What is the DASH Diet?

Research has shown that following a healthy eating plan can both reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure and lower an already-elevated blood pressure. For an overall eating plan, consider the DASH diet. “DASH” stands for “Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension,” a clinical study that tested the effects of nutrients in food on blood pressure. Study results indicated that elevated blood pressures were reduced by an eating plan that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy foods as well as foods high in fiber and low in saturated fat, total fat and cholesterol. A second study showed that reducing the amount of sodium consumed lowers blood pressure. The DASH diet includes whole grains, poultry, fish, and nuts, and has reduced amounts of fats, red meats, sweets, sugar-containing beverages, and high-sodium processed foods.

Guidelines for Managing Hypertension

Reduce the sodium in your diet

• Choose fresh foods.
• Avoid adding salt at the table. Use herbs and spices liberally.
• Limit canned soups, frozen dinners and entrees and vegetables with sauces. If you must use?these, get items labeled ?low sodium.? You may rinse canned foods with water.
• Reduce your intake of bacon, sausage, hot dogs and luncheon meats such as corned beef,?pastrami, bologna, ham, processed turkey and salami.
• Avoid smoked, pickled and cured foods.

Achieve a healthy body weight

• Reduce your calories by choosing low-fat foods and eating smaller portions. Increase dietary fiber. Try to get 25 to 35 grams of fiber daily.
• Engage in regular exercise: at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise daily to maintain weight and at least 60 minutes of aerobic exercise at least five times a week to lose weight. Practice modifying unhealthy eating behaviors.

Increase foods that are high in potassium, magnesium and fiber

• Eat at least four to five servings a day of whole fresh fruit and four to five servings a day of vegetables. A serving of vegetable or fruit is approximately one cup cooked or one cup raw.
• Choose citrus fruit three times a week for potassium and fiber.
• Include nuts, seeds, dried beans and peas at least four times a week for potassium, magnesium and fiber.
• Eat tomatoes, oranges, bananas and potatoes for extra potassium.
• Choose whole grains and whole grain products for fiber and magnesium.

*Note do not take potassium supplements unless instructed by your doctor, and those with kidney disease need to speak with their doctor before increasing potassium in their diet.

Increase foods that are high in calcium

• Choose low-fat or fat-free cheese and yogurts and non-fat or 1% milk products daily.
• If you are lactose intolerant, use Lactaid or lactose-reduced milk.
• If you do not eat dairy products, supplement your diet with calcium supplement.

Reduce caffeine

• Choose decaffeinated coffee, tea and diet sodas.
• If you do have caffeinated beverages, do not exceed two per day.
• Avoid caffeine-containing medications such as Anacin, Dristan, Excedrin Extra Strength, Midol, NoDoz and Vivarin.

Drink adequate fluids

• A good rule of thumb is to drink eight cups of water per day.
• Fill up a pitcher of water and keep it on your desk or on the counter so that you are reminded to
  drink it.

Quit smoking

• Reduce the numbers of cigarettes smoked.
• Seek assistance in quitting. Call 1-800-NOBUTTS.
• Discuss with your doctor.

Take medication as directed by your doctor

• Do not skip your blood pressure medication.
• If you notice any side effects, notify your doctor.
• NSAIDS appear to boost blood pressure in older people with hypertension. They may also blunt?the action of certain antihypertensive medications. Discuss the use of NSAIDs, such as Ibuprofen?(Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve) and ketoprofen (Orudis-KT) with your doctor.

Fortunately, several new DASH diet research studies have been conducted to optimize the DASH diet, and have shown even better results. Improved blood pressure results were obtained by cutting back on the “empty carbs” and adding in more protein and/or heart healthy fats. These improvements are completely compatible with the newest research on how to have successful, sustainable weight loss.