A recent study presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions has found that a combination of reduced sodium intake and the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet can significantly lower blood pressure in adults with hypertension.
The study involved 412 adults with different systolic blood pressure levels, categorized as less than 130 mmHg, between 130 and 139 mmHg, between 140 and 159 mmHg, and 150 mmHg or higher. Participants followed either a low-sodium diet or the DASH diet for four weeks.
The DASH diet emphasizes the consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low or fat-free dairy, fish, poultry, beans, seeds, and nuts and is recommended by organizations like the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and the American Heart Association for managing high blood pressure.
The study aimed to examine the combined effects of a low-sodium diet and the DASH diet on adults with high blood pressure.
The findings showed that individuals who reduced their sodium intake experienced lower systolic blood pressure compared to those with higher sodium consumption.
Participants who followed the DASH diet without reducing sodium intake also experienced lower blood pressure compared to those with similar sodium intake but not on the DASH diet.
Notably, individuals on the combined low-sodium and DASH diet had the lowest blood pressure levels.
The reduction in blood pressure was more pronounced in participants with more severe hypertension, particularly those with systolic blood pressure over 150 mmHg.
However, further research is needed to determine if the combination diet has a similar effect on adults with systolic blood pressure above 160 mmHg.
These findings emphasize the potential benefits of combining dietary approaches, such as reducing sodium intake and following the DASH diet, to effectively manage hypertension and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
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