What is the DASH Diet?

The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) eating plan is strategically designed to boost the intake of essential nutrients known to have a positive impact on blood pressure, such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium.

Additionally, it emphasizes the consumption of protein and dietary fiber while concurrently advocating for heart health by imposing limitations on saturated fat and cholesterol intake. The DASH diet is well-rounded, ensuring that it fulfills overall nutritional needs as recommended by the Institute of Medicine.

This dietary approach is characterized by a rich abundance of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and low-fat dairy products. It also encourages a preference for fish and poultry over red meat while keeping saturated fat, cholesterol, sugar, and refined carbohydrates at low levels. The DASH diet, in essence, embodies a balanced and heart-healthy approach to nutrition.

How much salt should a hypertensive patient consume?

An achievable recommendation is less than 5 g/day sodium chloride (85 mmol of sodium/day). This is about 0.87 teaspoons of salt per day, it is alright to estimate it to almost 1 teaspoon of salt knowing that its an overestimation.