Wednesday, July 4, 2018

Wellness Wednesday

Diet Shown to be as Effective as Prescription Drugs in Lowering Blood Pressure
People with high blood pressure were able to make a drastic change without the use of prescription drugs by combining the benefits of low sodium and the DASH diet.

     The reality when watching TV today is the surplus of prescription drug commercials which inevitably end with a long list of side effects. Some of the potential side effects sound way worse than whatever they are claiming to help. While there isn't always another option in the case of high blood pressure there is. Diet, it almost sounds too simple right? Well studies show changes in diet can be as effective in lowering blood pressure as prescription medications without all the awful side effects. 
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    Researchers from John Hopkins University conducted a study consisting of a low sodium and healthy eating diet also known as the DASH diet. The DASH diet focuses on eating lots of healthy fruits and vegetables, is low in fat and sugar, and promotes poultry, fish, seeds, and nuts. Although these diets have been shown to lower HBP in the past this study focused on the combination of both diets in those with lower levels of HBP. Researchers followed 412 people with blood pressure ranging from 120-159 and 80-95. for 12 weeks. Participants were given 50, 100, or 150 mmol/day of sodium. They were further separated into 4 groups based on blood pressure readings 120-129, 130-139, 140-149, and 150+. Those in the 150+ category with a sodium intake of 50mmol/day saw the greatest change in their blood pressure over the 12 week period. This study gives hope to people who don't want to be on medication, HBP can be managed just by changing your diet.

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