damage, resulting in kidney failure, heart attack or stroke.

Blood pressure is considered high if the upper number (systolic pressure) is above 140 and the bottom number (diastolic pressure) is above 90 and stays there. Although, many physicians believe these numbers are still too high. Something like 130/80 might be what you need to shoot for in order to lower the risks of hypertension.

There are actually two types of high blood pressure. One is primary and the other is secondary. In secondary high blood pressure, usually something else causing it, like an overactive thyroid gland. However, most people suffer from primary high blood pressure. The cause for high blood pressure in the primary form cannot be determined, but, while the cause may not be known, the treatment can still be effective.

Basic Rules for Controlling High Blood Pressure

1. Adjust your diet
2. Maintain a healthy weight
3. Exercise
4. Take medications as prescribed

There are also a few dietary interventions to start and help control your blood pressure...

Limit salt

Most medical experts recommend salt-sensitive persons limit salt to 2,000 milligrams per day. Watch out for “hidden” salt, found in butter flavorings, seasonings, tomato sauces, condiments and canned foods. Check with your healthcare practitioner before using a salt substitute.

Limit intake of high-fat foods

Try baking or broiling rather than frying.

Limit alcohol

Over consumption contributes to weakening of the heart muscle and to hypertension.

The Dash Diet

Follow the DASH diet. The Dash diet was designed to prevent high blood pressure, but it's also low in fat. The Dash diet is based on a 2,000-calorie-a-day meal plan. Check with your healthcare practitioner about whether the Dash diet may be the right diet for you.

Here is the Dash diet...

Low-fat or fat-free dairy 2-3 servings daily
Vegetables 4-5 servings daily
Fruits 4-5 servings daily
Grains and grain products 7-8 servings daily
Meat, poultry and fish 2 servings daily
Nuts, seeds and beans 4-5 servings per week
Fats and oils 2-3 servings daily
Sweets 5 servings per week

To Healthy Living!

About The Author
Dr. Smith is the Chief Medical Consultant for Diet Basics, a content rich web site dedicated to all dieters. Visit http://weight-loss-professional.com/

RESOURCES:

Dash Diet
People with hypertension (high blood pressure) or prehypertension may be told by their physicians to adopt the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet. The DASH diet eating plan has been proven to lower blood pressure without medication in studies sponsored by the National Institutes of Health. The DASH diet involves eating more fruits and vegetables, and low-fat or non-fat dairy. Read more…

Dash Diet
Research has shown that diet affects the development of high blood pressure, or hypertension (the medical term). Recently, a study found that a particular eating plan can lower elevated blood pressure. This fact sheet tells what high blood pressure is and how you can follow the eating plan. It offers tips on how to start and stay on the plan, as well as a week of menus and recipes for some of the dishes. Read more…

Dash Diet for Hypertension

Dash Diet — Dietary Approaches toStop Hypertension (DASH)

Dash Diet — Dietary Approaches to
Stop Hypertension (DASH)