![]() All meals were prepared for the participants in a central kitchen to increase compliance on the diets. These two factors were included to eliminate salt reduction and weight loss as potential reasons for any changes in blood pressure. Calorie intake was adjusted to maintain each person”s weight. This was approximately 20% below the average intake for adults in the United States and close to the current salt recommendations of 5–6 g. All three plans contained equal amounts of sodium, about 3,000 mg of sodium daily, equivalent to 7 g of salt. It also provided 4,700 mg potassium, 500 mg magnesium and 1,240 mg calcium per 2,000 calories. The third was a plan rich in fruits, vegetables, and low fat dairy foods and low fat (less than 30% of calories). The second was the American Diet, but with more fruits and vegetables. The first was similar to a typical American diet-high in fat (37% of calories) and low in fruit and vegetables. Approximately half the participants were women and 60% were African Americans. Systolic blood pressures had to be less than 160 mm Hg and diastolic pressures 80 to 95 mm Hg. The study involved 459 adults with and without high blood pressure. The DASH study by the National Lung, Blood and Heart Institute (NHLBI), published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 1977, was the first study to look at the effect a whole diet rich in potassium, magnesium and calcium foods, not supplements, had on blood pressure. High blood pressure is known as the silent killer as it has no symptoms or warning signs. The concern is the higher the blood pressure, the greater the risk for developing heart and kidney disease and stroke. The bottom number, 90, is the diastolic pressure in the arteries while the heart is relaxing or between beats. The top number, 140, is the systolic pressure exerted by the blood against the arteries while the heart is contracting. High blood pressure affects about one in four in the United States and United Kingdom and is defined as blood pressure consistently above 140/90 mmHg. It is the diet recommended by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (part of the National Institute of Health) for lowering blood pressure. The study showed that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and low fat dairy foods, with reduced saturated and total fat could substantially lower blood pressure. The DASH diet is based on DASH Study results published in 1997. DASH stands for the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension.
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