Can you control high blood pressure with diet?
A healthy diet will not only help you control blood pressure but will also help prevent and/or delay onset of related complications like stroke, and heart and kidney disease.
The DASH Diet, Dietary Approaches to Stop hypertension (high blood pressure), is a proven way to lower blood pressure. The DASH diets calls you to do the following;
- Eat more fruits, vegetables at least 4 to 5 servings per day
- Eat more whole-grain foods or minimally processed foods.
- Eat more of fish, poultry, legumes and nuts and limit intake of red meats
- Use low-fat dairy foods
- Cut back sodium/salt to 1,500 milligrams a day (about 2/3 teaspoon per day
- Cut back on foods that are high in saturated fats, cholesterol, and trans fats
- Limit sweets and sugary drinks
Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to severe health consequences like kidney failure, stroke, heart failure, sexual dysfunction and vision loss.
Unfortunately, many people seek dietary advice when complications have already occurred. If you or a loved one suffer from hypertension, get personalized nutrition assessment and education from a registered Nutritionist Dietitian near you. Almost all health facilities have a nutritionist. Or you could get in touch with us by texting or calling +254733249056 or emailing us on info@afyaboranutrition.co.ke, for a physical or virtual consultation.