In a new study, a group of researchers wanted to study how a special diet called the Mediterranean-Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension for neurodegenerative delay (MIND) could help prevent and treat high blood pressure (hypertension).
High blood pressure can be a serious health issue that can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke, among other things.
The researchers looked at data from a large study that included over 6,800 people, including almost 3,000 with hypertension.
They divided the participants into three groups based on how closely they followed the MIND diet and then looked at how their blood pressure and overall health changed over time.
They found that people who followed the MIND diet more closely had a lower prevalence of hypertension and lower systolic blood pressure (which is the top number in a blood pressure reading) compared to those who didn’t follow the diet as closely.
Among those with hypertension, those who followed the MIND diet more closely had a lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease and a lower risk of dying from any cause or from cardiovascular disease specifically.
These findings suggest that the MIND diet could be a promising way to prevent and treat hypertension, and could be an important part of a healthy lifestyle.
The MIND diet is a healthy eating pattern that focuses on whole, nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and lean proteins, and limits processed and unhealthy foods.
By following a healthy diet like the MIND diet, people can help protect their hearts and overall health.
How to prevent high blood pressure
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other health problems.
Fortunately, there are many things you can do to prevent high blood pressure or manage it if you already have it. Here are some tips to help prevent high blood pressure:
Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of high blood pressure. Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise can help prevent hypertension.
Eat a healthy diet: A diet that is high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low in salt, unhealthy fats, and added sugars can help prevent hypertension.
The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet is an example of a healthy eating plan that can help prevent high blood pressure.
Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity can help lower blood pressure and maintain a healthy weight. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.
Limit alcohol and caffeine: Drinking too much alcohol or consuming too much caffeine can increase blood pressure. Limiting or avoiding these substances can help prevent hypertension.
Quit smoking: Smoking can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of high blood pressure. Quitting smoking can help prevent hypertension and other health problems.
Manage stress: Chronic stress can contribute to high blood pressure. Finding healthy ways to manage stress, such as through meditation, yoga, or other relaxation techniques, can help prevent hypertension.
By following these tips and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you can help prevent high blood pressure and reduce the risk of other health problems.
If you already have high blood pressure, it’s important to work with your healthcare provider to manage it and prevent complications.
The research was published in Frontiers in Nutrition and was conducted by Yanjun Song et al.
If you care about blood pressure, please read studies about unhealthy habits that could increase high blood pressure risk, and people with severe high blood pressure should reduce coffee intake.
For more information about blood pressure, please see recent studies that early time-restricted eating could help improve blood pressure, and results showing plant-based foods could benefit people with high blood pressure.
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