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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Is there a special diet that helps to lower blood pressure?

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    Cardiology & Vascular Health Hypertension/High Blood Pressure
    My dad is 61 and has been told by the GP that he has high blood pressure. Is there a special diet that he can follow that helps to lower blood pressure? He is starting an exercise program and will be cutting back on work commitments soon.

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    • Arlene Normand
    • Dr Alistair Begg
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    Arlene Normand

    Dietitian

    Arlene is a registered practising dietitian, with a private practice in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney, and has built a strong business over the last … View Profile

    Hi Carol



    I do not have any facts about your dad, but I would initially advise him to attain a weight that is within the healthy weight range. He might have to make changes to his intake by reducing his portion sizes and making better food selections.  Exercise is very important in lowering blood pressure. He should try doing an hour of exercise each day.  Not only is this good for weight loss but it helps release stress which will help bring down his blood pressure.  Eliminating salt from his diet is very important.  Most salt is not what we add ourselves to food but what is in manufactured products. So the more fresh produce he consumes, the better. If you do buy manufactured products try and purchase the no salt or low salt varieties. A diet based on fresh fruit, vegetables, salad, fish, chicken, meat, low fat dairy and wholegrains is recommended. Any further questions do not hesitate to ask.



    Arlene

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    Dr Alistair Begg

    Cardiologist (Heart Specialist)

    Dr Alistair Begg is a Cardiologist with 15 years experience in private practice.He is actively involved in Cardiac Rehabilitation and patient education including a number … View Profile

    The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet is a well-studied diet to lower blood pressure. It produces modest antihypertensive (blood pressure lowering) effects in both people with hypertension (an average reduction of 11/6 mm Hg) and those with normal blood pressure (an average reduction of 6/3 mm Hg).The diet menu is an adaptable and balanced eating plan and is endorsed by the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, the American Heart Association, and the US guidelines for treatment of Hypertension. The DASH diet is available online at:http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/hbp/dash/new_dash.pdf

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