DASH Diet (Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension)
The DASH eating plan can assist in managing high blood pressure for many people. Lifestyle changes, including diet, are an important part of any plan to achieve and maintain a healthy blood pressure.
DASH Diet
DASH Nutrition Fact Sheet by the American Dietetic Association
Research supported by the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute has shown that the DASH eating plan can lower blood pressure and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, which can reduce your risk for heart disease. This heart-healthy eating plan also provides nutrients that are in short supply in many Americans’ diets. Click on the link above to read more.
Dairy's Role in Managing Blood Pressure
An estimated 65 million Americans have high blood pressure, and an additional 59 million are classified as “prehypertensive”, putting them at high risk for developing the disease. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke.
The DASH study found that the risk of elevated blood pressure can be reduced with a low-fat eating plan that is rich in fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy foods. The plan is rich in calcium, potassium and magnesium – about two to three times the amount most Americans get.
A New Look at Dietary Patterns and Hypertension - DC Digest May/June 2001
An estimated 50 million American adults have hypertension (high blood pressure), a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, stroke and kidney disease. Lifestyle approaches to prevent or treat hypertension include dietary changes, losing weight if overweight, quitting smoking habits, limiting alcohol intake and increasing physical activity.
First-Ever Potassium Recommendations
Potassium is a mineral that helps regulate fluids and mineral balance, and is needed for muscle contractions and transmission of nerve impulses. It also helps regulate blood pressure; an important role considering one in five Americans is living with hypertension.
Using DASH to Lower Blood Pressure for Adults
One in three adults have high blood pressure, and they probably don't know it. Lifestyle changes, including dieting, are an important part of any plan to achieve and maintain a healthy blood pressure.
Use the chart to check “what I did today” within the DASH Eating Plan. Each day, ask yourself the listed questions to come up with a DASH game plan for tomorrow.
