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DIET FOR HYPERTENSION

By Mumtaz Khalid Ismail

More Links Risk Factors for hypertension Stress Management for hypertension Dietetic Management for hypertension Points to be remembered while plannig a hypertension diet

World health organisation has recommended that the blood pressure of 160/95 mm of Hg or above in adult to be considered as hypertension. Blood pressure varies with age, sex and physical state of a person. Hypertension (high blood pressure) even though can affect any age but usually affects in the middle age groups and old age. Many times one comes to know about his high blood pressure incidentally during an unrelated medical examination. This state of rised blood pressure can remain dormant for years with out one feeling any major symptoms till they become very serious. Because this dormant state and later manifesting with complications, it is known as silent killer.

The cause for high blood pressure is not known in majority of the cases. The most common form of hypertension is known as essential hypertension or idiopathic hypertension. Some time high blood pressure may be due to disease of kidney, hormonal glands, mechanical obstruction of blood flow, neurogenic, pregnancy induced or may be due to some medication. They are known as secondary hypertension because this hypertension is secondary due to some other cause. This type of high blood pressure can be cured if we can treat the cause where as in primary hypertension we can only control not cure. This control can be achieved by making minor changes in life style including diet and some time with medication. Obesity and hypertension together will increase the chance of developing other cardiovascular complications and if diabetes also present the risk will multiply. It is also a major risk factor for heart diseases, kidney failure and strokes.

1. Genetic factors or hereditary.
2. Diet - Excessive energy intake leads to obesity and tends to increase blood pressure.
3. Psychological factors - The stress and strain also plays a major role for high blood pressure.
4. Other factors - Renal, hormonal or any other disease can also happen hypertension.
5. Mechanical obstruction to blood flow - arteriosclerosis
6. Drugs - contraceptive pills, steroid

Management includes meditation, exercise, diet and drugs. Small change in life style, like avoiding extra commitment, reduction in working hours, adequate rest and sleep is important in control of hypertension.

Meditation

Relaxation techniques like yoga, tanscedental meditation or any kinds of meditation are found to be very useful methods to control high blood pressure. Biofeed back (information about one's own self) shown useful result in controlling hypertension.

Exercise

Regular exercise will help to lower the blood pressure. Start with mild exercise like walking and slowly increase your intensity and duration. Rigorous exercise is a risk of having heart attack. Consult your doctor before starting the exercise program. Moderate exercise or walking or jogging helps to reduce the diastolic pressure by about 15 - 20 mm of Hg.

Calories

If the person is obese the calories has to be restricted. Other wise normal individuals need the daily-recommended calorie according to the age, sex and physical activity.

Protein

In severe hypertension the protein has to be restricted to 20 gm/day where as the mild and moderate hypertensive can have 1 gm/kg body weight. For example if the person is 60kg then he can have 60 gms of protein / day.

Fats

It is advisable to reduce the fat consumption since hypertension has greater risk of arteriosclerosis. It is better to avoid high intake of animal fat or hydrogenated oils, which contain saturated fatty acids. The cholesterol rich foods such as liver, meat, organ meat, egg yolk, lobster, crab and prawns should be minimised in the diet. The dietary fats should consist of vegetable oil like corn oil, olive oil and sunflower oil.

Minerals And Vitamins

Low fat, low sodium and high potassium diet will help to lower high blood pressure. Moderate sodium restriction 2- 3 gm per day decreases diastolic blood pressure 6- 10 mm of Hg and enhances the blood pressure lowering effect of diuretic therapy.

Potassium intake should be increased. Food sources of potassium should be increased to patients who are on diuretics. For example apricots, tomato, chickoo, watermelon, banana, leafy vegetables, bitter gourd, brinjal and potato should be included in the daily diet since they contain low sodium and high potassium. Hypertensive patients with kidney disease should avoid a high intake of potassium as it puts an excessive load on the kidney.

Another good source of potassium is celery and it also contain a compound (3 n- butyl phthalide) which acts as a sedative and can also lower blood pressure. Garlic and gooseberry are other effective remedies to lower blood pressure. Vitamins should be adequate to the recommended allowances that can be achieved by consuming fruits and vegetables.

Fluids

Fluid restriction is not necessary for hypertension unless the patient is having oedema and heart failure where the fluid restriction is regulated according to the urine out put.

Alcohol And Smoking

Alcohol and smoking have adverse effects on hypertension and must be avoided.

No extra salt other than prescribed should be used. Avoid baking powder and soda in all the preparations. Avoid salty items, chips, pickles, and pappad. Avoid canned and tinned foodstuff, which contains salt. Avoid salted butter and cheese. Avoid sea fish, dried fish, and salted meat. If overweight avoid dried fruits, fried foods, sweets and cakes. Sour lime or vinegar may be used to make food palatable. Increase fibre in the diet in the form of cereals, vegetables and fruits. Poultry with out skin are better than other types of meat. Take only adequate calories.

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