Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a common cardiovascular disease that leads to severe complications if left untreated. The condition affects one in four adults in the United States alone. Furthermore, because there are no specific signs or symptoms, many Americans aren’t aware that they have developed it.
There are, however, specific factors that increase the risk for developing it. Research has discovered that diet and weight play a major role; therefore people at risk must adhere to a specific diet for hypertension.
A person’s diet and weight contribute to the development and progression of high blood pressure. This simply suggests that significant dietary changes and weight loss are effective treatments for lowering blood pressure. Nonpharmacologic measures identify the techniques required to treat the disease other than the use of medications.
Although nonpharmacologic measures are not necessarily a recommended substitute or replacement for diagnosis, medical advice, or drug therapy, it certainly has proven to improve the effectiveness of high blood pressure medications and/or eliminate the need for them after-the-fact.
Nonpharmacologic measures underline the importance of a diet for hypertension. It also suggest external measures that will reduce blood pressure such as avoiding smoking, limiting stress, reducing alcohol consumption, and exercising regularly.
When a person is diagnosed with hypertension, the healthcare professional will develop a reasonable, well- rounded and tailored treatment plan for treating the disease. In addition to the medication regimen, the measures incorporate life- style adjustments that can be difficult to start and maintain initially. For instance, implementing dietary changes would involve a person’s current diet, cooking habits, and eating habits.
Diet for hypertension is significant in that it is an effective approach for controlling and possibly preventing hypertension. Basically, the healthcare professional would recommend these particular nonpharmacological measures to promote the opportunity for you to live a long, healthy life.
1. A Diet With Reduced Sodium
Reduced sodium (salt) intake will lower blood pressure in people with high and borderline hypertension. More so, limiting salt in your diet reduces the likelihood of high blood pressure reoccurring in people who stop taking antihypertensive medications.
2. Limiting Alcohol Consumption
Excess alcohol intake causes blood pressure to elevate. Specifically, more than two drinks a day significantly increase incidents of high blood pressure.
3. A Vegetarian Diet
A vegetarian diet significantly reduces elevated blood pressure. Specifically, the systolic blood pressure (the top number of the blood pressure reading) is lowered, especially during mild hypertension. Vegetable diet consists of fruits and vegetables, low- fat dairy products, and a diet of low saturated and total fat lowers blood pressure. This diet also has an increased amount of dietary fiber.
4. Increased Fish Intake
Eating fish has also been proven to reduce blood pressure. It can be combined with a vegetarian diet to loose weight and effectively combat increased blood pressure.
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