The month of June marks that time of year when families start taking summer vacations. Summer vacations are an essential requirement to relax, revitalize and do whatever the heck you want. But while vacations may be the time to "veg out" and splurge, don't use them as an excuse to ignore your healthful-eating efforts.
It's no secret that many of us don't have a healthy diet. We seem to be eating more and more foods that are high in sodium, sugar and fat. Combine that with lack of exercise and you have a ticking time bomb that is becoming a serious health threat in many western countries. It is also affecting our children with devastating health concerns for them later in life.
The concerns of eating foods high in sodium and fat is hypertension (commonly known as high blood pressure). Persistent hypertension is one of the risk factors for strokes, heart attacks, heart failure and arterial aneurysm, and is a leading cause of chronic renal failure. Even moderate elevation of arterial blood pressure leads to shortened life expectancy.
People who suffer hypertension are recommended to follow an eating regiment that reduces the amount of sodium and fat in their diet. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute and the American Heart Association both promote and highly recommend that hypertension sufferers take on the DASH diet to lower their high blood pressure.
The DASH Diet is an acronym for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. The DASH diet is based on an eating plan rich in fruits and vegetables, and low-fat or non-fat dairy. Another major feature of the plan is limiting intake of sodium, and it also generally encourages the consumption of nuts, whole grains, fish, poultry, fruits and vegetables while lowering the consumption of red meats, sweets, and sugar. It is also "rich in potassium, magnesium, and calcium, as well as protein and fiber.
Actually, the DASH diet has been able to lower the blood pressure in just a few weeks for those with moderately high blood pressure. Researchers have now discovered that the DASH diet can also help improve the response of medication taken by those with very high levels of blood pressure.
Other benefits of the DASH diet include reduced risks of stroke and heart disease and helps to reduce cholesterol. When combined with weight loss and exercise can help reduce insulin resistance.
The DASH diet plan calls for eating, on a daily basis, the following:
The DASH diet is a guideline of nutritional foods that will help reduce blood pressure. The DASH Diet Action Plan: Based on the National Institutes of Health Research: Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension
Before going on a diet plan it is important to make sure it will work for you. Do your research and read testimonials from consumers who have tried the diet plan that made them successful in losing weight, getting fit and getting healthy.
The DASH Diet does work and is not only recommended for those suffering from hypertension, but for those looking for a healthy eating plan.
