As a geriatric care specialist from Fairfax, I regularly deal with seniors and their families who have concerns about a high blood pressure diagnosis. While of course seniors shouldn’t take this lightly, because without appropriate action, high blood pressure can have grave consequences; I try to reassure them that with some simple lifestyle changes, including a diet plan to reduce high blood pressure, it is possible for them to improve their health. The DASH diet has been in the media quite a bit lately, so many seniors and their families want to know if it works.

The DASH Diet includes reducing sodium, increasing potassium, and maintaining a diet rich in nutrients from fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and low fat dairy. Although they do provide very specific guidelines, overall, their recommendations all have merit because these foods can help reduce blood pressure and facilitate weight loss, which can both have their benefits for improving hypertension. Although the DASH Diet definitely seems to incorporate all the important principles in a diet plan geared towards lowering high blood pressure, I do always recommend to my Fairfax senior clients, that they discuss their dietary options with a doctor before beginning a specific plan.

Sources:

1. Suite101
2. Health Castle

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