What to Eat to Lower Blood Pressure?

 High blood pressure (hypertension) affects nearly 1 in 4 adults worldwide and is often called the "silent killer" because it develops without obvious symptoms but can lead to heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease.

One of the most effective ways to lower blood pressure naturally is through diet. Research highlights the DASH diet as a key solution.



What is the DASH Diet?

DASH stands for “Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension”. Developed in the 1990s by the U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, it focuses on:

  • Lowering salt (sodium) intake

  • Increasing fiber, potassium, calcium, and magnesium

  • Eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, nuts, and low-fat dairy

  • Cutting back on processed foods, sugar, saturated fats, and alcohol

👉 Standard DASH allows up to 2,300 mg sodium/day (about 1 teaspoon of salt).
👉 The low-sodium version limits sodium to 1,500 mg/day (¾ teaspoon).

Proven Health Benefits

  • Reduces systolic blood pressure by about 5.2 mmHg

  • Reduces diastolic blood pressure by about 2.6 mmHg

  • Lowers risk of heart disease, stroke, and heart attacks by 20%

(Source: Nutrients Journal, 2019)

Recommended Daily Servings (2,000 calories/day)

  • Vegetables: 4–5 servings

  • Fruits: 4–5 servings

  • Whole grains: 7–8 servings

  • Lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs: ≤ 6 servings

  • Low-fat dairy: 2–3 servings

  • Nuts & legumes: 4–5 servings/week

  • Fats/oils: 2–3 servings

  • Sweets: ≤ 5 servings/week

  • Salt: under 2,300 mg sodium/day

Extra Lifestyle Tips (NHS guidance)

Exercise regularly (at least 150 minutes/week)
Maintain a healthy weight
Avoid smoking
 Limit caffeine & alcohol

👉 In short: Eat more plants, cut the salt, and stay active. The DASH diet is not just a treatment—it’s a prevention tool that could save millions of lives.


Dr. Hana

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