What Is The DASH Diet & How Can It Help You?

One out of every three American adults has hypertension. This issue significantly increases the risk of developing heart disease, and in having a stroke. More commonly known as High Blood Pressure, the DASH diet can help you lower your blood pressure, and greatly reduce your risk of these very serious, and oftentimes fatal, issues.

DASH is an acronym for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, and it was developed to encourage healthy eating habits that will reduce high blood pressure. What does it involve?

• Minimizing the intake of saturated fats and trans fats
• Minimizing the intake of unhealthy amounts of sodium
• Minimizing the intake of unhealthy levels of sugar
• Increasing the intake of essential nutrients such as magnesium, calcium & potassium

In addition to lowering blood pressure, the DASH diet will also assist the individual in losing weight and maintaining a more healthy diet thereby greatly reducing his/her risk of developing chronic issues like cancer, heart disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, etc.

DASH Daily Basics

Grains 6-8 servings	Vegetables 4-5 servings
Fruits 4-5 servings	Dairy 2-3 servings
Lean Meats 6 or fewer servings	Nuts, seeds 1 serving
Fats & Oils 2-3 servings	Sweets 1 or fewer servings

Even though the DASH diet is intended for people with hypertension to help them reduce their blood pressure, it is recommended for everyone to follow. The DASH diet equates to healthy overall eating and the effects of it will help any individual not only maintain their blood pressure at a healthy level, it will also help to ease inflammation (the number one cause of chronic issues), as well as lower cholesterol. Anyone, not only seniors, can benefit from the DASH diet and there are flexible plans that can fit into a vegetarian’s diet, as well. 

Since 1996, Always Best Care Senior Services has been providing exceptional compassionate care in Canada and the United States. With franchises all over North America, they take pride in the experience and dedication provided by their skilled and highly-trained caregivers. If you live in the Greater Cleveland area and are interested in in-home health care in Grafton or other options in senior care in Medina, you can call the Always Best Care Grafton location at 440-791-7177 or email them at jbechtold@abc-seniors.com and set up a free consultation.