DASH Diet Review

(Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension)

 

The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) Diet was developed by medical professionals as a means of treating people with high blood pressure (hypertension) or pre-hypertension without medications. DASH Diet is based on the results from studies conducted at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) on dietary plans and their impact on blood pressure - and DASH has been proven to lower blood pressure in just 14 days. (Note that the best results were in people whose blood pressure was only moderately high, and those with prehypertension. For those with more severe hypertension, medication is still often necessary but the DASH diet can help improve response to medications, ultimately lowering blood pressure.) More expansive than the traditional low salt/low sodium approach to lowering blood pressure, DASH is a high-fiber, low calorie, portion-controlled, balanced nutrition affair that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, low and non-fat dairy, nuts, whole grains, fish and poultry. DASH's mission is simple: good eating habits equal good health. Research indicates that following the DASH diet over time will reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease, can lower cholesterol, can reduce insulin resistance and in conjunction with regular exercise - facilitate weight loss.

So what about the weight loss? Interestingly, weight loss was not a concern in the original DASH diet research, it was merely a bonus side effect. But since then DASH has been adapted - "The DASH Diet Action Plan" - as a weight loss solution. The book guides you through a 1,200 calorie version of the DASH diet with 28 days of healthy, balanced meal plans and strategies for permanent, healthy lifestyle change. You'll find plenty of low-sodium recipes and guidance on restaurant dining, food shopping, what to look for (and avoid) on food labels and adding exercise to lower blood pressure and lose weight. It's not a quick fix, and it will require effort and sacrificing of some foods - but it's proven to be effective.

The DASH Diet essentially forms the basis of the latest version of the USDA Food Pyramid for good health. No doubt your personal physician would recommend DASH, and note that it's also recommended by The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (part of NIH) and The American Heart Association. Will you lose weight on DASH? You'll lose weight on any 1,200 calorie diet which includes exercise - but in the case of DASH, you'll be doing it in as healthy a manner as any doctor could recommend. And if you lower your blood pressure and reverse encroaching cardiovascular problems while you're at it - you can effectively say that you've saved your own life.