Author Question: What are the features of the DASH eating plan, and why is it thought to be effective in the ... (Read 35 times)

humphriesbr@me.com

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 550
What are the features of the DASH eating plan, and why is it thought to be effective in the prevention and treatment of high blood pressure?
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Explain the relationship between dietary sodium and hypertension. What are the roles of calcium, magnesium, and potassium in regulating blood pressure?
 
  What will be an ideal response?



helenmarkerine

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 324
Answer to Question 1

Like other USDA Food Patterns, the DASH Eating Plan reflects the Dietary Guidelines and allows people to stay within their energy allowance, meet nutrient needs, and reduce chronic disease risk. The DASH approach emphasizes potassium-rich fruits, vegetables, and low-fat milk products; includes whole grains, nuts, poultry, and fish; and calls for reduced intakes of sodium, red and processed meats, sweets, and sugar-containing beverages. In combination with a reduced sodium intake, DASH is even more effective at lowering blood pressure than either strategy alone. In addition, DASH lowers the risk of some cancers, heart disease, and stroke

Answer to Question 2

For years, a high sodium intake was considered the primary factor responsible for high blood pressure. Then research pointed to salt (sodium chloride) as the dietary culprit. Salt has a greater effect on blood pressure than either sodium or chloride alone or in combination with other ions. The response to a high salt meal may be immediate, reducing blood flow through arteries; this condition is reversible if such meals are not habitual. The elevation of blood pressure in response to a high-salt diet over years is progressive, and the damage caused to blood vessels is irreversible.

Blood pressure increases in response to excesses in salt intakemost notably for those with hypertension, African Americans, and people older than 40 years of age. For them, a high salt intake correlates strongly with heart disease, and salt restriction (to no more than 1500 milligrams of sodium per day) helps to lower blood pressure.

A salt-restricted diet lowers blood pressure and improves heart disease risk in people without hypertension as well. Because reducing salt intake causes no harm and diminishes the risk of hypertension and heart disease, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans advise limiting daily salt intake to about 1 teaspoon (the equivalent of about 2.3 grams or 2300 milligrams of sodium). The American Heart Association goal is to lower blood pressure by reducing sodium intake to less than 1500 milligrams a day.

Considering the success of DASH in lowering blood pressure, restricting sodium to treat hypertension may be narrow advice. The DASH eating pattern is rich in calcium, as well as in magnesium and potassiumall of which help lower blood pressure.



Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question


 

Did you know?

There are major differences in the metabolism of morphine and the illegal drug heroin. Morphine mostly produces its CNS effects through m-receptors, and at k- and d-receptors. Heroin has a slight affinity for opiate receptors. Most of its actions are due to metabolism to active metabolites (6-acetylmorphine, morphine, and morphine-6-glucuronide).

Did you know?

Pope Sylvester II tried to introduce Arabic numbers into Europe between the years 999 and 1003, but their use did not catch on for a few more centuries, and Roman numerals continued to be the primary number system.

Did you know?

If all the neurons in the human body were lined up, they would stretch more than 600 miles.

Did you know?

More than 20 million Americans cite use of marijuana within the past 30 days, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). More than 8 million admit to using it almost every day.

Did you know?

Between 1999 and 2012, American adults with high total cholesterol decreased from 18.3% to 12.9%

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library