Summary
- Fruits and vegetables are recommended as a foundational part of the treatment for patients with hypertension due to their ability to lower blood pressure, reduce cardiovascular risk, and improve kidney health.
- Diets high in fruits and vegetables, such as the DASH diet, are associated with lower blood pressure, reduced risk of chronic kidney disease, and lower cardiovascular disease mortality.
- A recent study in The American Journal of Medicine found that adding base-producing fruits and vegetables to the diet improved kidney health, while also reducing blood pressure and cardiovascular disease risk.
- The study revealed that fruits and vegetables were more effective in achieving these benefits compared to acid-reducing sodium bicarbonate tablets.
- Researchers recommend starting treatment for hypertension with fruits and vegetables as the foundational approach, adding medications if needed, to improve patient outcomes and reduce the risk of kidney and cardiovascular diseases.
Doctors recommend prioritizing the consumption of fruits and vegetables in the treatment of patients with hypertension, as high levels of these foods have been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce cardiovascular risk, and improve kidney health. The American Journal of Medicine published findings from a five-year study that investigated the effects of a diet rich in fruits and vegetables in hypertension management. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, high in fruits and vegetables, is suggested as the first-line treatment for primary hypertension due to its benefits in reducing blood pressure and improving kidney and cardiovascular health.
The study involved participants with hypertension and high levels of urine albumin excretion, a sign of chronic kidney disease. The participants were divided into groups that added fruits and vegetables, took acid-reducing medication, or received standard medical care. The results showed that while both fruits and vegetables and the medication improved kidney health, only fruits and vegetables were effective in lowering blood pressure and reducing cardiovascular disease risk. The researchers recommend that fruits and vegetables be considered a foundational treatment for patients with hypertension, as they can achieve multiple health benefits with lower medication doses than other interventions.
The research team highlights the importance of prioritizing dietary interventions, such as increasing fruits and vegetables consumption, in the management of chronic diseases like hypertension. They emphasize that by incorporating fruits and vegetables into treatment plans, patients can experience improved kidney health, lower blood pressure, and reduced cardiovascular disease risk. Ultimately, the researchers urge healthcare providers to consider dietary strategies as a first-line treatment for hypertension and to make healthy diets more accessible to individuals at high risk for kidney and cardiovascular diseases.
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Cardiology, Nutrition, Public Health & Prevention