Home > HYPERTENSION DIETS HYPERTENSION DIETS
By Kristi Patrice Carter
Hypertension is most commonly referred to as "High Blood Pressure". Repeatedly having an elevated blood pressure exceeding 140 over 90 leads to a diagnosis of Hypertensive disease. Though some people do suffer from dizziness, blurry vision or nosebleeds, most people with hypertension do not have any symptoms at all.
Hypertension is considered to be hereditary but the environment is also a contributing factor. Stress, high sodium intake, obesity, lack of exercise and smoking are also causes of high blood pressure.
There are several ways that hypertension is treated. Medications such as Lipitor are given to help control the symptoms but diet, exercise and stress control are very important in the management of hypertension. Walking is a good low impact exercise that also helps to reduce stress while helping to lose weight. There are several diets that can be followed to help bring the blood pressure down and in control.
The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) Diet is among the most recommended diets. This diet emphasizes eating fruits, vegetables and low fat dairy products. The plan also includes eating whole grains, nuts, fish, and poultry while limiting red meats and processed sugars such as sweets and sugared beverages. Visit www.dashdiet.org for more information on the DASH Diet. The DASH Diet is not only recommended by physicians but also by The American Heart Association and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. The US guidelines for high blood pressure are based on the DASH Diet.
The Pritikin Diet is another option for those with Hypertensive disease. Although the Pritikin Diet is not a vegetarian diet, it does come very close. Like the DASH diet, it emphasizes eating fruits, vegetables and low fat dairy products. However, the Pritikin Diet limits animal protein to one serving per day. Fish and shellfish are preferred with poultry being limited to one serving a week and red meat to one serving per month. For more information on the Pritikin Diet visit www.pritikin.com.
A Low Sodium diet usually recommended by doctors to older individuals also has its pros and cons. Maintaining a low sodium diet can lower blood pressure. Because dieters reduce their intake of high sodium processed foods and eat a more natural diet of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, it also leads to weight loss. However, because junk food is such a staple in today’s society many find it difficult to stick to the diet successfully. Visit www.skinnyondiets.com for more information on low sodium diets.
The Rice Diet is another diet that helps fight high blood pressure. The Rice Diet does not just consist of rice. The name causes some confusion. The diet uses rice as a staple, hence the name. More than thirty foods are available as well as several rices. Salt and fat are both restricted. Instead of salt, herbs and spices are used to flavor foods. Only non-fat dairy products are allowed. To learn more about the Rice Diet and to see a sample menu, go to www.everydiet.org.
If you enjoy taking an active role in your diet and exercise choices there are many different programs that can assist in diet programs to help lower blood pressure and cholesterol. By plugging in your personal information such as weight, height and health concerns these programs can generate a diet and exercise program to suit your needs. Visit www.sparkpeople.com or www.a-personaldietitian.com to set your own program.
Understanding what your high blood pressure means and what you can do about it is the first step. Remember to get your physician's ok before starting any diet and exercise program.
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