The word DASH is an acronym for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. The diet is utilized by patients with the condition of high blood pressure to help get their hypertension under control and minimize the risks of potential complications such as heart attacks, aneurysms or strokes.
At the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) a team of scientists and their research resulted in the diet now known as the DASH Diet. They discovered that a diet that is low in fat and cholesterol but high in fiber, potassium, calcium, protein and magnesium can help to dramatically reduce high blood pressure.
What is the DASH Diet and its Emphasis?
The emphasis of the DASH diet focuses on three minerals that are supported by scientific studies to help in reducing high blood pressure. The minerals considered to be the most beneficial include magnesium, calcium and potassium. The average person eats a 2,000 calorie diet daily. In a 2,000 calorie diet there should contain 500 milligrams of magnesium, 1.2 grams of calcium and 4.7 grams of potassium for management of hypertension.
What is the DASH Diets Purpose?
The main focus of developing the DASH diet was to help with the reduction of blood pressures and preventing the complications of hypertension for those suffering from hypertension. The DASH diet is more than just a blood pressure diet; it is a healthy way of eating. It has become very popular among people who are just in search of a healthier way to eat because it does not require special recipes or specific meal plans. There are no calories to count or special purchases required as long as you focus on eating more fruits and vegetables while decreasing your intake of foods high in fat and cholesterol.
What is the DASH Diet No-No’s?
Foods that are high in fat and cholesterol such as chocolate, meats, chips and fast foods should be reduced. The DASH diet does not force you to not eat the things you love, they ask you to limit the amounts you do eat. Meat for example, if you must eat meat you should limit the amount you eat to approximately 6 ounces a day.
Another problem some people have is that they attempt to increase their fiber intake too fast which can lead to digestive problems and diarrhea. You can avoid these difficulties by gradually increasing the fiber in your diet.
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