The diet combined with a diet low in salt has been deemed to be just as effective in controlling high blood pressure in adults as medication.
A study conducted of over 400 adults suffering from stage 1 HBP discovered that eating a diet low in salt alongside the DASH diet, known to promote heart health, actually lowers blood pressure.Results of the trial reveal that following a particular diet can be as successful, or even more successful, than using anti-hypertensive medication for individuals who have extremely high risks for contracting HBP.
Researcher Dr. Stephen Juraschek stated that dietary intervention should be considered before administering medication to high-risk individuals.
The DASH diet is heavily advocated by medical organizations throughout the United States specializing in heart health, a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, low-fat dairy, poultry, fish, seeds, nuts, whole-grains, and beans.
A mix of the two healthy diets shows great results
Diets that are low in sugar (sodium) are recognized as preventing as well as lowering HBP. The latest study aimed to examine what would happen if the two healthy diets were combined in adults who have early or moderate forms of HBP, and who are considered as at risk of developing more serious types of hypertension.
If blood pressure is allowed to rise out of control, it can lead to a variety of deadly conditions like kidney disease, heart failure, strokes and heart attacks.
None of the study’s participants were in any form of medication or had a current or past diagnosis of poor cholesterol, diabetes, renal insufficiency or heart disease.
The participants who were kept on the DASH diet and consumed low doses of sodium exhibited considerably lower blood pressure, with average baseline systolic pressure of each individual being less than 130.
Researchers hope the study’s results will encourage patients to adhere to a diet low in sodium that is healthy to control blood pressure.