Hypertension
High
blood pressure,
defined as systolic pressure above 140 mm Hg and diastolic above 90 mm
Hg. High blood pressure may sometimes be secondary to diseases of
kidneys or endocrine glands like the ovaries, suprarenals or pituitary;
this may respond to treatment of the cause.
Essential
hypertension is the most common disease of the industrialized societies,
particularly among the middle and old age groups. It is a major
contributor to the development of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and
renal failure. The higher the systolic or the diastolic pressure, the
greater the risk of coronary heart disease.
DIETETIC MANAGEMENT
Kempner advocated a
rice-fruit-sugar diet for high blood pressure that gave impressive
results even in severe high blood pressure. Some authorities argue that
the argument was due not only to the low protein, low fat, low sodium
diet, but also due to the weight loss and rest under hospital
conditions.
Calories
An obese patient must reduce to normal bodyweight with low calorie
diet as recommended for obesity.
Proteins
A diet of 50 grams is necessary to maintain nutrition
Fats
It is advisable to avoid a high intake of animal fats or
hydrogenated oils (vegetable ghee, vanaspati, margarine). About 40 to 50
grams fat, partly as vegetable oil, is permitted.
Carbohydrates
Easily digestible carbohydrates are of great help.
Minerals
The micronutrients affecting blood pressure are sodium, potassium,
calcium and magnesium.
Sodium (salt)
All patients with high blood pressure are advised to limit salt
intake.
Daily sodium intake:
Mild low sodium
diet
: 2.3 grams
Moderately low sodium diets :1.2 grams
Restricted low sodium diets :0.6 grams
Potassium (salt
substitute)
Dietary potassium restriction increases blood pressure in patients
with hypertension. If diuretics are administered to a patient with high
blood pressure, supplements of fruit juices or potassium salts, such as
2 to 4 grams potassium citrate thrice a day, are administered. Increase
in potassium intake is claimed to reduce blood pressure.
Calcium
Higher calcium intake raises blood pressure in some people
Magnesium
Indications are that magnesium is necessary to regulate blood pressure.
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