Eat whole grains, fruits, vegetables, dietician advises hypertensive patients

A Dietician with Wuse General Hospital, Abuja, Mrs Funmi Lawal, has advised hypertensive patients to eat the right foods such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables, to lower their blood pressure.
Lawal said on Monday in Abuja that whole grains had more fibre and nutrients than refined grains.
According to her, lifestyle intervention is the first line of treatment and the foundation for treating hypertension.
“You can control your blood pressure by maintaining a healthy weight; and focus on whole grains because they have more fibre and nutrients than refined grains.
“For instance, use brown rice instead of white rice; whole-wheat pasta instead of regular pasta and whole-grain bread instead of white bread.
“Look for products labelled 100 per cent whole grain or 100 per cent whole wheat. Grains are naturally low in fat; so, avoid spreading on butter or adding cream and cheese sauces.’’
In addition, she recommended the inclusion of legumes, nuts, lean poultry, fish, and low-fat or fat-free dairy products.
“Increase your vegetable intake (four to five servings a day) tomatoes, carrots, cucumber, sweet potatoes, greens and other vegetables — are full of fibre, vitamins, and such minerals as potassium and magnesium.
“Examples of one serving include one cup raw leafy green vegetables or 1/2 cup cut-up raw or cooked vegetables. Include fruits in your daily menu plan (four to five servings a day). Many fruits need little preparation to become a healthy part of a meal or snack.’’
According to her, examples of one serving is one medium fruit or half cup of fresh juice.
She stressed that the use of meat, butter, cheese, whole milk, cream and eggs should be limited in diet.
The dietician further said that trans-fat commonly found in such processed foods as crackers, baked goods and fried items should be avoided.
Lawal also said that people should limit alcohol intake, engage in weight shedding, regular physical activity and reduce sodium to no more than 1,500 mg/day.
According to her, these lifestyle modifications are considered the best way to treat hypertension.
She said that since high blood pressure was a leading cause of heart disease, it was important to have one’s blood pressure checked regularly in order to keep it within a healthy range.
“Visit a dietician to help you manage your diet adequately.
Physicians recommend that one maintains blood pressure at or below 120/80 mmHg, while high blood pressure is medically defined as any reading higher than 140/90 mmHg,’’ Lawal said.